The Bahasa Malaysia (BM) Apostolate of the Church of Divine Mercy, Penang (CDM) held a Liturgy Seminar on the 31st August for its Bahasa Malaysia & Indonesia speaking parishioners. A total of 65 participants attended the one-day seminar that was conducted by Sr. Florence Nemesius and Sr. Neomi Mejia from the order of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception.
On the theme “To Deepen Our Understanding of the Eucharistic Celebration”, Sr. Florence began the seminar with a brief introduction to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM). This is the guide that is used and followed to ensure the active and meaningful participation of the people attending mass.
Sr. Neomi then presented the topic entitled ‘Liturgy’ with details that covered the origin of the word, how liturgy is our source of life and why it should be the highest point of our faith as it is Christ’s work of salvation. She also explained how we can gain strength through the liturgy as Jesus has said, “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in Him.” (John 6:56). Sr. Neomi then continued to elaborate on the history of the Eucharistic celebration and that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist according to His words at the last supper.
Sr. Florence went on to share the meaning of “Eucharistic Spirituality”. It is through this paschal mystery that we obtain the full impact or effect in life that helps us live our Christian life more and more meaningful and holy each day. We are asked to be holy because the holy communion that we receive is Jesus Himself. We receive, touch and eat; He is in us. We should strive to become more and more like Him. She reminded those present that a good preparation for mass begins at home, not at the last minute. Our participation at the Mass must be conscious, active and meaningful. The various components of the Mass, its elements and parts were also shared by Sr. Florence and served as a refresher to the participants. She emphasized especially on the actions and responses that are required from the people when participating in the Mass.
The participants found the seminar to be very informative and especially useful as Sr. Neomi and Sr. Florence were very detailed and interactive in their presentations. The organizing committee announced that future seminars will be held again with topics on the duties of the various ministries in the mass. This is to better inform those who are currently active in the ministries and to encourage more parishioners to step up and participate, especially in the Bahasa Malaysia Mass which is currently held just once a month at the CDM. Sylvia Subok, the chairperson for the BM Apostolate also thanked both Sisters for giving their time at the parish that weekend to ensure that the laity fully understood the significance and importance of liturgy in our Catholic faith.
Written by
Karen Giom
21st September, 2019