Social and Welfare Committee of the CMI Parish Pastoral Council at the Asrama Desa Pukak Kiulu
By CMI SOCCOM
Apr 22 2022
CHURCH of Mary Immaculate (CMI), through the Social and Welfare Committee of the Parish Pastoral Council organized a Lenten visit to the Asrama Desa Pukak (the hostel) in Kiulu Apr 9.
For this event, a donation drive was conducted over three weekends before Mass. Other than cash donations, the parish also received donations in kind in the forms of dry food and other essentials such as facial masks, cleaning supplies, etc. The Lenten event gave parishioners the opportunity to fulfil one of three of their Lenten obligations – almsgiving.
On the morning of the visit, participating visitors came together at CMI to help load the donated goods. There were about 40 visitors, among whom were Fr Saimon William and seminarian Jerry Muhamat. Before departing, Fr William led the prayer for a safe and fruitful journey, followed by a group photo. The journey began at 9:00 am as planned.
It took less than two hours to arrive at the destination. After unloading the goods, visitors were given a traditional welcome by students beating bamboo instruments called Tongunggu as they were ushered into the hall.
Sr Angelina Peter of the Good Shepherd Services (the organisation), who is the caretaker of the Hostel, greeted the visitors and gave a briefing about the hostel and the organisation that is managing it.
A presentation of a video clip of the organisation and its vision and mission and activities was also shown.
She further explained that the 13 students who are residing at the hostel came from the remote kampung which are almost inaccessible or face transportation problems.
By staying at the hostel, these students have the opportunity to continue school without interruption. They are between secondary one and five.
After the briefing, the girls presented a song ‘Give Thanks’ as an appreciation for those present. They then introduced themselves, where they come from and the schools and year they are in. Each one showed confidence and much promise for the future.
Chairperson of CMI PPC, Catherine Engsun was invited to give a short address where she thanked the visitors for their presence and the donors for their generosity.
This was followed by a presentation of a cash-donation of RM5K to Sr Angelina. There were also individual gifts prepared for the students in the forms of rosaries, stationery and specially-made face masks. One of the visitors also presented a small token to each of the students and staff.
Continuing with the program, the students once again played the Tongunggu to the tune of the Sumazau where visitors joined them for a joyful dance.
As a finale, they gave their rendition of the song ‘Mansau’. Before breaking for lunch, a group photo was taken with everyone.
For this trip, the committee had prepared packed food for everyone. One of the visitors also brought a delicious butter cream cake to the delight of the students and visitors alike.
The visitors got to enjoy their lunch with the view and sounds of the Kiulu river and the rest of nature itself. A few of the ladies took time to admire the flowers and plants around the premises, and struck a deal to get cuttings in exchange for some donations to the Hostel.
Before saying farewell, Fr William prayed a blessing to all. After departing the hostel, it would be a waste not to drive down to the riverside for some more photo sessions. It was truly a memorable and meaningful Lenten journey for everyone.
