SABAH YOUTH CROSS REACHES ITS FINAL DESTINATION

BY JULITA KANTOD,
SOCCOM TAWAU
Tawau :   The pilgrimage of the Sabah Youth Cross was launched on February 15, 2016 in Holy Cross Toboh, Tambunan. The journey of the Cross from one parish to another parish across Sabah has eventually reached its destination, the host  parish of Holy Trinity Parish Tawau on 8^th May 2016.

The 5-day stay-in 4th Sabah Youth Day will be held on 6th - 10th June and is expected to have a participation of some 2,300 youths. The theme of SYD-4 is taken from the Beautitudes, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." (Matt 5 : 7)  

            

SYD is just 29 days away. The feel of the event is running high among the young people and the local parishioners. The official handing over of the Sabah Youth Cross and the Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary from St. Benedict's Chapel Fook Ngiap Estate, an outstation of the parish before the morning Eucharistic celebration at 9.00 am. 

Both the youth leaders from St Benedict and Holy Trinity exchanged formal addresses during the handing over ceremony, witnessed by more than a thousand parishioners. The Cross and Icon of the BVM were carried in procession from the Chapel to the main Church.

Following the procession were 32 banner bearers and elders accompanied by  a medley of traditional dances from the four main communities and the Children Liturgy of Holy Trinity Church. It symbolizes  honour and praise to God for the salvation through the living Cross of Christ.

The  Youth Cross and the Icon were later placed inside the Church. This was then followed with the Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by Msgr. Nicholas Ong and con celebrated by Fr. Philip A. Muji, the assistant rector of Holy Trinity Church, Tawau.

In his sharing on the meaning of the Cross, Msgr. Nicholas Ong said "the Cross for me symbolizes victory and love. It’s my salvation, my strength and my all. God’s mercy and love is inscribed permanently and meaningfully on the Cross and I believe that all the blessings and graces I received are from the generosity of Christ's mercy who suffered, died, raised up and poured his Holy Spirit unto me."

Towards the end of the Eucharistic celebration, both representatives of St. Benedict and Holy Trinity shared on the upcoming Sabah Youth Day.

Jimmy Kornadus, from St. Benedict's Chapel, Fook Ngiap Estate shared his experience while the Cross was stationed at their chapel. He said, "The Cross has the power to unite His people. We come and spent time together before the Cross. We draw strength and peace from Him." 

Jackson Ansim, the Chairman of the Parish Youth Apostolate of Holy Trinity took the opportunity to thank everyone especially the youth on their unceasing support towards the preparation of SYD-4. He also thanked the priests, elders and parishioners on their generous prayer and involvement.

Andrew Kiat, the PPC Chairman, commended the young people and the congregation at large for the support and commitment in preparing the upcoming SYD event. He said, "We are confident that we can journey together, placing our trust in the Lord in ensuring that the event will take off as planned. Serve with joy and I humbly urge each and all to prepare spiritually for this event."

After Holy Mass, the priests, religious, representatives of St. Benedict's Chapel, Fook Ngiap Estate and representatives of the Parish Youth Apostolate adjourned to the Parish Hall for a fellowship.

The Cross and Icon of the BVM will be placed inside the Church for the whole duration before the event proper ends. Groups have been assigned to spent time before the Cross and individuals are encouraged to participate.