Category Archives: Aug 2018

KKIP, Telipok – Over 200 faithful from Church of Mary Immaculate (CMI) Bukit Padang and Sacred Heart Cathedral (SHC) Karamunsing made a pilgrimage to the Church of the Divine Mercy here on 22 Aug 2018 in conjunction with the CMI silver jubilee (CMISJ) celebration.

The event was organised by the CMISJ committee as part of its activities to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the church in October.

Led by Father Paul Lo, SHC rector, the pilgrimage began with Morning Prayer (Lauds) in CMI before proceeding to KKIP in three buses.

Fr Lo briefed them on the meaning of a pilgrimage and told them for any first visit to any holy place, church or shrine, they are allowed to make three requests a) for the people of the place b) for those who have asked them for prayers and c) for their own needs.

And on this pilgrimage there were many first timers since the church was officially blessed and opened by Archbishop John Wong on 21 Oct 2017.

At KKIP Fr Lo presided over the bilingual (Eng/Mand) Mass followed by a potluck fellowship meal.

It concluded with the recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy before the journey home.

A pilgrimage to any holy place or shrine reflects the reality that the People of God are a pilgrim people on their way to their heavenly homeland.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

PENANG: The Episcopal Commission for Creation Justice (CJC) of the Penang Diocese and the Creation Justice Ministry of St. Anne’s Church, Bukit Mertajam, made their debut at this year’s Feast with a booth dedicated to the call of Pope Francis in his encyclical, Laudato Si’ on Care of Our Common Home.

The aim was to raise awareness about Laudato Si’, creation justice and the global climate crisis. Several activities were carried out:

1) Collection of signatures for a petition to the Prime Minister to ban single-use plastics in Malaysia from January 2019 onwards. This petition was spearheaded by the CJC of the Penang Diocese with the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP). We collected close to 600 signatures. (Sign the online petition at https://www.change.org/p/prime-minister-of-malaysia-ban-single-use-plastics-in-malaysia)

2) Giving out bookmarks (in four languages) on the global climate crisis and ecological pledges such as practising the 6Rs (refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose and regenerate).

3) Promotion of repurposed/upcycled bags made by the parishioners of the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Balik Pulau, to raise funds for a new church building. The bags were upcycled from foil packages (3-in-1, Milo, etc.)

4) Promotion of CAP booklets on how to grow a kitchen garden, composting, herbs, etc. to encourage people to grow their own food safely and ecologically.

Aside from the booth, the Church of St Anne, in collaboration with the CJC, also put up a signboard on ecological pledges. The whole board was filled with signatures from parishioners and pilgrims who visited the Church during the nine-day novena period.

There were also banners in the hall calling upon the visitors not to waste food during the meals served free to pilgrims.
St Anne’s Church is taking its role as an advocate of ecological consciousness seriously. The parish also gave out flyers on this subject during Lent and is celebrating Masses for the coming Season of Creation from 1 September to 4 October as it did last year. It also houses the Garden of Bethlehem, a demonstration ecological farm (see Anil Netto’s column in the HERALD on July 15, 2018).

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

AIR TAWAR, Perak: The Feast of St Anne is celebrated annually at the Chapel of St Anne in the outskirts of the Church of St Francis de Sales, Sitiawan. Pilgrims from far and near including a group from the Church of Sacred Heart, Peel Road, Kuala Lumpur, gathered to deepen and strengthen their faith as well as their love and affection to the grandparents of Jesus. St Joachim and St Anne are beautiful models for parents and grandparents who live and face the uncertainties of life with trust, faith, confidence, hope, prayer and surrender.

The theme chosen for the four days (Aug 1-4) focused on the family. The first day began with flag raising. The Novena in honour of Sts Joachim and Anne was followed by the multilingual Mass celebrated by Fr James Pitchay assisted by the parish priest, Fr Vincent Paul. On the third day, anointing of the sick was followed by a multilingual Mass. Each anointed person was gifted with a bottle of holy water.

