It was truly a blessing to have the privilege of attending St Bernadette Church Feast Day at Zion Rd, last weekend (15 Feb 2015), a few days before the Lunar New Year. The Archbishop, William Goh was the main celebrant for this special occasion.

It was my first time attending St Bernadette Church Parish Feast Day mass, also my first time meeting and listening to The Archbishop during Mass.

The Archbishop also shared his Lunar New Year message on the Catholic News this week.

In a nutshell, here are some meaningful lessons that I have learned from his sharing.

1) Be Meek and Gentle

The Chinese character “yang” means goat or sheep. As we enter the Year of the Goat in 2015, we note the special characteristics of this animal.
The goat/sheep is often seen as being meek and gentle and commonly used as a sacrifice to God. Like Jesus who sacrificed Himself on the cross, we too can unite our struggles and sacrifice with HIS, in loving and generous service to others.

2) Be a person of Gratitude

Start this New Year by being a people of gratitude. We often take things for granted the peace and prosperity that we enjoy – clean water, amenities at our door steps, freedom of workship and etc.

We who celebrate the Eucharist (thanksgiving) must cultivate gratitude, for it nutures in us humility and compassion and keeps us from pride, envy and greed.

3) To share and to love

Our families are God’s gift to us. The vocation of the family is a call to communion, to share in the love and life of God. In the family we learn to live and belong to each other despite our differences.

“May we never tire in loving one another with brotherly affection and honoring another above yourselves.” (Rom 12:10)

4) Time for renewing and strengthening ties

Let this Lunar New Year therefore be a time for renewing and strengthening ties amongst families, friends and communities.

(I asked The Archbishop to pray for me for God’s blessings and he graciously obliged and even took a photo with me. I am humbled and feel truly blessed. Thanks to God for HIS abundant love and grace)

In conclusion, The Archbishop wish everyone a Blessed Lunar New Year.

“May the Lord continue to shower HIS abundant blessings and protection on us. Let us go forth striving to be a Eucharistic people – one with joyful gratitude, sacrificial meekness and in loving communion with one another. “

Truly meaningful message that I just needed to share with everyone.

May God bless you, your family and all your loved ones abundantly. May HIS love shine upon you at the start of each new day and grant you peace, grace, strength, happiness and may your heart be filled with God’s overflowing love at all times.