Double joy at SFDS Church, Sitiawan

Dec 11, 2014

By D.M.C Durairaj
The mufti-lingual Eucharistic celebration for Confirmation and First Holy Communion on Nov 23 was celebrated by His Lordship Bishop Rt Rev Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang diocese and concelebrated with Fr Vincent Paul, parish priest. There were 25 candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation, and another 23 receiving their 1st Holy Communion. The presence of his Lordship made the event very significant.

This year, the feast of Christ the King (23.11.2014) was somewhat different for the parishioners of Sitiawan. It was a beautiful Sunday morning and the celebration was very unique as the whole parish came to witness and encourage their children who were receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation and also children who were receiving their First Holy Communion.

The candidates had responded enthusiastically in attending a preparatory camp for confirmation on 15 and 16 Nov. at Teluk Batik, a beach resort near Lumut. Their facilitators were Mr Robinson Fernandez , Mr Peter Francis and Mr Paul Ling.

The Holy Communion camp was held on 16th Nov. in the church itself, under the guidance of Sr Rita from the IJ Convent, Sitiawan. All the candidates, both the confirmands and the First Holy Communicants, received the Sacrament of Reconciliation from Fr Vincent Paul.

Bishop Sebastian’s homily was very meaningful, especially to the East Malaysians, when he stressed in Bahasa the missionary enthusiasm. He said the seal of the Holy Spirit is sanctification for mission, and the gift of the Holy Spirit is the source for every mission. This was how we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. We, in the diocese of Penang, must be prepared to go out to carry the mission work under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Every effort towards the mission will be a success with the cooperation of the Holy Spirit. No matter what difficulties may arise, we will succeed under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Some may render valuable services in the church, but this is not mission. Mission should be in the world outside. He informed the confirmands that confirmation means to speak the word of God. Confirmation simply means that they are full members of the church. With the power of the Holy Spirit, they must be able to share the Gospel to others.

Before the end of the celebration, representatives from the confirmands and the first communicants thanked all those who were responsible for preparing them for this great day. They very specially thanked His Lordship for his kind presence and also Fr Vincent Paul for his guidance to the teachers and candidates.

Before the final blessing, his Lordship congratulated all the candidates and also those who were responsible in preparing them.

Refreshments were served after mass at the school hall where his Lordship presented the certificates.