Closing of the Eucharist Year

At 9am sharp this morning, the Archdiocese of Kuching celebrated the Mass for the closing of the Year of the Eucharist at the Amphitheatre. People started filling the empty open-air theatre at 8am. As I was part of the choir, I had the chance to sit inside a canopy on the stage, but unable to have a good view of the altar because I was sitting at the back row.

It was a miracle. God always has things planned well ahead, isn't he? It was raining pretty heavily at 7am, but it stopped 1/2 hour before the Mass begin! Sunny and hot? Not at all! The Lord sent us cloud covers that blocked out the hot sun, and a gentle breeze throughout the Mass! The Mass ended with procession back to the St. Joseph Cathedral.

I've never been to such a Mass with throngs of people, and with over 20 priests and 2 Archbishops celebrating the Mass together. It was a good experience. Is World Youth Day Mass something like this too? The Archbishop reminded us that the Eucharist represents Love. We shouldn't stop loving because the Year has come to an end. Instead, we should continue to let the Body and Blood of Christ nourish us and live in His love. So the saying goes, "Receive what you are, and become what you receive." (St. Augustine)

I managed to get some snapshots throughout the Mass when we were outdoor. Not much, but enough as remembrance. Ok, no more talking, picture time!

The congregation that were coming in quickly. Took the photo from the choir stage, that was where the Altar and the plastic chairs were for the priests (white) and altar servers (brown).

The flower girls, they sprinkled little flowers and leaves on the ground during the procession. Owh, we also have the flower boys! Not in the pic, though. Aren't they cute? Hehe.

Procession back to St.Joseph Cathedral. I didn't know how far we walked from Amphitheatre to the Cathedral because I was busy looking at my song sheet.

The Thanksgiving Dance. Took place right after Thanksgiving hymns. Sarawak Catholics are made up of the many different races - the Chinese, the Indians and the indeginous people/groups. The dancers were dressed up according to the ethnic groups. This kind of dance is very common for important Masses eg. Gawai Thanksgiving Mass, Christmas, Easter (in that Cathedral and some Kampungs [villages] only).

The St. Joseph Cathedral. Taken from the Choir section. After Mass, everyone was rushing out to get their cars. They didn't want to block others. Usually the priests will be meeting and greeting the parishioners outside the church. I wanted to show you the most handsome priest I've ever met here, but too bad I couldn't get his pic! And our choir conductor (not in the pic, I still haven't got much 'paparrazi skills') too.. gosh he's so CUTE!!! Hehehe...

Travelling Through A Storm

What a week.

Three assignments to hand in. Only managed to finish each of them the night before they were dued. It wasn't last minute, just didn't manage to finish them earlier.

Presentation. Something I really HATE. What else? of course I screwed it up by reading the notes and not speaking fluently. Only started preparing 3 hours before the presentation.

My 'twin' friend started a 'cold war' with me for being a little rude with her. Among all my friends she knew me better and the longest , yet she doesn't know that I'm always cold when I'm in a bad mood? Crap. Do I have to apologise again? I think she should apologise! Crap.

Couldn't stand all the pressure. I broke down and cried. How I wished I had a shoulder to cry on.
It was such a hard week. No, it was a terrible and horrible week.

[The soundtrack of "Jewel in the Palace" plays in my mp3, reminding me of how the girl overcame all the hardships.]

But it's over now. At least for the time being. *Sighs of relief* One more assignment to be submitted two weeks from now. Well, same problem again. I cannot find much information. SIX hours on the net but the info I found isn't enough still. Am looking for how French celebrate Easter and Assumption of Our Lady. How I wish I have friends from France.

Sometimes I hope I don't have to go through all these. But I'm thankful that I always have a safe landing. Thank You, Lord.

An Answer?

I've been giving this into thinking, so I didn't blog on this immediately.

A few days before I posted 'Desperate', I was flipping through a book called 'The Catholic Religion'. An old book published in 1987 (I was only 5 years old!) in Australia. It was on my dad's reading table. Out of boredom, I picked the book up and started flipping it just for the sake of flipping.

Then one word struck me. Secular Institutes. SECULAR. I've seen that word before, but where? I wondered and read the description under that title.

Some men and women dedicate their lives completely to God without becoming Priests or Nuns or Brothers... through vows or promises to practise celibacy and poverty... some do not wear any special religious dress; they usually continue to live in their own homes; they share in a special way in the life of the Church by their regular christian service of others.

I suddenly remembered one small segment behind the daily reflection booklet (Lectio Divina) I have, it goes like this:

For the Discalced Carmelites Order and the Church in Malaysia
Jesus needs help in looking after His sheep and He is calling you
not to work for Him but to work with Him as:-

1. A Carmelite or Diocesan Priest
2. A Carmelite nun
3. A Secular Carmelite (Membership is open to single, married,
   widow and Diocesan Priest)

SECULAR CARMELITE. Some funny feelings in my heart. Is God calling me? Or did I just read that by accident?

It has been bothering me for the whole week. I have always longed for the moment I can take the vow of everlasting love for God. Has He heard me? Is this His response to my heart's cry?
I pray that it is His answer. I will meet the local Carmelite sisters for more information during the study week (two weeks from now).

Please remember me in your prayers. Merci beaucoup!

Read more about Secular Carmelite here.

The Expression of God's Love...

The expression of God's love

is the innocence of man

an extension of His soul...

God's "footprint in the sand."

The things we do for others

add purpose to our lives

as we represent our Savior,

we become the "feet" of Christ.

The light that shines within us

is God's Spirit from above...

the "heartbeat" of His Kingdom

the expression of God's love.

Dwell in His love always...

Desperate

A friend talked to her fiance over the phone. I could see the joy in her eyes.

Was watching a Korean drama. The lovers ran into each other's arms after a long separation.

A picture of the same Korean drama. The guy tenderly held the hands of the girl he loved.

My housemate and his girlfriend. They joked and laughed with and at each other.

A TV show. The guy gazed into the girl's eyes with love.

How I wish I have someone whom I can run to. Someone whose shoulders I can lean on. Someone whose hands I can trust mine to. Someone who would look into my eyes and whisper the three special words into my ears. Someone PHYSICALLY present by my side.

It would be really really nice if Jesus is still walking on Earth today. Those scenes reminded me of Him.

How I wish I could talk to Him over the phone.
How I wish I could run into His arms.
How I wish I could hold His hands, and never letting go.
How I wish I could gaze into His eyes and fall in love with Him again and again.
How I wish I could hear Him say 'I love you',
And how I wish I could see Him with my human eyes!

Does He know that I'm desperate for Him spiritually and physically?