Category Archives: June 2018

(Dalam Bahasa Malaysia)
Setiap tahun pada waktu sekarang, kita merayakan Pesta Menuai iaitu Gawai di Sarawak dan Kaamatan di wilayah jiran kita, Sabah. Gawai menandakan berakhirnya musim menuai dengan perayaan kesyukuran bermasyarakat. Sebagai umat Kristian, kita merayakan Gawai dengan memanjatkan kesyukuran kita kepada Allah dalam Gereja. Saya sentiasa kagum dengan terjemahan ‘Mass’ (dalam bahasa Inggeris) sebagai ‘Gawai Misa’ dalam bahasa Iban atau bahasa Bidayuh. Ini sememangnya wajar kerana Misa kita sebenarnya adalah Perayaan Kesyukuran.
Rumah panjang dan kampung Dayak telah mengajar saya tentang kitaran penanaman padi setiap tahun – membersih, membakar, menanam, membuang rumput-rumpai, menuai, mengasingkan kulit padi, kesyukuran dan terutamanya mengasingkan bijirin untuk penanaman seterusnya. Banyak kerja berat dilakukan sebelum kita disajikan dengan nasi yang masak di atas meja makan. Patutlah nenek-nenek kita selalu menyuruh kita untuk makan nasi sampai habis, terutamanya apabila ini adalah hasil kerja kasih dan keringat. Saya ingin berkongsi beberapa renungan dan iktibar yang kita dapat pelajari dari Gawai.

Kesyukuran kepada Allah 
Bumi kita diciptakan oleh Allah yang menyediakan matahari, tanah, air dan hujan untuk kita bercucuk tanam. Di Gawai Misa, kita memanjatkan kesyukuran kepada Bapa Syurgawi, yang kita percaya akan memberikan keperluan harian kita. Sebagai orang Katolik, Perayaan Gawai kita bermula dengan doa untuk mengucapkan terima kasih kepada Allah dalam semua gereja: “Bersukacitalah senantiasa, tetaplah berdoa, mengucap syukurlah dalam segala hal.” (1 Tesalonika 5:16-18).

Hubungan Kekeluargaan 
Gawai adalah masa untuk pertemuan semula keluarga. Lapangan terbang serta terminal bas dan bot penuh sesak untuk perjalanan pulang ke kampung masing-masing. Ini adalah pelawaan untuk kembali ke budaya asal usul kita sendiri, dengan peluang untuk berhubung semula dengan ahli-ahli keluarga dan rakan-taulan. Saya ingin merayu kepada ibu bapa untuk membawa anak-anak anda – terutamanya mereka yang sudah membesar di kota dan bandar – pulang dengan kerap ke kampung asal anda. Berilah peluang kepada anak-anak anda untuk mempelajari, menghargai dan berhubung semula dengan budaya asal usul mereka. Saya pasti mereka akan mengalami keramahan, sambutan daripada komuniti kampung, belajar daripada kesederhanaan hidup dan kesediaan untuk berkongsi. Kita mengajar anak-anak kita tentang keprihatinan yang ikhlas terhadap satu sama lain dan rasa syukur kepada ibu bapa dan datuk nenek yang begitu banyak berkorban demi kita. Teruskan kepulangan ini sepanjang tahun.

Kehidupan Komuniti, Kerjasama dan Perkongsian
Dunia pada hari ini meletakkan kepentingan yang amat tinggi kepada pencapaian individu dan menekankan faedah kewangan. Pada hari ini kita menghadapi dunia yang materialistik dan individualistik, di mana manusia dieksploitasi untuk keuntungan peribadi dan kebendaan. Sebaliknya, Gawai merayakan kepentingan perkongsian dalam komuniti – gotong-royong, sama-sama bekerja dan menuai di sawah. Saya amat menghormati penduduk kampung, yang tidak memiliki banyak harta benda, tetapi bermurah hati untuk membahagikan apa yang mereka miliki. Saya pernah mengalami perkongsian Kristian dan keramahan tulen di kampung-kampung.

