Author Archives: Ken Wong

All these saints, and more, were “present” at the Night of Light celebration after Sunset Mass at the Church of the Divine Mercy (CDM) in Sg Ara on Saturday November 3.

The event was organised in conjunction with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. These two days in the liturgical year are traditionally dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints, martyrs and all the faithful departed. In the past, the eve of All Saints’ Day was known as All Hallows’ Eve, which was later shortened to Halloween (“hallow” being an archaic word meaning “saint”). This day was traditionally a vigil for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, marked with prayers, hymns, fasting, and the reading of various scriptures. The Night of Light celebration was organised to counter the culture of death and reclaim Halloween for Christ and his Church by turning it into a beautiful night of fun, light, and Christian joy.

The evening programme began with a short video presentation about the origins of the Night of Light. This was followed by a message from parish priest, Fr Martin Arlando, in which he reminded us that saints are examples for us as they were real people who loved God and lived beautiful lives for God. Through their examples, they point us on the path that will lead us to God. Therefore, when we choose a saint’s name for ourselves, we must be prepared to emulate the holiness of that saint in our daily lives. In the same way, we must be careful to name our children after saints whose qualities we would like them to possess and whose lives we hope they will emulate. He reminded us that as we embark as one family into the parish Year of Family in 2019, we may look to the saints for inspiration to live our Christian faith and serve God with all our hearts so that we may become a Jesus to others.

Fr Martin then invited a group of adults and children, all dressed as their favourite saints, to present the life stories of those saints.

The congregation then proceeded to the Garden of Mercy where Fr Martin led the countdown to the switching-on of the Christmas lights around the church. The church grounds were transformed into a Christmas wonderland.

Of particular interest was the specially commissioned mural which covered a whole wall in the Garden of Mercy. According to Organising Committee Chairperson, Simone Lee, the painting had been created by her non-Christian artist friend. Billy had been very keen to do the project and worked on it for many days, putting in long hours in order to complete it within a tight schedule. The result is a stunning mixed media painting depicting the Nativity scene with a 3D lighting effect.
In another part of the Garden, a group of “saints” were going around quizzing people about famous saints and rewarding correct answers with a sweet treat from their trick-or-treat bags.

A number of people commented that the event had been a positive and enlightening experience for them. Kelvin said that he had been reminded of the values embodied by his patron saint. Doris, an RCIA inquirer, said that even though she had learnt about saints in class, they had not seemed real to her. The event made her more aware that saints were real people who had led extraordinary lives. Another parishioner said that the Night of Light was something positive that parents could pass on to their children to let them know that they do not have to be afraid, for Christ has conquered death.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

“The Church celebrates! The people celebrate!” were part of the opening words of the main presider, Bishop Bernard Paul, at the Sacerdotal Ordination of Deacons Alexuchelvam, Paul Sia and Martinian Lee on Tuesday, November 6 at St Theresa’s Church. He added that “we are disciples of hope. We bring hope and make a difference in the world.”

There was much rejoicing and expectations of something new as the people waited for the ordination of these three Deacons. It was truly wonderful to see about 60 priests present, including Archbishop Julian, Bishop Sebastian and Bishops Emeriti James Chan and Paul Tan. The ordination celebration was joyful, smooth, solemn and spirit-filled — a blessing as the three Deacons were about to begin their journey anew as priests of God’s people, witnessed by their families, friends and many parishioners from the parishes in Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Johor. The church, adjacent hall and space beneath the sky-roof were packed with close to 2,500 people. LCD screens were provided so that everyone could participate fully in the rhythm of the liturgy.

In his homily, Bishop Bernard Paul said ,“priests come from the people and they are given back to the people. As Priests, they pray, as Prophets, they listen to the Word and, as Pastors, they serve with love. They are sent as shepherds to the people. They have passion for God and His people. The priesthood is linked to servanthood, not to lord it over people. (Jn 13:1-15) God is giving the gift of priesthood but, much more than that, He is entrusting His people to us, Priests.”

He shared 3Ts for priests:

(i) TRUST: People trust their children, youths, married …please don’t take advantage of the people’s trust.

