By Aaron Ting
KOTA PADAWAN — In Chinese tradition, a full moon symbolises completeness and is associated with a family reunion. Thus, the Mid-Autumn Festival (Mooncake Festival) is a popular time for family gatherings with traditional activities such as partaking in delicious mooncakes and lantern-carrying.
To celebrate the festival in advance, the Chinese Community of St Ann’s Catholic Church Kota Padawan merged both the Chinese and English Masses to a Mass at 6.00 pm on 4 September 2022, to promote cultural exchanges between parish communities.
The celebrant of the Mass was Fr David Au OFM and concelebrated by Fr Aiden Peter Jr OFM. As many as around 200 parishioners filled the church, made up from members from both congregations.
Moreover, to encourage musical diversity, the combined choirs sang a few rousing Chinese hymns together. The Mass ended with a graceful Chinese dance performed by the children.
Afterwards, it was followed by a gathering held at Our Lady’s Grotto. The beautiful weather allowed parishioners to illuminate the garden with paper lanterns and be immersed in the festive atmosphere. Aside from this, everyone enjoyed a dazzling display of fireworks, bringing the celebration to its climax.
Parishioners had prepared a myriad of mooncakes and pastries for the occasion. Finally, children were invited to go for a moonlit walk while carrying lanterns.
The success of the event marked a significant milestone in the growth of the Chinese Community, and we look forward to more fusion of communities for future events.
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