農曆新年求恩彌撒及團拜茶聚

一月二十八日農曆丁酉年大年初一，永援聖母堂在上午九時舉行新年中文求恩彌撒，堂區教友超過百多人踴躍參與，大家心中祈求天主在新的一年賞賜各種恩惠，彌撒後派發紅封包，也表示對教友的祝福 !

隨後大家到上禮堂開始新春團拜茶聚，這活動由牧靈關愛組負責統籌策劃，一星期前已預先準備各款賀年食品，有年糕、蘿蔔糕、芋頭糕、馬蹄糕、油角、糖環、笑口棗、芋蝦等，當天更有明火富貴粥，連同教友們帶來食品有蛋糕、各類甜品和生果，可謂食物豐富，美不勝收。

大家可能參與不同時間的主日彌撒，今天的新春團拜能聚首一堂，更適逢天氣回暖，大家互相問候和祝願，喜氣洋溢。牧靈關愛組分送食品給各教友，很快坐滿十桌和其他擺設的座位。首先由堂區委員會代表聖堂向大家拜年，神父也祝賀和求天主降福我們，其他教友相繼說出吉利話語，雞年的鼓勵詞句。牧靈關愛組組員更為教友帶領唱新年歌 : 恭喜，恭喜及天主的祝福。

禮堂上張貼的揮春很有意思，也講述當時的情境 : 春風報暖融和樂、主賜平安祐世人。

我們祈求天主賜給福祐之餘，希望大家不忘感恩和讚美天主的光榮。 John So, Pastoral Care Team

OLPH olph@telus.net2017-02-19

1

我們敬愛的麥振群神父

「麥子不死空自留，麥子死了百倍收」。我們敬愛的麥振群神父，有如這一粒麥子「百倍收」。麥神父於二月八日回歸天父的懷中，得到平安喜樂的永恆生命。他的一生，好像一支燃燒的蠟燭，不斷燃點著他的生命，他的光照亮我們每個人的生命。他又是一位生命的勇士，不斷在疾病痛苦中奮鬥，緊緊抓握著天主賜給他寶貴的生命，以他的生命影響我們每一個人的生命。

麥神父在三十二歲，年輕有為時甘願為天主而放棄一切。他離鄉別井到意大利領受了天主的召叫，為主耶穌牧養祂的羊群。在1980年麥神父更來到卡城，為華人傳揚天國的喜訊。他盡心盡力去為天國播種。為華人教會成立了卡城華人牧民中心及聖保祿堂。教友家庭不斷增加，發榮滋長。其後更遷移到現今的華人永援聖母堂。

麥神父的一生就是放棄自我，活出基督的精神：「不再是我，乃是基督在我裡面而活著。」麥神父無論是對老人家，青年人及小朋友都照顧有加。我仍然記得麥神父很喜歡參加聖母會及松栢軒老人家的旅行活動。他逢請必到，逢到必早，總是一馬當先，帶著他心愛的相機，為大家拍照，為老人家摻扶。麥神父亦很關懷患病的教友。有一次，有位年輕孕婦因為作小產須要在醫院臥在床上休息，不能在聖誕夜參加領洗聖事。麥神父不遲勞苦，在當日早上便到山腳醫院為那位作小產的孕婦躺在病床上領洗。麥神父更將別人剛剛送給他的茶葉蛋轉送給這位新領洗教友。麥神父對別人的關懷總是無微不至。當教友們與麥神父同枱食飯，他一定為你夾上餸菜，使你感受那份愛與關懷。一班年輕人知道他們敬愛的麥神父去世後，也感到十分痛心。感受到神父從他們的領洗，上主日學到領堅振都很關心他們。麥神父更經常鼓勵青少年多認識中國文化。這班青年更自發去寫了自己感受投稿在堂區的「迥響」雙月刊中。

麥神父喜愛大自然，更喜歡與教友相約出海釣魚。他也喜愛觀賞三文魚回游。那使我憶念起三文魚的回游和産卵的情境。三文魚成長以後，會從大海游到河流的上游，游到自己的出生地方。牠們回游的過程非常艱辛，不但要從海水進入淡水，還要逆流而上，在湍急的水流中奮力向前游，在石澗高高低低的地方，更要猛力跳躍方能繼續旅程。三文魚如此費力回游，虛耗已盡，忘我的犠性，帶來新生命。這個情境使我記憶起麥神父晚年與癌症痛苦的搏鬥，仍然繼續牧放羊群，傳揚天國的喜樂，薪火相傳。令人感動！

所以，我們為了追求天國之永福，我們必須付出，一心一意要追隨耶穌基督，不斷去愛及去犠性。讓我們好像一粒麥子落在土裡死了，就長出許多麥子。又讓我們好像三文魚一樣竭力「回游」，回歸天父的懷中，得到平安喜樂的永恆生命！

林偉良執事

2

• 42

春節團拜晚宴

堂區牧民議會聯同多個善會於農曆丁酋年初八主辦春節團拜晚宴，筵開四十八席，大會取得寬敞場地，使我們感到十分舒適，參加者除本堂教友及親友外，也吸引一些其他堂區神父和個別修會的修女蒞臨，好不熱鬧。

大會開始前，先由年青人舞動六頭醒獅及古箏奏出悅耳悠和的音樂，而其他表演節目全由善會和教友擔任，在本堂童軍團上台唱加國國歌後，本堂主任司鐸阮明聰神父致詞，他告訴大家在永援聖母堂已服務十二年了，感謝幫助和支持他的教友。之後他便帶領各人餐前祈禱，隨後節目正式開始。

