ALL SOULS' DAY

ALL SOULS' DAY

ALL SOULS' DAY

ALL SOULS' DAY

ALL SOULS' DAY

Dialogue Session with FSIC

Bishop Julius leading the Opening Prayer

Sandakan : Mother General of the Franciscan Sister of the Immaculate Conception, Sr Grace Deosing, fsic and her council members Sr Terry Loukang, fsic, Sr Germaine Angkangon, fsic and Sr Appolonia Gumbu, fscic together with Sr Lilianna Gubod, fsic and Sr Dorothy Laudi ,fsic paid a courtesy call to Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom this morning, Tuesday 3rd November 2009 at the Diocesan Meeting Room, Church Hill Road.

A dialogue session was held among them with the attendance of Fr Thomas Makajil, rector of St Mary's Cathedral, Henry Wong, Chairman of the Paitan Mission and Francis Tan of the Diocesan Pastoral Office. Paitan is a remote area, situated in Marudu, north east of Borneo and some four hour drive from Sandakan. It became a missionary area of the Cathedral Parish of St Mary, Sandakan sometime in 1985.

Sitting L-R: Henry, Fr Thomas, Bishop Julius, Sr Grace
Standing L-R: Sr Appolonia, Sr Lilianna, Francis, Sr Germaine, Sr Dorothy, Sr Terry

Bishop Julius commended the Sisters for their direct involvement in the mission. Their presence and influence had contributed to the growth of the said mission. However, he opined that the local people should be allowed the opportunity to stand on their own and be responsible to themselves especially when the mission enters into its 25th anniversary next year.

Sr Grace Deosing, fsic, said that it is a privilege for her congregation to share in the undertakings of the Paitan Mission especially after the erection of the Diocese. She was in agreement with Bishop's vision that the local parishioners especially the catechists should be empowered to look after the mission.

The session was an excellent platform for building up harmonious relationship. They spend time to discern on possibilities to further improve the mission in Paitan. They discussed on issues related to pastoral care, education development, physical needs and land matters. There are much to be desired and for that much effort is needed to see to the success of the mission.

by DS

All Souls' Day

Sibuga Catholic Cemetery, Sandakan

Sandakan : A Prayer Service was held at the Sibuga Catholic Cemetery this morning 2nd November 2009 at 9.00 am. Fr Thomas Makajil the rector of St Mary's Cathedral led the service assisted by two extra ordinaray ministers, Thomas Chen and Raymond Wong while the same service at Kam Chai Yen Christian cemetery was celebrated by Fr Paul Lo.

Tending to the graves of their departed loved ones

The faithful are gathered at the cemetery to commemorate their loved ones who had gone before them to their rest. We are reminded to remember that Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life and whoever believes in Him will have eternal life.

The Prayer Service by Fr Thomas Makajil

The reading taken from the Gospel of St John (6:37-40) clearly states that all believers are promised eternal life. Those gone ahead are united with us through the bonds of grace. They are part of what the Lord talked about in the Gospel reading: the Father sent Him, so He would not lose anything of what the Father has given Him.

The graves adorned with flowers

It is a great thing that the Universal Church takes this one day out of the year especially to remember our loved ones. But for us, Catholics it is not going to be a one day a year affair; it is not an annual thing. It is something that we must remember always to pray for our loved ones, so that they enter into communion with all other Saints and the Lord

Fr Thomas Makajil blessing the graves

Remember and cherish the fond memories of the beautiful past and appreciate the present by living the moment with confidence.

The commited workers

A week before a 'gotong royong' was held to tidy up the burial ground for the occasion. Raymond Wong, Chairman of the Cemetery Committee led the 'clean up' campaign.

by DS

GIRM BRIEFING ST. MARY'S CATHEDRAL SANDAKAN

Briefing in progress. Together with questions and answer, the briefing ended at around 10.00pm.

GIRM BRIEFING ST. MARY'S CATHEDRAL SANDAKAN

Fr. Paul mingling with the groups before the start of the briefing.

GIRM BRIEFING ST. MARY'S CATHEDRAL SANDAKAN

A section of the groups attending the briefing from the Altar Servers, Readers, PPC, RCIA, Choirs, Sunday School teachers as well as the Commentators.