On the feastday, Fr Francis Xavier, from Teluk Intan parish, was the main celebrant, with Fr Vincent Paul and Fr James concelebrating. After the Eucharistic celebration, a candle light procession was held, followed by Benediction.

The homily each day was meaningful and challenged family life with the following themes: Family strengthened by Faith in God, Family called to serve others, Family — cradle of vocations and Family gives birth to mission. Pilgrims present at the celebration were invited to imitate the first holy family of St Joachim, St Anne and Mary, the mother of Jesus. The parents of Mary nurtured her, brought her up to be a worthy Mother of God which led Mary to respond to God’s request in faith. Are we, as parents and grandparents, ready to follow in the footsteps of St Joachim and St Anne?

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

August 13, 2018 BP/2018/023

To All Clergy, Religious and Lay Faithful of Malacca Johore Diocese

1. New Postings for the Clergy

Priests
Fr John Yoew (Parish Priest, St Mary’s Church, Air Salak)  –  October 1, 2018
Fr KC Wong (Priest-in-Residence, St Mary’s Church, Air Salak) – October 1, 2018
Fr Thomas Chong SJ (Parish Priest, St Theresa’s Church, Malacca) – October 1, 2018
Fr Louis Chin (Asst. Parish Priest, St Henry, Batu Pahat) – October 1, 2018
Msgr Peter Ng (Parish Priest, St Louis’s Church, Kluang) – October 1, 2018
Fr Joseph Lee OFM (P. Administrator, St Elizabeth’s Church, Kota Tinggi) – August 15, 2018
Fr Simon Yong SJ (Parish Priest, Sacred Heart Cathedral, JB) – August 15, 2018
Fr Joseph Heng (Asst. Parish Priest, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Krubong) -August 15, 2018
Fr Joe Matthews OFM (Asst. Parish Priest, Christ The King Church, Kulai) – May 15, 2018

Deacons
Dcn Arama Das (Christ the King Church, Kulai) – October 1, 2018
Dcn Offic Joseph (Skudai Catholic Centre, Skudai) – October 1, 2018
Dcn James Anthony (Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Krubong) – October 1, 2018
Dcn Martinian Lee (St Theresa’s Church, Malacca) – November 1, 2018
Dcn Alex Mariasoosai (St Louis’s Church, Kluang) – July 15, 2018
Dcn Paul Sia (St Theresa’s Church, Masai) – July 20, 2018

Clergy Away on Studies

Fr Lawrence Ng: Doctorate Sacred Theology (USA) – Completes in 2020
Fr Ryan lnnas Muthu: Licentiate Biblical Theology (Rome) – Completes in September 2018
Fr Louis Chin: PLMM (EAPI) – Completes in December 2018
Fr Paul Wong: PLMM (EAPI) – Completes in July 2019
Fr Cyril Mannayagam: PLMM (EAPI) – Completes in July 2019

Together Building His Kingdom,

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KUALA LUMPUR: Archbishop Julian Leow has authorised the immediate release of RM50,000.00 from the Natural Disaster Fund of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur in aid of the relief work to alleviate the suffering and hardships of the people of Kerala.

Archbishop Leow has also decreed that a second collection be taken at all Masses on the September 8 and 9 weekend in all parishes of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur for this purpose.

This was informed in a chancery notice released on August 18.

Since June, the Southern Indian state of Kerala has been hit by torrential rains and the unprecedented floods have taken the lives of hundreds and displaced thousands more.

Let us continue to pray for all those affected and for all who are actively contributing or supporting the relief work to help those in distress.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KAMPAR: Sacred Heart parish hosted the Perak State Police Day celebrations on Aug 12 with a bilingual Mass celebrated by parish priest Fr Aloysius Tan, with Bishop Sebastian Francis concelebrating.

Also present was the Member of Parliament for Kampar, Thomas Su, State assemblyman for Malim Nawar, Patrick Leong Cheok Keng and Angeline, who repesented Keranji assemblyman Chong Zhemin.

