Respond to God’s call in the new norm

The 22nd Catholic Campus Day (HWK-22, Hari Warga Kampus) this year will further help Catholic campus students accept the current situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lead them to continue to dare to respond to God’s calls in the new norms despite various challenges.

Nov 28, 2020

KOTA KINABALU: The 22nd Catholic Campus Day (HWK-22, Hari Warga Kampus) this year will further help Catholic campus students accept the current situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lead them to continue to dare to respond to God’s calls in the new norms despite various challenges.

For the first time this year, the HWK-22 programme was held online via Zoom application. It was well received with the participation of 487 campus students as well as the presence of the Archbishop of Kota Kinabalu, Archbishop John Wong.

The Archbishop said he was proud of the campus students for daring to accept the challenge by organising HWK-22 which relies solely on media technology.

Archbishop Wong urged them to reflect and seek God’s message to the world and leave to God all the worries by living the theme of HWK-22.

This HWK-22 was held for two weeks from Oct 30 - Nov 1 and then resumed on Nov 7-8, with the theme Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12).

HWK-22 began with a live streamed Mass, celebrated by Fr Paul Lo, parish priest of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Many programmes have been prepared in line with the theme of HWK22.

Sr Suzan Guntabid, FSIC   touched on My Mental Health  where she shared 15 stories that affect human mental health, especially in this new norm.

They also invited Alexander Jiran from Kota Belud parish, to give a session on My Faith and Prayer Life. He shared his prayer life experience and emphasised  that prayer is a very important part in a Catholic’s life and should go along by faith that is essential to strengthen our personality and relationship with God.

Other than that, participants had the opportunity to share in small groups, praise and worship  together, play games, etc.

Fr Nicholas Stephen, parish priest of St Peter Claver, Ranau celebrated the closing Mass. “We are the temple of God. When you leave university, you become a witness of Christ who is willing to sacrifice and dare to face challenges. Do not be afraid to testify, because Jesus is with you. Do not be afraid, because Jesus has risen and is present in the midst of us all, ” said in his homily.

During the CMCO, some have complained that the church was closed and many church activities have to be cancelled. Fr Nicholas explained that we are the Church. The Church will never be closed because we, the living Temple, continue the works of God’s salvation.

The main challenge during this programme was poor Internet connection. However, it did not stop people from participating in HWK-22.

The students remained thankful to God for HWK, which is celebrated joyfully every year. Due to the current situation now, we have to meet virtually but God still works at every moment in every situation. — HWK-22 Team

Total Comments:0

Name
Email
Comments