Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Blessing of sunshine and rain



It was a gorgeous day -  sunshine and heavy rain.

This morning, my wife and I went to Putrajaya to submit travel documents for a group of  pilgrims to Jerusalem to the Home Ministry for approval.

Israel is the only country in the world does not have diplomatic ties with Malaysia. However, Christians and Muslims are allowed to visit the holy city of Jerusalem.

The policy concerning Christians visit to Jerusalem changes many times in the past decade.

At present, Christians are required to submit travel documentary proof such as air tickets and travel itinerary, plus baptism certificates and letter from the churches concerned to the Home Ministry for approval.

2 years ago, it was Immigration Department as the approving authority,

It was bright sunshine, blue sky in Putrajaya. No haze but plenty of fresh air.

In the evening, we welcomed heavy downpours .... refreshing rain brought down the temperature.

Today was also the opening of the 21st RCIA ( Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), a course for those who wish to know the Catholic faith and the community.

It is my 22nd year of involvement in RCIA. Hopefully, with many young faces emerging and taking more active roles, I can "retire" in the near future!

(See more pictures in Facebook) 

Fr. George lighted a candle declaring open of the 2013-2014 session  赫佐治神父点燃蜡烛,宣布慕道班开幕

今天是个美好的一天 - 阳光灿烂,也有大雨的到来。

今天早上,我和太太到布城(Putrajaya),为一群朝圣者提程文件给内政部,以获得批准耶路撒冷朝圣之旅。

以色列是全世界唯一与马来西亚没有外交关系的国家。不过,基督教徒及伊斯兰教徒可以到这圣城朝圣。

政府对于基督教徒到耶路撒冷朝圣的政策, 过去十年来,曾作多次的更改。

目前,基督徒要到耶路撒冷朝圣,必须向内政部提出申请,呈交文件如机票,行程表,还有领洗证书及有关教堂的支持文件。

两年前,移民厅是申请的批准单位。

今早的布城,阳光普照,蓝天白云,没有烟霾,空气清新。

在傍晚的时候,来了一场及时大雨,气温也马上下降了。

今晚,也是加影圣家教堂第21届成人慕道班开课的第一天。成人慕道班是一项为那些想认识天主教信仰,认识耶稣的外教朋友而开设的课程,长约45个星期。

这是我第22年参与慕道班的工作。随着更多的年轻人的参与及负起责任,将是我不久后,可以隐退的时候了。

 (更多照片Facebook)



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