Category Archives: Aug 2018

In conjunction with Stewardship Sunday 8 July 2018, Stella Maris Parish (SMP) launched a Hymn Festival where parishioners were invited, for the first time in the parish, to participate in hymn composition.  The parishioners were given the opportunity and freedom to create and compose a new hymn for the Vision and Mission of the parish.

Eighteen entries were received from individuals and ministries.

The battle of the presentations was officiated by parish priest Msgr Primus Jouil, with Ian Baxter as the main judge, and two other judges in the persons of Jessel Yansalang and Pontius Otigil.

Representing the primary level were Tayneisha Jasmine Roeshan, 9, and her sister Sumeisha Jeslyn Roeshan, 10, who also happened to be the youngest contestants.  They had strong support from their parents and grandparents.

Their winning entries were entitled “Children of God’s Delight” and “Christ our Light and Saviour.”  They bagged the 1st and 2nd prizes, the first going to Jasmine for her composition “Christ our Light and Savior”.

All 18 contestants received certificates of participation.

In the English open category, the first place went to the Sacristans led by Sister Carmen Cordova, fsic.  Second place went to Jonathan Juhakim and third to the JWG Lower Level led by Lainie Lamau.

In the Bahasa Malaysia category, the first place was won by the Kerasulan Bahasa led by Jasmine Eve Petrus who was also the overall winner.  The second place was won by KKD St Faustina led by Daniel Anggang and the third went to Eva Stephen.

Contestant Sister Bernardine shared how she was inspired to compose the hymn “Journey Together as Christ-centred Family.” She recalled how the flow of words came to her and with the help of the Holy Spirit she managed to compose a meaningful hymn.

Another contestant Lainie Lamau revealed that she was inspired to compose while ironing her clothes.  Slowly, word by word, the hymn “One vision One mission with Love” was created through her discipline and obedience to listen to the inspiration that welled from within.

Jonathan Johakim also shared how he was fired up to create the hymn entitled “Now as we journey together (reaching our vision),” and was grateful to Neil Mah for his guidance.

The parishioners contributed RM2,600 towards this festival, providing for the first prize at  RM300, second prize at RM200 and the third at RM150.  The overall winner received RM500 with a crystal plaque. 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Francis Lodungi returned unopposed as KUK Chairman of St Mary’s Chapel Kg Kionsom here recently.

The physical and spiritual development of the chapel was made possible with the guidance of Father David Sham, parish priest of St Catherine Inanam, and the leadership of the KUK committee chairman, Francis Lodungi.

From a wooden shelter with only a handful of faithful, the chapel now has a new concrete building and a hall that can accommodate over 400 worshippers. Last year also saw the construction of an additional building which is now occupied by Merpati Putih Kindergarten.

It was for these reasons that when the past KUK’s tenure of office expired recently, the Catholic community in Kionsom and neighbouring villages supported the proposal that Lodungi be re-nominated for the chairman post.

Three other candidates were also roped in to challenge the incumbent but all pulled out on polling day.

“A heavy responsibility… however, I will try my best to carry out my duties as expected by the community,” Francis said upon declared the victor uncontested to continue helming the committee for the 2019-2021 period.

He pledged to continue working for the betterment of the Church and is optimistic that better time is ahead with the full cooperation of all committee members and the community, as well as the guidance of the Inanam parish leadership.

Francis will be assisted by members who were also unanimously elected into the committee.

The other elected members were Alice William Doses (deputy chairperson), Casssy Tongguk (treasurer), Felicia Edna Julius (secretary), Dennisia Francis (assistant secretary), Theresa Dunggi (Women’s League), Julia Miki (assistant CWL), Stella Kaggi (Liturgical), Peter Yong (Catechetical) Rolend Kisin (Youth), Alexcius Maidis (Music) and Robert Guntis (Chief Warden).

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KOTA KINABALU: The Council of Religious in the Kota Kinabalu Archdiocese held election of office bearers after six years on 14 July 2018 in a meeting at a local venue here.

Seven members were able to make it to the meeting during which the office bearers were elected for the term 2018-2021.

Elected were Brother Thomas Paul SG (chairman), Father Andrew Kim SST (vice chairman), Sister Magdalene Chong FSP (secretary), Sister Joan Michael FSIC (treasurer).

