EASTER PREPARATION 2011

Easter preparation is at its earnest coming into the Holy Week and this year is no different. Many things happened behind the scenes as the following photos will show. These are only part of the preparation that took place in the parish to ensure that the celebrations that will take place during the week will become that much more meaningful to us all.

It's starts with Palm Sunday. Whilst the Altar Servers had their practice on saturday morning, a few members of the BEC were busy "planting" palms in the Cathedral.

St Mary's Cathedral Celebrates Palm Sunday

The Palm Sunday Procession to the Cathedral

Sandakan : On Palm Sunday, we celebrate the first joy of the season, as we celebrate Our Lord's triumphant entrance into Jerusalem where he was welcomed by crowds worshiping him and laying down palm leaves before him. It also marks the beginning of Holy Week, with the greatest tragedy and sorrow of the year preceding Easter.

Bishop Julius blessing the palm leaves

Bishop Julius presided over the Holy Mass of Passion Sunday on 16th April 2011 at St Mary's Cathedral. The congregation of more than 600 people assembled in front of the Parish Hall for the blessing of palm leaves and the Gospel reading of the entrance into Jerusalem taken from Matthew 21 : 1 - 11 followed by procession to the Cathedral.

L-R : Dalius and Suzanna Cardova proclaiming the 1st and 2nd reading respectively

Bishop Julius in his homily

The prelate, in his homily talked on the sufferings of Jesus both physical and psychological, an ordeal He went through as a human person for our redemption. In the midst of pain inflicted through barbaric torture, He prayed and forgave His enemies. It is on the Cross that He fulfilled His Father's will and mission.

He went on to say that the Liturgy of Palm Sunday is closely related to the celebration of World Youth Day (WYD) where   young people throughout the world go to meet Jesus. They accompany Him on His triumphant entry into Jerusalem so that He will be among us to establish peace, opposing violence and to bring about reconciliation. The Parish Youth Apostolate in communion with the other youth throughout the world will hold its activity in conjunction with WYD on Sunday 17th April 2011

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He quoted the Pope's message saying that, 'The Cross is the centre of World Youth Day and it is the Lord's supreme expression of love and the source of  which eternal light flows. He called on the people to embrace the Cross of Christ as the source of new life.'

He called on the people that in order to encounter Jesus. we need to solemnly walk His way to discover the deeper meaning of Holy Week.

Fr Phillip Muji blessing the palm leaves

This morning, Sunday 17th April 2011, the Bahasa Malaysia Mass of Palm Sunday at St Mary's Cathedral, attended by  more than 1,000 faithful  was presided over by Fr Phillip Muji, the assistant rector of the Cathedral.

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ALBUM - REKOLEKSI DAN MESYUARAT DIOCESAN YOUTH APOSTOLATE (DYA)



Album kenangan KBK/DYA bersama umat Katolik Holy Family Segaria, Semporna. Tawau



Kelihatan dalam gambar Schoffal , Victoria dan Yusvina.
Chapel Holy Family Segaria Estate Semporna di bawah jagaan Paroki Tawau.
Gambar akhir adalah lokasi air panas di sungai sing-sing. 

TAWAU. 2 - 3 April 2011. Lokasi Rekoleksi dan Mesyuarat Belia Keuskupan Sandakan kali ke 7 di Chapel Holy Family Ladang Segaria, Semporna. Lebih kurang 101 km dari Tawau, 156 km dari Lahad Datu,  324 km dari Pusat Pastoral Keuskupan Sandakan dan 349 km dari Telupid.   Kehadiran Belia Keuskupan (KBK/DYA) disambut mesra oleh umat Katolik setempat. 

Sebelum ini Belia Keuskupan Sandakan telah mengadakan rekoleksi dan mesyuarat di Lahad Datu pada 19-20 November 2010.  Destinasi ini tidak jauh dari jalan Semporna lebih kurang 20 minit untuk sampai. Sementara jalan ke Hot Spring Segaria mengambil masa 20 minit dengan menaiki kenderaan pacuan empat roda.

Ahli Belia Keuskupan bersama dengan belia Holy Family Segaria sedang menikmati wap panas

Album Belia Keuskupan mengambil kenangan mandi di Sungai Sing Sing.

