Lent is all about almsgiving

Apr 24, 2014

By Sheila Rose Darmaraj
About 100 people from 60 poor families of diverse faiths living in Butterworth were treated to a day of entertainment, lunch and supplies of rice and mee hoon. Among them were some blind and handicapped. The children below 12 years were given goodie bags.

The event began with Noel Stevens, the liturgical representative of the Love Squad, greeting the participants and welcoming them to the event.

Fr. Victor, the parish priest of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (NBVM) officially opened the event. He thanked all the invited families for coming. He explained that it is in the poor that we see Christ, quoting Mt 25:40 that “whatever you did to the least of my brethren, you did it for me.” Therefore “it is in you we see Jesus” he told the participants. A cake cutting ceremony was included to welcome Fr.Victor back after leave due to health reasons.

Peter Baskaran from the Penang Diocese for Migrant Ministry shared briefly on the relevance of the event. He explained that “God loves each one of us. This gathering is about sharing God’s love with one another.” He said that we are to be the light in the world. Our call is to spread this light in the midst of all the darkness, to bring joy and happiness to all. To affirm that love of God, he asked all gathered to turn to each other and greet each other with the words “God loves you.” He also asked the participants to contact Julian Lawrence the representative for the Parish Human Development Committee for any further assistance they may require from the Church.

Following that the participants were entertained. First there was a cultural dance presented by the Tamil Catechism teachers, followed by another from the Migrant Ministry for the Indonesians and Filipinos. One young parishioner serenaded the participants with a Tamil song. Bro. Jason, a third year student at the Capuchin Congregation in the Philippines who is on a study break, shared briefly about gratitude. He said that we have to be grateful for everything in life.

The guests were then served lunch. After lunch they held hands and sang the song “Heal the World.” Some shed tears of joy to be part of the event. Rajeswari, and Joseph Soon expressed their gratitude for having been invited. The organisers, represented by Jacqueline and Noel, were very touched to be thanked for organizing the event. After the distribution of rations, the participants were sent home.