Article written by Kimberly, Parish SOCCOM Sandakan.
Pictures by Romeo, Jonathan, Johnstone and Stephen.
The 9-days Rosary Novena and masses from August 6th–14th, culminated in the celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15th. This novena was also for the celebration of 140th anniversary of St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish on August 20th, therefore, the 2-in-1 celebration. Right after the 2-in-1 celebration, the Diocesan Youth Festival (Temasya Belia Keuskupan 2) will be held from August 28th until September 1st. A total of 300 participants is expected to participate in the upcoming carnival.
About 1000 parishioners flooded our parish during the celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Before the mass started in front of the grotto, the Rosary Prayer was held at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre’s car park area and was conducted in 3 languages (Bahasa Malaysia, English, and Mandarin). After the rosary, we witnessed the Crowning of Mother Mary. This was followed with the procession from the Pastoral Centre to the grotto to the accompaniment of the singing of Ave Maria by the parishioners whilst holding lighted candles.
Rt. Rev Julius Dusin Gitom presided over the Eucharistic celebration which was concelebrated by Rev. Fr Simon Kontou and Rev. Fr. Raymond Lee Seng Huat. In his homily, Bishop Julius said that the Assumption is being honoured by the faithful who are the children of Mary, even though this mystery is difficult to understand as it was never mentioned in scriptures that Mother Mary assumed into heaven. He also reminded that the Bible was the first to remember the Virgin Mary, and he encouraged the parishioners to continue to read the Bible to know more about her. The prelate also talk on devotion whereby he said that the devotion of Mary should not only be seen in our feelings and emotions but that it should be reflected in our daily life as well as a practice of our faith. When we honor Mary in the Assumption, we may talk about caring for our brothers and sisters, however we must also support them and care for the needs of these brothers and sisters and help them.
Bishop Julius also reminded parishioners to thank the Lord for the gift of our Heavenly Mother for she was the first disciple to say yes, and that we must continue to express our love and joy in our daily lives.
