Year in year out migrants have thronged our shores for search of a better life. Year in year out various interest groups, including the EMI have taken in cognizance and documented the numerous problems and challenges that the migrant community have faced in the course of finding that better life in our countries. Yet, the issues that plague and oppress the migrant community remain and persist. It would be understandable if proponents of migrant rights feel a sense of frustration in dealing with these issues. Maybe even a sense of failure.

I am reminded of the words of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Theresa) – “We are not called to be successful. We are called to be faithful”. We would do well in taking heed of these words which reminds us that even as the world judges all our efforts in terms of how much ‘success’ we have chalked up, God only requires us to be persistent in carrying out His will including reaching out to migrants and their families in their time of need and desolation.

PAPAR  – One hundred and fifty Sunday School and RCIA facilitators from Penampang Zone comprising parishes from Penampang, Terawi and Dontozidon converged for a recollection and catechetical gathering  at Pace Bene, Papar Aug 1-3.

The event was organized by the catechetical committees from the three parishes together with the Archdiocesan Catechetical Commission in preparation for Catechetical Sunday which would be celebrated on Sep 21.

LIMBANAK – In conjunction with the local observance of  Catechetical Sunday on September 21, the Catechetical Committee of St Aloysius Limbanak, Penampang, together with the Archdiocesan Catechetical Commission, organised an Awareness Seminar at the parish hall of St Aloysius Limbanak on 27 Jul 2014.

Among the 300 participants who turned up for the seminar were teenagers from the Sunday School, Confirmation candidates, RCIA catechumens, SPM and STPM  school leavers, those preparing for further studies in higher learning institutes and especially those students going for further studies outside Sabah, parents, Sunday School teachers and other youths.

TANJUNG ARU – The Eucharistic Adoration Ministry of Stella Maris organized a talk entitled “Be Near To God” at Stella Maris Church Jul 19, which was presented by Friar Francisco Jude Basnayake, OFM.

Friar Francisco is currently undergoing his priesthood formation in Singapore.  Interestingly, his own faith has been formed in the parish of Stella Maris and his parents are both members of the Eucharistic Adoration Ministry.