+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

 
KOTA PADAWAN – 27 July was both a day of celebration and a day of sales for the parishioners of St Ann’s Parish. It was a feast day celebration to honour the patron saint of the Parish and to raise funds for the Parish. The event drew a big number of parishioners who came from all over the vast Parish. 

     The celebration began with a Holy Mass held at the Parish’s baruk (crescent-shaped multi-purpose hall). The Mass was concelebrated by five Franciscan Friars, including Friar Stephen Bliss OFM the Minister Provincial who come to Sarawak to preside over the Parish celebration. 

     This year’s gathering marked the fourth time that this annual event has been held since the Parish was entrusted to the care of the Franciscan Friars. Also joining the celebration were several sisters of the Sisters of St Francis of Sarawak.

     In his sermon Fr Stephen Bliss said it gave him a great joy to be present and to see such a huge gathering of the faithful. He noted that it was evident that the parishioners treated the celebration as very important because so many had made the effort to come. He called the celebration not only as one to honour the feast day of St Ann but also an event that beckoned the parishioners to celebrate the feast of the community.

     During the Holy Mass about 30 communion ministers and more than 100 prayer leaders renewed their commitments before the Minister Provincial.

     For the offertory the gifts were presented by gift bearers dressed in native costumes to the sounds of the beating of gongs and drums. They also performed a cultural dance in front of the altar.

     The Holy Mass was followed by fund-raising activities, mainly in the sale of jungle produce, food, religious and items. The parish house grounds was like a bazaar that was swarming with people. The proceeds from the sale went to the Parish fund.

 
By Justin Kirim