Note:
News from parishes are provided with links only. Click on the link, and it will take you directly to the parish page of the news.
News unrelated to parishes can be read here (scroll down, after all the links)
Migrant Sunday celebration |
| Oct 13 2009 |
11 October
350 people, most of them Indonesians turned up for the 1st South Perak District Diocesan Migrant Sunday celebration on the 20 Sept. at Church of St Mary, Tapah. which was organized by the Diocesan Migrant Workers Support Center, under Penang Office for Human Development.. The theme for the celebration was ‘St Paul Migrant, Apostles of the People’.
The event began with a Mass in Bahasa Malaysia, presided over by parish priest, Fr. Vincent Paul. The whole Mass was animated by the Indonesians. A day before the Mass, the Indonesians were already at the Church for Choir practice. They came in buses to practice and stay overnight at the hosting church.
In Fr. Vincent Pauls’ homily he touch on the the role of St. Paul. as a migrant who went from country to country to preach the Good News. He said that Jesus was once a migrant too, who went from town to town to preach the Good News. Jesus and his disciples, like St Paul, travel around with the main aim to preach the Good News so that all those who all those who believe in Him, will gain salvation to eternal life.
After Mass, as everyone gathered at the hall, Mr Edwardo, an Indonesian, the one responsible for coordinating the whole event, began with a welcoming speech. He also introduced the migrant leaders from the North, Central and South Perak District.
An Indonesian Pesta Folk Song from Indonesia opens the way for entertainment and fun thus creating the Indonesian Pesta atmosphere with cheers and clapping of hands. Lots of traditional tribal dances from different islands of Indonesia were presented. The games were coordinated by Ruth Mary Paul of Diocesan Migrant Workers Support Centre to further bring the migrants together.
Lunch was served with good tasty home cooked from catered from Kampar, Perak.. After lunch, Stanley, migrant officer from Penang Office for Human Development gave a presentation about the Diocesan Migrant Ministry. He explained what are the steps the Diocese had taken to help, guide and lend support to Migrants.
The participants in this event came from Penang, Central & South Perak, especially from the parishes of Tapah, Teluk Intan and Kampar. It was strongly supported by the parish priests of South Perak district as they provided bus transport for the Indonesians. A BIG TERIMA KASIH to Fr.Charles Chin, Fr.Francis Andrew and Fr.Vincent Paul for their encouragements and preparation with the Migrant Leaders. Apart from the support from the parish priests, the event was also made successful with the support of Pastoral Care Givers of the 3 Districts – Mr.Augustin from Bidor,Slim River and others, Mr.Maria Francis of Tapah and Mrs.Patricia Rowland from Kampar and team of volunteers.
A Big THANK YOU goes to all these people who supported the event and especially to the Indonesians who turned up in full force, dedication and commitment and selfless sacrifices.
Last changed: Oct 13 2009 at 11:09 AM
Back