Church's Special Event - Parents' Day

As with all Catholic events, it MUST start with a high mass. The parishioners were delighted by the presence of His Lordship, the Bishop of Penang Diocese, Rev Anthony Selvanayagam; the Monsignor, Rev Stephen Liew; Rev Michael Dass, Rev Nelson and the Parish Priest, Rev Jude Miranda.

This were part of the parish's youths - the torch bearers of the future. Alas! They are getting fewer and fewer. We are not multiplying fast enough to replenish the aged and the deceased.

Mr Chang Seng and wife presented a Chinese number. An appreciative son, James, presenting MUM with a bouquet.

These were the people who worked behind the scene. " The Marthas" They sweated and toiled to produce several hundreds pieces of "tosai'' and "capatis" on the spot to whet the prishioners' appetite. Y s takes his hat off to these "Marthas." ( Sorry the pic is very blurr.)

Lots of "hello", catching up, tete-a-tete and fellowship.

Interactive games for the fathers. "Hei, I'm short by only one mark!!!" "Haiyo...no complainlah. You lost means you lost looor....!"

The happy fathers coming home from their shopping trip.

The happy mothers lining up for their games.

This is an article written by yours sincerely to "Herald" about the parish event and some photos for you to view.

Church Of St Michael's, Alor Star, First Special Event

Alor Star, 8 May, 2008.

The parishioners of the Church of St Michael, Alor Star and their sister Chapel of Our Lady of Good Health, Jabi Estate, celebrated their first special event, Parents’ Day, with the view to strengthen filial responsibility and mend strained relationship between parents and children since the families are the essential cells making up the various BECs.

The event started with a Eucharistic Celebration concelebrated by His Lordship Bishop Anthony Selvanayagam; Monsignor Stephen Liew ; Rev Michael Dass and Rev Joseph Nelson, from the neighbouring Church of Risen Christ, Sg. Petani; and Rev Jude Miranda, the Parish Priest. Several touching testimonies on parents and their sacrifices were given by the parishioners . A video presentation on a caesarian child delivery wetted many eyes, but the numerous video clips on parents' profiles in the parish brought laughters. These were the projects of the youths.

In his sermon, the Bishop spoke at length and with a generous dose of humour, on the crying need for parents to be strongly rooted in Christ like the vines and their branches. He congratulated the parents for taking up the challenge of parenthood and exalted them to enjoy their parenthood by being strongly rooted and integrated in Christ. He further challenged the parents to be surprised by God if they faithfully remained in Him. “Live that full life with your husband, wife and children. Falling is natural. Getting up, struggling and continuing the journey is even more natural. Pay the price and accept the challenge of parenthood,” the Bishop encouraged the faithful. He further suggested the formation of a “Parents’ Group” in the parish to share, counsel and help each other in parenting. The sermon was translated to Mandarin by Monsignor Stephen Liew.

Numerous family interactive games were played to strengthen inter and intra family bond. Carolina Fay, the game chairperson, commented that she had been encouraged by the interest and participation of the parishioners from across the language groups and BECs. Many pairs of parents presented inspirational songs on family and children. A lovely couple, Sivan and Anne Lotey, presented the song “When you tell me that you love me” to the delight of the audience. The parishioners also celebrated Rev Fr Michael Dass’, a frequent visitor to the parish, birthday with cake cutting and songs in the midst of colourful fireworks. To appreciate the co-operation of the parishioners in the recent Diocesan BEC Census taking, Clara Victor was awarded the Oldest Mother in the parish and she received a prize from His Lorship.

Maria Arokiam, the Organizing Chairman, was glad that this year’s Parish Special event also saw a lot of enthusiasm and involvement of more youths. He commented that “ Perhaps, this is their way of showing their appreciation to their parents.” Rev Jude Miranda’s closing speech included a heart felt appreciation to the parishioners of Jabi Estate for preparing a variety of delicious food and also elaborately serving them on banana leaves for those above 65.

By

Thomas Chua