They took over with immediate effect from the outgoing council: Sister Christine Henry Sundin FSP (chairperson), Sister Rita Chew FSIC (secretary), Sister Alice Lopez FSIC (treasurer).

Other members present were Sister Lilian Unsoh FSIC (representing Sister Frances Mani FSIC), and Sister Grace Deosing FSIC.  There were no representatives from the La Salle Brothers, the Marist Brothers, and the Good Shepherd Sisters.

With the encouragement and guidance of Bishop John Lee, the Council of Religious (COR) was formed in August 1997 in the diocese.  The elected office bearers were: Sr Aquinas Voon FSIC (chairperson), Br Justin Mobilik FSC (vice chairperson), Sr Agnes Wong FSP (secretary), Sr Angeline Lau RGS (treasurer), Sr Grace Deosing FSIC (member), and Sr Cecilia Liew FSIC (member).

The objectives of the COR are:

— To serve the organism of mutual liaison among the religious institutes;

— To act as a means of promoting and renewing religious life in fidelity to the magisterium and to the distinctive charisms of each institute;

— To provide the forum for the discussion of mutual concerns of the archbishop, priests and religious; and

— To co-ordinate the activities of religious institutes with the pastoral action of the archdiocese under the guidance of the archbishop, without prejudice to relations and negotiations which can be carried out directly by the archbishop himself with any individual institute.

There are now four women religious institutes and four men religious institutes serving in the archdiocese: Order of Discalced Carmelite Nuns (OCD), Daughters of St Paul (FSP), Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (FSIC), and Religious of the Good Shepherd (RGS); Brothers of St Gabriel (SG), Brothers of the Christian School or La Salle Brothers (FSC), the Marist Brothers (FMS), and the Society of the Most Holy Trinity of Mirinae (SST).

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KUALA LUMPUR: Catholics in Malaysia have collected RM1,143,653.10 for the Tabung Harapan.

The Church in Malaysia offered one weekend’s collection from all its parishes to Tabung Harapan Malaysia as a gesture of solidarity.

The setting up of the fund was part of a patriotic act by Malaysians to help pare down the nation’s RM1 trillion debt.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced the setting up of the fund on May 30 for Malaysians to contribute towards a reduction of the country’s debts.

The Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese has been tasked to hand over the money collected from all the nine arch/dioceses of Malaysia to a representative from the Ministry of Finance.

The collection by the parishes was for the Masses of June 22 to June 24 and there was only one collection.

Besides the weekend collection, individuals were also encouraged to contribute directly to the Tabung Harapan especially if they wished to receive a tax-exempt receipt.

As of 3.00pm on Aug 13, the amount collected by the Tabung Harapan fund was RM175,356,930.51 (RM175mil).

Tabung Harapan Malaysia Maybank 
A/C no: 5660 1062 645

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

As a follow up of the recently held annual meeting of the Regional Commission on Family, Laity and Life of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei in Bukit Mertajam, Bryan Crucis Shen, at the invitation of Archbishop John Wong, conducted talks  on “Understanding Same-Sex Attraction (SSA): a psych-development view from clinical experiences”  at Vianney Home here on 2 July 2018.

Forty participants comprising bishops, priests and deacons from the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu, and the Dioseses of Keningau and Sandakan attended the five informational sessions.

Shen holds a Master’s degree in Social Science (Counselling) from the University of South Australia. He is a Registered Counsellor as well as a recognised Clinical Supervisor with the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC).

He has been spending time since 1997 providing counselling programmes in religious training houses, organisations and schools in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines.

The speaker said the talks “aim to put aside fear, misconceptions and prejudice, and bring forth appropriate attitudes and responses.”

To help the clergy to better grasp the talks, Shen explained  terminologies such as Gay, SSA,  Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT), Gender Dysphoria and To Come Out.

He went on to explain what Normal Gender Identity Development is about, and explored on what could go wrong.

“There are eight factors contributing to SSA,” said the speaker. These are divided into four groups: first group focuses on Intra-psychic Factors consisting of 1) Same-Sex Disaffiliation (lack of connection to the same gender); 2) Gender Incongruence (feeling different from people of the same gender); 3) Unhealthy Childhood Relationship with the opposite gender; and 4) Gender Concept Distortion.

