By Audrey J Ansibin
Nov 5 2020
KOTA KINABALU – The rector of St Simon Catholic Church Likas, here, said the faithful had a reason to celebrate “God’s great gift” of true heroes who persevered in faith on the Solemnity of All Saints, on Nov 1.
“The countless hosts of really decent and true heroes of the human family, from among all peoples and nations, who lived their life on earth for the very purpose they were made and intended to be – saints of God,” Fr Cosmas Lee said during the live-stream Mass.
“They are our models, our inspiration, the true forebears of life and happiness on earth.
“Because they are saintly, they’re always there for us, concerned, caring, praying, interceding and supporting us with all the angels, a mighty force of goodness, influence and grace in our life,” he said.
Fr Cosmas also said the people should celebrate the gift of God’s sacred call to His children “to fight the good fight”.
“We, who are living still here on earth, are called to be in communion with all our companions in the faith to fight the good fight to be saints and to claim the divine inheritance of becoming children of God, and to be with God in His eternal bliss.”
He reminded the people a quote by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, that “holiness never goes out of fashion” as long as there are humans. “Only humans alone can choose and respond to God in freedom and in love.”
Meanwhile, on Nov 2, the rector led the people to remember and pray for all faithful departed, especially the holy souls in purgatory.
“Today we pay special attention to those saints surely on their way to Heaven but are still being purified in purgatory,” Fr Cosmas said during the live-stream Mass the following day.
“May we, together with all in Heaven, pray for all the souls in purgatory that they may suffer but suffer in peace, a pain that is sweet in the knowledge that we are supporting their thirst to see God and praying for them. May the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.”
He added that there were some 780 submissions of Mass intentions this year.
“This is a great improvement. So we pray for all those who have asked us to pray with them for their beloved departed, but at the same time we must pray for all the souls in purgatory.”
