Sandakan : SHEP – the acronym definition for Sabah Heilbron (Germany) Ecumenical Partnership, officially sealed in 1990, aims at promoting awareness and better understanding of ecumenism, ecumenical sharing of resources as well as enhancing mission and theological education for both parties. One main activity of the partnership is the exchange of cordial and mutual ecumenical visits organized once in two years between the churches of both countries.
On the 14th August 2010, six participants of the Heilbron ecumenical team arrived Sandakan and the remaining members left for Kudat. They had the opportunity to join some 1500 local parishioners in the open air outdoor mass of the Feast of Assumption held in the evening, right in front of the grotto. The Eucharistic celebration was presided by Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom, concelebrated by Fr Thomas Makajil and assisted by Deacon David Garaman.
The following day, 15th August 2010, they attended the bi-lingual BM and Chinese Sunday Mass and thereafter joined the crowd in the Parish Bazaar. It was a grand activity, jointly graced by Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom, Fr Thomas Makajil, YB Datuk VK Liew, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department cum Member of Parliament P186 Sandakan, his wife YBhg Datin Dr Linda Lee and Anthony Wong, Chairman of the Diocesan Property Commission.
In the evening, they attended the Parish Choral Festival, an activity incorporated in the Parish Day event.There were eight choir groups taking part in the festival and the lead team will represent the Parish to the 3rd Diocesan Anniversary Celebration scheduled on 15th October 2010 in Lahad Datu.
May they bring home with them sweet memorable moments of their stay in Sandakan.
ds