华协联谊赛

（山打根五日讯）今天，一众教友齐聚在圣玛莉主教座堂的主日学楼，以参与由圣马尔谷堂青年团所主办的第七届华协联谊杯赛。此联谊杯赛的目的是为了让华协属下的各团体能够彼此交流，一起进行活动。

         这次的华协联谊杯赛共有五个团体参与，分别为圣母军、主日学、圣神同祷会、青年团及圣马尔谷青年团。当天出席的参赛者以及主办单位的筹委们约莫有70人。

         此活动在上午9时开始进行，11时结束。整个比赛过程长达2个小时。大家都在愉快且兴奋的心情下进行所有的比赛。无论男女老少都玩得很尽兴。虽然当天天气蛮炎热，大家都汗流浃背的，但并没有减少他们比赛的兴致。

         到了中午12时，成绩揭晓了。冠军是由圣母军团体的代表“罗氏家族”获得、亚军则是由圣玛莉青年团“第一组”获得，至于季军是圣神同祷会A组获得。虽然这次的比赛结果有人欢喜有人忧，但是大家都很珍惜能够一起交流和玩游戏的时光。并且期待着下一届联谊杯赛的带来。颁奖仪式结束后，大伙拍了大合照就带着依依不舍的心情踏上归家的路途。

FELLOWSHIP OF MALAYSIAN COVENANT COMMUNITIES

Reported by Susanna Cordova

Kuala Lumpur: A group of 25 members of the Star of Yahweh Covenant Community (SYCC) from St. Mary’s Cathedral Sandakan attended a 3 days annual gathering of the Fellowship of Malaysian Covenant Communities in Petaling Jaya on 29^th April – 1^st May 2017. 

Covenant Community is a religious group whose members bind themselves to one another and to the group, and made the covenant to live a righteous life. This religious group comes under the Catholic Fraternity of Charismatic Covenant Communities and Fellowships (FC), is a Pontifical association of Christ’s Faithful (Pontifical Council of Laity), serving member communities arising from the Catholic Church in the current of grace of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and at present in over 220 countries worldwide.

The Fellowship of Malaysian Covenant Communities (FMCC), whose membership is made up of the nine covenant communities in Malaysia, was evolved from the Elders Fellowship formed from the early years to meet the need of support among the elders of the local covenant communities in the country. The nine covenant communities are spread out in the cities and towns of Kuala Lumpur, Taiping, Kuching, Sibu, Kota Kinabalu, Labuan, Sandakan, Papar and Penampang.–Source: Thomas Madanan, www.kkdiocese.net

The Servants of Yahweh from Kuala Lumpur hosted this year FMCC at Armada Hotel Petaling Jaya with 177 registered delegates. The fellowship commenced 2 days earlier specifically for the Elders of the Covenant Communities to have their annual meeting and their Leadership Formation sessions. The host Presiding Elder of Servants of Yahweh,  Anthony Felix extended his warm welcome to all, and unveiled the theme for this year in Psalm 50:5 “Gather my faithful ones to Me, those who have a Covenant with Me by Sacrifice.”  In line with the theme, he thanked everyone for making the sacrifice to attend this year’s FMCC here in Kuala Lumpur. He acknowledged that this is the work of the Holy Spirit in leading and guiding the communities, and enabling them to grow from glory to glory, to grow in strength and likeness of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

The opening of the Fellowship was marked with a Eucharistic Celebration by His Grace, Archbishop Julian Leow and con-celebrated by Rev. Fr. Paul Cheong at the very Ballroom where the FMCC was hosted. In his address, the Prelate congratulated and thanked God for the opportunity to gather as one community in the Malaysian Covenant communities. He related the story of Emmaus on the gospel reading  to our everyday life as we walk through hurdles and challenges along the road , and that as we become so preoccupied with the things in life, it prevent us from seeing that Christ Jesus is walking with us. He said, “Jesus is challenging our world’s view of how we see ourselves, how we see one another? Do we recognise Jesus in the migrants, in the people we have discarded or pushed aside and those that are not within our circle of friendship? Do we recognise Jesus in the poor?”  In his message to the delegates he said, “The challenge for you and me is to recognise Jesus in every person, even in the most difficult situation, those who have offended us. We are called to love till it hurts yet we have failed many times, but let us today at this gathering of ours be renewed in our quest for peace, for harmony, for understanding, for righteousness, and for justice. We, who are in the position,  who are blessed by God with many gifts, talents, and resources- these have been given to us for a purpose, to be shared with the less fortunate.” He also stressed to the delegates that all are called to go forth, to be a community of missionary disciples, not just disciples but missionary disciples, sharing Christ with the people they meet every day. Archbishop Julian concluded by saying, “Can we be a friend, a companion, as we walk on this road to Emmaus, our own road? Let us ask the Lord to show us this road, this path of life that we are walking along, to show us His face in those we failed to recognise.”