首先登場是福音粵曲演唱，把傳統賀年歌曲改篇而成的，很有意思。黃楚榮先生又以笑談方式向眾人拜年。童軍團再上台唱童軍歌曲。

此時馬上是節目高潮，被譽為魔法王的阮神父表演魔術，他先把一名青年綁在木板上，用多個汽球圍在身旁，阮神父拿起小刀聲稱要飛出去刺破汽球，然後把那青年的雙眼蒙上布巾，在準備飛出刀時，你們的神父會否如「小李飛刀」把刀飛出？沒有呀！他速速走向前，拿刀刺穿汽球，然後打開那青年蒙著眼的布，問他現在最想做甚麼？那青年說要去廁所，吓！是

否真的被飛刀嚇得尿尿，你們想想吧，這情節十分搞笑。繼續阮神父邀請所有神父上台協助他的魔術表演，他先請各神父自我介紹，這是很好的環節，把眾神父給大家認識，然後他給各神父一罐可樂，請他們各自飲下，另一方面，他已準備好一幅畫像，再拿起剩下的一罐，當所有人飲手持可樂時，他把手上的可樂整罐倒進畫像的嘴巴裡，一滴不漏，他可以把液體的可樂送進畫像嗎？這就是魔術！神父另外的項目是把一條鎖匙放進密封的雞蛋裏，這又是魔術！阮神父表演的魔術十分精彩，世界有名的大衛高柏菲也不外如此吧。

看完魔法王的表演，隨着的節目是一名七、八歲小童吹中國笛子，他吹奏淡定，音韻清晰，相信他長大會成為吹笛專家。鮑斯高同學會派出七人的鮑慈巨聲，唱出在慈幼會求學時期的歌曲，他們也為麥振群神父的健康打氣，麥神父是他們年代的慈幼會學校老師。本堂區的青年會唱歌劇埃及皇子的歌曲，無論音調和節拍都十分有水準，非常悅耳。

大會除枱獎外，更有50多份獎品，分兩次抽出幸運兒。最後由牧民議會主席朱樂安致謝詞，他指出大會是由多個善會的成員分擔各項辛勞的工作，才使晚宴得以成功舉行，在下也有同感，使我們能享受一個歡樂晚上。謹向當晚表演者和所有工作人員致敬，祈主賜福給各主內弟兄姊妹。 Tony Wong

3

神父廚房

今年有幸參加神父廚房晚會，當晚氣氛非常好，預備工作做得很充足；不單食物豐富，而分配食物的安排，也做得很好，當中不用太多的人手去侍奉，既自助，又不混亂，實在佩服佩服！

我們在享受食物中，更感受到一班人的努力付出，例如我們吃海蔘，那裏買得貨真價實，要買多少，要幾天的時間發海蔘，又要怎樣調味，真是很多繁複工作的，阮神父的廚藝很是了得！當晚共十道菜，且好多食物都是名貴食材，不計人工，已超越我們付出的金錢，更何況他們付出了心機和時間！

我最欣賞是鮑魚，好好味呀！但最驚喜是竟然想到用鮑魚殼去創造另一菜式，真是用盡心思去做的。吃完鮑魚，真是有衝動拿個兜去問神父取些鮑魚汁，留待明早煮個鮑魚汁撈麵作早餐，真是人生一大樂事，哈哈哈...。今次的食物設計得這麼好，像是傾出所有的。下一年的神父廚房，神父又要費煞思量了。

講到這裏，不得不提我們的司儀Edward，實在有眼不識泰山！或許是我初次參加，原來他是很好的司儀，很稱職呀，懂得攪氣氛，聲線又好。晚會結束前，他的聲已有些沙啞，辛苦了。我還笑他，若不做本行可轉行做司儀，他還會做火焰咖啡呢！

各人都很投入於點唱環節裏，每桌唱完後，都看看有多少“Like”，好有現代感。每桌都用心去唱，而且這樣，每人都有參與，所以氣氛特別好。

在近廚房的兩圍枱，整晚只疏琉落落的坐兩三人，原來是堂區牧民議會的委員，在廚房幫忙神父分配食物，他們只在上菜的空當時間才坐下吃兩口餸菜，真是難得呢！在曲終人散時，他們還留下來收拾、清潔；他們無私的付出，很感受到他們是為主而奉獻的。

Emily Chan, Echo Editor

的付

4

• 42

丁酉雞年 丁酉雞年

喔喔喔喔. . . . . ! 恭祝大家丁酉年身體健康，主寵日增 !喔喔喔喔. . . . . ! 恭祝大家丁酉年身體健康，主寵日增 !

一時聯想雞嗚跟耶穌與伯多祿的對話，在若望福音中預言伯多祿背主 :一時聯想雞嗚跟耶穌與伯多祿的對話，在若望福音中預言伯多祿背主 :西滿伯多祿問耶穌說 :「主 ! 你往那裏去 ?」耶穌回答說 :「我所去的地方，你如今西滿伯多祿問耶穌說 :「主 ! 你往那裏去 ?」耶穌回答說 :「我所去的地方，你如今不能跟我去，但後來卻要跟我去。 」伯多祿向他說 :「主 ! 為什麼現在我不能跟你不能跟我去，但後來卻要跟我去。 」伯多祿向他說 :「主 ! 為什麼現在我不能跟你去 ? 我要為你捨掉我的性命 !」耶穌答覆說 :「你要為我捨掉你的性命嗎 ? 我實實去 ? 我要為你捨掉我的性命 !」耶穌答覆說 :「你要為我捨掉你的性命嗎 ? 我實實在在告訴你 : 雞未叫以前，你要三次不認我。」在在告訴你 : 雞未叫以前，你要三次不認我。」

