WE ARE GLAD YOU ARE HERE

Article by Susanna Cordova

Sandakan : The Star of Yahweh Covenant Community (SYCC) of St. Mary’s Cathedral held a fellowship for the MRSM and Sekolah Seni students of SMK Elopura Sandakan on Sunday 19^thJune 2016. SYCC is responding to the call of Christian hospitality, always extending a hand to welcome others into the fold.

This time around, SYCC shared about ‘The Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy,” the message of which has a great impact on the students. The talk was facilitated by Bro. Michael Lai, an elder of the community. He emphasized on the importance of the word ‘Mercy.’ 

Pope Francis stressed that the Holy Year of Mercy is to respond to the world’s need for a ‘revolution of tenderness’ from which ‘justice and all the rest derives.’ We are used to hearing bad news, cruel news filled with violence and to even horrifying atrocities which offend the name and life of God as it contradicts with the teaching of the faith. 
Bro. Michael also explained the three themes in the document; First, The Understanding of God’s Mercy, second is To perform Pilgrimage as an ‘impetus conversion’ and third is Justice and Conversion.

STAY (Star of Yahweh Covenant Community Youth) conducted a very touching and moving activity. First, it was about the conversation with Jesus entitled “Jesus’ online.” Each student was given paper notes as if Jesus was texting to them through whatsapp  and they had to respond to every question given by Jesus personally. Many were touched and moved to tears by the short movie shown as they reflected on their own personal experiences. 

The activity was adapted from the SYD-4 (4th Sabah Youth Day) program in Tawau from 6^th to 10^th June 2016 where the STAY members participated in the event.  Indeed, the sharings from the students were very encouraging and taught them a lot about being merciful to others especially to their own family members. 

There were also games for students to strengthen their relationship bond and a praise and worship session to uplift their spiritual growth.

The Kitchen Team

Prior to the activity proper, lunch was served for the students and members of the community. This get together connects people, the students and SYCC members. The community is committed to share God's love and mercy and reaching out to the students who are away from home has always been the commitment of the community.

The Year of Mercy is an invitation - an invitation to love, kindness and unbounded generosity. "Encountering mercy means encountering God which can transform your life, your relationships, your work, and your ability to embrace and experience all of life." (Pope Francis)