NBVM Feast Day 2019: DAY 1- Missionaries of Peace
Flag Raising
During the flag raising Fr. Dom prayed that raising of the flag of Our Blessed Mother, would remind us to raise our hearts to heaven and follow in her mission of doing God’s will.
The mass was presided by Fr. Dom, the Parish Priest and con celebrated with Fr. Thomas Khoo.
Homily
In his homily on the theme “mission of unity in diversity”, Fr. Dom reminded the congregation that we are called to be ambassadors of peace and unity. In a world where ‘divide and rule’ policy enables one to sustain power, we need to be the unifying force. He said that history taught us how the colonial powers ruled by dividing the nation, today we see history repeating itself where division has become a tool in gaining political mileage.
He explained that the first step to becoming a missionary of peace is to accept who we are- our own diversity in race, ethnicity and culture. It is when we learn to accept ourselves that we can accept others too. We need to acknowledge that we live in a diverse society and appreciate and embrace our rich cultural diversity.
Secondly, we need to acknowledge that we are one community in Christ. God created man and woman- human beings without any division. So as his disciples, we need be the ambassadors of his will- missionaries of peace and unity.
Fr. Dom reminded that as we celebrate our “Hari Merdeka” tomorrow, we need to be united. He urged the people not to bring politics of race into the church but rather embrace and celebrate the rich diversity of culture, language and traditions. He emphasized that we can be ambassadors of peace through the way we live our lives. When we live and mingle in peace and harmony with people of different races and creed, we witness to the world that despite our difference we are one – children of God.
Fr. Dom shared that he and Fr. Louis enjoy the diversity in their culture and race and so must all the parishioners.
Adoration
Fellowship
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