It is by God’s grace that we are gathered here today, to continue raising our “Mamangkis” as Anak Negeri of this land. We thank God for the unity of the churches in voicing out our common concerns. Indeed we are at the crossroad of many internal and external challenges to us as a multiracial and multi-religious society, and as a Christian community.

Threats from external forces invading our borders and threats from the huge presence of illegal immigrants have constantly reminded us of our vulnerability. However, many a time, our fears and cries are not seriously taken heed of by those in authorities.

Internally, our nation is confronted with unprecedented threat to our Christian faith. Attack on our religious beliefs and practices, even the language we use in our Bible, literatures and worship are under siege.

LIMBAHAU:  Over two hundred Anak Negeri Christians from all churches gathered in the Dewan Fr Amandus, Holy Rosary Church Limbahau, Papar on Aug 8-9 for the “Mamangkis” gathering.

Pastor Esther Golingi of Maranatha church, the overall head of PAN, was present together with other church leaders from Kota Kinabalu and neighbouring districts.

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.