IPOH (Herald Malaysia): Praise God for His love to you, and ask yourself how closely you are following Jesus. This advent message was given by St Michael’s Church assistant parish priest, Fr Anthony Chong. He said this during his homily at a Mass celebrating the 43rd sacerdotal anniversary of his priestly ordination at St Michael’s Church here on Dec 8, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Mass was celebrated by SMC parish priest Msgr Stephen Liew, and Fr Chong concelebrated. Fr Chong reminded the people that in Advent, it is important for people to remember to thank God for sending His Son to save us. Ask God to guide us, to increase our response and obedience during Advent, just as Mary did, he said.

“Salvation history shows the merciful love of God who made man so special with intelligence and willpower. “It is this power given to us, which killed Jesus. But God gave us a second chance, so that maybe mankind will appreciate creation. “Man failed the first time, but God’s mercy in giving us a second chance always is a reminder of his love.

“Christmas is a special grace, and a reminder to us. Do we follow Jesus, and do we welcome Jesus? “God says the son of God is coming. Mary was chosen to be the mother of Jesus, who is fully man and fully God. That is why we have the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. “It is a special privilege for us to prepare for the coming of Jesus at Christmas and we should be thankful.

“For these 43 years, God called me to proclaim, like Mary, the goodness of the Lord. So we must continue to thank God for his plan for us and continue to praise Him,” he said. After Mass, many parishioners, including St Michael’s Latin Choir which had sung for the Mass, came forward to congratulate Fr Chong, and wish him well, giving him gifts of appreciation.