At night, the covenant communities had their welcoming buffet dinner and fellowship at Armada Hotel coffee house. 

The session continued with communities sharing their experience among their groups on their journey with the Lord. Then, the keynote was addressed by FMCC Chairman, Bro. Anthony Lim of Light of Jesus Christ Kota Kinabalu before lunch time. In the afternoon, the session was divided into men, women and youth sharing groups. The women’s group shared their experience on Mother Mary as their role model and resumed with their workshop on praising the Lord through dancing. The men’s group focussed on the subject of Man of God, whilst the youth discussed their problems and struggles in their parish and their own community.

This year’s Fellowship is significant to our Sandakan Covenant Community as the youth led the praise and worship session at this level together with the other youth of the Covenant Communities in this gathering called REST at St. Ignatius Church Petaling Jaya. Present was His grace Archbishop Julian Leow, who came and rendered his support.

The FMCC concluded in the afternoon of 1^st May with praise and worship session and thereafter luncheon fellowship before all members depart back to their respective home. The Fellowship of Malaysian Covenant Communities for 2018 will be held in Labuan, Sabah.  

Diocese of Sandakan Hosted 19th Episcopal Regional Liturgy Commission Meeting

by DaliusLL

Sandakan: The Diocese of Sandakan hosted the 19th Episcopal Regional Liturgical Commission (ERLC) meeting on May 8-12, which was held at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre.  25 delegates from Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei headed by his Rev. Bishop Sebastian Francis from the Diocese of Penang converged in this eastern port town of Sabah.

The Commission members, include both the laity and priests, are tasked to look into the aspect of liturgical practices in the region. The word "liturgy" originally meant a "public work" or a "service in the name of/on behalf of the people." In Christian tradition it means the participation of the People of God in "the work of God."  Through the liturgy, Christ, our redeemer and high priest, continues the work of our redemption in, with, and through his Church. (CCC 1069).

Neil Mah, from the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu, reported during the meeting that the New English Hymnal will be out this Advent 2017 consisting of 500 hymns which are liturgically appropriate. The Commission also confirmed assignments to translate Liturgical texts to specific dioceses namely: Keningau on Bahasa Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu on Kadazan vernacular, Penang on Tamil language and Melaka-Johor-KL on Mandarin language. Issues on Marriage, Confirmation and Sunday Celebration in the absence of the Priest were also highlighted.

On the Liturgical Calendar 2017 and 2018, dates and fixtures were deliberated and streamlined to provide a common liturgical guideline.

Delegates dancing Sumazau, a traditional dance

An invitation was then  extended to the members on the forthcoming Asian Liturgy Forum, on 2^nd -6^th October 2017, with the theme “Liturgy and Mary” hosted by Penang, Malaysia.

In the evening of Tuesday, 9^th May, the delegates were warmly welcomed by the various community leaders of St. Mary Cathedral parish. His Rev. Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom, flanked by the Parish Pastoral Council Chairman Pilis Malim, ushered the delegates to the Parish hall accompanied by the beating of traditional gongs. In his welcoming remark, the prelate thanked the organising committee for the kind reception rendered towards the distinguished guests. He said that since the month of May is the season of Kaamatan festival celebration in Sabah, he encouraged the delegates to take the opportunity to try all the local sumptuous dishes prepared by the different communities in this parish.

Apart from the sumptuous foods, the evening was filled with a range of entertainments from the various communities of the parish. One of the performances is the popular dance of Sumazau, whereby the delegates were invited to participate with them on the floor to have a feel of the traditional dancing. The fellowship concluded at 9.00pm with Bishop Julius saying the Closing Prayer.  

Since St. Mary’s Cathedral is the site for pilgrimage center of the diocese of Sandakan, some delegates were keen to reach the place together with the Social and Pilgrimage members. Others were not able to make it due to tedious walk in Sepilok and the War Memorial Park.

The next ERLC meeting will be hosted by the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur sometime in April or May 2018.

In his final word, Rt Rev. Sebastian Francis thanked Bishop Julius Gitom, Fr Philip Muji and the entire Diocesan team for their kindness and hospitality after the morning mass.