反省在我應付家變時，我也曾作過放棄做基督徒的打算，加上家中每一成員都患反省在我應付家變時，我也曾作過放棄做基督徒的打算，加上家中每一成員都患上難以痊癒之症，我舉首問蒼天，問天主 : 你想我怎樣 ? 你要我怎樣 ? 就在那時候上難以痊癒之症，我舉首問蒼天，問天主 : 你想我怎樣 ? 你要我怎樣 ? 就在那時候我想到伯多祿三次不認主的經歷，難道我會走那段路嗎 ? 那些日子，我心力交悴我想到伯多祿三次不認主的經歷，難道我會走那段路嗎 ? 那些日子，我心力交悴，魔鬼時刻纏繞著我，我只有不斷祈求，希望天主加以眷顧，給我支持吧。真的，魔鬼時刻纏繞著我，我只有不斷祈求，希望天主加以眷顧，給我支持吧。真的，祂絕不放棄，並派了位「陳皮梅」女士來拯救我，主力的叫我再去聖堂，自此，祂絕不放棄，並派了位「陳皮梅」女士來拯救我，主力的叫我再去聖堂，自此我盡力去參與彌撒，內心對天主逐漸不抗拒，並開始熱心去參加朝聖之旅，特別我盡力去參與彌撒，內心對天主逐漸不抗拒，並開始熱心去參加朝聖之旅，特別到默主哥耶一行，天主啓迪我的心，聖母給我撫慰，所以在患難中千萬不要氣餒到默主哥耶一行，天主啓迪我的心，聖母給我撫慰，所以在患難中千萬不要氣餒。

在求學階段及執業「人之患」時都是在天主教學校庇護下仍是崗守的教徒，一旦在求學階段及執業「人之患」時都是在天主教學校庇護下仍是崗守的教徒，一旦有了家庭，繼而移民，更不成話了，總被各種藉口包庇，逐漸連主日也不去接近有了家庭，繼而移民，更不成話了，總被各種藉口包庇，逐漸連主日也不去接近天主 ! 回想那是多令天主傷心，更體會耶穌預言伯多祿對他是何等的傷刺呢 !天主 ! 回想那是多令天主傷心，更體會耶穌預言伯多祿對他是何等的傷刺呢 !

新春期間，各人都喜氣洋洋，趕忙去弄糕點，趕忙去團拜，可別忘了要光榮天主新春期間，各人都喜氣洋洋，趕忙去弄糕點，趕忙去團拜，可別忘了要光榮天主啊 ! 我承認是天主的寵兒，能有機會去把家庭再組織，其中原原本本都由天主安啊 ! 我承認是天主的寵兒，能有機會去把家庭再組織，其中原原本本都由天主安排和帶領，事無大小都來得出奇的順利。排和帶領，事無大小都來得出奇的順利。

我深信因為我對主的堅守，每每有機會我都明確大方讓人知道我是基督徒，我感我深信因為我對主的堅守，每每有機會我都明確大方讓人知道我是基督徒，我感恩每一小節的得著，去分享福傳他人，包括無神主義，外教徒。因為我是天主的恩每一小節的得著，去分享福傳他人，包括無神主義，外教徒。因為我是天主的工具，不實行不磨鍊就生銹。但願能像天使們在「天梯」上去下來，瀟灑超然工具，不實行不磨鍊就生銹。但願能像天使們在「天梯」上去下來，瀟灑超然。

Teresa Chow, Echo Editor

5

Father John Make passed away peacefullyon February 8th 2017.

To many of us he was not just a priest. He was the founding leader of our Parish, our mentor, friend, and in some ways

our grandfather. You will forever be missed!

“Earthly ideals are fading away. I see the ideal life in sacrifice and the ideal of sacrifice in priesthood.”

St. Joseph Sebastian Pelczar

Father John Mak was a caring man and devoted to God. Having arrived to Calgary in 1981, he was the cornerstone in building the Chinese Catholic community and he led the parish up until April 2005 before going to Vancouver and Edmonton. Father Mak was deeply loved by the youngest of children, up to the older adults of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. These are the fond and precious memories that our Youth Group and Young Adult Group would like to share.

“When I was younger maybe 6 or 7, in the old St. Paul's hall, there was a party where my dad and I went up and sang a karaoke song, "Charlie Charlie Cheep Bom Bom". Father Mak called me that ever since.” Aaron Tsang (YAG Member)

“I remember when I was 5 and it was time for me to pick a saint’s name for my baptism and Father Mak and my mom were deciding on St. Monica, or St Mary. I remember how Father Mak just looked at me and said, “ It shall be Mary.” Father Mak was there for my first Baptism, first Holy Communion, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation. Father Mak played a really important part of my faith Journey. Thank you for being there when I was reaching those precious faith milestones. Thank you for teaching me about the importance of putting my trust in God always!” Peggy Yip (YAG Member)

“Father Mak gave me my name when I was born. I liked it so much I guess, I’ve kept it ever since.” Janette Mi (YAG Member)

“Father Mak welcomed my mom and I into OLPH when we didn't know many people at the church, and looked after me while my mom was studying in RCIA class.” John John Guo(YAG Member)

“My favorite memory of Father Mak was when he mistakenly thought I was dating his great-nephew. The excitement in his eyes lit up his face so much that I should have agreed it was true. Rest in Peace for heaven gained another Angel.” Sharon Tse(YAG Member)

