KOTA KINABALU, (Likas): Despite the rain, youths from two different parishes came together for the handing over of the Sabah Youth Day 4 (SYD4) Cross on Aug 15.
Some 40 young people, led by St Simon Church Likas Youth Ministry leader Mirina Lim, were on hand to welcome the Cross to the parish.
Jessica Goh, 24, said it was “awesome” to see so many young people from St Thomas Church, Kepayan, coming to the parish to present the SYD4 Cross.
“I feel that the Cross will give the youths hope and a sense of belonging,” Jessica said, adding that she was pleased to see youths from different backgrounds coming together “as one in Christ”.
“Its presence here gives us a chance to connect on a personal level with Christ,” she said on the privilege to have the Cross in the parish for a week.
Another youth, Judy Chang, 21, said the symbolic handover of the Cross from one parish to another is a “blessing”.
“It helps us remember the love Christ has for us,” she said. “It will also help the youths to grow deeper in faith.”
Olivia Gomes, 21, who claimed to get “goosebumps” on the arrival of the Cross, hoped the younger generation can come together for the event.
“I hope God can touch the youths in different ways during the SYD,” she said.
Among the activities that day included testimony from St Thomas Church youth, adoration of the cross, and fellowship, among others.
Earlier, two buses packed with youths from the visiting parish arrived alongside a small truck which carried the SYD4 Cross.
It was followed by a speech exchange between the two Youth Ministry leaders from the respective parishes.
Among the events lined up for the youths during the duration of the Cross’ stay at the Likas parish are workshop, Mass and praise and worship.
St Simon Catholic Church Likas 
Dear Parishoners from St. Simon Likas,
this is a reply from very far away, namely from Italy. In July of this year I had the opportunity to stay with Fr. Cosmas for almost two weeks. It was a great experience and I am still moved by the friendlyness and hospitality of so many people of your parish. I also experienced the “flash mob” by which you announced the arrival of the “Youth Cross” in your parish. Now I see it has arrived and you have celebrated its arrival properly. Dear young people and Parishoners from St. Simon, let me asure that I would like to walk along with you on your side in my thought and in my prayers. At present I am also busy reading about the History of the Church of Sabah – once upon a time: North Borneo where a good number of my country fellow men have worked as Missionaries. Some of them have died at the end of WW2. But their trust in Gods providence and their very hard work to spreasd the Christian faith and to lay the foundations of the Church as well as the work of those who came after them is now bearing rich fruit. May Gods spirit guide you and give you continuously good ideas to build up a supportive community in your Parish.
Many thanks to all who have been so very kind to me during my stay at St. Simon Likas. And my the Youth Cross not be simply a publicity event but may it help to gain more and more confidence that God will help us to bear our major and our small crosses… as Msgr. Wachter said so many times when he was in utter distress: may Your will be done…
Kin regard to all,
Konrad Willeit
Thank you, Brother Konrad for your insightful and very well thought out comment! I am sure the parishioners will be able to learn something from your sharing. It is great to see comments coming from as far away as Italy! Yes, we remember the faith of our fathers, including that of Monsignor Wachter who planted the seed of faith in Sabah. Thank you for reminding us of our historical roots on the faith.
Great to know you felt at home here in our parish, too. 🙂 Although most of us had not the opportunity to meet you in person, it is great that you are able to communicate with us through our parish blog. Wishing you all the best on your study of churches in Sabah! Do come visit again! God bless you!