Komitmen, Pengorbanan dan Usaha Gigih
Hasil padi diperolehi menerusi pengorbanan, usaha gigih dan komitmen selepas menjaga sawah selama setahun. Kita merayakan martabat kerja dan penghormatan bagi setiap pekerja, sama ada di sawah atay di bandar. Saint Joseph bekerja keras sebagai seorang tukang kayu dan seorang bapa untuk menyara Keluarga Suci di Nazareth. Dia mengajar kita tentang martabat kerja dan sikap menghormati manusia. Maka itu marilah kita bersedia untuk bekerja dengan tangan kita – dengan melayani keluarga kita dan bekerja untuk kebaikan bersama dalam komuniti, masyarakat dan negara kita, Malaysia.

Simpanan Untuk Masa Depan
Selepas menuai, padi baharu disimpan untuk masa depan. Saya pernah melihat lumbung (tempat menyimpan padi) besar – dengan diameter lima kaki, yang diperbuat daripada kulit kayu bulat dan diikat dengan rotan. Saya menyedari jika berlaku sebarang bencana dan kebuluran, penduduk kampung ini akan selamat manakala kita, di bandar raya, akan kelaparan kerana kekurangan makanan. Lumbung bertindak sebagai “bank”, di mana padi disimpan sebagai bekalan untuk masa depan.

Satu lagi pengalaman yang tidak dapat dilupakan dalam Misa Kesyukuran Gawai adalah melihat keluarga mempersembahkan benih padi yang diletakkan di hadapan altar. Saya akan memanjatkan doa keberkatan bagi benih padi ini sebelum saya memberinya balik kepada keluarga. Benih yang terpilih ini akan dijadikan benih untuk penyemaian dan penanaman seterusnya.

Pada waktu ekonomi yang sukar pada hari ini, Gawai mengajar kita unuk menyimpan hasil tuaian kita – pendapayan kita, dan membuat bajet dan perancangan dengan teliti untuk komitmen kewangan kita sepanjang tahun. Ia adalah seruan untuk mengawal diri daripada konsumerisme dengan membeli telefon terkini, gajet dan mengekang perbelanjaan yang tidak perlu semata-mata untuk mengikuti trend kehidupan moden. Gawai mempelawa kita untuk mengubah hati. Kita tidak mahu diatasi gaya hidup materialistik, keseronokan dan kenikmatan yang ditawarkan oleh dunia. Saya merayu kepada semua ibu bapa untuk memberikan komitmen kepada usaha menyediakan persekitaran keluarga yang baik, setia kepada satu sama lain, membuat bajet dan menabung atau memperuntukkan simpanan untuk pendidikan anak-anak kita pada masa depan.

Mengambil Berat Tentang Ekologi
Penanaman padi banyak bergantung kepada keadaan cuaca. Perubahan iklim baru-baru ini benar-benar menjejaskan hasil tuaian kita. Saya ingin menyeru kepada pendekatan pertanian yang mapan dalam usaha kita menggunakan tanah, sumber air dan sebagainya. Kita perlu memberi pelindungan dan penjagaan yang lebih baik kepada persekitaran dan ekologi kita. Sebagai orang Katolik, marilah kita mencari gaya hidup yang menuntut tanggungjawab bagi semua penciptaan, untuk melihat diri sebagai saling berkaitan dengan satu sama lain dan persekitaran. Paling utama sekali, kita mahu berada dalam solidariti Kristian dengan golongan miskin.

“Kuasa ilahiNya telah menganugerahkan kepada kita segala sesuatu yang diperlukan untuk kehidupan dan kesolehan…, supaya menerusinya kita dapat terlepas daripada korupsi yang ada dalam dunia kerana nafsu, dan boleh menjadi peserta sifat ilahi. Atas sebab inilah kita mesti berusaha sedaya upaya untuk menyokong iman kita dengan kebaikan, dan kebaikan dengan pengetahuan, dan pengetahuan dengan penguasaan diri, dan penguasaan diri dengan ketekunan, dan ketekunan dengan kesolehan, dan kesolehan dengan kasih bagi sesama, dan kasih bagi sesama dengan cinta kasih.” (2 Petrus 1:3-7)

Pada bulan Gawai ini – bersama Uskup Agung Emeritus John dan Peter, Paderi dan Religius di Keuskupan Agung Kuching – saya ingin memberi pemberkatan dan doa-doa saya bagi semua umat Katolik kita dan semua orang yang merayakan Gawai.