Seminar Kesedaran Panggilan Dalam Pelayanan Sempena Minggu Panggilan – Belia St.Dominic

Artikel oleh: Tim Publisiti Belia

Gambar oleh: Jaymar

St. Dominic Lahad Datu – Satu seminar singkat mengenai kesedaran panggilan di dalam apa jua jenis pelayanan telah dianjurkan oleh Tim Kerasulan Belia pada 7 May 2017. Seramai 35 orang telah menyertai seminar ini. Pendaftaran telah dibuka bermula jam 12.30 pm.

Sesi pertama di kendalikan oleh Seminarian Stephen yang bertemakan “Pelayanan”. "Pelayanan merupakan panggilan hidup. Kita melayani atas dasar kasih Yesus. Hidup melayani sesama tidak mengira bangsa, umur, tua atau muda. Melayani dengan rendah hati juga bukan kerana terpaksa. Jika kita melayani orang lain dengan baik maka kita sendiri akan menerima layanan dengan baik “Apa yang kita tabur itulah yang kita tuai”. Oleh itu kita perlu melayani untuk membahagikan kasih Yesus dan memuliakan namanya kepada sesama", kata Seminarian Stephen.

Dalam sesi ice breaking pula bertemakan “mencari dan mengenali sesama”. Dalam sesi ini peserta diberi peluang mencari setiap nombor yang berbeza untuk mengenali setiap watak dan pesanan yang berbeza. Menyusun ayat-ayat yang berbentuk puzzle menjadikan ia satu, yang sebenarnya membawa pesan yang sama seperti kelengkapan dalam pelayanan dan panggilan. 

Sesi kedua pula dikendalikan oleh Sr. Evelin Tivit tentang “Panggilan”. "Terdapat beberapa jenis panggilan seperti panggilan menjadi religious brother atau sister, berkahwin dan bujang. Semua itu adalah panggilan pelayanan. “Apapun yang kita pilih, pastikan kita hidupi dan jalani dengan kekudusan dan tujuan kita adalah untuk tetap mengasihi Tuhan”, demikianlah kata-kata Sr. Evelin.

Sesi penutupan selepas sesi yang kedua diakhiri dan di sertai dengan doa penutup, turut disajikan minum petang dan sesi foto bersama. 

CONFIRMATION CANDIDATE & SPONSOR RECOLLECTION: WALKING TOGETHER

Reported by Evelyn Jock

The English Sunday School organised a Confirmation Candidate and Sponsor half-day Recollection for the first time, on 6 May 2017 with the theme “Walking Together”. The programme started with a morning mass at 8:30 am in the St. Mary’s Cathedral chapel, which was celebrated by Bishop Julius.  There was a good turnout of Confirmation Candidates with their respective parents and sponsors, facilitators and English Sunday School catechists.

The His Reverend Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom, in reference to John’s Gospel (6:60-69) quoted as saying after the mass, “Lord, who shall we go to? You have the words of eternal life” expresses his hope in the Confirmation Candidates, parents and a sponsors’ commitment to the Catholic faith despite all the trials and challenges we face in the secular world today.

After the mass, Bishop Julius gave a briefing to all those present at the Chapel that morning.  He expressed his joy and mentioned that the participants were privileged to be participating in the Confirmation Candidate and Sponsor half day recollection which was conducted for the very first time.  He stressed that the St Mary’s Cathedral takes the role of a sponsor seriously and that the participants are fully committed as they journey in their faith even after being Confirmed which is scheduled in November 2017.

After breakfast at the parish canteen, FSIC Sr. Lillian Unsoh delivered an interesting talk on the history and meaning of Confirmation; how it strengthens one’s faith to become a disciple of Jesus and entrusted to proclaim the gospel to the ends of the world. She likened the Holy Spirit, which is in every one of us, to sugar in coffee that needs to be stirred so that the coffee is sweet. On being a confirmed member of the church, we too need to stir up (rekindle) the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  She also highlighted on the family as a domestic church and the role of parents as the primary catechists of their children and also went on to stress on who can be a sponsor and the role expected of a person who has agreed to be a Sponsor to a Confirmation Candidate.  The journey of mentoring and faith exploration that a Sponsor and candidate undertake do not end at the Sacrament of Confirmation mass, but the journey will be ‘forever’.  The half-day recollection ended at about 1pm with a fellowship lunch.  