Second group  consists of External Factors such as 5) Sexual Conditioning; and 6) Sexual Abuse, physically, mentally or morally.

Third group covers other Mental Health Factors such as (7) Certain Personality Traits.

Fourth group looks to Biological Contributions as (8) Some Biological and Physical Factors.

At the end of the sessions, Shen suggested to the attendees what they could do as catechists, teachers, parents, priests, religious, school principles, leaders.

He stated that “The work of forming the next generation to be good parents, good role models, administrators of justice, protectors of the vulnerable, etc., has great importance in preventing SSA and other gender identity issues. Knowing and defending ourselves against obstacles to these is also important. Even more important is the knowledge of Chasity through practice, experiencing its benefits to these virtues, distinguishing the difference between outer value and intrinsic value, and then including this knowledge in our prayer, teaching and formation.”

Archbishop Wong thanked Shen for a fruitful and important talk on SSA to the clergy, enabling them an understanding on SSA in the psychological perspective.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

A ‘Cub Reporters Workshop’ was organised by Anne Marie and Sheila Rose, at the Chapel of Sts Chasten and Imbert. It was the first time that such a workshop was carried out to recruit more people who have the knack for writing, but also to give them the opportunity of serving God in this ministry.

The participants were from all age groups — the youngest was barely fifteen and the oldest was a senior citizen. We also had the privilege of having Fr Louis Loi as one of the participants.

All thirteen of us came with just one goal in mind — an ardent desire to gain knowledge and to enjoy the three-hour lecture! Throughout the course of the workshop, notes were taken and essential questions asked.

Apart from that, we learned about ‘news values,’ different types of ‘writing-leads’ and examples of ‘sports-reporting.’

It was not merely passive learning where we just sit and listen to a lecture being delivered. It certainly required a little bit of effort on our part: carrying out brief writing attempts on our own. Perhaps that was when every participant felt a little unsure; however, after several minutes, we were all giving it a go — to be perfectly honest, we were actually enjoying the challenge.

The truth of the matter is, improving one’s writing is not an easy task by any means, without a doubt, it takes lots of hours of practice; moreover, making mistakes along the way will naturally be an inevitable part of the learning process.

The presenters were a diverse group of professionals who have had years of experience on various types of writing: Sheila Rose, Anil Netto, Anne Marie and Fabian Peter.

Basically, they dealt with the relevant aspects of report-writing as simply and concisely as they possibly could. In addition, the presenters were warm and friendly, and they were easy to get along with. That too, by the way, made the learning fun and interesting.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KOTA KINABALU: The Apologetics Ministry introduced a 10-week series on the Lectio Eucharist to the parishioners of Sacred Heart Cathedral and its sub-parish Church of Mary Immaculate from 6 Apr-6 July 2018 , which attracted about 60 participants.

Renowned theologian Dr Brant Pitre guided the participants through Scripture, history, and Church teaching to illuminate the wonder and miracle of the Eucharist. With deep insight, Pitre gave a fresh perspective for understanding the mystery that is the Eucharist.

This study series feature important questions on the Eucharist, such as: How do we respond to the Eucharist? How do we react to the idea that the Mass is the most dynamic and powerful sacrifice in all of human history? How do we respond to the Church teaching that it is a profound encounter with the life of the Trinity, imparting grace and strength to us and changing us from within? What does it mean when we claim that, in the Mass, the Paschal mystery – life, death, and resurrection – is made present? Do we experience the reality that Jesus Christ is truly present in every Eucharist that has ever been, is, or ever will be celebrated? Do we believe that Jesus is longing to be united with us in this most blessed sacrament?

Over the course of this study, Pitre took the participants back to the biblical roots of the Eucharist. Together they saw how this sacrament is deeply rooted in Sacred Scripture,  explored its origins, its foreshadowing in the many mysterious and miraculous events of the Old Testament and Gospels, and the essential purpose and reality of Jesus’ words and actions at the Last Supper.

In conclusion, the participants were led to examine how the Eucharist is not just a something, but rather Someone with whom they are meant to be in communion.

Lisa Tsen, who received a Certificate of Attendance from Fr Paul Lo  at the conclusion of the study said, “The Lectio sessions have straightened my spiritual faith and given me the insight of God’s infinite love for mankind.”

