REMAIN STEADFAST AND JOURNEY TOGETHER

What a wonderful Christmas celebration we had at Church! The turn-up was unexpected for both the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses. It was overwhelming! The multi-lingual carolling was well performed, and the congregation came early for the Christmas Eve Mass to listen to the carols being sung. Many thanks to all carollers for your effort, and congratulations on your fabulous singing. We all enjoyed it!

We invited the Orang Asli and Indonesian communities from the oil palm estates as well as other migrants, to be with us this Christmas. About 100 of them including children, stayed overnight and on Christmas Day, we had a party for them. The PIHDM (Orang Asli Ministry) and the East Malaysians from the Armed Forces organised a potluck and catered food. A big thank you to them for hosting this event. We distributed 200 goody bags to the children present that day.

 

With the Grace of God, we are ending the Year 2022 on a high note. Although we have faced some hardships and tough times along the way, the Lord made all things possible and His Spirit stands before and beside us in every moment of our lives. We thank the Almighty God for all the great achievements and blessings that we have received over the past year. We should also give ourselves a pat on the back and acknowledge our perseverance - allowing ourselves to learn, add value, strengthen and grow in our faith life.

Now, we welcome a brand New Year 2023 with a lot of excitement and exhilaration! As we take our steps day by day, be thankful for what we already have and continue to work hard for the things we desire. On the very first day of the New Year, take time to set goals, priorities and commitments, as we look forward to this New Year. We should back it up with strategies and actions in order to achieve our plans.

 

January 1st is also celebrated as “World Day of Peace” and the Holy Father, Pope Francis has chosen the theme for the 56th World Day of Peace – “No One Can Be Saved Alone” as he encourages us to remain steadfast and have our gaze fixed on times and seasons, as we wait for the Lord’s return (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2).

 

In his message, he highlights that the whole world is still “combating COVID-19 together, embarking together on paths of peace.” Every individual and family are still facing long “periods of isolation and restrictions on freedom contributed” by COVID-19. The infectious virus has fractured our social status, caused economic instability, threatened job security, and increased loneliness and poverty.

 

Nevertheless, we have learned, realised and experienced the greatest need for one another during this COVID-19 pandemic. We cannot be saved alone, but we need “to join together in seeking and promoting the universal values that can guide us to the growth of this human fraternity.”

 

As we continue to combat the virus, everyone needs a spirit of “responsibility and compassion” in order “to build a new world – with love, justice and peace.” The Holy Father hopes that in this New Year we shall “journey together” and “value the lessons that history has taught us – so that we make this a good New Year!”

 

WISHING YOU A SUCCESSFUL NEW YEAR, BLESSED WITH HAPPINESS AND PEACE - TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. STAY WELL, STAY SAFE AND STAY BLESSED ALWAYS!