KK Religious organise low-key celebration of 19th WDCL

KOTA KINABALU – Religious serving in the Kota Kinabalu Archdiocese organised a low-keyed celebration of the 19th World Day for Consecrated Life (WDCL) on 2 Feb 2016 at the Carmelite Chapel here.  Archbishop John Wong presided at the Mass, concelebrated with Abp Emeritus John Lee.

The slight drizzle prevented the religious from having the blessing of candles followed by a procession outside the chapel so they had to squeeze into the small porch at the entrance of the chapel.  Nevertheless the religious had a simple but meaningful celebration.

In his homily, the presider touched on the three groups of people present at the presentation of the child Jesus in the temple: Joseph and Mary – simple and law-abiding parents; Simeon and Anna representing the faithful remnant of the Jewish people; and the indifferent crowd who are unmindful of what is happening around them.  He posed a question to the congregation: which of the three groups of people do they belong?

After the homily the religious led by Council of Religious Chairperson Sr Christine Henry renewed their consecration while holding lighted candles.

After the Mass, Abp Emeritus Lee took the opportunity to congratulate the religious for the occasion.  He was not able to join them during the closing of the Consecrated Life Year earlier on Jan 31.

Then all the religious proceeded to the Daughters of St Paul convent below the hill for the fellowship meal sponsored by the Carmelite Nuns as their contribution toward the occasion.  They also sponsored the candles.