Synodal consultation among the Archdiocesan staff in CAC March 19
By Linda Edward
March 22 2022
KOTA KINABALU – In the Archdiocesan Synodal consultation held March 19 at the Catholic Archdiocesan Centre (CAC), the Archdiocesan staff discussed about their experiences of the Catholic Church, how those experiences shaped their life and faith, as well as obstacles encountered in the Catholic community.
This was the first of two parts of the synodal process for the archdiocesan staff, which looks at the broader aspect of a person’s experience of the Church.
The consultation was held from 9.00 – 10.30 am, followed by a Eucharistic Celebration celebrated at the Centre’s chapel.
Archbishop John Wong, head of the CAC, presided the first Staff Mass at the new Centre.
The prelate asked the members of his staff about their experiences in the Church and encouraged their faith.
“Is your experience in the Church a negative one, and not a smooth one? No matter what happened, be glad that God is with you. Look at it positively, all of this happened because God has a plan,” he said and thanked the staff for their contribution to the Archdiocese.
Archbishop John Wong presided the Staff Mass at CAC after the synodal consultation
The archbishop mentioned the importance of the hierarchy in the Catholic Church and the importance of obeying the Pope and the Bishops, and emphasized on a hierarchy guided by the Holy Spirit.
‘Adsumus Sancte Spiritus’ is a prayer for the Synod, which the Church is constantly reciting now to invoke the help of the Holy Spirit for a fruitful synodal journey towards the Synod of Bishops in 2023 in Rome.
The consultation was held on the Solemnity of St Joseph, the patron saint of the Universal Church, and also of the KK Archdiocese.
Archbishop Wong said God has chosen St Joseph to look after His Son who is the one building the Church, adding “St Joseph is also eager to help us in life. Ask the Holy Family to intercede for us and to help us.”
“All of us have faith; it is given; it is for you to live it,” said the archbishop, emphasizing on the importance of faith.
The second part of the consultation will be held on Apr 9 with a different set of questions.
