“Behold how good and pleasant it is for the brethren to dwell together in Unity” (Psalm 133)
By Sibu SOCCOM
SIBU — The official theme song of the Diocese of Sibu Pastoral Assembly was launched at the Assembly held on 24–25 November 2023 at the Sibu Kemuyang Pastoral Centre.
The assembly attracted 133 brethren from 12 parishes plus one religious from the Diocese of Sibu.
Led by by Capuchin Rev Raphael Samosir and Sisters from Religious Karmel Puteri, the theme song echoed these words, “Gather in Unity, in Unity… Lai Lai Lai, Lai, Lai, Lai…” It reverberated the calling of all brethren to come and journey together in communion, participating in the Mission of our Lord Jesus Christ while resonating with the Diocese’s vision, “That we may all be one” Jn 17:11, 21-23.
In his welcoming address, Bishop Joseph Hii echoed all brethren to “CELEBRATE OUR BAPTISM”, also the theme of the Assembly. “Baptism is our common identity that makes us the children of God and makes us brothers and sisters.”
The Assembly listened to reports from 12 parishes and one religious, highlighting each parish’s uniqueness and their experience in transmitting the message which they had received during the previous year’s preparation of the Pastoral Assembly’s launching of the Jubilee Year 2025 and Malaysian Pastoral Convention 2026.
The Assembly also saw itself assembled in 10 groups on three different occasions to enter into “Spiritual Conversation”, a concept that was introduced by Synod on Synodality, and put into practice in the community of Sibu’s Assembly this time.
During the Spiritual Conversation, all delegates had the opportunity to express their own experience, ‘the one most important message’ that had struck, inspired or touched them.
The Assembly ended with Mass presided by Bishop Joseph Hii and concelebrated by Vicar General Msgr Michael Lee and Chancellor Rev Alphonsus Tang, Rev Philip Hu, Rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Rev Simon Lau from Christ the King Bintangor, Rev David Ho and Rev Michael Mandagiri from St Herbert Song, Rev Joseph Sebastian from Sts Peter and Paul Mukah, Capuchin Raphael Samosir, Rev Fabian Kong, Rev Oniz Kihokolho, Rev Johanez, Rev George Omuto, Rev Blaise and Claretian Priest Rev Rajan.
In his homily, Bishop Joseph Hii reiterated that our Baptism has called upon us the duty to transmit our faith. He reminded parents of their Baptismal vocation, “You should be the first catechist of your children.” The obligation to transmit faith to children, foremost falls upon parents, not the Sunday school teachers or catechists.
He also reminded all representatives and priests to carry out their leadership responsibility with an attitude of humility akin to humble servants providing humble services. Especially when walking with the youth, “It requires us to come down to their level.” Avoid being condescending, “Don’t teach them but rather journey with them. Talk less, listen more.”
He said otherwise, the youth will close themselves to us, who unintentionally become their obstacles to encountering Christ. When living in a community with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, help each other to encounter God through forgiveness and mercy.
Above all, let the Holy Spirit guide us. An Assembly like this provides an opportunity to listen and discern the call of the Holy Spirit.
Next year’s Sarawak Regional Pastoral Assembly is expected to be held in the week 16–20 September 2024.
