Author Archives: Ken Wong

On Tue Jan 8, 2019, the Conference of Religious Major Superiors (CRMS) had their biennial Exco elections at Majodi Centre, Plentong.

The CRMS Exco for 2019-2020 are:

President: Bro Paul Ho, FSC (MalaysiaSingapore)
Vice-President: Sr Susan Thomas, FMM (Malaysia-Singapore)
Honorary Secretary: Sr Rose Wong, SSFS (Malaysia)
Treasurer: Sr Mary Sualeh, FSP (Malaysia)
Exco Members: Sr Christin Law, FDCC (Malaysia) and Fr Gerard Louis, CSsR (Malaysia-Singapore)
Executive Secretary (until July 2019): Sr Mel Benedictos, RC (Singapore)

Archbishop Joseph Marino, the Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia, in his message to the religious superiors, encouraged them to revitalise the mission schools by coming together and joining efforts and resources. This means good formation of religious for education ministry or apostolate.

Another area of concern the Nuncio asked the religious superiors to pay attention to is the need to foster greater collaboration for East and Peninsular Malaysia with focus on migrants from the East going to West, especially the first generation.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

PETALING JAYA: The Church of St Ignatius organised an orientation for catechists on Saturday January 5. It was facilitated by Christopher Raj, a trainer whose session was geared towards human connection.

The sessions allowed the catechists to rethink how they approach their students. One aspect engaged them to rethink the way they approach the first catechists, their students’ parents.

After the praise and worship session led by the SIC Youth Ministry, the facilitator introduced the catechists to the Lego Serious Learning experience. Throughout the session, as they worked on their construction work with their Lego bricks and parts, many realised that there is a deeper meaning in what they were constructing. Every piece had a purpose and as they completed their structure, the catechists came to realise how their talents, aims and motives influenced the big picture. This led them to reflect and begin to realise that engaging with students and parents would help them in spreading the Good News, the fulfilment of the Great Commission our Lord and Saviour has given to all of us.

“How do we do that? I did not have the answer to this most critical question. This was where God taught me to be humble and open to ideas. As I listened to the wisdom shared by other catechists, including the youths who committed themselves to serving in Sunday school, I learned how we can reach out to the students and parents this year,” said Vikram Pio Martin, a catechist.

“I want to make a difference, not by myself, but with the help of my fellow catechists. I am, of all people, truly blessed for the opportunity this orientation day has given me,” he added.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

PLENTONG, JOHOR: The Catholic Bish- ops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei held its 103rd meeting January 7 – 10 at MAJODI Centre, Plentong.

The Conference opened with Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Joseph Marino’s address in which he highlighted the migration of East Malaysians to Peninsular Malaysia. He also affirmed the role of the Mission Schools to the nation as reported in the newspapers recently. Finally, he echoed Pope Francis’ challenge to bring the faith from a pastoral ministry of mere conservation to pastoral missionary con- version.

The Assembly also saw Rt Rev Richard Ng, Bishop of Miri, taking over the role of Epis- copal Secretary to the Conference from Most Rev William Goh, Archbishop of Singapore. Charles Bertille, who had just returned to Malaysia after completing his tenure with Fondacio in the Philippines, is the Executive Secretary, taking over from Angila Yong.

One of the items on the agenda was the meeting of nine priests representing the nine Arch/Dioceses of Malaysia with their Arch/ Bishops. This was to begin the process of planning for the Pan Malaysia Pastoral Con- vention which will replace the Peninsular Ma- laysia Pastoral Convention (PMPC) in 2026, with the participation of the Arch/Dioceses from Sabah and Sarawak.

The team had drawn up a proposal which includes a roadmap at Diocesan and Parish level to bridge the gap between the different Arch/Dioceses in the journey toward 2026. This proposal was endorsed by the Arch/ Bishops for the team to continue with their discussion and planning.

The team will be led by Archbishop Julian Leow of Kuala Lumpur for Peninsular Malaysia, Archbishop John Wong of Kota Kinabalu for Sabah and Bishop Joseph Hii of Sibu for Sarawak.

The Arch/Bishops also met with the Major Superiors of the Religious Congregation and informed those in Malaysia to prepare for the Pan-Malaysia Religious Assembly (PMRA) to be held in 2022.

