By Sibu Soccom
SIBU — On this World Day for Consecrated Life on 2 Feb 2024, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Sibu celebrated the Feast Day of the Presentation of the Lord.
Bishop Joseph Hii, the main celebrant celebrated the Feast Day Mass with the presence of two Capuchin priests from Order of Friars Minor, two priests from Claretian Missionaries and two Diocesan priests.
During the liturgy, about 22 consecrated religious from the Marist Brothers, Order of Friars Minor, Claretian Missionaries, Sisters of St Francis of Sarawak and Monastery St Theresa of the Child Jesus, gathered to pledge their life of poverty, obedience and chastity.
In his homily, Bishop Joseph Hii echoed the message of our Holy Father Pope Francis, celebrating our baptism, the sacrament that unites us together in synodality as we journey together in communion, participating in the mission of Christ.
He encouraged all parishioners to find out their date of Baptism and celebrate their Baptism with “Happy Baptism-day!”
Following the footsteps of the Father of Religious life, St Anthony, all religious brothers and sisters live a life that manifest a “gila” love for Jesus Christ. “Crazy” because they give themselves completely to Jesus. They are the best example of being true followers of Jesus Christ.
The bishop thanked the religious for their sacrifices and the selfless service they have provided for the blessings of the Church, the world, creation at large and whole of humanity.
He also encouraged religious life aspirants to have the courage to answer the call for vocation of consecrated life as witnesses of Jesus and the Gospel values.
Earlier before the Mass, the religious sisters had a time of reflection that was followed by fellowship and agape.
