• About
  • Contact
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Catholic Sabah
  • News
    • All
    • Asia
    • Focus
    • Local
    • Nation
    • Vatican
    • World
    Cardinal Tagle reflects on Pope Leo XIV as a missionary shepherd

    Cardinal Tagle reflects on Pope Leo XIV as a missionary shepherd

    Mogitimburungak momili buruan kaamatan Zon Timbang, Kota Belud

    Mogitimburungak momili buruan kaamatan Zon Timbang, Kota Belud

    Vietnam parish marks Vocations Day with festival honoring faith, family

    Vietnam parish marks Vocations Day with festival honoring faith, family

    Alpha Malaysia organises Sabah Youth Leadership online survey

    Alpha Malaysia organises Sabah Youth Leadership online survey

    Religious dialogue on ecology marks Laudato Si’ anniversary in Singapore

    Religious dialogue on ecology marks Laudato Si’ anniversary in Singapore

    Church in Seoul hosts major youth festival as preview to World Youth Day 2027

    Church in Seoul hosts major youth festival as preview to World Youth Day 2027

    Pope to Christian Brothers: Inspire joyful and fruitful paths of holiness

    Pope to Christian Brothers: Inspire joyful and fruitful paths of holiness

    Christian Syrians joyful, cautious about possible end of sanctions

    Christian Syrians joyful, cautious about possible end of sanctions

    Minggu Tobitua – Jesus i manahak dot titiu id koposion tokou

    Minggu Tobitua – Jesus i manahak dot titiu id koposion tokou

  • Opinion
    • All
    • Im on my Way
    • Kanou Monuhid Lahan Koposizon
    • Making A Difference
    • Mantad Di Katekis Peter
    • Reflection: Straight Talking
    Did Teresa of Avila inspire Descartes’ ‘I think, therefore I am’?

    Did Teresa of Avila inspire Descartes’ ‘I think, therefore I am’?

    Are conclaves really secret?

    Are conclaves really secret?

    Kartini Day and gender justice in Indonesian Catholicism

    Kartini Day and gender justice in Indonesian Catholicism

    What Catholic Sabah stands for

    Cohabitation – trial run for marriage?

    The meaning of Easter

    The meaning of Easter

    How reflection and brain exercises shape my spirituality

    How reflection and brain exercises shape my spirituality

    Mending Mary repaired much more than a statue

    Mending Mary repaired much more than a statue

    May new technologies make our future bright

    May new technologies make our future bright

  • Feature
    Personal sharing of 25 years in the priesthood

    Personal sharing of 25 years in the priesthood

    Pope Leo XIV and the soul of the machine

    Pope Leo XIV and the soul of the machine

    From Fields to Faith: A Journey of Vocation and Grace

    From Fields to Faith: A Journey of Vocation and Grace

    “MCYD certainly a rollercoaster of emotions”

    “MCYD certainly a rollercoaster of emotions”

    “MCYD give me the chance to draw closer to Jesus”

    “MCYD give me the chance to draw closer to Jesus”

    Cardinal Robert Prevost OSA from United States is Pope Leo XIV

    Cardinal Robert Prevost OSA from United States is Pope Leo XIV

    All eyes on Sistine Chapel chimney on day two of conclave

    All eyes on Sistine Chapel chimney on day two of conclave

    What Catholic Sabah stands for

    Will we stand up for Christ in the Eucharist?

  • Statements
    Banns of Sacerdotal Ordination

    Banns of Sacerdotal Ordination

    Perutusan daripada Presiden Persidangan Uskup-Uskup Katolik Malaysia sempena Hari Malaysia

    Pastoral Letter on Earthquake in Myanmar and Regional Solidarity Appeal

    Chancery Notice

    Chancery Notice

    FABC Pastoral Letter to the local churches in Asia

    FABC Pastoral Letter to the local churches in Asia

    Commotion in Church: Press statement from Archbishop Simon Poh

    Commotion in Church: Press statement from Archbishop Simon Poh

    Lent 2025 message by Pope Francis

    Lent 2025 message by Pope Francis

    Pastoral Statement for dispensation from fasting  during Chinese New Year 2025

    Pastoral Statement for dispensation from fasting during Chinese New Year 2025

    Minor transfer of priests

    Minor transfer of priests

  • Chinese
  • Bahasa Melayu
  • Kadazan Dusun
  • JUBILEE 2025
  • About
  • Donate
No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • All
    • Asia
    • Focus
    • Local
    • Nation
    • Vatican
    • World
    Cardinal Tagle reflects on Pope Leo XIV as a missionary shepherd

