Session on the Year of Mercy for MRSM students

Jul 14, 2016

By Susanna Cordova
The Star of Yahweh Covenant Community (SYCC) of St Mary’s Cathedral held a fellowship for the MRSM and Sekolah Seni students of SMK Elopura Sandakan on Sunday June 19. SYCC is responding to the call of Christian hospitality, always extending a hand to welcome others into the fold.

This time around, SYCC shared about ‘The Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy,” the message of which had a great impact on the students. The talk was facilitated by Michael Lai, an elder of the community. He emphasized on the importance of the word ‘Mercy.’ Pope Francis stressed that the Holy Year of Mercy is to respond to the world’s need for a ‘revolution of tenderness’ from which ‘justice and all the rest derives.’ We are used to hearing bad news, cruel news filled with violence and even horrifying atrocities which offend the name of God as it contradicts the teaching of the faith.

Michael also explained the three themes in the document; First, The Understanding of God’s Mercy, second is To perform Pilgrimage as an ‘impetus conversion’ and third is Justice and Conversion.

STAY (Star of Yahweh Covenant Community Youth) conducted a very touching and moving activity. It was about a conversation with Jesus entitled “Jesus online.” Each student was given paper notes as if Jesus was texting them through whatsapp and they had to respond to every question given by Jesus personally. Many were touched and moved to tears by the short movie shown as they reflected on their own personal experiences.

The activity was adapted from the SYD-4 (4th Sabah Youth Day) in Tawau from June 6 to 10 where STAY members participated. Indeed, the sharings from the students were very encouraging and taught them a lot about being merciful to others, especially to their own family members.

There were also games for students to strengthen their relationship and a praise and worship session to uplift their spiritual growth.

Prior to the activity proper, lunch was served for the students and members of the community. This get together connects people, the students and SYCC members. The community is committed to sharing God’s love and mercy and reaching out to students who are away from home has always been the commitment of the community.

The Year of Mercy is an invitation — an invitation to love, kindness and unbounded generosity. "Encountering mercy means encountering God which can transform your life, your relationships, your work, and your ability to embrace and experience all of life.” (Pope Francis).