A SPACE FOR SPIRITUAL REFLECTION

In May 2022, our Parish hosted spiritual formations in 3 different languages for our Parishioners. These sessions enabled participants to enhance their spiritual growth and gain insight to deepen their relationship with God. The focus of these spiritual formations was on the presence of the Holy Spirit as we journey towards Pentecost and develop leadership qualities to guide one another in the various Church ministries.

Presenters were identified from within our Parish community and their efforts will surely be stepping stones for them (and hopefully others too!) to set pathways for learning and growing in confidence as presenters. Spiritual formations such as these provide opportunities for parishioners to learn as well as to teach others. The continuity of spiritual formations will create a space for reflection and deepen our relationship with God.

On 31 May (Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth) about 150 parishioners gathered at Our Lady’s grotto, closing the month of the rosary by praying the Rosary and celebrating Mass. Catholics throughout the world have this practice of praying the Rosary during the months of May and October, to give special recognition to our Spiritual Mother. By praying the Rosary, we learn from Mother Mary - to be obedient and docile to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. She continuously prays for us and grants us her maternal care and protection. She motivates us to bring her Son, Christ Jesus to others and proclaim His greatness by living our lives in holiness through words and service.

From Friday, 24 June to Sunday, 3 July 2022, we will celebrate nine-days of novena prayers, beginning from the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and ending on the Feast of St Thomas, the Apostle. The main theme for the Feast is St Thomas, A Saint for Our Times. The feast day committee had their first meeting on Wednesday, 1 June 2022 to plan and discuss the various activities that will take place leading up to the Feast. Several people have been assigned to oversee the tasks that need to be carried out.

For the past two years, there were no celebrations due to the pandemic, but now that a number of restrictions have been lifted, we hope to be able to celebrate the Feast of St Thomas in a more meaningful and spiritual way, with the full participation of our parishioners and community. We pray that St Thomas will intercede for us and help us to experience Christ’s love in our lives.

In his prayer intention for the month of June 2022, Pope Francis invites everyone to focus on family. He wishes that all families “embody and experience unconditional love and advance in holiness in their daily lives”.

Wishing you a very happy and spirit-filled Pentecost to all of you.

COME HOLY SPIRIT, FILL THE HEARTS OF YOUR FAITHFUL,

AND KINDLE IN THEM THE FIRE OF YOUR LOVE!”