Sejarah Pembangunan Chapel St.Edwin

Gambar Oleh: Dominggus, Farnandes
Artikel: Farnandes

Chapel St. Edwin terletak lebih kurang 18km jalan Sandakan dari Gereja St.Dominic. Chapel ini telah mula dibangunkan seawal tahun 2005 lagi. Pemilik kawasan tersebut iaitu Uncle Edwin Kouju, telah menyampaikan hasrat beliau untuk mendirikan sebuah chapel di kawasan tersebut pada tahun 1996 kepada Fr. Freddy yang juga adalah paderi paroki pada masa itu. Namun disebabkan masalah kewangan maka hasrat tersebut belum dapat dicapai.

Sekitar bulan Oktober tahun 1998, sebuah salib besar yang juga adalah stesen ke-14 jalan salib telah didirikan dipuncak bukit di perkarangan Chapel St.Edwin, dan pada bulan yang sama Bishop John Lee yang kebetulan datang melawat telah sekaligus memberkati salib tersebut. Bermula dari saat itulah, usaha keras diteruskan oleh En. Edwin untuk mula mengumpul dana bagi pembangunan chapel St.Edwin ini. Beliau yang sentiasa dibantu oleh En. Markus Pendai pada saat itu mula mengumpul bahan-bahan untuk pembangunan dari sekitar kawasan tersebut termasuklah kayu belian untuk dijadikan tiang.

Yang Termulia Uskup Agung Salvatore Pennacchio 

bersama Rev. Fr Nicholas Stephen

Pemberkatan Tapak Chapel

Atas usaha berterusan yang dilakukan oleh uncle Edwin, Uncle Markus, umat disekitar, dan juga berkat bantuan paderi paroki pada masa itu iaitu Rev Father Nicholas Stephen dan Rev Fr.Simon Kontou selaku rektor paroki St.Mary Sandakan, tiang pertama chapel ini telah didirikan pada 11 May 2006. Yang Termulia Uskup Agung Salvatore Pennacchio, Duta Vatikan telah didatangkan khas untuk memberkati tapak pembangunan Chapel St.Edwin ini. Majlis pemberkatan tapak yang bermula pada jam 10.00 pagi ini turut dihadiri oleh umat paroki.

En. Markus Pendai (kiri) bersama rakannya.

Sebelum chapel ini didirikan, umat di batu 12 jalan Sandakan ini biasanya akan mengadakan Ibadat Sabda atau misa kudus setiap minggu di perkarangan rumah En.Edwin sendiri. Dalam sekitar tahun 2011, Fr. Simon selaku paderi paroki St.Dominic pada ketika itu bersama-sama En.Edwin telah memulakan projek pembangunan chapel St.Edwin. Dengan bantuan kewangan dan sokongan padu dari paroki, para umat, serta usaha keras En. Markus dan En. Edwin, pembangunan chapel ini telah selesai dan menelan belanja sebanyak RM120,000. Perayaan besar yang pertama dirayakan adalah ketika perayaan Rabu Abu tahun 2012, dan Misa Kudus telah mula diadakan didalam Chapel baru ini pada bulan June 2013 oleh Rev. Father Simon Kontou. Nama chapel ini telah diumumkan oleh Fr. Simon sebagai St.Edwin bersempena nama pemilik tempat serta hasil usaha En. Edwin yang telah bertungkus lumus mendirikannya.

Salib Pertama (Stesen ke-14)

‘Yesus membentangkan suatu perumpamaan lain lagi kepada mereka, kata-Nya: "Hal Kerajaan Sorga itu seumpama biji sesawi, yang diambil dan ditaburkan orang di ladangnya. Memang biji itu yang paling kecil dari segala jenis benih, tetapi apabila sudah tumbuh, sesawi itu lebih besar dari pada sayuran yang lain, bahkan menjadi pohon, sehingga burung-burung di udara datang bersarang pada cabang-cabangnya.’ Matius 13:31-32.

En. Edwin menunjukkan gambar-gambar lama kepada Dominggus

Kini, tanpa disedari telah 10 tahun berturut-turut paroki St.Dominic mengadakan upacara jalan salib disini pada setiap musim prapaska. Pada hari Jumaat Agung yang lalu, lebih 300 umat telah menyertai perjalanan upacara jalan salib di Chapel St.Edwin. Ini menunjukkan semakin ramai menghadiri Ibadat Sabda atau Misa Kudus pada setiap minggu dan semakin ramai juga umat yang menyertai upacara jalan salib yang diperkarangan Chapel St.Edwin ini.

En. Edwin bersama isterinya