This is a follow up to the Malaysian Catho- lic Clergy Assembly (MCCA) which was held in July 2018.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Fr David A. Garaman and Fr Christopher Ireneus celebrated their eighth and second Sacerdotal Anniversary on Dec 30, 2018. A joyful and auspicious dinner, organised by the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), was held at a local restaurant for priests, religious and parishioners.

In his opening speech, the PPC Chairman, Pilis Malim, recalled that Fr David was the first seminarian in the newly erected Sandakan Diocese to be ordained as Deacon on March 19, 2010 at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sandakan.

In the same year, he was ordained as priest on December 31, 2010, at St Dominic’s Church, Lahad Datu. Fr Christopher’s deaconate ordination was on July 18, 2016 and priesthood ordination on December 28, 2016 at St Martin’s Church, Telupid.

The help and support of the community paved the way for the priests to serve in our parish and our church. They strengthened their vocation as they served continuously in and outside the parish, Bishop Julius Gitom said. Fr David thanked the community of St Mary’s Cathedral for giving him their support. The eight years of priesthood were indeed a blessing.

He thanked God for giving him a good family, a good bishop in the diocese, and good parishioners of St Mary’s Cathedral. He commended the cooperation and commitment of every community. With the new Vision and Mission of the diocese, he hopes that the community could continue to work together and do their best to achieve their desired church of the future.

Fr Christopher shared his two years priestly service in the church. He welcomed and enjoyed working together with all the communities. He humbly acknowledged that he was not exempted from having to face numerous challenges, either physically or mentally.

Fr Christopher is convinced that there will be new challenges which he may never have seen or encountered before.

The priests asked for the community’s support and guidance so that they can serve them according to God’s will and work together in building the parish. Without help from the community, they wouldn’t be able to make the parish a success. The dinner ended at 9.30pm with a closing prayer led by Fr David.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The Faith Sharers comprising of Catholic Education Committee (CEC) teachers and facilitators of CLOW (Children’s Liturgy of the Word) began the year by pledging their time and commitment towards their min- istries at the 9.00am Mass at the Church of Divine Mercy (CDM). Each received a small note pad containing religious sayings.

This year the CEC is most blessed to have at least two faith sharers for each of the classes ranging from PreSchool to Form 5. At the meeting on the Satur- day prior to this, we were most privileged to have Fr Johnson J. Fernandez. Fr Johnson had just retired from the Church of Divine Mercy parish in Singapore and was taking a short break here in Penang.

He had served in the Catholic Education Division in the Arch- diocese of Singapore. Those pre- sent were very happy to ask Fr Johnson how his parish tackled some of the basic problems that each church persistently faces in this ministry. He spoke most elo- quently of his 48 years as a priest. He explained the programme his church uses for Confirmation, the use of stories as a sharing of per- sonal experience to engage the children and some programmes carried out in Singapore eg. FIRE (Families Integrated Religious Education).

He advised giving a more in- clusive and integrated religious retreat for the children where each ministry of the church was given a 20 minute slot to explain how they carried out their work. He emphasised that the children’s Catholic education should not be just confined to CEC. The other parishioners in church should be able to recognise the children by name. Those at the meeting seemed unconvinced until he mentioned that they had over a thousand children at catechism each Sunday compared to just 200+ at CDM.

He also explained a novel way in which the parish recruited new faith sharers. Fr Johnson remind- ed those present that the word “catechist” means “echoing” the Word of God. As faith sharers, we need to hear and know the Word of God before we can even begin to echo it. When we share the Word of God we learn not only by ourselves but also from those we teach. He also stressed the importance for faith sharers to go for formation. Even though he had only a short time with us, everyone felt most blessed by his sharing.

There were some changes in store for the children at CEC this year. They were asked to iden- tify a classmate to be their guard- ian angel who would answer for them if they miss class or need help. In addition, all secondary students are to join in least one church ministry. Students that miss classes will have to ask their parents to teach them the lesson. To help them, teachers will loan out the textbook and a guide for the lesson will be posted on the CDM website.

An introduction of meditation for all classes will be started as an alternative form of prayer. With God’s grace, the CEC at CDM began its successful first day of catechism with 219 students. The children responded well to meditation. They said they expe- rienced calmness and one even said she was in heaven.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Holy Redeemer Church hosted a Christmas and a New Year countdown celebration which was spearheaded by the Family Life Ministry for Migrants from different nations on Dec 31, 2018.

