THE La Salle and St Francis alumni community held a joint reunion to celebrate the enduring values of faith and friendship – 50 years to be exact!
At the golden anniversary of the 1976 Form 5 students of La Salle and St Francis Convent Secondary Schools Kota Kinabalu Thanksgiving Mass, they heard a powerful message about the lasting nature of friendship and faith:
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“Here you are, still together. And what better way to celebrate this milestone of friendship than by partaking in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist?”
Fr Rhobby Mojolou, the parish rector of Stella Maris Church in Tanjung Aru, said this in his sermon on Feb 11, which was also the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes.
“Through this celebration, we are united not only with those present but also with those who have passed on before us.”
Drawing on the scripture, Fr Rhobby spoke about how Jesus teaches us to look beyond the external and focus on the heart. It is the condition of the heart, not outward appearances, that matters in God’s eyes.
Fr Rhobby also reflected on the symbolism of the golden anniversary. Gold, associated with 50 years, represents the strength, durability and lasting nature of a relationship. Just as gold remains untarnished through time, so too do the friendships formed over 50 years of shared experiences. These relationships, rooted in love, sacrifice, and perseverance, stand the test of time.
In celebrating 50 years of friendship, the alumni have proven that true friendship is not about what one can gain from another but about selflessly loving and accepting each other.
As Fr Rhobby noted, when others witness such genuine bonds, they realise that these friendships truly surpass expectations. “As Lasallians, we hold dear the belief that La Salle is something more.”
Organising committee members Ben Wong, Dr Lawrence Mah and Adrian Pragas worked hand-in-hand to ensure that these gatherings are not just events, but meaningful moments in the lives of our alumni.
“Our motivation is rooted in faith. As a committee, we view these reunions not only as celebrations but as an opportunity to give thanks to God for His blessings in our lives, families and friendships,” Adrian said, adding that the event was a shared effort.
“These gatherings are a way for us to honour the gift of friendship and the faith that has sustained us for over 50 years.”
Rest of the interview:
Daily Express (DE): What are some of the benefits of holding such reunions?
Adrian: Fr Rhobby’s homily captured the essence of what we hope to achieve perfectly – these reunions help strengthen bonds formed during our school days, making them as precious as gold, even after half a century. The friendships we’ve built have endured life’s changes, and celebrating this milestone through the Holy Eucharist makes it all the more meaningful.
These reunions unite us with not only those present but also with classmates and teachers who have passed, symbolized by the wreath placed at the candle stand in their honour. Another key benefit is the unwavering support we provide each other, much like a close-knit family, especially during times of illness or loss.
DE: In an age dominated by technology, why do you think face-to-face meetings are still necessary?
Adrian: While technology has made it easier to communicate, face-to-face interaction is irreplaceable. It engages all of our senses and creates an atmosphere that online platforms can’t replicate.
Although we’ve used video feeds and Skype calls to stay in touch with classmates abroad, there’s nothing quite like the warmth, joy, and connection that comes from being physically present with one another.
DE: Why did you decide to hold a joint reunion with the St. Francis ex-students this year?
Adrian: Our committee felt it was only fitting to celebrate with the St. Francis alumni this year because of the special bond shared between La Salle and St. Francis Convent, dating back to our primary school days.
These two institutions have always been like brother and sister schools, and that connection has lasted through the years. We even have alumni who married fellow graduates from St. Francis. For our golden anniversary, we felt it was most meaningful to come together and offer our thanks to God, united in our shared history.
DE: Why did you choose to hold the reunion on the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes?
Adrian: February 11, the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes, was the perfect day to honour our Blessed Mother during our golden anniversary. It also provided the opportunity to hold the Mass before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent.
Moreover, it coincided with the second day of the Chinese New Year of the Horse, making it an ideal time for celebration and fellowship before the fasting season begins. By choosing this feast day, our thanksgiving celebration was given deeper spiritual meaning.
Among the highlights of the event include lighting of candles for departed classmates, cake-cutting ceremony and distribution of gifts.
