Celebrating the differently-abled

Dec 14, 2017

By Eleanor Tennakoon
Archbishop Julian Leow was the main celebrant at the Mass for the Differently-Abled on Dec 3 at St Joseph’s Church. Fr Edwin Paul and parish priest, Fr George Packiasamy were the concelebrants.

In keeping with the theme The Unseen Brought to Light, the differently-abled took an active part in animating the Mass: an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) and the First Reader were wheelchair-bound, the Second Reader has autism and the commentator is visually-impaired. Other differently-abled persons from across the archdiocese (Catholic Ministry to the Deaf, Assisi Beloved Community, Faith & Light and Wheels) also took part as Hospitality Ministers and bearers of the Offertory gifts.

After Mass, there was fun at the Dewan Msgr Anthony Thomas, with various ministries performing. In conjunction with the 10th anniversary of the Eagle’s Wing Ministry at St Joseph’s Church, Archbishop Leow cut a cake and released helium-filled balloons as a sign of joy that differently-abled persons find in the love of Jesus, who enables them to fly beyond their perceived disabilities.

Parishioners and visitors were also able to purchase handcrafted items prepared by the differently-abled from the booths set up around the church grounds. A hearty lunch rounded off the day’s celebrations.