Sandakan : Some 100 parishioners from the different parish groups gathered on Sunday noon, 8th August 2010 at the Cathedral, all geared up for the Cathedral Clean Up Day organized by the Parish Pastoral Council.
The said activity was held to clean up the Cathedral and it’s surrounding, making it befitting for the Feast of Assumption and the Parish Bazaar to be held on 14th and 15th August 2010 respectively.
The event began with an opening hymn, followed by an opening prayer led by Sr Appollonia Gubud fsic. John Baptis, Chairman of the PPC then proclaimed the Word of God taken from Luke 12 : 32 -48 on the theme ‘Blessed are they who open the door at once when He knocks.’
In his welcoming address, he expressed his appreciation to all those who had responded to the call to serve in ensuring that the upcoming events will be celebrated in the most conducive environment. The coming together of so many people is a clear sign that the faithful are moving along, in the right spirit, for the common good of the Cathedral.
John, then directed the people, assigned them according to tasks and at designated locality;
* Women – interior of Cathedral and Parish Hall and they are to dust, sweep, wipe and mop
* Men – all outside work which include cutting and trimming of plants and cleaning clogged drains.
Fr Thomas Makajil, the rector of the Cathedral came mid way, after his outstation pastoral commitment and was immediately seen in the midst of the parishioners. His presence, lend support to the activity and was an inspiration to those present.
The activity opened an avenue for the faithful to come together, apart from contributing time and energy in making the sacred place clean, they interacted closely enhancing and making real the ‘oneness’ in the body of Christ.
Parents who brought along their children to include them in the work gave them an opportunity to demonstrate to the little ones, loving God and serving Him and His Kingdom.
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