VICTORY THAT TRULY LASTS

As the FIFA World Cup reaches its thrilling semi-final stage, millions around the world are eagerly watching their favourite teams, inspired by their discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and determination. Watching this excitement unfold, I cannot help but reflect on our own Parish community.

For nine grace-filled days, we gathered as one family to celebrate our Novena and Thanksgiving in honour of St. Thomas the Apostle. No medals or trophies were won, yet something far more precious was achieved: hearts were renewed, faith was strengthened, our young people received the gifts of the Holy Spirit through Confirmation, and our Parish family grew stronger in communion. That is the kind of victory that truly lasts.

With gratitude, we thank God for the successful Novena and Thanksgiving celebrations for St. Thomas the Apostle and our 120th Parish Anniversary. The nine days were deeply moving, with many Parishioners attending every Novena Mass. The final events - including the Eucharistic Procession, Thanksgiving Mass, and Confirmation – saw outstanding participation from Parishioners, families, and friends. This was a beautiful witness to our Parish’s vitality and unity in faith.

I was especially delighted to witness 30 of our young parishioners receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. May the Holy Spirit continue to strengthen them with His gifts so that they may become courageous disciples and joyful witnesses of Christ in today’s world. Please keep them in your prayers as they begin this new chapter in their faith journey.

I extend my sincere appreciation to our Parish Pastoral Councils, Finance Committee, Catechetical ministry, Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC), liturgical ministries, choir members, altar servers, readers, commentators, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, Women’s Ministry, flower decorators, hospitality teams, traffic wardens, volunteers, benefactors, and every ministry that worked tirelessly before, during, and after the celebrations. Much of your service was carried out quietly behind the scenes, but God sees every sacrifice made with love. Thank you for your generous commitment, teamwork, and dedication, which ensured every celebration was prayerful, meaningful, and well organised.

To every Parishioner who attended, prayed, sang, served, and journeyed with us throughout these nine days - thank you. Your presence turned our celebrations into a beautiful witness of a vibrant Parish family. Together we demonstrated that the Church is not merely a building, but a community of believers walking together in faith.

As we give thanks for the blessings of the past 120 years, let us move forward together with renewed hope, trusting that the Lord who has faithfully guided our Parish will continue to lead us for generations to come. May we continue to build a Parish that prays together, serves with humility, welcomes with love, and witnesses to Christ with courage.

May St. Thomas continue to intercede for each of us, leading us from doubt to faith, from faith to hope, and from hope to lives of joyful missionary discipleship.

St. Thomas the Apostle, pray for us!