A Nite of Gathering for Central CSS, Chapel of St. Theresa

Sunday the 13th of September was a remarkable and exciting Day for the CSS Members from different Campuses in and surrounding Nilai, that converged for a Centralized CSS Gathering at Chapel of St. Theresa.

The Gathering commenced immediately after the MASS. Ricky Rack from Kolej Teknologi Timur (KTT) was the Master of Ceremonies for the day. He invited Rev. Fr. Mike Chua, Parish Priest of the Church of the Visitation, Seremban and the Administrator of Chapel of St. Theresa, Nilai, to Grace the Gathering with Prayer. Rev. Fr. Mike prayed for God's mercy, protection and unity among all as a community. He told the students that the aim of the gathering is to bring all the Catholic Students within and outside of Nilai together for an evening of introductions, fellowship and prayer. There was often little interaction among the different campuses, he added, and so this was an opportunity to come together on the basis of their common Catholic identity irrespective of cultural and national backgrounds. This was also an opportunity to introduce the respective CSS and the Central CSS to the new intake of students.

Ricky then requested all members to introduce themselves to get acquainted based on their names, background and school of study. Though many were shy at first, but later on were more relaxed with self-introductions.

Members proceeded straight for light refreshment, which turned out to be a sumptuous and exclusive meal. It was both an occasion for dining and fellowship affording members an interactive interlude before the next session.

Also present with Rev. Fr. Mike Chua was the ever knowledgeable and agreeable Dr. Sherman Kuek of the Pastoral Institute of the Melaka Johor Diocese. Ricky Rack,as forms of ice breakers, involved all members into several games, one of which was the 'First Impression.' A piece of paper was stuck to the back of every individual. As they went round the group, other members would write their first impressions on that piece of paper thus creating a unique profile for the person. The game turned out to be very hilarious especially when some members were selected to read out the comments written by their friends.

Kevin Marandah, CSS President of Nilai College then led the gathering into a time of praise and worship, and thereafter the sign of peace was exchanged by everyone - some with hand shakes, others with hugs or charming smiles.

Shaun Mirandah, the CSS Centralized Co-ordinator, called on the presence of Frac Faga Utoo (Popularly called Obama) to talk on the theme of the day, which he entitled " God's Grace is Coming in a Big Way". Franc started with a joyful spiritual song that had the following lyrics: 'He's coming in a Big way when it seems like God is coming too late.' The song illustrated the need for members to put their trust and faith in God in the midst of difficulties. Demystifying this, he used a story from the Gospel of St. John that showed how Jesus Christ waited for an appointed hour and to raise Lazarus from death thus demonstrating that with God all things are possible. He exhorted all members to be courageous and seek God in all their endeavours. Members were pleased and inspired with the message and applauded him for such a profoundly inspiring talk.

The Catholic Faith, added Shaun, constantly challenges Catholic Students to true to their identity, in other words, they need to remain faithful to the teachings and practices of the Catholic faith. He spoke about 'The Rosary Devotion' as a great way to participate in the life of our Mother Mary. He talks about the Miracles of the Rosary Devotion and called for members who have testimony to share the graces they had received through the intercession of Mary in the Rosary.

The writer, Brother Godfrey, testified how continuous Devotion to the Rosary Intercession for our Mother Mary through Her Son Jesus Christ, has awarded him a scholarship with the University of Nottingham. He said, as Catholics, he exhorted all CSS Members to take the Rosary Devotion seriously for continuous intercession in their lives.

Other testimonies came from Ms Oluchi and Brother Kevin Marandah who testified how continuous intercession of Mary through the Rosary has been helpful and both encouraged all CSS members to always recite their Rosary.

Finally, Shaun spoke about how the Rosary Devotion has also been of help to him and encouraged members to be serious most especially in the month of October for Rosary devotion.

The gathering was great in that it created and strengthened bond of relationships, irrespective of our various background, cultural heritage and the spirit of brotherhood among members were established. Shaun closed the Gathering by expressing this thanks and appreciation to all members for their time, and patience throughout the gathering. He also singled out Brother Rohshel Isaac (The Guitarist) from Seremban.

- By Godfrey Akpakwu
(MSc. University of Nottingham)