Youth and Young Adult Tribute to Reverend John Mak

6

• 42

“I was baptized by Father Mak when I was one year old, and later received the Sacrament of Holy Communion and Reconciliation with him as well. My fondest memory of Father Mak is whenever there would be a dinner function and you were sitting at his table, he would always make sure to serve everyone else with the food first before he took a little for himself. Even a small action like that taught me a life lesson to always help and provide service to your neighbours.” Jenny Lam (YAG Member)

“When my grandparents came to Canada, Father Mak made them feel welcomed. He helped them get settled in a foreign land.” Chelsea Lau (YAG Member)

“I only realized this later when I looked at some old photos, but Father Mak was the one who baptized me when I was five. And I remember my baptism.” Sally Cheung (YAG Member)

“I will never forget how Fr. Mak always had a smile on his face and gave us a stern pat whenever we saw him; along with his caring and witty remarks.” Juliana Lau (YAG member)

“I started going to church in my high school years and Father Mak was the first priest that I got to know well. He inspired me not only through his homily, but the way he lived his life and his love for young children and animals has left a very deep impression on me. When I moved to Edmonton, it was by God's grace that Father Mak was serving at the Edmonton Chinese Parish for some time and I got to see his cheerful face again. He even made a nice goldfish pond at the parish and that was such a joy. God planned it so perfectly that Father Mak also witnessed my wedding and that meant so much to me. Father Mak, I will miss you dearly, rest in peace.” Maggie Fung (Chan) (Former YAG member)

“Father Mak officiated William’s parents’ wedding in Montreal before establishing the Chinese Catholic Church in Calgary. His long lasting friendship with both of our families made it feel like it was because of him that we were fated to be together and start a family. We were really blessed to have Father Mak officiate our wedding, as well as have him baptize Nathaniel. We will always remember him for what he did for our family.” William and Teresa Lee (Former YAG members)

“Thank you for helping out at church for so many years and helping us grow in our faith. You have taught us how to treat everyone with respect and how to love one another.” Porscha Lau (Former Youth Group Member)

“Father Mak baptized me when I was only about a month old. Thank you for being a part of my journey in getting to know God more.” Vincent Yip (Youth Group member)

7

k when I was one year old, and latatatttatttttaaa er receiveeeeeeeveveeeeveeveeved the

YOUTH GROUP ++ YAG

Remembering a Passionate Priest

In 1989, just before the June 4th, Tiananmen Square incident in China, my family and I immigrated to Calgary. When we first came, we didn’t have other family members in Calgary and only knew one other family. My parents found there was a Chinese Catholic Church in Calgary, St. Paul’s Catholic Church. This is where we met Father Mak. At that time, the Calgary Chinese Catholic community was not very big so when my family went to church it was very easy for Father Mak to identify that we were new parishioners. He approached my parents and started to get to know our parents. He then started to introduce us to the other parishioners at church. That was the beginning of the many friendships our family has within the church. He would ask the parishioners to see if they can help us if we needed help or have any questions, as we were new to Calgary. He even introduced us to people he knew from outside the church. I was very young then, but when I saw how he took care of my

family, there was this very closest about him that I don’t think words can really describe. He was like another ”Father” to us. He provided an example as to how God would want us to treat others.

Besides being a fatherly figure, he was also quite a perfectionist. After I received my first communion, I helped out the church by being an Altar Server. Father Mak had very high standards of the Altar Servers he wanted things done in a certain way. When it was time for the bigger celebrations like Christmas or Easter, sometimes it can get a bit intimidating being an altar server because Father Mak likes to change things last minute and you would be able tell he was upset if it wasn’t the way he wanted it. So, as altar servers we would always have to be very alert so we know what Father Mak wanted. Being young and didn’t know any better back then, I always thought to myself, why was Father Mak so picky and can he ever make up his mind? Reflecting now, the main reason Father Mak wanted the way certain things done was because he knew that was the way that God wanted it to be done. Even when it was at the rehearsal for my wedding ceremony, Father Mak was still directing making changes as needed trying make the wedding ceremony as perfect as possible. We will never be perfect, but should always try to live our lives as closely as possible the way that God has taught us to live. Father Mak was truly a great example of that.

Father Mak was very dedicated Priest even when his health was deteriorating. Although he should be resting, he didn’t want to retire as the Parish pastor until another Chinese Speaking Priest could be found. He wanted to make sure that the Chinese Catholic Community would continue to flourish in Calgary even after he retires. He didn’t want to just leave and not have a Chinese Speaking Priest at the parish. That

Dear Lord, Father Mak is resting in the comfort of Your Loving Arms. His pain and suffering has ceased and he is in eternity with You. We pray for his family, friends and parishioners, that they may have strength and comfort during in this difficult time. May his soul and the souls of all Faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest In Peace. Amen.

8

• 42

didn’t happen until 2005 and even then he wasn’t fully retired. He was going around where Parishes needed help and he would help celebrate mass for those parishes.

In 2013, I asked Father Mak to be the officiant for my wedding and with no hesitation, he said, “Just let me know the date and I will be there”. I was so happy that he was able to be officiant at my wedding. One thing that I will always remember from Father Mak’s homily at my wedding was “Always trust your Love in God”. At the time, I really didn’t know what it really meant. However, now that I have my own son and family, I think I am beginning to understand what he truly meant. As long as you trust in God’s Love, you will know how to love and be loved. His homily had such a powerful and meaningful message we can all relate to.

