By Peter Tan
SRI AMAN — On Sunday, 11 August 2024, the parish community of Our Lady Queen of Peace came together to celebrate their annual Feast Day with deep reverence and joy. The celebration was centred around a solemn Eucharistic Mass, presided over by Archbishop Simon Poh, concelebrated by Archbishop Emeritus John Ha and Fr Jerome Juleng. This spiritually enriching event left a lasting impression on all who attended.
The morning Mass, celebrated with profound devotion, was the focal point of the day’s events. It provided a time for spiritual reflection and renewal as the congregation gathered to honour the parish’s patron, Our Lady Queen of Peace. The liturgy, carefully coordinated, echoed the themes of faith, unity, and dedication, emphasising the significance of the Eucharistic celebration itself as the highlight of the day.
Eucharistic Celebration with Sacrament of Confirmation and Installation of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
The Eucharistic celebration was the key highlight of the programme, as it is in every Mass, where the faithful receive the Body and Blood of Christ. In addition to this sacred moment, the Mass also included the Sacrament of Confirmation for 75 young parishioners and the installation of 14 new and renewed Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EOMHC).
The Sacrament of Confirmation, administered by Archbishop Simon Poh, marked a significant milestone in the spiritual journey of these 75 candidates, who publicly affirmed their faith and received the Holy Spirit. Likewise, the installation and renewal of the 14 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion was a solemn moment, as they were officially appointed and reaffirmed to serve the parish in the sacred role of distributing the Eucharist, a responsibility that requires deep faith and commitment.
Communal Celebration
Following the Eucharistic celebration, the parish community gathered for a potluck lunch at the Catholic Centre, in conjunction with the Church’s anniversary. This communal meal was a time of fellowship, where parishioners shared a variety of dishes, reflecting the diversity and unity within the parish. The potluck was more than just a meal; it was a celebration of the bonds that hold the community together, a tangible expression of the love and care that define Our Lady Queen of Peace parish.
As the day concluded, there was a profound sense of gratitude among all who participated. The Feast Day celebration not only honoured the parish’s patron but also strengthened the communal ties, renewing the collective commitment to live out the faith with joy and unity in the year ahead.
This Feast Day will be remembered as a momentous occasion in the life of the parish, a day when the community came together to celebrate their faith, their leaders, and their shared journey as followers of Christ.