Over 500 people joined in the celebration, its primary intention to include and welcome many migrants, including our East Ma- laysians who were missing their family back home.

The event saw various nation- alities including Vietnamese, Fili- pinos and Nigerians, among oth- ers, and locals coming together cohesively to celebrate and give thanks for the year. The people enjoyed the delicious spread of roasted lamb, chicken chop and many other local delights.

Many performances were lined up for everyone to participate in and be involved. The Parish Priest even surprised the audience by singing a couple of songs. The event ended with a toast for the coming year and fireworks dis- play as its highlight for the day.

To be away from home (a place and people that we have known all our lives) to move and dwell in a foreign place is never an easy task. Globalisation and better op- portunities are mainly the reasons for many to make their sacrifice of leaving home. However, if ef- forts are not made to integrate migrants into local society, lone- liness begins to creep into the hearts of these people, who are already feeling alone.

To be the reason for many for- eigners’ smiles on that day was truly a blessing indeed. As what our Lord has taught us, it is nev- er too late to follow His saying, For I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger, and you welcomed Me Matthew 25: 35.–Family Life Ministry (Children ministry)

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

A half-day workshop on Basic Writing Skills was held on Dec 29, 2018. It was organised by the Parish Pastoral Council in collaboration with the Parish Social Communication Committee (SOCCOM) and St Mary’s Cathedral Parish Office. Fifteen participants, including Pilis Malim, Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, attended the workshop.

Kathlyn D’Souza, a journalist from one of the popular social magazines in Kuala Lumpur, facilitated the workshop. She hails from Sandakan but is currently based in Kuala Lumpur. At the beginning of the workshop, Kathlyn shared her experience in becoming a journalist and how enjoyable it is. In her session on writing, she explained the different types of writing which include:

— Press Releases
— News Story
— Newspaper and Magazine Feature Story
— Narrative Writing and
— Devotional

“When writing a report, please don’t be afraid of your imagination. Have fun, explore any or all angles possible, and be relatable and open. In writing, there is no right or wrong, you are free to write and try to have fun,” she said. She also shared on how to draw the audience to read an article through a catchy and punchy headline.

Pilis Malim, in his sharing, said that there would be no problem in writing articles on church events for SOCCOM members because they have acquired the basic skills in writing. He thanked the speaker for her time in conducting the talk on basic writing skills.

He also thanked all participants for their generous support. He hoped that the just-concluded workshop would produce a few committed writers.

Mdm Cecelia Polo, one of the participants, expressed her appreciation to the speaker. She hoped that church events would be properly covered and posted in the blog so that parishioners could keep up with happenings in the church.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

It is with great joy that we choose today, the Solemnity of Epiphany to Launch the Extraordinary Missionary Year for our Diocese.

In 1919, Pope Benedict XV (who is also known as the Missionary Pope), wrote the Apostolic Letter Maximum Illud, (the grand and sublime mission) inviting us to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. The Great Missionary Command. This year is the 100th Anniversary of that Letter and it is still as relevant, if not more so today, then ever. Pope Francis has set aside Oct 2019 as the Extraordinary Missionary Month (EMM OCT2019), culminating on Mission Sunday which will be celebrated on October 20, 2019. The Bishops of Malaysia have decided that we will set this time from today, the Solemnity of Epiphany, to the end Oct 2019 as the Extraordinary Missionary Year. The Universal theme given by Pope Francis is Baptised and Sent – The Church of Christ on Mission in the World.

Why are we doing this?
If we look at the Gospel today, the wise men came from the East to seek Jesus. It is the same journey which every baptised person must make. In our hearts, we make a journey to look for peace, for joy, for healing, for answers, for purpose.

We make a journey to look for Jesus. After the wise men found him, they worshipped and adored Him, and they went back to their own lands to share the story about the Saviour whom they had found. They were missionaries of the birth of Jesus.

We gather every Sunday because we found Jesus and we come here to worship Him. We are all still in the process of learning about Jesus and that learning never stops. We are learning who Jesus means in our lives. We are learning about His peace in all circumstances – His Joy in the midst of challenges, His Healing in the face of so many wounds, His answers in the many questions we face and who He is to us – which gives us our purpose.