(ii) TEACH: People listen to priests and the people have plenty to teach us: practical things, common sense, sense of right and wrong…people say ‘please don’t terrorise us.’

(iii) THANK: People thank us and are grateful to us. A little kindness takes the people a long way… Don’t take anything for granted, ignore or make fun of the people’s gratitude.

He further quoted the words from John 21: “If we say we love Jesus, then the word of Jesus to us, priests, is “feed my lamb, feed my sheep.” Priests must be after the heart of Jesus Christ.”

At the end of the Eucharist, Fr Alexuchelvam said that among many priests, persons and friends from Assumption Church and St Francis Xavier, P.J., it was Fr Simon Labrooy who confronted him and said that he was running away from the priesthood. Fr Simon Yong, SJ had accompanied and encouraged him. His priesthood motto is, ‘For your love is better than life.’ (Ps 63:3). He will continue to be in St Louis Church, Kluang (posted as Deacon there on October 1, 2018).

For Fr Paul Sia, the support and encouragement of the late Fr Francis NG, CDD, the prayers of the parishioners of St Ignatius PJ and BEC SS19 were contributing factors that encouraged him to become a priest today. His priesthood motto, ‘For God loves a cheerful giver’ (2 Cor 9:7a). He also told the young people, “The Church in Malaysia needs you.” He will continue to be in St Theresa Church, Masai. (posted as Deacon there on October 1, 2018).

As for Fr Martinian Lee, a chance encounter with Bishop Paul Tan gave him the courage to take the leap of faith to respond to the call to the priesthood. His priesthood motto is expressed in a prayer that he had composed ‘The Gaze of Christ.’ (…I see all this, in the penetrating Gaze of Christ. His gaze draws me in, closer, nearer, until I reach out and place my life into His hands). He will continue to be in St Theresa Church (posted as Deacon there on October 1, 2018).

The parish priest of St Theresa, Fr. Thomas Chong SJ, expressed that this was indeed a grace-filled occasion. We continue to offer our prayers and support for the newly ordained priests. He thanked the organising committee for a job well done.

Bishop Bernard Paul, in his speech, thanked the parish organising committee and the families for giving their sons to serve the Church. He also thanked the KL Archdiocese for live-streaming the event. In addition, he said, “If you love your priests, please do not spoil them. But expect ‘F’ from them, i.e. to be — men of Faith, Friends to all and Fit.”

After the Eucharist, many queued up to be blessed by the three newly ordained priests. Others met up with priests whom they had not seen for some time. The celebrations ended with lunch and fellowship at the Catholic Secondary School Hall, behind the Church. It was truly a memorable occasion of blessings, joy and thanksgiving for the Diocese of Malacca Johor to welcome the three newly ordained priests.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The Seven Pillars of BEC Culture
The BEC is not just an activity or programme. It is a way of life. It has its own culture.

Community Culture is defined as a way oflife which includes patterns of interaction, behaviourand the underlying values, beliefs andworldview. It is the kind of environment thatprevails in a community.

Community culture therefore: 
— includes the rituals, symbols, creed, andcode of ethical conduct.defines what behaviour is right and wrong,appropriate and inappropriate.
— defines patterns of relationship — whetherpersonal/intimate or impersonal/functional.
— defines the boundaries.
— defines how leadership is exercised, andhow decisions are made.

A BEC without a clear culture cannot grownor can it be sustained.

What are the elements of BEC culture?What follows are the seven pillars of BEC culture.