Sdr. Gabriel Yosef menerangkan kedudukan air panas menurut cerita orang "Kolam air panas ini di temui oleh askar Jepun dan selalu bermandi manda di situ" Katanya. "Jika kawasan ini di bangunkan sudah tentu ramai pelancong yang datang"  Tambahnya lagi. 



Belia Keuskupan sempat merebus telur di kolam air panas 



Air Panas ini berada di Kawasan Ladang Segaria (Hot Spring Segaria Estet ). Ramai pekerja estate mandi di sungai ini selepas kerja.

Pada malamnya Fr. David mengajak para peserta merenung Sabda Tuhan dan kuasa Salib sempena Pra-Paskah. Beberapa peserta memberi perkongsian mereka tentang Salib. Salib membawa erti kehidupan kepada diri masing-masing. Salib adalah memahkotai penyiksaan dan penderitan manusia yang paling kejam.

Yesus memerdekakan manusia dari kutukan. Yesus berjaya menakluk puncak penghinaan terhadap martabat manusia turun temurun dengan melaluinya sendiri sesuai dengan nubuatan. Kebangkitan Yesus dari kuasa Maut memberikan pengharapan baru, iman yang baru dan kasih yang baru kepada manusia.

Kini Salib bukan lagi 'neraka' yang menakutkan kepada manusia. Sebaliknya adalah hikmat kebangkitan.  Bagi manusia yang beriman kepada Yesus Kristus tidak lagi merasa bimbang atas penghakiman akhirat, sebaliknya merasa bersemangat untuk berbakti kepada Allah dan sesama manusia.

Perayaan Ekaristi (Misa Kudus) bersama dengan umat Katolik setempat

Misa Kudus diselebrankan oleh Fr. David Garaman

Umat Katolik dalam kebaktian

Fr. David yang bagi pihak Belia Keuskupan telah menyerahkan surat penghargaan dan terima kasih kepada pengerusi umat Katolik Segaria Encik Anthony.

Mesyuarat kali ke 7 Kerasulan Belia Keuskupan (KBK) Sandakan. Kali ini diadakan di Chapel Holy Family Ladang Segaria, Stasiluar Paroki Holy Trinity Tawau. Seperti biasa terdapat beberapa perbincangan perkara berbangkit, laporan Belia dari Paroki masing-masing, persiapan SYD3 setiap Paroki dan hal-hal lain.   

Selepas mesyuarat KBK/DYA makan bersama dengan umat setempat

PENYERAHAN KEMBALI FAIL KEPADA ANNA TERESA PETER AMANDUS

Upacara penyerahan fail pengerusi oleh Fr. David  kepada Cik Anna Teresa Amandus.

Sdr. Anna kembali bertugas sebagai Komisi Belia keuskupan Sandakan. Sebelum ini beliau telah mengikuti pembentukan di Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia) selama 10 bulan.

Sementara ketiadaan sdr. Anna,  Fr. David Garaman selaku Pengarah Kerohanian Belia telah di lantik oleh Bapa Uskup Julius untuk mengendalikan hal-ehwal Komisi Kerasulan Belia Sandakan.

Pada petangnya, peserta masing-masing balik ke Paroki Lahad Datu, Telupid dan Sandakan. Peserta sempat bertemu dan berbual mesra dengan ibu bapa sdr. Rikkie selaku Timbalan Pengerusi Belia Keuskupan di rumah kediaman beliau di Lahad Datu sambil menikmati minum petang.

SOCCOM DYA

CFM Media Statement (Chinese Translation)

马来西亚基督教联会

CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA

(PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)

Address: 10, Jalan 11/9, Section 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Telephone: (03) 7957 1278, (03) 7957 1463, Fax: (03) 7957 1457

