Rukom Ulu Pitas community turns out in full force for chapel blessing

PITAS – It was a day of great rejoicing for the Catholic community of Rukom Ulu Pitas as they came out in full force May 19 to witness the blessing of their new chapel. The blessing of St Pio’s Chapel was solemnized by Archbishop John Wong together with the parish priest of St Theresa Kota Marudu, Fr Frederick Raymond and his assistant Fr Jack Johimi. Also present was former parish priest Fr Edward Raymond.

In his homily, Archbishop Wong reminded everyone the reason they have gathered together. “What is important is that you know and are confident of why you have come here – because of Jesus Christ who has called you,” he said. “This is why we gather together to celebrate the Eucharist because He is the one who personally invites and calls us to come and receive Him,” he said.

After the Eucharistic celebration, he also gave the community words of encouragement to continue to grow in their faith. “This new chapel is a sign that you have reached a new level in your faith and I have personally come to experience and confirm this faith that you have.” This growth in faith was evident when the building chairman in his speech, requested for Sunday Masses to be celebrated at least every fortnightly, to the shouts of approval from the congregation. They also plan to develop the other parts of the compound with a catechetical centre for their faith formation activities in the future.

The simple Eucharistic celebration was no doubt full of significant moments. Starting outside, Archbishop Wong blessed the door of the chapel. Moving inside, the walls of the church were then blessed to the singing of the hymn ‘I will enter his gates’. After the homily, he blessed the altar which was then adorned with the altar cloth and candles. The high point was during the consecration when the bread and wine were turned into the Body and Blood of Christ in the chapel for the first time. – Seminarian Joshua Liew