1. Awareness as Renewed Christians(metanoia)
2. Communion (koinonia)
3. Word of God (kerygma, catechesis)
4. Prayer and the Eucharist (leitorgia)
5. Social Action (diakonia)
6. Option for the Poor (anawim)
7. Participative Membership and Servant-Leadership

1. Awareness of self as Renewed Christian — metanoia
–We are renewed Christians
— We have accepted Christ as our Lordand Saviour.
–We have turned away from sin and areliving a new life.
— We have become aware of the presenceof the Spirit in our life, the Spirit that renewsus, unites us and empowers us formission.
— We have gone through a process of conversionand commit ourselves to live astrue disciples of Jesus in community, andcontinue his priestly, prophetic and pastoral mission

Communion — koinonia
–We are family/community, we are closeto one another, we live as friends, we carefor each other, we share with each other,we take care of each other.We regularly spend time together todeepen our relationship.
—
–As we strive to be close to one another weobserve proper boundaries and respect foreach other. We will never exploit or takeadvantage of each other.
— We are a community of equals and we recognise our diversity of temperamentsand gifts.When conflicts arise we will always strive together for dialogue and reconciliation.
–We are connected to other BECs in the parish, we are part of the bigger community— the parish, diocese, universalc hurch.
–We will never isolate ourselvesfrom the wider Church to which we are connected. ln view of this we affirm our solidarity with our pastors — the priests,bishops and our Holy Father, the successo rof St Peter.
–We are open to a dialogue of faith and life with people of other faiths and religious traditions — especially other Christians belonging to other denominations and with Muslims.

3.Word of God — kerygma, catechesis
–The Word of God as recorded in the Bibleand reflected in the tradition and teachingsof the Church is the guide of our life.
–We come together regularly to listen tothe Word and share it. We allow the Wordto challenge us and to continually transformour life.
— We continue to study to deepen ourknowledge and understanding of theWord and the teaching of the Church.We proclaim the Word to others and togive witness to it with our life.
— We uphold the teachings of the Church inmatters of faith and morals — includingits social teachings that promote peace,justice, freedom, human rights and respectfor life.
— When necessary we will speak outagainst any manifestation of evil and cultureof death in our midst — i.e., abortion,war, capital punishment, injustices, oppression,corruption, violation of humanrights, ecological destruction, etc.

Prayer and Eucharist — leitorgia
— Prayer expresses and deepens our relationship with God and with one another.
— We come together at least once a week for community prayer or liturgical celebration (Bible-service).
— We gather regularly as a community to celebrate the Eucharist (depending on the availability of a priest).
— We celebrate communally the liturgical seasons — Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter.
— We fully and actively participate in the liturgical celebration in our community and the parish.

5 Social Action — diakonia
–We believe that faith without good works is dead.
–As a community we are concerned about our brothers and sisters who are in need and we show our love and care for them concretely.
— We meet regularly to assess our concrete situation — social, economic, political, ecological. We identify the problems, issues and needs that we have to respond to as a community.
— We actively participate in the process of planning, implementing, and evaluating programmes and projects that will address these problems and needs.
— We are guided by the social teachings of the Church, especially the principle of the common good, total human development, human dignity, justice, peace and integrity of creation.
— We affirm our commitment and option for the poor.
— We live simply and share our time, talents and resources.
— We collaborate with other communities, groups and people of good will in the struggle for social transformation.
— We do not allow ourselves to be used and controlled by ideologies, political parties and movements. We reject terrorism and violence as the means in bringing about social transformation.

6. Option for the Poor — anawim
— We embrace evangelical poverty. We totally depend on God.We affirm our commitment and option for the poor. We live simply and share with others our time, talents and resources.
— We make sure that the poor in our midst will fully participate in the life and mission of the Church and our local community.
–We strive to become truly the Church of the Poor

7. Servant Leadership andParticipative Membership
–We recognise the authority and leadership of our diocesan and parochial pastors (bishops and priests) over our community.
–Through them we affirm our communion with the Universal Church and our universal pastor — the pope.
— We avail of the structures in the parish and the community that enables us to actively participate in the process of decisionmaking.
— We recognise the authority of the local leaders of the community.
— Leadership and authority are to be exercised in the spirit of humble service. Leadership should never be regarded in terms of power, privilege and prestige. There is no place for an autocratic or dictatorial style
of leadership in the community. The leaders will function collegially — as a team or council and will adopt a participative model.
–The leaders are chosen or elected after a prayerful process of discernment on the basis of their integrity, commitment and competence.–By Fr Amado L. Picardal, CSsR, CBCP-BEC

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

SINGAPORE: The Archdiocese of Singapore has introduced a new policy to ensure couples are taking the time they need to properly prepare for marriage.

