Tawau : Marking the year-end holiday for Holy Trinity Sunday School classes, teachers of the Children Liturgy organized a day’s Seminar with the theme “Amour of God/ Perisai Allah” on 7th November 2011. Some 140 children from the three language-group, parents and teachers/helpers attended the event.
The session began with the Bible Enthronement, the proclamation, followed by reflection on the Word of God shared by Sr. Liza fsic. She facilitated the input session that touched on the existence of the power of darkness which is constantly trying to envelope the mind and heart of God’s people, especially the young.
Stressing on the life of Christ, the symbol of Love and the Good Shepherd, the children and parents were encouraged to be responsible and respectful to each other to live in peace and always ask for God’s help to overcome challenges in their daily life. As a family each one is reminded to lead others to the Light of Christ.
Sr. Marysia fsic in her petitions, prayed for the success of the seminar, peace in the families, the commitment of church leaders and also for more vocation to the priesthood and religious life.
The theme which is based on the Letter of St Paul to the Ephesians 6:10-18, in which the word of God mentioned the six amours being used by the soldiers in Jesus’s time. Each amour was explained in the spiritual context which had been simplified in words children may understand easily of God’s power and love.
The six amours of God are;
1. Helmet ( Eph.6: 17 ) and take the helmet of salvation …: Helmet of salvation symbolized the protector of the brain so that we will not be fooled by Satan, but will help us make right decisions.
2. Breastplate of Righteousness ( Eph. 6: 14 ) put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God….:.. explained as the protector of the heart, so that Satan will not have the opportunity to grab onto our heart. With this we will stand straight and tall with our head held high when we choose to do God’s way.
3. Belt of Truth ( Eph. 6: 14) stand therefore (hold your ground), having tightened the Belt of truth around your loins:. it reminds us that the truth , that God loves everyone.. the truth that Jesus died for us , loves us unconditionally.
4. Sandals Of Peace ( Eph. 6: 15 ) and having shod your feet in preparation (to face the enemy with the firm- footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the Good News) of the Gospel of peace…: that we will always ready wherever God’ sent us to proclaim the Good News / the peaceful news .
5. Shield of Faith ( Eph. 6: 16 ) Lift up over all the (covering) shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked( one )…the shield that we can use to stop any kind of temptation or doubt. We need to hold up our shield to stop all kind of thinking which may lead us astray from God’s love.
6. Sword Of the Spirit ( Eph.6: 17 ) and take the Sword that the Spirit wields, which is the word of God…: God’s word is a powerful amour to fight Satan, it’s our weapon against the tricky way of Satan. By remembering and using God’s words we can fight the evil one.
“Hi.” and “Shalom.” |
Trying hard to comprehend |
Staying focused |
It was an exciting occasion for the children especially meeting up with their friends from different classes (BM, English, Chinese) during the opening session. Though some were shy to participate during the question and answer session, nevertheless during the input session, most of them were focused.
Question and Answer |
Beside the input session, the children had the opportunity to share their talents in group singing as well as participating in games arranged by the organizer.
Teamwork – a precious sign. |
Coloring the 6 amours of God. |
Some games on that day. |
English session with about 42 children. |
We hope that in the future, a similar seminar will be organized so that our faith could be passed on to the next generation. Exposing the young with such activities may help to develop strong confidence and trust in the faith.
The session adjourned at four in the evening with a closing prayer.
JCK..SOCCOM Tawau.