There could be many great things that can be said about Father Mak; one thing for sure was that he was a very passionate priest. Father Mak showed us how to live a life fully with Christ by serving those in need. Father Mak’s kindness and compassion for our parish community will always be remembered. I know that Father Mak is now with God. I know that God will continue to watch over him and that Father Mak will be watching over us all. Father Mak, you will be missed forever. Rita Kong

Youth Night In

On January 14th, three missionaries from the Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) came to speak to the youths and young adults of our Parish. The CCO is a group of missionaries that aim to help university students and young adults to keep and strengthen their faith in God. The speakers, Tim, Minerva, and Dani-elle, left a great and strong impression on the youths and young adults.

One of the speakers Tim shared his life experience of his encounter with God and how he decided to become a mis-sionary right after his graduation from university. Tim's insightful story about his journey to trust and reconcile with God allowed the audience to reflect on their own personal lives and relationship with the Lord. He encouraged us to continue to pray and seek for God’s plan in our lives.

In short, Tim's message was that no matter how much one may sin and mess up in a lifetime, one should not neglect God, but instead turn to Him and ask for help. After the awe-inspiring presenta-tion, the youths and young adults made their way down to the Olympic Oval to go ice-skating. It was truly an enjoyable and relaxing youth night!

Michelle Lee, Youth Group

ttthhhh iiii iiii iiii

9

he wasn’t

YOUTH GROUP ++ YAG

Recently, I was invited by one of my friends from university to attend a talk at St. Michaels. Father Cristino Bouvette was the speaker that day and he explored on the concepts of religion and spirituality. You may have heard people say: “ I am spiritual but not religious.” What do these people mean?

Attending the talk was definitely a mind-opening experience. It made me realize how we as believers in Christ often forget about what the true meaning of religion is. Although I cannot relay the whole talk in this article, I would like to share a few key points that really stood out to me.

At the beginning of the talk, we were asked to share our thoughts and understanding of what “spirituality” means and what “religion” means. We split the erasable board into two sections and listed some key words that we thought were pertinent to those terms. Under the spirituality section, common terms such as: internal, independent, vague, energy, and man-centered came up. While on the other side, when we looked at the term “religion” ideas of structure, laws, doctrine, teaching, and community came about. Father Bouvette emphasized that in our modern age, people tend to reject the idea of being part of an “organized religion” because there are too many rules, obligations, and traditions that need to be followed. Oftentimes, when an individual breaks the rule like not following the 10 commandments, bad feelings come about. However, spirituality is often interpreted as a more individualized idea. There are no set rules as to how you can be spiritual. This leads people to feel “good “ and not restricted or forced to do something.

However, an interesting point that Fr. Bouvette highlighted in his talk was that we as young

people often forget that religion is tied with justice. With justice, we must do the right thing. As Catholics, we are called to worship God with all our heart, every action we do we do it for him and we should always praise him. That is our duty as a believer in Christ Jesus. Unfortunately, many people may often be confused and believe that if we follow God’s words and do the things he wants us to do, we should get something back from him. Fr. Bouvette stressed having that thought can often lead a person to feel dissatisfied with their religion and beliefs and cause them to deviate or lose track of their faith. However, as Fr. Bouvette stressed that spirituality and religion cannot be divided into two separate entities because religion calls for us to be spiritual. Saint Paul himself encouraged us to live spiritual lives that will bring us closer to God. What are your thoughts about spirituality versus religion?

Peggy Yip, Echo Editor, Young Adults Group

Religion versus Spirituality: Can one exist without The Other?

10

Bouvette s younggg

YOUTH GROUP ++ YAG

• 42

On Christmas Day 2016, Father Brian Hubka, poured the holy waters of baptism on the souls of three children: Gabriel, Dahlia and Summer Hayden, as their godparents placed their guiding hands on their shoulders and prayed fervently for this special family who have looked forward to this day for a long time.

I am so grateful to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish and the teaching and sharing of knowledge my grandchildren have received.

You have restored my faith in God. I have been so tormented for so many years now, as I have not been able to get Gabriel baptized, and it has weighed so heavy on my mind and soul for so long. And the Catholic school Gabriel has attended for six years - he was never allowed to read, nor participate in Mass, because he was not baptized. No wonder he hated his religion class and had no interest in it.

I must say, it's good to be back to church, after many long years of feeling alienated and very uncomfortable to attend the Catholic Church with my grandchildren. We are all alone in Calgary, and no other Catholics in our life ... No one to teach Gabriel about God, only me. And no one in my family (all are in Saskatchewan) is Christian. I am the only one. Gabriel is very interested in God and very interested to learn.

The window of opportunity for Gabriel to learn about Christ was getting smaller. Soon he will be in his teen years and it will be much harder to influence him. I had been so fearful that something would happen to me before Gabriel got baptized, and he would have no one to teach him about God, about his Savior. Yes, it is so important to me that Gabriel and his sisters know about God’s love and mercy, so they know they aren’t alone in this world.

We are eternally grateful for the generosity of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and the Sunday school teachers, to give us your time and guidance and instruction, in all things related to God’s Word. Once again, I am so glad I stumbled and dragged myself into the church, with tears and sobbing and wailing, begging for help. It took all of my strength to do this, as I’ve felt very rejected, unworthy, and voiceless and angry … But when OLPH offered help … I thanked God for his unending blessing. He is so good ... as I struggle with the duty of caring for my three grandchildren, in this cruel world, I am doing my absolute best not to give up. Tracey Reynaud

The Baptism of my three grandchildren

11

11

從香港到台灣——跨越新的禮儀年

2016年 11月，我和太太回到香港探望家人和親友，適逢母親和外母的生辰都在 11月，我們分別為她們慶祝，兒孫滿堂，相聚一起，她們流露著喜悦平安。父親和外父已去世，我們相繼到墓前(骨灰龕)向他們致敬，雖然他們不曾領受聖洗聖事，在這煉靈月我們為他們祈禱。

