By Janet Bong May Ing
KOTA PADAWAN — 9 July 2024, Tuesday was a day of reflection, inspiration, and community as we welcomed a group of visiting seminarians to St Ann’s Church, Kota Padawan.
This special occasion was marked by a palpable sense of anticipation and curiosity among our congregation, eager to welcome the group which consisted of 30 seminarians and three priests from the Chancery of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore.
The group of seminarians arrived around noon time, greeting everyone with a warm smile and a firm handshake. As the seminarians arrived, they were greeted by the vibrant and rhythmic sounds of traditional Bidayuh music.
The Bidayuh dance group, dressed in their colourful traditional attire, performed a series of dances that are deeply rooted in their cultural history. These dances not only served as a form of entertainment but also as a means of preserving and passing down their heritage to younger generations.
After the short history sharing about St Ann’s Church, parish rector Fr Don Don Romero Ramerez, OFM and PPC Chairman, Judas Anak Ligon shared that the Church has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, a testament to the dedication and generosity of its parishioners. Their donations have played a pivotal role in the expansion and enrichment of the Church’s facilities and programmes, fostering a vibrant and supportive community.
As soon as the prayer and sharing session ended, the seminarians and Church members shared a delightful buffet lunch featuring traditional dishes, followed by a lively dance session. The lunch provided a perfect setting for the seminarians to interact with the Church members, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
Conversations flowed easily as everyone enjoyed the meal, with many parishioners eager to share the stories and traditions behind their favourite dishes.
After lunch, the seminarians and Church members took part in a dance session that was both entertaining and engaging. The Bidayuh dance group led the way, teaching the seminarians some basic steps of their traditional dances. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy as everyone joined in, regardless of their dancing skills.
The seminarians expressed their gratitude for the warm hospitality and the rich cultural experiences they enjoyed during their visit. Their visit to St Ann’s Church was a day filled with delicious food, lively dance, and heartfelt connections. The buffet of traditional dishes and the enjoyable dance moments created an atmosphere of joy and unity, reflecting the Church’s commitment to celebrating diversity and fostering a strong, inclusive community.
The event was a beautiful testament to the power of cultural exchange and the spirit of fellowship that defines St Ann’s Church.