She added “I felt enlightened by the explanation of the mystery of the Holy Mass, truly a Trinitarian mystery, and a taste of heaven. It has also given me an urge to read the Bible following a devotional plan and a study guide to deepen my understanding.”

Another participant, Mary Lee, a member of  the Secular Carmelites, shared that the 10-session study on Discovering the Mass in the Bible has renewed her sense of awe, attentiveness and thanksgiving at the immensity of God’s love for humankind which is beyond human comprehension.

She said, “It has helped me to perceive clearly that when I receive the gracious gift of the Holy Eucharist – I am receiving the body, blood, soul and divinity of the risen glorified Lord Jesus who wishes to unite his entirety with mine in all my nothingness, my unworthiness, my loneliness, my human frailty and imperfections. How can I then not adore and acclaim the Lord who chose to remain humbly hidden, little and invisible in the Holy Eucharist …?”

Monica Chong, who completed the study, could only marvel how the sessions have left her in awe and “feeling great wonderment and overwhelmed with emotions”.

She shared, “The study teaches us the great mystery of love and mercy of our Lord, to know that He waits for us in every Mass, to celebrate and actively participate more meaningfully, to see the wound and pain when we neglect Him, when our mind wanders, though physically present but is somewhere else.” — Apologetics Ministry

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Like the ancient Israelites, Christians today also can fall into the temptation of creating their own idols when difficulties and uncertainties arise, Pope Francis said.

“To escape precariousness human nature looks for a ‘do-it-yourself’ religion. If God does not show himself, we create a tailor-made god,” the pope said Aug. 8 during his weekly general audience.

Among those present for the audience was Grammy Award-winning musician Sting, who composed the music for “Giudizio Universale: Michelangelo and the Secrets of the Sistine Chapel,” a show developed in collaboration with the Vatican Museums and featuring high-definition recreations of the Sistine Chapel frescoes painted by Michelangelo.

Continuing his series of audience talks about the Ten Commandments, Pope Francis said he wanted to return to the theme of last week’s talk on idolatry because “it is very important to know this.”

He reflected on the reading from the book of Exodus in which the Israelites ask Aaron to build a golden calf to worship while Moses was on the mountain receiving the commandments.

Moses’ absence, Pope Francis explained, triggered insecurities and anxieties in the people, leading to the creation of the idol that embodied “the desires that give the illusion of freedom but instead enslave.”

“The calf had a double meaning in the ancient East. On one hand, it represented fruitfulness and abundance; on the other hand, energy and strength. But above all, it was made of gold because it is a symbol of wealth. Success, power and money. These are the temptations of all time,” the pope said.

Idolatry, he continued, stems from the inability to trust in God. In the absence of this trust, Christians lack the strength to resist succumbing to doubt in times of uncertainty and precariousness.

Without God, he added, it “is easy to fall into idolatry and be content with meager reassurances.”

“Freeing the people from Egypt wasn’t so difficult for God. He did it with signs of power and love,” the pope said. “But God’s greatest work was to remove Egypt from the heart of the people; that is, to remove idolatry from the heart of the people. God continues to work to remove it from our hearts.”

Pope Francis said that God chose to save humanity through the weakness of Christ’s suffering on the cross and “that by our own weaknesses, we can open ourselves to God’s salvation.”

“Our healing comes from the one who made himself poor, who accepted failure, who took away our precariousness to fill us with love and strength,” the pope said. “He comes to reveal to us God’s fatherhood. In Christ, our frailty is no longer a curse but a place of encounter with the father and source of strength from above.”

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

PLENTONG: The newly formed Institute for New Evangelisation (INE) conducted its inaugural Catholic Leaders Evangelisation Seminar (CLES) from July 25 to 29 at MAJODI Centre. Thirtyfour participants came from the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur and the Dioceses of Penang and Malacca Johore, together with two priests from the Diocese of Sibu.

The INE is an initiative by the three Arch/Dioceses of Peninsular Malaysia to set up a School of Mission dedicated to advancing the skills of Catholic leaders and lay people so that they may become more effective Evangelisers and train others to do the same. The CLES is a five-day stayin seminar designed to equip and inspire Catholic Lay Leaders — as Catholic faculty, trainers and evangelisers. These leaders are trained in advanced evangelistic communications and techniques. They are trained to pass on these techniques in training sessions which they conduct in their parishes.

