KUCHING – There must be some really happy times when an entire parish really feels like a real family celebrating an occasion together.
This was just how the parishioners at Holy Trinity Parish (Kenyalang Park) felt as they gathered in force to celebrate their shepherd’s 52nd birthday with a Mass.
This was also just how Rector Fr Stephen Lim must have felt, to see his flock gather in full force to wish him a very happy and blessed birthday.
The entrance tune ‘Come into his presence with thanksgiving in your heart’ captured the mood of all who gathered there as they began the celebration of praise.
The offertory hymn ‘I offer my life’ was a call to all parishioners to offer their own lives as they thanked the Lord for the celebration of life of their Parish priest.
A sense of gratitude was evident in the hymns throughout the Mass.
Just before the concluding hymn, the congregation sang a specially tailored tune of thanks to their Parish priest. The lights were dimmed and a beautiful large cake was pushed out to be cut.
The birthday celebrant was invited to cut the cake while the choir sang ‘Happy Birthday’ in English and Mandarin.
Gifts poured in for Fr Stephen from the lay organisations and parishioners. After the final prayer and blessing, packets of food were distributed to the parishioners who attended the celebration.
It was indeed a joyous celebration, marked with signs of love from a small but closely knit Parish.
As usual, Fr Stephen Lim went round thanking and blessing all his parishioners with words of gratitude and affirmation.
Geraldine Law-Lee
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