As Catholics who are Baptised, we are the Church – the Church of Christ. As such, we have the duty to respond to the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ to “go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature” (Mk 16:15). Obeying this mandate of the Lord is not an option for the Church. In the words of the Second Vatican Council, it is Her “essential task,” for the Church is “missionary by nature.” (Ad Gentes,) “Evangelising is in fact the grace and vocation proper to the Church, her deepest identity; she exists in order to evangel ise.” ( Evangelii Nuntiandi,)

The Council went on to say that, if the Church is to remain faithful to Herself and to proclaim Jesus crucified and risen for all, the living and merciful Saviour, then “prompted by the Holy Spirit, she must walk the same path Christ walked: a path of simplicity and obedience, of service and self-sacrifice.” (Ad Gentes,) In this way, she will effectively proclaim the Lord, “model of that redeemed humanity, imbued with brotherly love, sincerity and a peaceful spirit, to which all aspire.” (Ad Gentes,). In St Paul’s Letter to the Philippians 2:15, Scripture says that when we allow God to work in us, we will “be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which (we) shine like stars in the world” (Phil 2:15). Let us shine and be like that star that led the wise men to Jesus.

We have lined up a series of Formation till June of this year to help us all reflect and prepare to go out into the world as missionaries. Each Parish may have your own activities to supplement this Missionary Focus. Then from June to Oct, we invite Pilgrimages to Assumption Church in Penang / to the designated places to be inspired by how the Faith came to Malaysia and went out to all the different peoples not only in Malaysia but throughout the region. We will venerate the relics of the missionary saints and martyrs who have become part of our journey in this Diocese. Parishes are encouraged to organise Mission outreaches to address the many, many needs not only within the Parish, but to also look at those in need in the Diocese, in the country and beyond our shores.

You are Baptised and Sent – You are the Church of Christ on Mission in the World.
So it is with great pleasure that I open this Extraordinary Year of Mission for the Diocese of Penang. Go, tell the world around you about the Saviour you have found and worshipped.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KUALA LUMPUR: The launching of the Mis- sionary Year 2019 coincided with the Feast of the Epiphany – Jan 6, 2019. It ends on Dec 31, 2019. In between, October 2019 is the Extraor- dinary Missionary Month.

His Grace Most Reverend Julian Leow, Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur delivered his message on the launch via a video presentation which can be accessed via these links: https:// youtu.be/Of35HjgxdyA or Tv.ArchKL.org

Most parishes played the video at the week- end Masses on Jan 5 and 6.

In conjunction with the launch, a Mission- ary Year Epiphany Star will be distributed to all parishioners this weekend (Jan 12 and 13). The star focuses on the four dimensions of the Mis- sionary call as emphasised by Pope Francis.

Explanation and Rationale of the Star
Each parishioner is to take one Star home from the Christmas manger after the launch of the Year of Mission (Jan 12 or 13, 2019).

Each parishioner is to write on the back of the Star what he/she intends to do personally for the year to come in reference to the four dimensions that Pope Francis indicated.

Each parishioner is to string and hang the Star at his/her door post like a door chime.

Every time the parishioner sees the Star, he/ she is reminded to strive to realise what he/she has selected to do throughout the Missionary Year 2019.

Next Christmas, each parishioner is to bring back their Star and place it back at the manger, to signify that he/she has been a bright Star bringing someone to accept Jesus as his/her Saviour (by Dec 31, 2019).

The Missionary Year Epiphany Star
The star is seven inches in diametre, with a pinhole at the top most point, in order to attach a string. At the centre of the star is the logo of the Missionary Year. On the front top most point of the star is image of Jesus Christ on the Cross.

The four remaining points highlight Pope Francis’ four dimensions to be undertaken for the year (clockwise).

a. Encounter with Jesus (Blue)
b. Testimony of Mission (Red)
c. Missionary Formation (Yellow)
d. Missionary Charity (Green)

On the reverse side, the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Star of New Evangelisation is at the top point instead of the crucifix. The logo is at the centre and the same colour codes are at the other four points.

Parishioners are to write what correspond- ing activities he/she would like to carry out in the blank spaces provided with reference to the four dimensions stated by Pope Francis.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ex- traordinary Missionary Year was launched on Jan 5 and 6, the Solemnity of Epiphany.