Catholics looking to getting married in any of the archdiocese’s 32 churches have to book their wedding date at least one year in advance, according to Catholic News.

Previously, the couples only had to notify the church six months before the wedding. Archbishop William Goh Seng Chye of Singapore made the decision in October after discussing the move with the archdiocese’s priests.

Couples must still undergo the same marriage preparatory programs, including a marriage course and a meeting with the priest who will preside over the wedding.

A Catholic spokesperson for the archdiocese told Strait Times that the new policy emphasizes the importance of the commitment of matrimony and helps Catholics prepare for it.

“In response to the feedback and to help our fellow Catholics prepare for such a major commitment in their lives, the Archbishop, in consultation with his Senate of Priests, is looking to refine the recommended policies presently in place,” he said.

“It marks the beginning of a journey that the Church and the couple take together to prepare the couple for their commitment to each other,” he added.

Numerous other Christian dominations in Singapore have similar requirements, which may range from six to nine months prior to the wedding day.

Daniel Seah is an engaged Catholic in Singapore who plans to get married in 2020. He told Straight Times that he was happy with the new policy.

“In my opinion, the divorce rate is quite high and I think the Church is looking at ways to help couples discern deeper if this is the right person for them before they walk down the aisle,” he said.

“Even if you book a hotel, you may also need to book one year in advance but people don’t grumble about that.”

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The Church of St Ignatius (SIC) will focus on BEC (Basic Ecclesial Communities), Family and Youth for 2019.

This was revealed to the more than 260 parishioners from both the English and Mandarin-speaking communities representing BECs and parish ministries at this year’s Parish Assembly (PA) convened on Saturday November 11 at 1.00pm.

After praise and worship, enthronement, reading of the Bible and reciting of a community opening prayer, SIC Parish Priest

Fr Andrew Wong CDD commenced proceedings with a welcoming address. Roeshan Gomez (English) and Raymond Hoo (Mandarin) were the co-Masters of Ceremony at the gathering at the Rooftop of Costantini Community Centre.

Richard Lai (Acting Chairman, Parish Coordinating Council) gave a review of activities carried out in 2017-2018 followed by his counterpart Paul Tan doing likewise for the Mandarin community.

Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) member Sharma Rajadurai explained the rationale, background and roll-out of the Parish Plan for SIC for 2018-2019 in line with the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur Five Year Plan.

A Parish Planning Workshop was held on October 13, 2018 to come up with a draft plan which was later refined by the PPC.

The three clusters chosen are BEC (Basic Ecclesial Communities), Family and Youth. Strengths, Weaknesses and Areas of Concern for these three clusters as well as their action plans and collaborating ministries were projected.

PPC Chairman Lourdes Abishegam then took the floor to urge parishioners to support the plan. After two new members were formally elected and two members re-elected into the PPC, Victoria Ho (Parish Finance Committee) presented the Parish Finance Report.

The Parish Assembly ended with a closing prayer and a blessing from Fr Andrew Wong.

SIC Assistant Parish Priest Fr Lawrence Ng CDD and Bro Joseph Lim CDD also attended the assembly.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

This year’s First Holy Communion was extra special for the 22 children in Std 4 of the Church of the Divine Mercy (CDM). Parish priest Fr Martin Arlando greeted the children on October 21 before the morning Mass and led them in a prayer.

At the Mass, Fr Martin read a shorter version of the gospel (Mark 10: 42-45) and allowed the children to re-enact the fuller version in a skit (Mark 10: 35-45).

He also prepared a laminated bookmark of a picture of the mustard tree with a Bible quote from Luke 13:19, accompanied with a story printed on its flipside. In his message to the First Holy Communicants, Fr Martin explained that even though they were very young and small, they could be like the mustard seed. They just need to break away from bad habits and make Jesus known to others by serving everyone. This love will bring them closer to Jesus. They also need to focus on the Word of God and grow closer to Him through prayer. In this way, they will all grow into big mustard trees.