    Cardinal Tagle reflects on Pope Leo XIV as a missionary shepherd

    Mogitimburungak momili buruan kaamatan Zon Timbang, Kota Belud

    Mogitimburungak momili buruan kaamatan Zon Timbang, Kota Belud

    Vietnam parish marks Vocations Day with festival honoring faith, family

    Vietnam parish marks Vocations Day with festival honoring faith, family

    Alpha Malaysia organises Sabah Youth Leadership online survey

    Alpha Malaysia organises Sabah Youth Leadership online survey

    Religious dialogue on ecology marks Laudato Si’ anniversary in Singapore

    Religious dialogue on ecology marks Laudato Si’ anniversary in Singapore

    Church in Seoul hosts major youth festival as preview to World Youth Day 2027

    Church in Seoul hosts major youth festival as preview to World Youth Day 2027

    Pope to Christian Brothers: Inspire joyful and fruitful paths of holiness

    Pope to Christian Brothers: Inspire joyful and fruitful paths of holiness

    Christian Syrians joyful, cautious about possible end of sanctions

    Christian Syrians joyful, cautious about possible end of sanctions

    Minggu Tobitua – Jesus i manahak dot titiu id koposion tokou

    Minggu Tobitua – Jesus i manahak dot titiu id koposion tokou

  • Opinion
    • All
    • Im on my Way
    • Kanou Monuhid Lahan Koposizon
    • Making A Difference
    • Mantad Di Katekis Peter
    • Reflection: Straight Talking
    Did Teresa of Avila inspire Descartes’ ‘I think, therefore I am’?

    Did Teresa of Avila inspire Descartes’ ‘I think, therefore I am’?

    Are conclaves really secret?

    Are conclaves really secret?

    Kartini Day and gender justice in Indonesian Catholicism

    Kartini Day and gender justice in Indonesian Catholicism

    What Catholic Sabah stands for

    Cohabitation – trial run for marriage?

    The meaning of Easter

    The meaning of Easter

    How reflection and brain exercises shape my spirituality

    How reflection and brain exercises shape my spirituality

    Mending Mary repaired much more than a statue

    Mending Mary repaired much more than a statue

    May new technologies make our future bright

    May new technologies make our future bright

  • Feature
    Personal sharing of 25 years in the priesthood

    Personal sharing of 25 years in the priesthood

    Pope Leo XIV and the soul of the machine

    Pope Leo XIV and the soul of the machine

    From Fields to Faith: A Journey of Vocation and Grace

    From Fields to Faith: A Journey of Vocation and Grace

    “MCYD certainly a rollercoaster of emotions”

    “MCYD certainly a rollercoaster of emotions”

    “MCYD give me the chance to draw closer to Jesus”

    “MCYD give me the chance to draw closer to Jesus”

    Cardinal Robert Prevost OSA from United States is Pope Leo XIV

    Cardinal Robert Prevost OSA from United States is Pope Leo XIV

    All eyes on Sistine Chapel chimney on day two of conclave

    All eyes on Sistine Chapel chimney on day two of conclave

    What Catholic Sabah stands for

    Will we stand up for Christ in the Eucharist?

  • Statements
    Banns of Sacerdotal Ordination

    Banns of Sacerdotal Ordination

    Perutusan daripada Presiden Persidangan Uskup-Uskup Katolik Malaysia sempena Hari Malaysia

    Pastoral Letter on Earthquake in Myanmar and Regional Solidarity Appeal

    Chancery Notice

    Chancery Notice

    FABC Pastoral Letter to the local churches in Asia

    FABC Pastoral Letter to the local churches in Asia

    Commotion in Church: Press statement from Archbishop Simon Poh

    Commotion in Church: Press statement from Archbishop Simon Poh

    Lent 2025 message by Pope Francis

    Lent 2025 message by Pope Francis

    Pastoral Statement for dispensation from fasting  during Chinese New Year 2025

    Pastoral Statement for dispensation from fasting during Chinese New Year 2025

    Minor transfer of priests

    Minor transfer of priests

  • Chinese
  • Bahasa Melayu
  • Kadazan Dusun
  • JUBILEE 2025
  • About
  • Donate
No Result
View All Result
Catholic Sabah
No Result
View All Result
Home Statements

Christmas Message 2020 by Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom of Sandakan Diocese (4 languages)

December 21, 2020
in Statements
Christmas Message 2020 by Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom of Sandakan Diocese (4 languages)

 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2020

 

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us”. (cf. John 1:1-14) .

