Tawau pastor says all are gifted with faith in the Holy Trinity

TAWAU – The pastor of Holy Trinity Church here said the faithful have been gifted with faith in the Holy Trinity.

“We are all blessed for God has gifted us with the faith of believing in the most controversial statement by most religions,” Msgr Nicholas Ong said in his homily on Trinity Sunday, 11 June 2017.

Msgr Ong explained, “Our faith teaches us very clearly that The Holy Trinity is the mystery of love, communion and peace, which is visible in the person of Christ, our God and Saviour.”

He continued,  “By His suffering, death and resurrection, God is with us in the form of the Holy Spirit. By God’s grace and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, we are indeed in communion with God. You do not see the full meaning of the Trinity but you experience it around us.”

The pastor urged the parishioners to share the mystery of the Trinity to others, the mystery that is tangible in “the unity and communion that we build with the people around us.”

Referring to the Vision and Mission of the Diocese, Msgr Ong stressed the importance of unity in diversity, and the need to journey together to achieve the Vision as “One Big Family” of God, which was also the theme for this year’s parish feast day celebration.

After Mass, all adjourned to the parish hall for fellowship, which was spiced up with some cultural presentations by the various groups.

The gathering, which was attended by over a thousand parishioners, also included a short sharing on the Vision and Mission of the Diocese presented by Mario (on the Vision statement) and Julita (on the Mission statement).

The presentation of the Vision and Mission Statement was to enhance the awareness and understanding of the parishioners of its existence and purpose, as well as their role in making the Vision and Mission a success.

In spite of the inclement weather, parishioners gathered from far and near, from the various communities, groups, ministries and the nearby chapels. The participation of St Clement Brantian and St Thomas Bombalai from Kalabakan, and St Jude from Semporna added to the number and merriment of the event.

Msgr Nicholas Ong expressed his gratitude to all parishioners for their effort and unity in celebrating the parish feast day and in fully participating in the liturgy by the various groups. The different colourful costumes were a symbol of the unity, understanding and friendship that exist among the faithful.

There was the usual anniversary cake cutting ceremony, followed by lunch and then games for the families. The parish event ended with a closing prayer by Franciscan Sister Martha. – Julita Kantod