聖德肋撒堂星期六下午四時有兒童彌撒，彌撒之前兒童參加主日學和慕道班，學習道理和準備聖洗、堅振、領聖體及各聖事的禮儀。之後和父母家長一同參與彌撒聖祭。他們佔了聖堂大部分座位，我很感動他們念的信友禱文:「請為兒童祈禱，求主賜給他們活力智慧，在一個和諧的家庭環境中學習和成長」。祭台上四位兒童帶動，台下教友、家長和兒童起立齊聲答唱和做手勢動作：♪ 願我禱聲♪ (合攏雙手在胸前)♪ 飄往高天♪ (張開雙手舉向上)♪ 懇切望你♪ (雙手在胸前翻開)♪ 側耳細聽♪ (雙手合攏靠在耳邊)大家都感到耶穌基督融合當中。

11月20日我們慶祝基督普世君王節，神父的講道：耶穌被釘在十字架上，左邊的一個犯人說：“你是怎樣的君王?”右邊的說：“你進入你的國度時，請記得我。”神父停一停，問我們:「請認真撫心自問，在生活中，你們會像右邊的、還是左邊的想着世俗的權和利？」

參與這彌撒後，翌日起程到台灣，我們先到訪台北的聖家堂，導賞員專誠歡迎我們，並介紹聖堂的建築，鳥瞰是呈十字架型，進入聖堂內，無空間壓迫感或視覺障礙，而能舉心向上，靜心祈禱，巧妙運用彩色玻璃及天光，使聖堂呈現自然神聖的氛圍。我們身處其中，「我」的思想靜止，「我」的世界停頓，如入聖地，在此帳篷式的建築內，頗有人生如寄，終要回歸天鄉之感。

台灣天主教安老院在台北新北市八里區，很榮幸由前總主教狄剛神父接待，他介紹我們認識幾位修女，她們屬於安貧小姊妹修會 (Little Sisters of the Poor)，安老院所有事務全由她們負責，包括院長、行政、財務、廚務、護理、照料長者日常生活及靈修，她們無私的奉獻，照顧弱勢的貧困長者，讓他們心靈富足，棲息有所，在家一般的環境內，完成俗世的旅程。狄剛神父帶領我們觀訪安老院各院友和廳房設施，還在餐廳裡和院友、修女和侍工等共進午餐，又為當月生辰的院友慶祝。我羨慕這寬敞令人悠然的居處，忍不住說希望住到這裡，狄剛神父說：你需要一貧如洗才合資格的。狄剛神父對我們娓娓而談，我們離開時，他依依不捨。若你到台北，定要找機會探訪他和安老院。

我們也有機會到高雄市的真福山住宿一天，是天主教的靈修聖地及活動中心，可舉辦各項活動包括夫婦親子的家庭懇談、領袖訓練、宗教信仰研討。我們參觀單樞機主教文物館，他的經典名言是「犧牲享受，享受犧牲」。

真福堂是天主教聖堂，和其他聖堂不同的是，十字架上的耶穌張開雙臂迎向世界，背後的苦架長出生命之樹，給人重生和希望。聖堂內的圓頂下垂掛八盞巨型宣紙燈，以草書寫上“真福八端”。神貧成了真福山的標記，我有所感悟，貧字用作動詞，神貧的意思是拋空一切，渴求天主聖神。

高 雄 真 福 山 聖堂 內 的 耶 穌 在 十 字 架 上 張 開 雙 臂

12

12

• 42

一步一足印 一步一足印

某一夜，我輾轉反側，未能入睡，回憶起我所走過的路，一些片段、一些畫面，就像電影的倒鏡重新播放.... 我彷彿回到兒時長大的地方—澳門，那時家裡窮困，我和姊姊每天都要走一段很長的路去上學，學校在主教山的山腳，我們得沿著南灣的海傍走，本來風景是優美的，美麗的港灣能眺望矗立的教堂，但路途實在遙遠，實在無心欣賞沿途風光，加上當年由於營養不良，曾經試過餓到差點暈倒街頭，後來休息過後，才拖著瘦小的身軀，踏著碎石的小路回家。

再出現在記憶中的是九龍塘牛津道的小路，那時已經由澳門遷居到香港、由於家境問題，只能入讀官立夜校，上課的地點就是在環境優美的九龍塘，路的兩旁種有很多影樹，樹影婆疏。當年九龍塘區是高尙的住宅區，名校林立，極是英國式的景象。但當時每晚只是匆忙的空着肚子去上夜校，冬天更要冒著寒風刺骨的天氣趕回家，再美的風景也會無心欣賞。

好了，比較美好的道路出現眼前，是走在半山的大潭水塘，你可以看到一群朝氣勃勃的年輕人，跟着神父修女的後面浩浩蕩蕩前進。有人手拿結他，有人背着行囊，有人哼著歌，路兩旁是綠油油的植物，水塘鱗光閃閃，配襯藍天白雲，美景至今仍未忘懷。

走過最難忘、充滿溫馨喜悅的路是結婚的那一天、從教堂的入口至祭台前，在地毯的前端，

是迎着神父代表上主的祝福，是迎着親友的見證，是迎着對新生活的憧憬，那短短的路，引領我進入人生的另一階段。

若干年後，已經成為人家的父母，每逢假日，帶著兒女郊遊，看着孩子的奔跑，聽着他們的歡笑聲，和孩子一起欣賞路旁的含羞草，嗅着微風吹來羌花澗的花香，只覺心曠神怡，一切都是美好的和充滿着生命力。