Fr Martin explained that the apostles had not understood Jesus’ teaching. James and John wanted a promotion. The others were indignant. as they thought that they were more deserving. Jesus showed them that true greatness is all about humility by coming to serve and giving up his life. The first step to entering heaven is humility. We all have a mission, be it through our prayers, financial contributions or awaking others to the faith. We can all do this in our BECs.

After Mass, all the children gathered at the church basement for fellowship. They joined in the cutting of a cake and received a rosary each.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The final plan for the new Church of St Jude has just been submitted to the relevant government authorities.

The parish hopes to obtain the approval and begin the process for construction by April or May 2019.If you need more information, you can get more at DuraBarrier USA website

Fr David Arulanatham, the parish priest, informed the thousands of pilgrims who came for the October 2018 feast of St Jude Thaddeus that a bigger church with better facilities is needed to cater to the growing Catholic population in Rawang and its surrounding areas.

A couple of slides about the new church design and location were projected and Fr David said ground clearing works are expected to be in January or February 2019. Presently, only RM5 million plus has been raised for the New Church Building Fund. The estimated amount needed is between RM18 million and RM20 million. The parish is still committed to raising funds for the construction of the new church. Those who wish to donate for the three bells, tabernacle, altar, monstrance, etc, should contact him. Those who wish to donate can contact the parish office throughout the year. With the help of rebar chairs for steel reinforcement one can make sure the construction process is easier.

“While we are in the process of building the physical church, we are also working towards the building of the spiritual church.”

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes organised a one-day retreat called Healing Planet Klang & Our Future on November 3. Over 100 people attended this green retreat.

YB Charles Santiago, who is Klang’s parliamentarian, Coordinator for Coalition Against Water Privatisation (CAWP) and chairman of the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), spoke on the challenges faced by Malaysians with regard to the ongoing climate change that causes serious environmental damage.

Despite the impending doom and gloom of our environment, YB Charles encouraged the retreatants to remain hopeful. He addressed one of the key problems faced by Klang residents, the practice of plastic recycling at certain factories in Klang.

As a result of this practice, our rivers continue to be contaminated with microplastics found in marine products.

The parliamentarian also stated that with the steady move of population to the more urbanised areas of the nation, the water supply in the dams throughout the country is at risk of running dry in the next five years. Thus, citizens need to start conserving water before it is too late.

YB Charles also advised the participants to make a pledge to stop using single-use plastics and reduce their dependency on this environmental pollutant.

Reiterating the words of St Pope John Paul II on being faithful stewards of creation, Dato’ Dr Dionysius (Dino) Sharma, the
Chairman of the Malaysian Wildlife Conservation Foundation, started his session by saying that the gift of nature we have inherited from the Creator is also gifted to the poor.

Dr Dino gave a brief history of our planet’s evolution, and how humankind have steadily eroded the earth of its natural resources. Deforestation has depleted the world’s oxygen supply.

Dr Dino shared that the current waste production in the region and global ocean pollution is disturbing. An estimated 30,000 tonnes of daily waste would be produced by Malaysians in 2020. This will further impact biodiversity significantly.

He advised that everyone should start reducing their waste production through practical approaches of sustainable living. Amongst the suggestions given by Dr Dino were the everyday applications of reuse, reduce, refuse, rot (compost) and recycle.

Benedict Savarimuthu, an advertiser and multifaceted trainer and green ranger, pointed out that Laudato Si’ could be easily understood in three simple ways. Firstly, the whole of Laudato Si’ is primarily about the Creator, Creation and Us.

Secondly, ‘what’s inside of us (our attitudes and habits towards Creation) affects the outside and, eventually, what’s outside of us will affect the inside of us (the damage done to creation has a price and the consequences will be faced by us). Thirdly, he suggested using a formula ,GAS, our level of Gratefulness, Accountability and Stewardship of all that God has created and entrusted to us in Genesis 1:28 that will affect the level of Blessings, Miracles and Wonders (BMWs) that we will experience in our lives.

