Proud to be Godparents

I had to wait over a week to post this blog entry mainly cos I needed to download the pictures first. Take a look at our god daughter, Neeneysha Ashley Anne Stephenson.

Born on 28th February 08
Baptized on 20th April 08

The week before, we attended a mandatory session for parents and godparents. They shared a lot of stuff that we already knew. To summarize:7 Sacraments - Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Matrimony, Holy Orders & Anointing of the Sick.

I always knew what Sacrament meant but If anyone asked me to define it, I don't think I'll be able to find the right words to explain such a generic term. I can explain each one pretty well, but the word SACREMENT just seems so big! In our Catechism classes, I'll tell (and elaborate accordingly) the children that in std 3, they will be receiving 2 beautiful gifts from Jesus
1) The gift of his Forgiveness
2) The gift of his body & blood

Anyway, in very simple words: Sacrament is an outward sign of inward grace. How beautifully explained. I don't think I'll ever forget this definition.

At baptism, Neeneysha is baptized with water to symbolize new life. Oil is anointed on her forehead as the Kings used to be anointed. This is a symbol of being chosen for a special task to live as a Christian in a loving way. A candle is lit by the parents as a sign of how the child will always try to live the way Jesus would want. After all, Jesus said, "I am the light of the world!"

God Bless you all!

A short visit to The Shrine of Annai Velankani

At 5:30am on a Saturday morning, the cab will be picking us up to take us to the airport where we'll board the 8:20am Air Asia flight to Medan. Why Medan? We're going to visit the Vailankani Church, also known as The Church of Our Lady of Health.

I remember when we were younger, grandpa had made a few trips there and he used to bring back some red & black rings for all of us. Of course, he got them from the Vailankani Church in India, but I do wonder if they'll have the same in Medan. If I see those rings, I'm definitely buying some... more to remember grandpa then anything else.

The shrine of Annai Velankani was built in Medan, in the district of Sunggal. It was built by an Indian Priest, who explained the architecture of it to Dominic & his family when they went middle of last year. The priest also shared a wonderful miracle with the family. He had collected & saved a significant amount of cash for the building of the church in a bible when his home was burnt. Amazingly, the bible (with the money in it) was saved unscathed from the fire!

"The building consists of 2 levels. The first level is a meeting place, and the main mass room is in 2nd level. In total, the church consists of 7 levels, making it looks like more to a Hindu temple than a Church. Inside the mass room on 2nd level, there are statue of 12 apostles, attached to the pillar of the building. The ceiling is painted with teaching of God. The ramp to 2nd floor is painted with the story of world creation from Genesis."

We will also be taking a very short (less then 24hr trip) to Lake Toba. This is the largest Volcanic Lake in the world!!! I didn't read up on much of the history but I heard the weather there is similar to Genting Highlands. I bet I can get a whole lot of scenic shots!

We will be praying for the best of health of all our family, relatives & friends.

April Fool's joke on Hubby

I don't usually do this, but I woke up on the right side of the bed (literally as well) and decided I had to pull his leg somehow.

I was all ready to leave the apartment for work while Dom was in the shower.

Crys: I'm leaving now
Dom: Ok... Take care & drive carefully!
Crys: Oh! Forgot to tell you last night.... my car has this huge scratch on the side!
Dom: What?!?!!!! Where?!?!!
Crys: Driver's side
Dom: You did it ah?!?!!!
Crys: No lah! It was there when I reached the car!
Dom: ~ grumble! grumble! ~
Crys: B......! Happy April Fool's day!

hehehheheee........! I also heard Dom's mum laughing in the front so I bet I got her good as well :-)