畫面一轉已是由香港移民至加拿大，第一次踏足落磯山脈，你會讚嘆造物主的奧妙偉大，群山環抱，山路蜿蜒，處於山谷之中，聽風聲廻響，彷似進入另一境界。轉眼間，人生的旅程已經數十寒暑，原來始發覺，無論走到哪裡、走在那一段路，最重要的是當時的心境。而每一步都有自己的腳印，是對生命的體會，而我也肯定我並不孤單，除了家人和朋友伴我成長，分享陽光的照耀，面對風吹雨打。同時我更盼望和响往前路仍有美好的風光，因我深信主與我同行！

Maria Leung, Faith Sharing Group Coordinator

11月27日我們在真福山慶祝將臨期第一主日彌撒聖祭，點亮第一支蠟燭，期待新生王的來臨，我們翻開簇新的經書，開始新的禮儀年甲年讀經，神父給我們講道: 「今天的經文， 叫我們醒悟，不要疏忽基督的來臨，我們或許會覺得新的禮儀年不外是重複每年沉悶的說教，但如果我們能以天主聖言更新信仰，讓聖言指導生活，生活見證聖言，我們每天的生活就如天主恩賜的新生命。」

這11月，我感恩有家庭團聚，親情洋溢；有機會學習安貧小姊妹修女們的無私奉獻服務，感悟拋開私慾偏情，渴求天主聖神。祝願大家在新的一年常以聖言更新生活和信仰。 John So, P.P.C. Councillor

台 北 聖 家 堂 彩 色 玻 璃 透 射 天 光

13

聖母軍與我

記起我剛從香港移民到加拿大，並定居卡加里，可謂人地生疏，一切從頭開始。那時我沒有去聖堂，任何事都要靠女兒的指引、帶路。若遇到下雪天，更是足不出戶，甚至整個星期都躲在家裏。好不容易待到星期日，女婿開車來接我去超級市場採購日用品和食物，這才有機會出門。 踏在冰雪上走路，真是一步一驚心，恐伯又再滑倒，因為我曾經多次滑倒，手足朝天，因此見到冰天雪地就怕怕。在移民前，有親友對我說: 『移民外國就如一個殘廢的人一樣；又盲、又聾、又啞和跛。』想起當時言語不通，又不會開車，真的應驗了親友的說話。

那時我在想，自已是否走錯移民路。後來我想通了，既然來到這裏，就得適應這邊的生活，天寒地凍也得出門清除門前及通道的積雪，並學習在冰雪上走路，學乘公共汽車，也學會在雪地開車，終於克服重重的困難，開始上聖堂了，除了參與主日彌撒，還加入了堂區善會信仰小團體。

有一天，彌撒後，教友愛麗絲 (前聖母軍團長) 邀請我加入聖母軍，我沒有立刻答應，因為每月聚會一次的信仰小團體也是在週末上午舉行，並告知愛麗絲，她囑咐我如有聖經分享便不用到聖母軍開會。就這樣一個偶然的機會，我加入了聖母軍，現在屈指算來已有六、七年了。

聖母軍的團員必須經常準時參加支團的週會，這一項是培養團員的責任，也是考驗。無論天氣怎樣，即使極壞，也不能取消。所有團員均嚴守紀律，並切實遵照聖母軍的體系作為標準，因此每個團員都以參加週會為第一要務。

在週會中，團員們都向着小祭台的無原罪聖母像前熱忱地祈禱，以友愛的精神營造超性的氣氛。並指定每位團員的工作，聽取每位團員的工作報告。週會可以說是聖母軍的心臟，生命的血液由此輸送。它也像發電廠，發出光和熱，亦猶如寶庫，供給聖母軍的特殊需要。由此可見，週會對聖母軍組織的重要性，也是聖母軍的焦點所在。

所以團員們都以參加支團週會作為對聖母軍的首要而又最神聖的任務，任何事情都不能替代它。如果沒有週會，我們的工作就等如缺少了

靈魂。理智告訴我們，經驗給我們證明，忽略了這個首要任務，工作就會沒有效果，並且不久就有人從聖母軍的行列中退出，甚至精神散漫，潰不成軍。幸好每個團員都好像經過千錘百鍊，個個都是中堅份子，連我這個對甚麼事都愛理不理的人，也提鍊到比前積極。每逢週末，大清早便爬起床，趕往聖堂開週會，就算昨夜睡得不好，也不敢賴在床上，那也許是聖母的軍號催促吧！

開始工作時，幸得資深團員帶領前往探訪長者、病人、以及長居護老院的教友。初時倍感吃力，因不善辭令，更不善交際，加上與那些受訪者素未謀面，亦沒有話題，真不知如何是好。後來只好聆聽他們的話語，當他們傷感時，安慰他們，開解他們，慢慢建立了友誼，這樣工作起來就容易得多了。這可能是聖母自己在工作，而我只不過是她的一件殘舊工具。靠着聖母，我每週總算完成任務，不至交白卷。聖

母至慈愛的母親，全賴有妳相助，我才能跨過重重險境。至敬至愛的母親聖母，我深深的感謝妳。

在聖母軍裏，其實每個團員都沒有受過任何專業紀律訓練，更談不上軍訓，但說也奇怪，大家都能謹守綱紀，竭盡所能，站穩崗位，做好自己本份的工作。雖然有幾位團員因某種原因遷居異地，但我們的心仍連在一起，互相關懷問好，情同手足，真是難得啊！

堂區各位兄弟姊妹，我誠懇邀請你們考慮加入聖母軍的大家庭。

鄧筱瓊 (Teresa Tang)