Topics covered include Evangelisation: An Imperative or An Option, The Path of Disciples, Teachings of the Church — Evangeli Gaudium and Evangelii Nutiandi, Mary, Mother of Evangelisation, The Art of an Evangeliser, Evangelisation: From Matthew 28 to Evangelii Gaudium, Parish School of Mission, Planned, Purpose-Driven, Projected Evangelisation and Holy Spirit, Principle Agent of Evangelisation.

Bishop Sebastian Francis, Bishop of the Diocese of Penang and the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, celebrated the opening Mass. In his homily, he encouraged the participants to continue telling the story of Jesus and to be part of the winning team together with the Holy Spirit so that others will feel drawn to desire a personal encounter with Christ.

“The greatest tragedy, according to Pope Francis in his latest document, is when we do not use the opportunity in our situation to be a Saint,” remarked Bishop Sebastian. He reminded that the only empowerment we all need is to fan the flames of the Holy Spirit which we have received through the laying of hands in the Sacraments.”

Simon Wong, Chairperson of INE’s Core team, said, “I am glad that the inaugural seminar has taken place. Evangelising is the Church’s mission and she begins by evangelising herself. The Institute for New Evangelisation aspires to develop a mission mentality among our Catholics by equipping them with the necessary tools, skills and knowledge. We encourage the seminar participants to return to their parishes and engage in their Evangelisation Ministry and missionary activities. I am personally encouraged and motivated by the outcome of this seminar. Overall, the seminar has met its objectives and we look forward to conducting more seminars, both in English and other languages.”

Sr Margarete Sta Maria FdCC, who was instrumental in pushing for this initiative, came from Jakarta where she is now based as one of the facilitators. She had this to say, “It gives me great joy to be present at this first INE programme. It has been almost a year of preparations and discussions of putting this programme together with a team of Bishops, clergy, religious and laity. I am glad that the launching of the programme went well, with God’s grace. Working together as a Peninsular Malaysia team of various professions gave me a sense of being Church in Malaysia. The only aim and desire of each of us was to equip and inspire others to recognise our common mission of evangelisation.

Recognising the importance of a shared wisdom led us to be re-evangelised in the process. When we give importance to God in our lives, He uses us and our skills for His own glory. Though the programme is not perfect and still needs improvement, I trust it will develop because of our common vision and mission.”

The participants, aged between 22 and 66, were endorsed by their parish priests when they submitted their applications.

Bishop Bernard Paul, Bishop of Malacca Johore, who is also the Bishops’ Delegate to INE and himself a facilitator, celebrated the closing Mass and commissioning. Quoting Pope Francis’ message to the international political and business representatives in 2015, “God always forgives, men sometimes forgive, but nature never forgives,” Bishop Bernard remarked that the spirit of giving is in our nature, built into our DNA but when we go against natural law, nature fights back. He posed questions to the participants: Firstly, what and who do we see? He encouraged the participants to use their eyes to see and ears to hear the needs — to have the intention to respond to the people around us. Secondly, what do I have? For God, nothing is too small or too little.

Bishop Bernard shared how his personal slogan of “take, bless, break, give” of offering his ‘5 loaves and 2 fishes’ has sustained him through the 29 years of priestly life. And finally, what do you really need? Whatever we do in our ministry and the evangelisation, we have to ensure that we point to the Giver as it is not the material ‘food’ that satisfies but only Jesus, the Giver.

There will be a second intake in November 2018

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

TANJUNG ARU: Stella Maris Parish (SMP) marked Stewardship Sunday for the first time on 8 July 2018.

Twenty-one ministries and groups participated in the event by displaying their talents in singing (basking by RCIA), skills in cooking, handicrafts and henna painting, and parting with their pre-loved goods. A lot of goods were put up for sale and the atmosphere was joyful, cheerful, full of love and the spirit of giving.

The participating ministries and groups commented, “We may be tired but we enjoyed this day so much!  Let’s do it again!”  The crowd that came was impacted by the cheerful giving of time and talent.

The parish benefited from the celebration of Stewardship Sunday as it provided the ministries and groups with opportunities to serve and through the process of organising, they exercised their leadership skills.

Ten percent of their net sales was contributed to the parish, while 90 percent went to the ministries and groups funds. 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online