By Christina George
KOTA KINABALU — Nine hundred and forty-one catechumens from 18 parishes and two churches within the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu were officially enrolled in the Book of the Elect during the Rite of Election February 18. Archbishop John Wong presided over the three-language annual rite at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
In his homily, Archbishop John called upon the Elect to reflect on who Jesus is to them as they prepare for their baptism at Easter. “You have learnt, listened and know who Jesus is during your RCIA classes. Now I invite you to reflect, who is Jesus in your life now? What is your experience of Him? Do you accept Him as your God and Saviour?
“Don’t think that with baptism everything is solved. Baptism is only the beginning of following Jesus,” said the prelate, as he reminded the catechumens to always remember that they have made a very personal decision to be baptised and it is not a fad to follow others.
The archbishop also urged them to continue to unite themselves with Jesus through prayer, reading and reflecting on the Word of God and the Eucharistic Celebration. He called on all to hold on to and lean on, and be strengthened by, Jesus.
Labuan held its own Rite of Election for 42 catechumens, also officiated by Archbishop John.
The Rite of Election marks the conclusion of the Period of the Catechumenate and typically coincides with the first Sunday of Lent. During this rite, the Church, based on the testimony of sponsors, catechists, and the catechumens’ affirmation of their intention to join the Church, makes its “election” of these catechumens to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. The catechumens inscribe their names in the Book of the Elect at the cathedral as a pledge of fidelity.
The catechumens are now referred to as “the elect” or “the illuminandi” (those who will be enlightened) and begin a period of Purification and Enlightenment. This period, which includes the next five Sundays of Lent, involves three scrutinies (rites for self-searching and repentance) and the presentations of the Creed and Lord’s Prayer. It concludes with the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.
