Bishop Cornelius Piong with clergy and members of the parish community after the Malaysia Day Mass at the Cathedral of St Francis Xavier, Keningau.. (KOMSOS photo/Didi Joneh)
Sep 18 2021
KENINGAU – “The diversity or pluralism of religions, cultures and races is not a threat, but a blessing,” said Bishop Cornelius Piong, who presided at the 58th Malaysia Day Mass on Sept 16, 2021 at the Cathedral of St Francis Xavier.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic causing concerns and difficulties, it has also been a blessing that all the Arch/Dioceses in Malaysia were able to come together to celebrate the 58th Malaysia Day with a nine-day Novena to the Holy Spirit which commenced on Sept 7 and ended on Sept 15. The novena was organised by CHARIS Malaysia and supported by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Malaysia.
“It has been 58 years since Borneo joined Malaya to form Malaysia, and there have been many ups and downs. Nevertheless, we place our hope and trust in the Lord who is always with us. Our journey of faith must always be focused on things which foster a spirit of unity and harmony in our multi-racial and multi-religious land,” said Bishop Piong.
Speaking on the National Day theme, Malaysia Prihatin (Malaysia Cares), the prelate emphasised that it is also the Church’s mission to build the kingdom of God in this world.
“Having a caring attitude is an important virtue. I believe we are all aware that indifference will cause a lack of responsibility and compassion in societies. When we are uncaring, this shows that we have no love for our fellow human beings.
“As Malaysians, and especially as Catholics, a caring attitude must be nurtured and maintained because we will be judged based on our works of compassion and concern. It is fruitless to shout ‘Alleluia… alleluia’ every day but not care for the weak and the needy; it is a prayer in vain (Matt 7:21-23).
“From a caring attitude, the spirit of unity and harmony will grow among the multi-racial population in our country. We are born different and unique. Therefore, we must respect the differences because this is the mystery of God’s greatness,” said the bishop.
Bishop Piong concluded his homily by urging everyone to reflect on how we can instil the spirit of “Malaysia Cares” in our lives. “Is this slogan only for today?
Is it forgotten the next day? First of all, we must return to God because He is the source of true compassion. God created us in His image, thus we already have the seed of caring in our hearts. Parents can help develop and strengthen this by providing examples and inspiring the children through their actions and words. Do not incite children to hate or distance themselves from those of different faiths or races,” he added. – Herald Malaysia