+ Uskup Agung Simon Poh

(In English)

Every year, during this time, we celebrate our Harvest Festival of Gawai in Sarawak and Kaamatan in our neighbouring Sabah. Gawai marks the end of the harvesting season with a communal thanksgiving celebration. As Christians, we celebrate Gawai by offering our thanksgiving to God in Church. I have always marvelled at the translation of “Mass” as “Gawai Misa” in Iban or Bidayuh. This is indeed appropriate as our Mass is really a Thanksgiving Celebration.
The Dayak longhouses and villages have taught me about annual rice cultivation cycle – clearing, burning, planting, weeding, harvesting, separating the husk, thanksgiving and especially setting aside the grains for the next planting. There is a lot of hard labour before we get the cooked rice on our table. It is no wonder that our grandmothers are always asking us to eat the last grain of rice on our plate, especially when these are from a labour of love and sweat. I would like to share some of my reflections and lessons that we can learn from Gawai:

Gratitude to God 
Our land is created by God who provides the sun, earth, water and rain for our planting. At Gawai Mass, we give thanks to our Heavenly Father, trusting that he will give us our daily needs. As Catholics, our Gawai Celebration begins with prayer to thank God in all Churches. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thes 5:16-18).

Family Connection 
Gawai is a time of family reunion. Airports, bus and boat terminals are crowded for homecoming journeys to respective villages. This is an invitation to return to one’s own cultural roots, with the opportunity to reconnect with family members and friends. I would like to appeal to parents to bring your children – especially those who have grown up in the city and towns – to return regularly to your home villages. Give your children the opportunity to learn, appreciate and reconnect with their cultural roots. I am sure they will experience the hospitality, welcome of the village community, learn from the simplicity of life and willingness to share. We teach our children sincere concern for one another and to be grateful to parents and grandparents who have sacrificed so much for us. Carry on this homecoming throughout the year.

Community Living, Cooperation and Sharing 
The world today places great importance to individual achievement and emphasised monetary benefits. Today we face a materialistic and individualistic world, where people are exploited for personal and material gain. On the other hand, Gawai celebrates the importance of community sharing – gotong-royong, working and harvesting together in the field. I greatly respect these villagers, who do not possess much materially, but are generous to share what they have. I have experienced Christian sharing and genuine hospitality in these villages.

Commitment, Sacrifice and Hard work
The rice harvest has been attained through sacrifice, hard work and commitment after tending the farms for a year. We celebrate the dignity of work and respect for each worker, whether in the farm or in the city. St Joseph has worked hard as a carpenter and a father to provide for the Holy Family of Nazareth. He taught us the dignity of labour and respect for the human person. Let us then be ready to work with our hands – by serving our families and to work for the common good in our community, society and nation Malaysia.

Putting Aside Savings for the Future 
After the harvest, the new padi grains are stored for the future. I have seen large granary – with diameter of 5 feet, made from circular tree bark, bound in place by rotan. I realized that should there be any calamity and famine arises, these villagers will survive while we, in the city, will starve for lack of food. The granary serves as a “bank,” with the grains being set aside as savings for the future.
Another memorable experience during Gawai Thanksgiving Mass is to see families presenting offerings of padi-grains that are placed before the Altar. I would offer a prayer of blessing for these grains after which they would be given back to the families. These selected grains will be reserved as seeds for the next sowing and planting.