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Christ,

 

The celebration of Christmas this year is so different. Our minds are preoccupied with the fear of covid19. Indeed the whole world is united not in jubilation as Christmas would usually bring, but instead, we are united in fear! We are wondering if our family members, our friends, our neighbours, and our human race even at the present level of advancement in medical science will be able to sustain this terrible pandemic virus. We are facing an uncertain future.

Since the emergence of the covid19, we have been witnessing the unprecedented impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the societies throughout the world. The impact is certainly more devastating on the poor, migrants and the vulnerable. Signs of mental health-related issues are already apparent in our society. Cases of domestic violence, sexual abuse, suicide, and depression are rising as reported in both local and international media.

Few would have foreseen that this pandemic covid19 would have such prolong devastation, chaos and confusion on our daily life – our economic and social life. We certainly did not foresee that the empty Churches during Easter celebration in April would be again the feature scene of Christmas celebration this year. Normally, we packed the churches’ pews on Easter and Christmas, or even many of the faithful, as they devotedly fulfil their religious obligation, would have to stand outside our Churches. For this year, fulfilling our religious obligation on Christmas would not be a straight forward affair. Those who can get admitted to join the Mass must observe the strict SOPs such as physical/social distancing and other restrictions. And for the most of us, our prayers would occur and confine mostly at home and in cyberspace as already been the “new normal” practice in the Church today. Festivities at the community level will not be possible at the present circumstance and even family Christmas celebration is strictly limited to immediate family members only.

In midst of this “new normal” and life’s uncertainty, frustration, devastation, and confusion we can be optimistic about the future and hopeful that tomorrow will be better! We must be strong in faith as we are assured of the Lord’s presence in our life. The Gospel on Christmas morning says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” It is indeed a great consolation to know that our Lord and saviour is dwelling among his people! God who is divine and all holy has become one of us. In this way, Jesus, the Incarnate Word of God shares all that we are; our emotions – our joy, our fears, our struggles – in short, he knows our predicaments and shares our stories as a human being. From the gospel stories, we read how Jesus encountered various people, the people who were close to him such as his Apostles, the family of Martha, Mary and Lazarus (Cf. Jn 11: 1-5), the rich young man who wanted to follow him (Cf. Mat. 19:20-22) and many others who were eager to hear him speak (cf. Lk. 5:15). In these and many other instances, Jesus showed his love and compassion towards those in needs. Equally, he also shares our experience of distress and uncertainties in life and shows compassion and love towards us.

Indeed, the Eternal Word of the Father lives among us; he is Emmanuel – God-with-us (Cf. Rev 21:3). The Son of God is in our midst not just giving us confidence and hope in him but more importantly to call us together into one body (cf. Col. 3: 15) that truly reflects a Christian community of faith. He calls us to be caring, compassionate, and ready to extend our hands to help those in needs, especially those financially and socially impacted by covid19 so that they can stand on their own feet and move on in life. As St. Paul says, “Let all these things be done in a way that will build up the community” (1Cor. 14:26).

Thus, in the light of Christian faith, we face the threat of covid19, a virus that does not choose its victim and knows no borders, by uniting ourselves with the rest of humanity to stop the spread of this killer virus. There is a glimmer of hope as the news about some well-known companies around the world have already manufactured vaccines that are said to be safe and effective to combat covid19. Good news indeed! But it will be quite some times before such vaccines become widely available. In the meantime, we need to be vigilant all the time by adhering to the government’s safety protocol, by so doing not only protecting ourselves from being infected but also preventing the virus from infecting others as well. In other words, the whole human society must come together in unity to fight against the virus. Human solidarity and with a concerted effort of all lies the answer to this crisis.

As already mentioned, most of the Christian faithful around the world celebrate Christmas this year without the possibility of receiving Holy Communion physically, no possibility of celebrating as a community in the Church as we usually do. Nevertheless, we are confident that we can still be in communion with the Lord albeit spiritually. Perhaps this crisis is also a blessing in disguise; there is more time available for us, as individual and as a family, to reflect deeply that Christ who was born in a manger in Bethlehem is now born in the family and the heart of each of us. In the darkness of the night in Bethlehem, the light of newly born Saviour shone brightly as the sun. Similarly, in the darkness of this crisis, with the birth of Jesus, there is a new ray of hope as we live our lives in the light of faith. With the birth of Christ Jesus in our hearts, tomorrow will be brighter again for all of us.