This was in conjunction with the 100th an- niversary of the Apostolic Letter which begins with the words Maximum Illud, (the grand and sublime mission). It was written by Pope Benedict XV, known as the Missionary Pope, inviting the Church to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth.

Pope Francis has set Oct 2019 as the Extraordinary Missionary Month (EMM OCT2019), culminating on Mission Sunday which is to be celebrated on October 20, 2019.

The Bishops of Malaysia have decided that they will set the time from the Solemnity of Epiphany, to the end of Oct 2019 as the Ex- traordinary Missionary Year. The Universal theme, given by Pope Francis, is Baptised and Sent – The Church of Christ on Mission in the World. Bishop Sebastian Francis, the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei (CBCMSB), said this in his specially prepared homily for the launch.

“As Catholics who are Baptised, we are the Church – the Church of Christ. As such, we have the duty to respond to the com- mand of our Lord Jesus Christ to ‘go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature” (Mk 16:15). Obeying this mandate of the Lord is not an option for the Church.

In the words of the Second Vatican Council, it is Her ‘essential task,’ for the Church is ‘missionary by nature.’ (Ad Gen- tes,) ‘Evangelising is in fact the grace and vocation proper to the Church, her deepest identity; she exists in order to evangelise.’ (Evangelii Nuntiandi,) The Council went on to say that, if the Church is to remain faith- ful to Herself and to proclaim Jesus cruci- fied and risen for all, the living and merciful Saviour, then ‘prompted by the Holy Spirit, she must walk the same path Christ walked: a path of simplicity and obedience, of ser- vice and self-sacrifice.’ (Ad Gentes,) In this way, she will effectively proclaim the Lord, ‘model of that redeemed humanity, imbued with brotherly love, sincerity and a peace- ful spirit, to which all aspire.‘ (Ad Gentes,).

In St Paul’s Letter to the Philippians 2:15, Scripture says that when we allow God to work in us, we will ‘be blameless and inno- cent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which (we) shine like stars in the world’ (Phil 2:15). Let us shine and be like that star that led the wise men to Jesus.” Bishop Sebastian then gave an outline of the plan prepared for the Penang Diocese ranging from formations, outreach and pil- grimages at designated centres.

The same homily was adapted by the Kuching Archdiocese and the Malacca Jo- hore Diocese with different pilgrimages cen- tres added in.

In the Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese, a video message by Archbishop Julian Leow was played in most parishes during the weekend Masses of the Solemnity of Epiphany.

“Epiphany has special meaning for Chris- tian mission. It reminds us of the Church’s responsibility to represent God’s mission in every aspect of life in all geographical places. It calls us to share in the narrative of Jesus’ life that unfolds in Matthew and the other Gospels – preaching, teaching, healing, feeding, com- forting, and living in obedience to God’s will. “Together as one People of God, we are called to focus on the four main dimensions of this celebration as emphasised by the Holy Father:

—  First, to have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ living in His Church through the Eucharist, in the Word of God and in our personal and communitarian prayer.

— Second, to meditate on those witnesses of missions through the Saints and martyrs.

— Third, to participate in biblical, catecheti- cal, spiritual and theological formation for works of mission.

–And finally, to undertake missionary char- ity as a commitment with the whole Church among the poor and marginalised.

“Therefore, as Church, as BECs and as individuals, let us live our baptismal role by responding to the commands of our Lord Je- sus Christ to “go into the world and proclaim the Gospel” (Mark 16:15),” said Archbishop Leow.

A Missionary Year Epiphany Star has also been prepared for all the faithful of the Archdi- ocese to help them to focus on the four dimen- sions of the Missionary call as emphasised by Pope Francis – encounter with Jesus, Testi- mony of Mission, Missionary Formation and Missionary Charity. This will end on Dec 31, 2019 (see Back Page for more info).

Prayer for the Extraordinary Missionary Year 2019

Heavenly Father,
when your only
begotten Son Jesus Christ
rose from the dead,
he commissioned his followers to
“go and make disciples of all nations”
and you remind us
that through our Baptism
we are made sharers
in the mission of the Church.
Empower us by the gifts
of the Holy Spirit
to be courageous and zealous
in bearing witness to the Gospel,
so that the mission
entrusted to the Church,
which is still very far from completion,
may find new and efficacious expressions
that bring life and light to the world.
Help us make it possible for all peoples
to experience the saving love
and mercy of Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever.
Amen.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online