It was a lively and joy-filled Mass for the 200 Christian police personnel including the police rangers from the 69th Commando in Ulu Kinta, and their families. They were led by ASP Alex Chantra Gabriel of the Ipoh Police Kontinjen, Perak.

During the entrance procession, policemen carried the Malaysian and police flags. After the entrance hymn, the Negara Ku was sung.

In his homily, Fr Tan welcomed the police and their families and those from outstation who had come for the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Convocation in Kampar.

Referring to the Scripture and Gospel readings, Fr Tan said people usually take care of their physical health with a host of supplements but often forget to take care of the “spiritual” self.

“Jesus reminds us that our psychological and spiritual self is also important by his words “I am the bread of life.” This is the promise of God, that he comes to strengthen us and give us his life, as our everlasting food in the Eucharist.

“His Word is to give us God’s strength and wisdom when making difficult decisions and choices in our lives. As Christians, we need both God’s Word and the Eucharist as food, to go out as warriors in the battlefield of life in the world, because we only have limited resources as human beings,” he said.

Intentions were offered for the police, security forces, the Government, political leaders and those who had sacrificed their lives in the course of duty.

During the Mass, policemen carried the offertory, took up the duties of hospitality ministers and sang for the congregation after Holy Communion.

A 3-piece band led by East Malaysian singer Calver J., with guitarists Gainnistornce Charles and Carlos George, of the
69th Commando unit in Ulu Kinta, led the parishioners in prayer for Rev Fr Jumi Kuanga, who was in hospital with a broken leg and facial injuries, after an accident in Slim River on Aug 8. Children of the Sacred Heart parish distributed small souvenirs to the police personnel and their families.

ASP Alex gave a brief history of the Royal Malaysian Police and thanked God, Fr Tan and Bishop Sebastian, as well as those who had helped make the Police Day a memorable event.

Fr Tan said Kampar Sacred Heart parish was proud to host the Police Day celebrations. It was one way for the people to show their appreciation and support for the police who serve with dedication and commitment.

Bishop Sebastian thanked the police for their loyal service, especially during the GE 14, to ensure the safety of the people in having a peaceful election process. In our daily lives, the police help keep security for the people and our nation.

“In our recent clergy meeting with all the priests and bishops of Malaysia in Johore Baru, the Holy Spirit indicated we are to be a nation that is united, whatever our race or religion. We thank the police, especially those who work to create a united Malaysia for all,” he said.

Bishop Sebastian and Fr Tan then gave a special blessing for all police personnel present.

After Mass, everyone were treated to an Indian curry lunch. The Police also donated five hampers of food for the poor.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

PENAMPANG – Deacons Russell Lawrine and Gilbert Marcus will be ordained priests by Archbishop John Wong in November this year.

Russell, 31, will be ordained on Sat Nov 10 at St James Tenghilan while the ordination of Gilbert, 36, will be on Tue Nov 20 at Sacred Heart Church Inobong.

The two were ordained deacons by Abp Wong on 11 Mar 2018 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Karamunsing.

Although Russell entered the aspirancy earlier in 2008 and Gilbert in 2010, both of them  entered initiation year in 2011 and thereafter onward to St Peter’s College Kuching from 2012 to 2017.

Russell is currently serving in Sacred Heart Cathedral while Gilbert is having his pastoral ministry in St Michael Penampang.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU – The Alumni of La Salle and Sacred Heart marked 60 years of  La Salle Brothers’ presence in Sabah at their 57th annual dinner on 18 August 2018 at the Port View Palace Hall (Hakka Hall) Tanjung Lipat here with the theme Achieving our Dreams Together – Animo La Salle.

In his message, Guest of Honour Anthony John Wong said: “Tonight we are not only having our annual dinner, but are also celebrating and commemorating 60 years since the La Salle Brothers took over the running of the Sacred Heart Secondary School from the Mill Hill Missionaries.”

He noted that among those who came were some former Sacred Heart teachers and some of the first La Salle 1958 Form Five students – of whom he was one.

