Christmas Gathering for the Seniors
“Today is the appropriate day for you, senior citizens, to gather to celebrate Christmas and the New Year because today, we the Malaysian Church, launched the Extraordinary Year of Mission”, were the welcoming words of Rev. Fr. Louis Loi, Assistant Parish Priest of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (NBVM) to about 100 senior parishioners of different language gathered at the NBVM parish hall on 6 January 2019.
Fr. Loi continued to say that the senior parishioners of NBVM form the powerhouse of prayer and blessing to the parish, for when they are sick and suffering they can offer up their suffering to the Lord and the Lord will surely hear their prayers. Moreover, they are a blessing because they can bless their children and grandchildren as the Israelites were told to do so by God (Num6:22-27).
Owing to some technical problems the celebration kicked off only at 7.00pm. Despite the half-hour delay, the parishioners were in high spirits as they gathered for their first Pot-bless dinner, mooted by Rev. Fr. Dominic, the Parish Priest.
After the opening prayer by Fr. Loi, all present sang a Christmas carol “ Angels we have heard on high” led by Patricia and Fr. Loi, accompanied by Jason, Joshua and Norman at the guitar. This was followed by a rendition of a medley of Christmas carols by the Tamil choir that received a thunderous applause. Then it was time for all to adjourn for dinner.
As it was a pot-bless dinner, the parishioners were spoilt for choice. There were about fifty dishes including desserts spread out for feasting. Fr. Dominic took his place behind the food counter to serve those present while Fr. Loi seized the opportunity to mingle around. There was more than ample, even enough to ‘tapau’ home.
Next, the parishioners were invited to participate in an action game on different types of ball games. Though it took a while for them to get the hang of the game, once they warmed up to the rules of the game, there was no stopping them from ‘bombarding’ one another and trying to outwit the other groups. As time was running short, a ‘truce’ had to be called for. There was no decisive winners so every group was rewarded with a group prize.
The night continued with carol singing that ended with a special surprise item by Fr. Loi who took to the stage to sing a Mandarin solo ‘Christmas Joy” joined by some Mandarin-speaking parishioners. “Angpows” donated by Joseph Chin were then distributed by our two pastors to all those present. Then, it was the long awaited Lucky draw that brought much laughter and smiles to all, regardless whether they were lucky or not. Everyone felt so blessed and happy to be there that night and the presence of the two priests and Brother Jason, a Capuchin brother, added revelry of that blessed night.
Before those present said their goodbyes, Fr. Dominic took the opportunity to thank the donors and members of the Family Life Ministry and their helpers for organizing the event. Fr. Dom concluded the event with a photograph session with organisers and helpers, a prayer and a blessing. (by Anne Marie Yap)