Elect encouraged to emulate Christ in facing challenges

A total of 1,125 catechumens, from parishes across the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu, gathered at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on March 9 for the Rite of Election.

Mar 28, 2025


KOTA KINABALU:
A total of 1,125 catechumens, from parishes across the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu, gathered at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on March 9 for the Rite of Election. Among them, 102 catechumens were part of the English, Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese, and hearing-impaired RCIA groups from the cathedral.

During this rite, which marked the conclusion of the Period of the Catechumenate, Archbishop John Wong accepted the godparents’ testimony and acknowledged the catechumens’ affirmation of their intention to join the Catholic Church. He received the names of the catechumens, as listed in the Book of the Elect, each presented by their RCIA representative and accompanied by their parish priest. At the climax of the ceremony, the archbishop declared the catechumens to be the elect of God, chosen for the Sacraments of Initiation. These catechumens, now known as “the elect,” will enter the Period of Purification and Enlightenment ? a final, intense stage of preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation.

In his homily, the archbishop encouraged all the elect to engage in deep introspection, reflecting on their readiness and faith as they prepare for the Sacraments of Initiation. Drawing from the Gospel of Luke 4:1–13, which recounts how Jesus resisted the temptations of the devil, the archbishop emphasised that the catechumens should emulate Christ in facing challenges and hold steadfast to the Word of God as their strength in daily life.

The prelate reminded the catechumens that their spiritual growth and readiness must be nurtured through everyday practices — such as forgiving others, being faithful in prayer, helping those in need, living in obedience, and maintaining a moral life grounded in Christ’s teachings.

Lastly, he urged the godparents and all present to accompany the elect with their prayers and support during this important time of preparation. SHC Soccom/Archdiocesan Media

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Catholicatbirth
Dear Catechumens of Sabah/ Kota Kinabalu etc Confident the Lord was calling you to be his chosen one. Besides what Archbishop John Wong advised you, there are some other aspects you need to know as the RCIA facilitators could have overlooked. Hope they read this out to you. IThey are as follows:- #Always pray for your vocation; whether is married life, religious life or single life. If it is marriage, please choose a fellow Catholic as your partner, so that your home will be a fully Catholic family having the essential family prayer, going to church on Sunday and feast days together as a family and praying before meals. These prayers will sustain a home. # Be mindful to have a strong bond with the Lord. How? Read and pray through the scriptures, do adoration often listening to what he wants to tell you and what you want him to know and everyday personal prayer rosary/Divine Mercy chaplet, novenas) etc for at least one hour in your private room. Do online retreats by retreat priests from Kerala India regularly. These preachers are based in Australia, US, UK etc. Such retreats will change your mentality foremost which is crucial given you are a Catholic now. Besides, the retreats will help you deepen your faith. #Do not hesitate to go for confession as when the spirit prompts you as no one here is a saint who only needs to go for confession twice in a year. In fact, the retreat priests go for confession at least twice in a month! so who are we? # Sign yourself with Holy Water as you enter a church and genuflect before you go into your pew. The Catholic church is unlike other "churches and hopping malls or theatres". Remember the Lord is truly present at the tabernacle!. #Finally, stand up for justice at work place/offices and neighbourhood and public places. Do not condone racism and bullying for Christ is in you and he is watching you. If you let him down, you will never be at peace and you will find it hard to pray and your sins will weaken your faith. Be true to your faith always! God Bless.