Email: cfmsia@yahoo.co.uk

2011年4月14日

十点议决方案 - 短暂性的方案

（以英文为准）

马来西亚基督教联会已收到首相2011年4月11日的来函。这是有关内阁的十点议决方案，针对马来文/印尼文圣经以及其他的事情。

我们觉得这十点议决方案只是短暂性的解决分别在巴生港口及古晋马来文版圣经被扣押的问题。

我们再次强调，圣经是我们圣书，宗教自由是受到我国联邦宪法的保障，因此我们有权选择使用任何的语言来阅读和研究圣经并用这语言，按圣经来祷告。

十点议决方案只不过是针对被扣押的马来文圣经，却没有解决禁止使用“阿拉”字眼之事。马来文圣经被扣押的问题根源是如下：

a.     政府在1960年内安法令下，以马来文圣经危害国家安全和利益，在1982年禁止马来文圣经及1983年禁止马来文新约圣经。

b.     1986年的行政命令禁止所有的基督教出版刊物使用“阿拉”的字眼，理由是为了公众和谐并避免回教徒和基督徒之间的误解。

c.      内政部监理可兰经出版与经文部门指南禁止使用“阿拉”的字眼。

针对10点方案中的第9点提到政府承诺要处理基督教所面对的问题。因此，政府应该撤销在内安法令下所有有关的禁令，行政的禁令，并指示修改监理可兰经出版与经文部门的指南，以解决问题的根源。

一国两制的做法只会带来混乱，是无法接受的。我们期望能够与政府一起来寻求解决其他已经影响基督徒社群很久的事情，这包括有关各州的立法条文。

马来西亚基督教联会

会长黄满興主教以及全体执委

CFM Media Statement

CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA

(PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)

Address: 10, Jalan 11/9, Section 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Telephone: (03) 7957 1278, (03) 7957 1463, Fax: (03) 7957 1457

Email: cfmsia@yahoo.co.uk

14th April 2011

10-point SOLUTION AD HOC AND SHORT-TERM RESOLUTION

The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) takes note of the Prime Minister’s letter dated 11 April 2011 in relation to the collective decision of the Cabinet on the 10-point solution to address the Alkitab or Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia Bible and other related issues.

We consider the 10-point solution to be an ad hoc and short-term resolution to the two consignments of Alkitab which have been impounded at Port Klang and the Port of Kuching.

We reiterate that the Bible is our Holy Scripture and it is our right to read, study and pray with it in the language of our choice as freedom of religion is enshrined under our Federal Constitution.

The 10-point solution deals with the impounding of the Alkitab but not with the prohibition of publications containing the word “Allah”. The root cause of the problem of the impounding of the Alkitab lies in the following:

a. The 1982 prohibition of the Alkitab and the 1983 prohibition of the Perjanjian Baru under the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA) on the grounds that the Alkitab is prejudicial to national interest and the security of Malaysia.

b. The 1986 administrative order prohibiting the use of the term “Allah” in Christian publications on the grounds of public order and prevention of misunderstanding between Muslims and Christians.

c. The Garis Panduan of the Bahagian Kawalan Penerbitan dan Teks Al-Quran of the Ministry of Home Affairs prohibiting the use of the word “Allah”.

In this regard we refer to item 9 of the 10-point solution which reiterates the Government’s commitment to address religious issues. The Government, therefore, should take immediate steps to remove the root causes by revoking the orders made under the ISA and the administrative order and to amend the Garis Panduan to remove the prohibition.

The “one country two policies” approach is confusing and unacceptable. We look forward to working with the Government to address other long standing issues affecting the Christian community including the relevant provisions in the State Enactments.

Yours sincerely,

Bishop Ng Moon Hing 

Chairman and the Executive Committee,

Christian Federation of Malaysia

Progress of the Diocesan Pastoral and Worship Centre Project

Sandakan :  The proposed three-storey Diocesan Pastoral and Worship Centre has entered into another phase of completion with the first floor of approximately 4,000 square feet cement floor slab being successfully concreted. The form works for the columns to the second floor have been raised and fixed which shall be concreted by the next two days if the weather is favourable.

The 12-month project awarded to City Construction effective 15th October 2010 is expected to complete by 14th October this year. At the pace and progress of the construction work coupled with the favourable weather, the building proper may most probably be delivered by the schedule date.

L-R : Francis Tan (Executive Secretary), Henry Wong (Chairman Finance Council), John Pang (Chairman Building Committee), Bishop Julius D Gitom, Suzanna Hon (Treasurer Building Committee), Sharon Ho (Finance Administrator)

John Pang, Chairman of the Diocesan Pastoral and Worship Centre Building Committee was at the Bishop's Office yesterday morning, 13th April 2011 to receive the fund for the said project received through the Diocesan Finance Office from Bishop Julius

John Pang expressed his appreciation to all kind parishioners  from the four parishes across the Diocese for their kind contributions to the building fund and hoped that their commitment will eventually see to the completion of the said project - the hallmark of the Diocese.

