Day 10: Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The nine days of novena culminated with the grand celebration of the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the parish’s 84th anniversary on Sunday, 8th September. The Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Msgr. Henry Rajoo with parish priest, Rev. Fr. Dominic Santhiyagu, with the theme Mission to Foster a Christ-centred Magnetic Community of Peace, Love and Hope.
In his homily, Msgr. Henry shared a story about the time St. Teresa of Calcutta was invited to give a retreat to priests and bishops at the Vatican. Speaking before thousands at a large venue, large screens were set up to provide a close-up view of the diminutive Mother Teresa to the attendees. However, those who attended later shared that despite getting a clear view of Mother from the screens, they were drawn to look towards her real person when she spoke although they could barely see her behind the rostrum. What was it about Mother Teresa that always pulled people towards her?
The answer to this question goes back to Mother Teresa’s encounter with an individual that led her to start the Missionaries of Charity. She was travelling by train in India when she met a dying man at the platform of the station who groaned that he was thirsty. Mother Teresa was immensely moved by this encounter as she recalled that among the last words that Jesus uttered on the cross was ‘I thirst’. She saw Jesus in that dying man and in every human being. She saw each person with value and dignity because they radiated the image of God, and that always drew people to her.
Msgr. Henry shared three fruits that grows in a person who has encountered Jesus:
Peace. Jesus promised that if those who follow him and keep his commandments will have peace despite any turmoil or struggles encountered. He also assures us that the peace from Him is not that which the world gives. (John 14:27)
Love. We will be given the strength to love as Jesus did when he died on the cross for us – sacrificial love. (John 15:13)
Hope. Those who hope in the Lord know that their time on earth is temporary and is a journey towards eternal life in heaven. We live with the joyful hope of attaining heaven despite the difficulties we may face in this life.
As our parish strives to be a magnetic community which draws more and more people to Jesus and His Church, Msgr. Henry said that the responsibility is on each of us who has encountered Jesus to share this experience with those around us.
Closing of the Novena & Feast Day Celebrations
After the post-communion prayer, the congregation was addressed by the Parish Pastoral Council Chairman, Mr Stephen Chin who thanked everyone for their contributions and participation over the 10-day event. This was followed by the cutting of the 84th anniversary cake by the priests and joined by all those who share the name Mary and its various forms.
Fr. Dominic added that there are also plans for the upgrading and beautification of the church’s interior. He acknowledged and thanked the parishioners for their incredibly generous contributions thus far for the pastoral centre building fund and appealed to everyone to continue giving as funds are still needed for more works.
Fellowship
Everyone was treated to a breakfast fellowship after Mass. It was indeed a beautiful and joyful journey for the parish community to be a part of the novena and feast day celebrations this year. The parish now looks forward to continue growing and living its mission as it begins its journey towards celebrating two major milestones next year. ( Kathlin Ambrose)