KOTA KINABALU: Social communicators from the nine Catholic dioceses in…
New nativity set blessed after Midnight Mass at SHC
KOTA KINABALU – The new life-size nativity set at Sacred Heart Cathedral here was blessed after the Christmas Midnight Mass on 24 Dec 2016.
Archbishop John Wong blessed the nativity set located on the island between the cathedral and the parish centre after the Mass.
Over a thousand faithful participated in the Mass commemorating the birth of Jesus and witnessed the blessing.
It was a relief to note that the nativity scene was faithful to the Lukan version of the birth narrative in its simplicity with only the shepherds and few animals present at the first Christmas.
After the gospel proclamation, Abp Wong carried Baby Jesus to the nativity set outside while Father Joshua Liew laid the baby on the manger. The prelate then sprinkled holy water and incensed the manger. However, the rite of blessing was carried out after the Mass.
Prior to the Mass the English Choir and Friends entertained the faithful with their annual cantata themed Emmanuel Has Come! Joy to the World!