Ben asked all those present to reflect on Why and How God, in His wisdom, has placed them in Klang and continues to bless them daily to play a more active role to restore Klang by becoming better and more grateful, accountable stewards who will directly and indirectly contribute to the improvement of the environment and creation.

Louis Clovis, an IT and Broadcast Entrepreneur and current Activist-Guardian of Mother Earth, specifically of planet Klang, made the retreatants reflect on how they can transform apathy into the compassion that we need to comprehend the Cry of Creation which Pope Francis speaks about in the encyclical.

He also gave some examples on practical and useful suggestions.

The retreat culminated with an Ecumenical prayer, blessing of pets and the retreatants at the park opposite the church.

All who had attended pledged to play a more active role in Healing Klang and Creation, both individually and communally.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KAJANG: The Society of St Vincent de Paul, Conference of the Holy Family, celebrated the 28th anniversary of Rumah Keluarga Kami (RKK) with a charity dinner and dance on Saturday, October 20, at the hall of the Church of the Holy Family.

More than 900 well-wishers attended, including Archbishop Julian Leow, Fr Vincent Thomas, President of the State Council of Selangor, Joseph Chong, Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, Andrew Lim and the Chairman of the Parish Coordinating Council, Wilson Sebastion.

In his welcome address, the President of the Conference, Bryan Perera thanked the Catholic Community of the parish, both past and present, for journeying with the Conference during good and difficult times.

In his message published in the Commemorative Booklet, Archbishop Leow thanked the Members of the Conference for their commitment and perseverance amidst numerous adversities and for staying afloat on this “ship” for almost three decades, weathering many financial turbulences.

“When I think of all these precious children, I am reminded of what it means to be seen, to be heard, to be acknowledged.

It’s a privilege we should not take for granted, because everyday millions of children suffer unseen.

“Our humility, empathy, and our ability to walk in one another’s shoes, are our greatest strengths. And if we use these strengths, if we hold ourselves and those in power accountable, if we take action together, these children will not be alone. They will not be abused or exploited. They will have the opportunity to study, to play and to dream of their future.”

RKK commenced operations on June 1, 1990. Since then, more than 400 children of all races and religions have passed through its doors. Apart from providing shelter, the Home works towards social rehabilitation, reunification of families, counselling, understanding, kindness, holistic educational development, empowerment, restoration of self-confidence, dignity and self-reliance. The Home has provided a safe and secure environment for several hundred children who have since gone on to acquire tertiary and vocational qualifications.

At the charity dinner, a sumptuous eight course Chinese dinner was served, with entertainment provided by Small Stones.

DJ Rust, with his Music Machine, entertained the younger patrons. The highlight of the evening was the colourful and dazzling dance performances, a joint musical rendition by a Violinist (guest of the Home) and a Guitarist, a solo Beatboxing and a song in Tamil by the Children of the Home.

Archbishop Leow later presented “Appreciation Awards” to the Management Staff of the Home for their care, patience, love and kindness as caregivers to the children of the Home.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

“When we forget, it looks forsaken, but when we remember, we give life,” said Fr Dominic Santhiyagu, the Parish Priest of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (NBVM) during Mass in commemoration of all the faithful departed on November 2.

In his homily, he showed two contrasting images of graveyards — one looking forlorn and spooky while the other teeming with a multitude of colourful flowers, beautiful burning candles and people visiting their loved ones. He said the first image happens when we forget the dead. It is an ambience of hopelessness and abandonment. The second image gives hope in ‘life after death’— resurrection. It is this hope that warms the heart and lifts the spirit of the ones visiting their loved ones who have gone before them, with the hope that one day we will meet again in the heavenly kingdom. This remembrance brings life, hope and meaning, which is why we commemorate All Souls Day.

He encouraged the congregation to pray for their loved ones who have passed on as he does at every Eucharistic celebration for his late parents and brother. He also invited the parishioners to reflect on their own deaths — to take a few minutes to visualise what their own funeral would be like. Finally, he urged all to remember “The Lord is my light and my salvation” Psalm 27:1, reminding them that in Jesus, there is resurrection.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online