Suzanna Hon, the treasurer of the Diocesan Pastoral and Worship Centre Building Committee disclosed the status of the fund raised as on 7th April 2011.

                                                                                                                                                            

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Rekoleksi Pra-Paskah Untuk Wanita Paroki Katedral St Mary

Sandakan : Seramai 100 ahli Kerasulan Wanita Katolik (KWK) dari Katedral St.Mary, St.Petrus, Sungai Manila, St.Mark Batu 12, St.Paul Ulu Dusun dan  Our Lady Of Fatima (OLOF) Beluran  telah menyertai rekoleksi pra-paskah bertemakan 'Kristus Cahaya Dunia' yang diadakan pada Sabtu 2hb April 2011 bertempat di  Dewan Paroki St.Mary, Sandakan.

Pendaftaran peserta bermula dari  jam 7.30 pagi hingga jam 8.30 pagi. Rekoleksi pra-paska dimulai dengan perayaan Misa Kudus pada jam 8.40 pagi di Katedral St.Mary, diselebrankan oleh Rev.Fr.Thomas Makajil. Di kesempatan itu,  Rev.Fr.Thomas  bersyukur kerana begitu ramai wanita menyertai rekoleksi ini. dan berharap agar rekoleksi ini dapat membimbing mereka ke arah pelayanan yang benar dan seterusnya ke arah hidup yang kudus.

 

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Se  Sesi  1 – PRA-PASKAH  (Sem. Martin, dari St.Peter's College, Kuching)

Sem. Martin menghuraikan erti kata masa 'pra-paskah' yang bermula pada Hari Rabu Abu bagi hidup rohani kita dan menekan tiga perkara yang harus diberi tumpuan setiap umat iaitu berdoa, berpuasa serta berpantang dan memberi sedekah. Retret seumpama ini merupakan satu aktiviti yang istimewa untuk individu, keluarga dan komuniti agar yang tersesat dapat kembali ke jalan benar dan hidup sebagai orang Katolik yang benar, kudus dan sejati.

Umat diingatkan bahawa pertaubatan hati yang mendalam merupakan inti dari perbuatan banyak berdoa, berpuasa serta berpantang dan memberi sedekah di masa pra-paska.

Sesi 2 - Perdamaian dan Kebangkitan

Musim pra-paskah memberi peluang dan ruang untuk kita memperbaharui hubungan kita dengan Tuhan, ahli keluarga dan komuniti. Musim ini kita runtuhkan tembok yang menghalang dan memisahkan kita dengan Tuhan dan sesama. Jika ini dapat dilaksanakan dengan hati yang terbuka maka segala yang menjadi tembok rintangan dapat dirobohkan dan diganti dengan jambatan rohani yang akan menghubungi kita dengan Tuhan dan sesama.

Sem. Martin memetik firman Lukas 9 : 22 - 27 'Pemberitahuan pertama tentang penderitaan Yesus dan syarat-syarat mengikut Dia' dan memperjelaskan bahawa untuk menikmati keindahan perdamaian umat diseru berani memikul Salib masing-masing supaya bangkit semula bersama Yesus. Dengan demikian, umat mempunyai hidup dan semangat yang baru untuk terus melayani di ladang Tuhan.

Sesi 3 - Jalan Salib

Sesi berikut adalah upacara Jalan Salib yang dipimpin oleh Sem. Martin di Katedral St Mary dimana peserta merenungkan Yesus yang menjadi kurban kerana cintakasihNya.

Sesi 4 – Kristus Terang Hidup (Sr.Apollonia fsic)

Untuk sesi ini, salib San Damiano diletak di depan melambangkan Krsitus Terang Hidup.  Semua peserta diberi peluang menulis segala permasalahan yang menjadi penghalang perdamaian .  Semua surat dihantar oleh peserta masing-masing dan diletak di bawah kaki  salib San Damiano tanda 'semua saya serahkan kepada Tuhan.'

'Marilah kepada-Ku, semua yang letih lesu dan berbeban berat, Aku akan memberi kelegaan kepadamu.'  Matius 11 : 28

Sesi berakhir jam 3.15 petang, disusuli dengan minum petang.

Joanna Lim