As the saying goes “Let us pray for the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can and the wisdom to know the difference.”

 

BLESSED AND GRACE-FILLED CHRISTMAS TO ALL

Pesan Krismas 2020 oleh Uskup Julius Dusin Gitom_BM

Christmas Message 2020 by Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom_Chinese

Pason Krismas 2020 Mantad Di Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom_Kadazan

Previous Post

CHILE – “A gesture of solidarity, at the foot of the Manger”: in times of pandemic it is necessary to redouble efforts

Next Post

亞庇善幼舉辦年终激励工作坊

Related Posts

Cardinal Tagle reflects on Pope Leo XIV as a missionary shepherd
News

Cardinal Tagle reflects on Pope Leo XIV as a missionary shepherd

May 17, 2025
May 19 2025
Readings

May 19 2025

May 17, 2025
May 17 2025
Readings

May 17 2025

May 17, 2025
Next Post
亞庇善幼舉辦年终激励工作坊

亞庇善幼舉辦年终激励工作坊

Recent News

Cardinal Tagle reflects on Pope Leo XIV as a missionary shepherd

Cardinal Tagle reflects on Pope Leo XIV as a missionary shepherd

May 17, 2025
Mogitimburungak momili buruan kaamatan Zon Timbang, Kota Belud

Mogitimburungak momili buruan kaamatan Zon Timbang, Kota Belud

May 16, 2025
Vietnam parish marks Vocations Day with festival honoring faith, family

Vietnam parish marks Vocations Day with festival honoring faith, family

May 16, 2025
Alpha Malaysia organises Sabah Youth Leadership online survey

Alpha Malaysia organises Sabah Youth Leadership online survey

May 16, 2025
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Minor reshuffle and new appointment of priests

Minor reshuffle and new appointment of priests

July 15, 2024
Minor transfer of priests

Minor transfer of priests

November 11, 2023
Tender Notice St Catherine of Laboure Church, Putatan

Tender Notice St Catherine of Laboure Church, Putatan

April 29, 2025
Five pilgrimage centers open for Jubilee of Hope 2025

Five pilgrimage centers open for Jubilee of Hope 2025

December 17, 2024
The Church wants to be more the ‘inn’ of the Good Samaritan for the sick

The Church wants to be more the ‘inn’ of the Good Samaritan for the sick

Parishioners are invited to help form prophetic and servant priests

Parishioners are invited to help form prophetic and servant priests

Archdiocesan Notice on SSPX

Archdiocesan Notice on SSPX

April 28 2020

April 28 2020

Cardinal Tagle reflects on Pope Leo XIV as a missionary shepherd

Cardinal Tagle reflects on Pope Leo XIV as a missionary shepherd

May 17, 2025
May 19 2025

May 19 2025

May 17, 2025
May 17 2025

May 17 2025

May 17, 2025
Did Teresa of Avila inspire Descartes’ ‘I think, therefore I am’?

Did Teresa of Avila inspire Descartes’ ‘I think, therefore I am’?

May 16, 2025
Catholic Sabah

Catholic Sabah is a media organization based in Sabah Malaysia. We bring you the latest Catholic news right to your doorstep!

Follow Us

Browse by Category

  • Asia
  • Bahasa Melayu
  • Borneo: Ordinary Person, Extraordinary Faith
  • Chinese
  • Feature
  • Focus
  • Im on my Way
  • JUBILEE 2025
  • Kadazan Dusun
  • Kanou Monuhid Lahan Koposizon
  • Local
  • Making A Difference
  • Mantad Di Katekis Peter
  • Nation
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Readings
  • Reflection: Straight Talking
  • Statements
  • Vatican
  • World

Recent Additions

Cardinal Tagle reflects on Pope Leo XIV as a missionary shepherd

May 19 2025

May 17 2025

Did Teresa of Avila inspire Descartes’ ‘I think, therefore I am’?

Mogitimburungak momili buruan kaamatan Zon Timbang, Kota Belud

Vietnam parish marks Vocations Day with festival honoring faith, family

  • About
  • Contact

© 2024 Catholic Sabah - Powered by KK Top Web.

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Feature
  • Statements
  • Chinese
  • Bahasa Melayu
  • Kadazan Dusun
  • JUBILEE 2025
  • About
  • Donate

© 2024 Catholic Sabah - Powered by KK Top Web.