14

• 42

聖母軍團員們的心聲

聯想起十多年前，幸得聖母媽媽的召喚 (bro. Andrew是聖母媽媽的代表) ，我入隊了，加入了聖母軍行列。每星期六早上，開一個多鐘頭車來永援聖母堂開會，雖然路遠，但心中充滿喜樂，因為又可以見到那些充滿愛心和信心，及熱情的團友，我們兄弟姊妹一起開開心心地開會和得到神師的指導。能加入聖母軍隊伍心中覺得平安、快樂，這是上主和聖母賜與的恩寵。現在我是退伍軍人了，會繼續為聖母軍祝福和祈禱，希望有朝一日我能歸隊。

紉, Alice Ho

我選的金句—聖母軍奉獻詞：「我的母皇，我的母親，我全屬於妳，我所有的一切，都屬於妳。」

施修女 (聖母軍神師)

反思加入聖母軍多年，感謝聖母揀選了我入伍，與聖母一同工作和祈禱 ; 學習她的謙遜和服從上主的美德。加上得到團員們、“退伍軍人”和神師的關懷、支持、代禱和靈修訓示，提升信仰生活，令我感覺作為聖母軍是一種福氣。

Gemma Leung

「你們不要憂慮說 : 我們吃什麽，喝什麼，穿什麼？ 你們的天父知道你們的一切需要。你們要先尋求天主的國和它的義德，這一切自會加給你們。」

Andrew Chau (輔助團員)

光陰荏苒，加入了聖母軍一幌眼已八年多，我相信是聖母的召喚，培育我的信德，給我磨煉，作為她的工具。很喜歡聖方濟各的和平禱文 (The Peace Prayer of St. Francis) ，我以該禱文作為我靈修的藍本，透過聖母，與主更相近 ; 透過聖母軍的服務工作，更偶爾見到耶穌，心中感到平安喜樂！

Goretti Hung, 聖母軍團長

As soldiers of Mary, we look to our Commander in Chief to feed us, to guide us, to teach us, to cure our ailments, to console us in our griefs, to counsel us in our doubts and to recall us when we

wander. When we are so wholly confided to her care, we may grow in holiness to the resemblance of our elder brother, Jesus. Another objective of the Legion is personal service under the influence of the Holy Spirit for the glory of God and the salvation of souls as its final end and purpose. For this goal we pray daily “…..Grant us a lively faith ( O Lord ) animated by charity, which will enable us to perform all our actions from the motive of pure love of you and ever to see you and serve you in our neighbor;…..A courageous faith which will inspire us to undertake and carry out without hesitation great things for your glory and for the salvation of souls;…..”

Sally Mary Olivieri

參加聖母軍是天主的安排，還記得十多年前彌撒後，將要行出聖堂門時，Gemma對我說聖母軍今天第一次開會，問我有無興趣參加；我那時口快過腦，說無問題，自此就做了聖母軍團員，至今經巳是760次開會了。聖母軍給我機會，結識了很多教友，為長者做了很多探訪、祈禱、送聖體，及引領他們走向天主的大道，這是一件很有意義的工作。

Paul Leung

「因為堂區內的一些問題，令我很難受。有些朋友便勸我轉奉基督教。我便這樣答他們：『我是不會轉教的，因為我不捨得離開聖母』。這番說話是我們堂區中一位已故的婆婆私下告訢我的。她對聖母的這份赤子之心，真令人感動，令人羨慕。我相信堂區中有許多教友曾經去過聖母顯現過的地方朝聖，在那裏誠心向聖母求恩，向她謝恩。回來後又有沒有想過要做一位孝順聖母的子女呢？聖母軍給我的感受就是一群願意孝順聖母的子女，願意與聖母一起服侍那隱藏在鄰人身上的耶穌，為他們祈禱，為他們犧牲，甚至為他們受苦。這就是聖母軍的精神。你也願意加入聖母軍，做一位孝順聖母的子女嗎？ +JMJ+ Joseph Yip

Joining the Legion of Mary has proven to be one of the best choices in my life. The weekly

15

meetings disciplined me and deepened my relationship with our dear Mother Mary. My weekly assignments led me to be in touch with those in need, and thus open my heart to willingly and happily offer my services to them. To feel that I am able to help them is most rewarding. Those are times well spent. My thankful prayer to the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Virgin for leading me to be a member of this wonderful army, the Legion of Mary.

Mary Tsang

2007年之前，我都不知道聖母軍是甚麽組織。那時我太太患有末期腸癌，我每天都要帶她到 Foothill 醫院做化療，直到她去世，故此我是醫院的常客。有一天遇見阮神父，他說我有照顧病人的經驗，叫我加入聖母軍。團長 Andrew 派我到松柏軒服務，接送長者，這是我做聖母軍的工作，如是者便做到現在。

Eddie Chan

新春時節，迴聲全體編輯在此祝各位新春時節，迴聲全體編輯在此祝各位時常平安、喜樂、健康，主寵日增! 盼這新一年，主愛充滿時常平安、喜樂、健康，主寵日增! 盼這新一年，主愛充滿各人生命，大家更能積極多各人生命，大家更能積極多行善事，傳揚主愛，愈顯主榮善事，傳揚主愛，愈顯主榮

。May the Year of the Rooster be filled with prosperity, May the Year of the Rooster be filled with prosperity,

wealth and health to each and every one of you. Thank wealth and health to each and every one of you. Thank you for being a loyal reader of Echo!you for being a loyal reader of Echo!

Editors: Anne Lam, Emily Chan Jenny Lam, Josephine Li, Peggy Yip, Teresa Chow, Winnie Lau

16

• 42