In his turn, Brother Justin Mobilik, patron of the alumni association, lauded the alumni members’ spirit of collaboration.  “Achieving dreams together is still working because of the [Lasallian] spirit…The spirit must live on,” he said.

Meanwhile, alumni president Herman Yee added a backgrounder in his speech.  He touched on the arrival of Brothers Charles O’Leary, Raphael Egan, and Thomas Carney in 1958.

“We are indeed indebted to the pioneers and all the La Salle Brothers who came after them for giving us the opportunity and privilege to be educated in the holistic Lasallian way,” he said.

He urged all members to be more committed in paying it forward by giving back to their alma mater.

Yee added that the alumni’s dream of acquiring the Sri Murni apartments which began in 2009 has finally been achieved this year.  He thanked all donors and contributors for making it possible.

Among the forthcoming plans of the alumni are the future relocation of the primary school, the setting up of an English Learning Centre, and a scholarship fund for deserving poor students.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

JOHOR BAHRU: Papal nuncio Archbishop Joseph Marino was granted an audience with the Sultan of Johor at Istana Pasir Pelangi here on 15 Aug 2018.c

Abp Marino spent nearly 90 minutes with Tuanku Sultan Ibrahim Ibn Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.

During the audience, the American-born archbishop conveyed an invitation on behalf of Pope Francis for the sultan to make a state visit to the Vatican City.

He also presented a special silver medallion from the pope to the king, who reciprocated with a memento to the nuncio.

Accompanying the nuncio on the visit were Father Vjekoslav Holik from the Vatican Embassy in Kuala Lumpur and local liaison officer Mr Vincent D’Silva.

Also present was Deputy Johor Mufti Dato’ Yahya Ahmad.

Abp Marino arrived in Malaysia in 2013 following his appointment by Pope Benedict XVI.  He is the first resident apostolic  nuncio to Malaysia, which established diplomatic relations with the Holy See in July 2011.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

BUNDU TUHAN: The Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of the Dioceses of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei met at the Retreat Centre here on Jul 25-26, 2018, which was attended by nine Diocesan mission directors together with Kuching Archbishop Simon Poh, as the Episcopal adviser for PMS.

This coming together of the mission directors annually enables them to organize and animate missionary activities in this region. This is also an opportune time for the National Director to disseminate news and information that he received from the PMS General Assembly in Rome in late May.

The PMS consist of the Society of the Propagation of the Faith, Society of St Peter the Apostle, Society of Holy Childhood and Society of Missionary Union of Priests and Religious.

The Pontifical Mission Societies have, as their primary purpose, the promotion of a universal missionary spirit – a spirit of prayer and sacrifice – among all baptized Catholics.

The first three Societies, in carrying out that goal, invite baptized Catholics to express their missionary commitment by offering their prayers, personal sacrifices and financial support for the work of the Church in the Missions.

The Missionary Union of Priests and Religious works to deepen mission awareness among priests, religious, catechists and educators so that they are fully prepared to take on the mission formation of the faithful.

With the Malaysian Catholic Clergy Assembly (MCCA) just round the corner (Jul 16-20), Archbishop Simon Poh pointed out that the whole thrust of the MCCA is missionary in nature.   This, he said, explains the subsidy from PMS for the MCCA.

The Archbishop also mentioned in his opening address that as clergy, one is in an important position to witness to the Gospel which can bring about change in the society.

The meeting highlighted on the Extraordinary Missionary Month October 2019 (EMM Oct 2019) announced by Pope Francis in October 2017, of his intention to call an Extraordinary Missionary Month for October 2019 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Apostolic Letter Maximum Illud issued by his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI, which he said should be a great opportunity to renew the missionary commitment throughout the Church.

As such, proposals of initiatives to be planned for the local Church would be submitted to the Bishops’ Conference for approval.

The directors were very grateful to KK prelate Archbishop John Wong for his support and generosity in hosting this year’s PMS annual gathering.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online