Limbahau celebrates Kaamatan Festival moderately

LIMBAHAU – Parishioners of Holy Rosary Church here celebrated Kaamatan (harvest festival) on a moderate scale this year on 30 May 2017.

Joining Father Thomas Madanan at the altar was Father Thomas Yip.

The celebration themed My Family, BEC, and My Church began with a procession of the congregation from the rectory to the church, accompanied by Togunggak music and cultural dancers.

Inside the church, the ceremony began with the symbolic harvesting the paddy stalks (mongotob) by both priests and putting them into the storage bin (tangkob).  Fr Madanan blessed the harvests and beat the gong to mark the beginning of the harvest festival (magavau).

Mass began the usual way.

In his homily, Fr Madanan said that this year’s theme “My Family, BECs, and My Church” is based on   the hope of continuous family renewal, and in enduring pastoral challenges, just like what St Paul experienced and encountered in spreading the Gospel at all costs in the power of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth.

He added that the essence of the Kaamatan celebration is unity in Jesus and his Word, thanksgiving for the gift of life and service to the church.

After the Mass, all adjourned to the Fr Augustine Amandus Hall for lunch and a programme prepared by the Kaamatan organising committee.

The outstation youth presented a drama on Huminodun while a children’s choir sang Our Lady of Fatima and Fr Madanan rendered a Kimaragang song.

One of the items was a bible quiz for the participants of the traditional food and beverages which drew excitement from the crowd.

Prizes were presented to the winners by Fr Madanan assisted by Sylvester Joseph,  chairman of the parish pastoral council.

The event ended with the sumazau dance by all present.  – William Charles Mindus/SOCCOM Papar- Limbahau