The Christmas season will last until the Baptism of the Lord on 13 January 2019. That is the time when we remove our Christmas trees and cribs, take down the decorations and get ready for the ordinary daily routine. Till then however, we can still enjoy our Christmas festivities.
Christmas and the New Year’s Eve celebrations are the best part of the season. Christmas and New Year’s Eve are considered to be the last holidays of the year, and we usually have non-stop parties with family, relatives and friends. We get dressed up in our fanciest clothes and enjoy the company of those nearest and dearest to us. Festivals are always a source of joy and happiness for everyone. Living in a multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious nation, everyone enjoys the festivities and holiday season, as it is full of fun events.
As we desire to start the year 2019 on the right foot, let us forget the mistakes and failures of the past and move ahead with the spirit of enthusiasm and determination. It is a time for us to cherish the pleasant and unpleasant memories and opportunities that 2018 has brought us, and attempt to improve our lives in a positive way by supporting one another. We also thank the Lord for all the marvelous things He has done for us and may He bring joy, good health and prosperity to us all.
1 January 2019 will mark the 52nd World Day of Peace with the theme “Good Politics is at the Service of Peace”. Pope Francis emphasises the importance of political leadership in building a culture of peace and not damage the cause of peace. The Holy Father compels everyone to be “engaged in the work of advocating for and with those whose voices are marginalised, and to ensure the protection for future life and of planet - for the youngest and smallest - in their thirst for fulfillment.”
The Pope emphasises the responsibility and commitment of each person in politics, to protect and govern their nations by safeguarding the rights and encouraging dialogue between people and cultures. As Christians, we are invited to contribute towards the peace and human rights in order to build a more just society. We all need to be reminded of the words of Blessed Pope Paul Vl (1968), who said, “The world must be educated to love peace, to build it up and defend it”. Let everyone, including politicians, engage courageously to build a just and moral society.
Since the Pakatan Harapan government has been the new ruling party in Malaysia, we, the citizens, should work hand in hand with them to build mutual trust and respect with each other, in order to build our nation in apeaceful and just society. The new government under the leadership of Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Muhammad, are doing their very best to stabiliseand improve political corruption, economic inequality and social illnesses at all levels in our country. Every person including politicians should feel the duty to respect the rights of all citizens, not to mistreat migrants, and prevent the degradation of the environment. We hope to see the fruits of our labour one day.
MY DEAR PARISHIONERS, MAY THIS NEW YEAR 2019 BRING PEACE, HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS IN YOUR LIFE. HAPPY NEW YEAR AND GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.
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