Year in year out migrants have thronged our shores for search of a better life. Year in year out various interest groups, including the EMI have taken in cognizance and documented the numerous problems and challenges that the migrant community have faced in the course of finding that better life in our countries. Yet, the issues that plague and oppress the migrant community remain and persist. It would be understandable if proponents of migrant rights feel a sense of frustration in dealing with these issues. Maybe even a sense of failure.

I am reminded of the words of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Theresa) – “We are not called to be successful. We are called to be faithful”. We would do well in taking heed of these words which reminds us that even as the world judges all our efforts in terms of how much ‘success’ we have chalked up, God only requires us to be persistent in carrying out His will including reaching out to migrants and their families in their time of need and desolation.

PAPAR  – One hundred and fifty Sunday School and RCIA facilitators from Penampang Zone comprising parishes from Penampang, Terawi and Dontozidon converged for a recollection and catechetical gathering  at Pace Bene, Papar Aug 1-3.

The event was organized by the catechetical committees from the three parishes together with the Archdiocesan Catechetical Commission in preparation for Catechetical Sunday which would be celebrated on Sep 21.

LIMBANAK – In conjunction with the local observance of  Catechetical Sunday on September 21, the Catechetical Committee of St Aloysius Limbanak, Penampang, together with the Archdiocesan Catechetical Commission, organised an Awareness Seminar at the parish hall of St Aloysius Limbanak on 27 Jul 2014.

Among the 300 participants who turned up for the seminar were teenagers from the Sunday School, Confirmation candidates, RCIA catechumens, SPM and STPM  school leavers, those preparing for further studies in higher learning institutes and especially those students going for further studies outside Sabah, parents, Sunday School teachers and other youths.

TANJUNG ARU – The Eucharistic Adoration Ministry of Stella Maris organized a talk entitled “Be Near To God” at Stella Maris Church Jul 19, which was presented by Friar Francisco Jude Basnayake, OFM.

Friar Francisco is currently undergoing his priesthood formation in Singapore.  Interestingly, his own faith has been formed in the parish of Stella Maris and his parents are both members of the Eucharistic Adoration Ministry. 

Few in Sabah will now remember Father Willem Roetenberg, but he was, together with Br. Ben Snoeren and Br John Hoekstra, the founder of Bundu Tuhan Mission station, a place that was his first love as a missionary priest and the place that he longed to return to for the rest of his life, but was not able to.

Fr Paul Lo has just completed a 4-year licentiate study in Rome and returned to Sabah to take up pastoral assignment in the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu.  He has recently been assigned to assist in the parish of St Catherine Inanam effective mid-August. On being approached by CS to share his 4-year long experience, he graciously obliged.  

I give thanks to the Lord for his faithful love towards me.  After four and a half years’ (June 2005 to April 2010) pastoral assignment in St Mary’s Parish, Sandakan, the then Archbishop John Lee (now Emeritus) obtained a four-year scholarship (June 2010 to June 2014  from the Propaganda Fidei for me to do my licentiate study in Rome.

In conjunction with the local observance of Migrant Sunday on 28 September, 2014

The Holy Family in Exile

The exiled Holy Family of Nazareth, fleeing into Egypt, is the archetype of every refugee family. Jesus, Mary and Joseph are for all times and all places, the models and protectors of every migrant, pilgrim and refugee of whatever kind who, whether compelled by fear of persecution or by want, is forced to leave his native land, his beloved parents and relatives, his close friends, and to seek a foreign soil.(1)