Fr Joshua Liew presided the Liturgy of the Light during the Easter Vigil at Holy Rosary Limbahau. (Image courtesy of Gereja HRL’s FB page)
By Peter Zeter
April 9, 2024
LIMBAHAU – As Fr Joshua Liew lit the newly blessed Paschal Candle, drips of rain that fell, rippled the voice of excitement, though almost like whispers, among the parishioners who were converging at the front open area of Holy Rosary Church on Easter Vigil. They were surrounding a bonfire for the Liturgy of the Light, an opening part of the long hours of Easter Vigil celebration.
However, despite of the drizzling rain, parishioners kept their feet until the Liturgy of the Light completed. When the bell rang for the Gloria, the rain had faded away, as if saying that their prayers had been answered.
The bonfire for the Liturgy of the Light that was lit outside the front space of the Holy Rosary Limbahau Church, (Image courtesy of Gereja HRL’s FB page)
The church in Papar had been praying for rain, week by week since February, as the drought hit worst at the district. In March, the District Natural Disaster Management had publicly announced that Papar was categorised as a Drought Disaster area.
The drizzle that evening brought even much meaning to the parishioners, who were daily had been struggling to keep water usage at minimal while spiritually, as they participate in that vigil, yearn for something to quench their weary soul.
That evening, the soothing voice of chant from Fr Joshua added the solemn vibe to the whole celebration. Just by listening the chants and singings, one can know that the whole celebration was meticulously prepared to bring out its divine dignity. Priest, lectors and cantors all sang the part of the liturgical text that were assigned to them.
Parishioners hold the candle during the Liturgy of the Light. (Image courtesy of Gereja HRL’s FB page)
The turns out for this year Easter vigil was larger than previous years. 11 makeshifts tents erected outside the church all were crowded with parishioners. The numbers were estimated to about 2,200 people.
The happiest person that night were the newly baptised as clearly seen from each of them, faces full of smile, as they emerged from the baptismal font, and when they walk in procession entering the church, welcomed by the congregation with thunderous applause. Becoming the full members of the Catholic Church, after a year long catechism classes, in a much-elaborated eucharistic celebration, is the moment that they have waited. And for the first time, they tasted the ‘body and blood’ of the Lord.
Jannie, Christy and their friends smiling towards the camera as they prepare to enter the church in procession, after the baptism ceremony. (Image courtesy of Gereja HRL’s FB page)
