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Independence Day celebration for migrants |
| Sep 16 2008 |
31 August 2008
PENANG: As Malaysia celebrates its independence day on 31 Aug, an Independence Day Celebration for migrant workers was organised by the Penang Office for Human Development.
About 200 people turned up for the celebration on August 10, which began with an Eucharistic Celebration. There were Indonesians, Filipinos, Vietnamese, Indians, Pakistanis and Sri Lankan.
The Eucharistic Celebration, in English and Bahasa, was celebrated by Fr Mark Michael at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Penang.
“We must always put our trust in God specially in time of difficulty,” said Fr Mark in his homily. “Remain faithful to God, even in times of our weaknesses. This is because our God is a forgiving God and he is always there to help us.”
Fr Mark also mentioned that migrant workers in Malaysia must make sure that they know their rights. This is important for them so as to uphold justice. He also said that if migrant workers felt that they had been abused by their employers, they should not be afraid to report to a church member or the priest, as the Church will try to help them solve their problems.
During the offertory of gifts, flowers, fruits and a stalk of paddy were offered up to symbolise the unity of different ethnic people as one body of Christ.
After Mass, there was lunch and concert performance. The Indonesians kicked off the concert with a welcoming dance and a song. Filipinos, Indians and Vietnamese also joined in with presentation of songs in their own languages.
Judging by the applause and reaction from the crowd, it looks like everyone enjoyed themselves tremendously, thanks to POHD.
— By Lucia Lai
Last changed: Sep 16 2008 at 10:20 AM
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