St. Ann's parish celebrates youth day

I was at kampung Tematu joining the youth of St. Ann's parish celebrating SAYD'10 for an evening of vibrant concert on July 17 and the following day for their AGM.

The Chairman of the village chapel, Mr. Michael Rawis, and his committee together with the village head and his development committee must have been working hard to provide for the necessary logistics to take care of more than 300 young people converging at the village for the weekend. I understand more than 40 families offered their assistance in housing the visiting youths. Such hospitality is most commendable and we are truely indepted to the people of Tematu.

Friar Moses Yap was present at the concert to provide spiritual guidance.

Miss Maslinda, the incumbent Chairman of PYM summed up her address beautifully when she said, "all that is good comes from God and whatever short coming, if any, is ours."

Friar Gerard Victor came the next morning to celebrate Mass and attend the AGM. In his address, Friar Gerard called on the youth to come to the fore to serve with responsibility and dedication.

He informed the youth (CYM) from all the villages to response to his letter on how to strengthen CYM. He also appealled for married young people in the villages to continue as members of CYM.

The AGM elected a new team to lead PYM for period 2010 -2013.

Chairman - Christopher Pani

Deputy Chairman - Alexander Andrew Magi

Secretary - Adeline

Assistant Secretary - Linda
Treasurer - Cyril

Assistant Treasurer - Joanna

Sr Felis Ogey's Perpetual Vows

Sr. Felis Ogey from Kampong Bumbok, St. Ann's Parish took her perpetual vows at the Church of St. Peter, Padungan, Kuching on 29th May 2010 in the presence of her parents and relatives from kampong Bumbok, Tematu and Semeba.

Sr Felis is my first cousin twice removed from her mother's side.

Pre-Gawai celebration at St. Ann

The Pre-Gawai Mass celebration on May 21, 2010 was the best ever. The parishioners came in full force, proudly showcasing their rich Dayak cultural heritage at the celebration of the Pre-Gawai Mass, fellowship dinner and cultural entertainment.

The Baruk and the peripheral buildings, decorated with motifs and artefacts were transformed into a Dayak ‘Longhouse’. The reception and celebration was typical of the trademark of the Dayaks as one would experience in a longhouse.

The celebration kicked off at about 7.40 PM with the reception of the guest of honour, Friar Gerard Victor OFM and other guests at the main entrance to St. Ann's Church by the organising committee members, led by the Chairman, Puan Bridget Patrick. The entourage walked up closely behind the dancers to the ‘Longhouse’. The people who have gathered at the Baruk gave their rousing welcome.

The Mass started at 8.00 PM with Friar Gerard summing it all in his homily, “I came, I saw and I am amazed. Your cooperation, your ability to work together united as a team and fostering relationship can help others to experience the presence of Christ in you.”

Later the petitions were read in different dialects and languages by five representatives representing the various ethnics. The presentation of the gifts was by six young maidens from RPR Landeh dancing to the beats of the gong.

After the Mass Friar Gerard Victor, donning Bidayuh costumes and other guests made their way to the ‘Ruai’. At the entrance, they were served with tuak, the traditional rice wine and when seated they were served with traditional delicacies. On the stage, young maidens performed the welcome dance. This was followed by the welcoming address by the event organising chairman, Puan Bridget Patrick and the opening ceremony by Friar Gerard Victor, beating the gong three times.

The fellowship dinner that evening was a splendid fare, courtesy of families as they shared freely with others. It truly reflected the diversity and generosity of the parishioners.

The evening continued with cultural performances by enthusiastic young performers from Taman Greenwood, Taman Duranda, St Joachim 12^th Mile, Taman Sri Muhibbah and RPR Landeh. To cap an enjoyable evening, the guests sportingly joined the long dance.

The hard work by all concern had really made the evening a lasting impression. Thank you to all and HAPPY GAWAI!