GIRM BRIEFING ST. MARY'S CATHEDRAL SANDAKAN

A briefing of the GIRM was held at the St. Mary's Cathedral yesterday evening beginning at 7.30pm. It turn out to be a very detailed briefing with handouts to participants. Parishioners started arriving at the Cathedral by about 7.00pm. Rev. Fr. Paul Lo conducted the briefing himself and it was well represented by the participations of the various groups of the Parish.

In preparation of ALL SOULS DAY

Keeping the tombs in tip top condition for the blessing tomorrow

Sandakan : All Souls Day which falls on the 2nd November, that is tomorrow is a feast of our Universal Church. It is a reminder for us to pray for the faithful departed. There will be a blessing at both the combined Christian cemetery at Kam Jai Yen and the Sibuga Catholic burial ground tomorrow at 9.00 am. The Eucharistic celebration for the said feast will be held simultaneously tomorrow at St Mary's Cathedral Sandakan, St Paul's Church Ulu Dusun and Our Lady of Fatima's Church, Beluran at 7.30 pm.

Tending to the tombs of their loved ones

It is our duty as Catholics to ensure that the burial ground is always given the dignity and reverence through care and devotion. It is also an extension of our parish community in that it gives witness that the community of faith is unbroken by death.

Francis Chong and team cleaning up the cemetery

Christopher Chia and Francis Chong in action

Jerry Lo, a man of action

Being mindful of the sacredness of the burial ground, the St Mary's Cathedral Parish Cemetery Committee held a 'Clean Up' day this morning at the Combined Christian Cemetery at Kam Jai Yen. The said committee led by Raymond Wong together with Jerry Lo and his fellow workers as well as parishioners contributed much time and energy to make the resting place befitting for the occasion, tomorrow.

Participants in the clean up day drive

Raymond Wong has this to say, 'I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to all who had participated in the 'Clean Up Day'. The place is much cleaner now. I hope it will always project an image of a Christian cemetery; kept clean and sacred at all time.'

by DS

Parish Youth Team organises Morning Coffee Sale

The 'Morning Coffee Sale Team' of the Cathedral Parish

Sandakan : The St Mary's Cathedral Parish Youth Team held its 'morning coffee' sale this morning, Sunday 1st November 2009 at the Parish Hall from 7.00 am - 1.00 pm. They operated 8 stalls selling a variety of breakfast food. All stalls were well arranged and efficiently managed by the enthusiastic youth of the parish.

Fr Thomas Makajil patronising the porridge stall

Sr Lilian Unsoh fsic assisting in the sale

Fr Thomas Makajil with John Baptis the PPC Chairman

The sale was well received and supported by the parishioners. Fr Thomas Makajil, the rector of the Cathedral, Sr Lilian Unsoh fsic and John Baptis, chairman of the Pastoral Council were among those who patronised the stall. Their presence was a great boost to the young people.

Smile and you will get the right customers to your stall

Parishioners lending their support to the parish youth

Stefanus the gardener giving support to the young people

The aim of the sale is to raise fund for the implementation of upcoming events scheduled early next year. There will be a 'recollection ' and 'life camp' for the youth in January and February respectively. A small portion will also be allocated to the 3 youth attending the 5th Asian Youth Day (AYD5) in the Diocese of Imus, Phlippines on 19th - 27th November 2009. The theme of the gathering is 'Come Together, Share the Word, Live the Eucharist.' Those representing the parish for the AYD5 are Anna Teresa Peter Amandus, Scoffal and Freddie.

Lynnette Diwol in a positive note shared the following, 'I am happy to be involved because it is a good experience for me to learn how to interact with other members in the team undertaking such a big project. I must be a team player in order to make the sale a success'.

Another participant, Christy Casera said, 'Such activity provides me the platform to learn the art of doing business. It certainly builds up my confidence. Most projects cannot be done individually. It needs team spirit.'

The 'sale' experience was an enriching and meaningful project for the youth. They gathered and enjoyed their youth as active members of the Church. It provided them ample opportunity to grow in the Church and with the Church.

By DS

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