Caption to pictures:
1. Arrival of Guests
2. Presentation of gifts & dance
3 and 4. - Committee members acknowledged thanks from the congregation
5. Guests- from left, Friar Joseph Lee, Robert Josem, Friar Gerard and Martin Nyibomb
6. Friar Gerard Victor OFM giving his usual short and concise address
7. Sr. Irmina Peter (right) in Orang Ulu costumes
8. Sr. Antionette (3rd left) in Bidayuh costumes
9. Presentation by Taman Greenwood
10. Presentation by Taman Duranda
11. Presentation by St Joachim 12th Mile
12 & 13. Presentation by Taman Sri Muhibbah
14. Presentation by RPR Landeh

Tematu organises fund-raising dinner

St. John De Brebeaf's Chapel, Kampong Tematu held a fund-raising dinner at Hunco Restaurant, Mile 13, Kuching Serian Road on 30th April, 2010. Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister's Department YB Tan Joon Phoi was the guest of honour.
According to Mr. Michael Rawis, the Chairman of the Church, the purpose of the dinner was to raise fund for the extension and improvement works. Work had started to enlarge the Church to accommodate 900 people from the present capacity of 300. So far the committee had spent more than RM19, 000.
The dinner, the second since last year, was to raise at least RM30,000. The Assistant Minister made the task easier by allocating RM10,000 from the Government fund.
Friar Gerard Victor OFM, the Rector of St. Ann's Parish

extended Happy Easter greetings to all and appealed to them to show their generosity for our brothers and sisters in Tematu. He also congratulated the organisers for the hard work and wished them God's blessings.

FLM organises Family Seminar at Kampong Gayu

The Family Life Ministry of St. Ann's Parish organised a one-day family seminar at the Chapel of St. Joseph, Kampong Gayu on 25th April, 2010 for the community from Kampong Gayu and Serumah. A total of 191 people comprised largely of couples and young adults attended the seminar. The organisers were delighted with the good attendance and interactive participation.

The session was preceded with the celebration of the Mass presided by Friar Joseph Lee OFM.

Mr. Anthony Aton, the Chairman of the Family Life Ministry informed that this was the second seminar from a series of five scheduled for the year. The first was held at Kampong Sentah on 28th February. The remaining three will be at kampong Timurang (27th June), kampong Stabut (29th August) and Kampong Payang (31st October).
Inconclusion, Mr. John Dosim, the Chairman of St. Joseph's Chapel Committe presented gifts, fruit baskets, to all the facilitators, namely, Mr. Anthony Aton, Mr. Robert Josem, Mr. Martyn Patit, Mr. Griffin Edem, Mr. Andrew Megi, Mr. Kevin Kawen ans Mr. Stephen Jawum.

A visit to Franciscan Sister's Generalate, Kuching

They said a picture paints a thousand words.

I have taken many pictures, saved in many files in the computer but never developed into hard copies. As time past I would open those files and recollect the fond memories of the occasions or events. Most times, though, I would not recall the names or when the events took place. Getting old has its setback.

So before I forget what those pictures are I better do something about them. Writing a short storyline I must.

This time though, I must thank my old dairy which I still keep.

On January 8, 2007 Friar Joseph Goh OFM, then the Rector of St. Ann's Parish, invited me to join him for a visit to the Franciscan Sister's Generalate at St. Teresa's Convent, Kuching. He said, "let visit Sr. Adriana Tiong, the recently elected Superior General for a courtesy call." I also recalled that Friar Gerard Victor OFM, Friar Moses Yap OFM were present as well, though for a separate visit. The two of them were accompanying Friar Stephen Bliss OFM, the Provincial Minister of Holy Spirit Province, Brisbane, Australia, who was on a working visit.

Sr. Adriana and the Councillors were on hand to receive us, showed us around and briefed us on her new massive responsibility not akin to her previous charge in Sibu.

As a token of an appreciation for her hospitality, Friar Joseph Goh OFM prompted me to present a picture of Saint Anne and the Blessed Mother to Sr. Adriana Tiong.

All ended well with a simple yet sumptuous lunch, courtesy of Mother General.







Pic 1. Sr. Adriana Tiong graciously accepting the souvenir

Pic 2. Beaming and proudly showing the picture to appreciative Councillors.

Pic 3. Reading the caption.Friar Joseph Goh OFM (left) and Sr. Irmina Peter (right).