In today’s difficult economic time, Gawai teaches us to set aside our harvest – our earning, and to do a careful budgeting and planning for our financial commitments throughout the year. It is a call to refrain from consumerism by purchasing the latest handphones, gadgets and curb unnecessary spending to keep up with the trends of modern living. Gawai invites us to a conversion of heart. We seek not to be overcome by materialistic lifestyle, the pleasures and enjoyment offered by the world. I implore all parents to be committed to providing a good family environment, seeking to be faithful to one another, to budget and put aside savings for the future education of our children.

Care of the Ecology
Padi-planting depends tremendously on the weather. Recent climate change has really affected our harvest. I would like to call for a sustainable agricultural approach towards using our land, water resources, etc. There has to be a greater protection and care of our environment and ecology. As Catholics, let us seek a lifestyle that entails responsibility for all Creation, to see oneself as interrelated with one another and the environment. Above all, we seek to be in Christian solidarity with the poor.

“His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness…, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and may become participants of the divine nature. For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love.”
(2 Peter 1:3-7)

In this Gawai month – together with Archbishop Emeriti John and Peter, Priests and Religious of the Archdiocese of Kuching – I would like to impart my blessing and prayers for all our Catholics and people of good will who are celebrating Gawai.

+ Archbishop Simon Poh

Article reproduced from Archdiocese of Kuching Sarawak

Article reproduced from Diocese of Sandakan

KENINGAU : Perayaan Misa sempena Pesta Tubuh dan Darah Yesus telah diadakan di Katedral St. Francis Xavier. Misa disempurnakan oleh YM Bapa Uskup Cornelius Piong pada 3 Jun 2018. Pesta Tubuh dan Darah Yesus merupakan ungkapan cintakasihnya yang begitu kuat terhadap umatnya

Bersempena dengan perayaan ini juga, perlantikan baru 13 orang dan pembaharuan janji pelayan pembantu komuni peringkat Paroki KSFX.

Uskup mengungkapkan kesyukuran atas kesanggupan para Pelayan Pembantu Komuni untuk dipakai Tuhan dalam membantu sebagai Pelayan Komuni.

Selepas homili, upacara Perlantikan Baru disempurnakan oleh Uskup diikuti dengan pembaharuan janji pelayan pembantu Komuni.

Article reproduced from Diocese of Keningau

The Betania Community Secular Institute (Institut Sekular Komuniti Betania or ISKB) held its General Chapter on 8-11 June 2018 at the Tatal Diocesan Retreat House here.

Twenty professed members attended the chapter.

The chapter commenced with Mass presided by Bishop Cornelius Piong, founder of the ISKB, on June 8, Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

In his homily, the bishop reminded the delegates that their love must be purified by the love of the Sacred Heart.

After the Mass, the prelate thanked the community for the service they have rendered to the faithful in the diocese and expressed the hope that they will continue to do so with God’s own love.

The members then proceeded to elect new office bearers for 2018-2023 after thanking those who had served from 2012-2017.  The following were elected: Sis Mary Tunsin (moderator), Sis Rita Titing (asst moderator), Sis Janet Leong (secretary), Sis Marianna Gerald (asst secretary), Sis Martha Banting & Sis Anita Uliti (treasurers).

Tunsin was re-elected as the moderator.  In her acceptance speech, she thanked all for their cooperation and said ISKB is now 21 years old.  She hoped that it will continue to grow and serve the Lord faithfully and fruitfully.

The chapter ended with recreation for the delegates and observers with Bishop Piong on June 11 at the Kg Oloson Recreation Pool, Melalap Tenom.

A secular institute is a Catholic organisation that functions much like a religious community of priests, brothers, or sisters, though usually without a house or building of any kind.

Most members of a secular institute do not live together—though some do—and they lead their normal lives “in the world” while dedicating themselves to God. After a period of formation and preparation that usually lasts eight years, secular institute members “consecrate” or formally dedicate themselves to God, taking vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience.

Few secular institutes have a designated ministry. Instead each member gives witness to the Christian life through whatever it is he or she has been called to do. All members of secular institutes pray daily, attend Mass, make an annual retreat with the institute, and live a life in which God comes first even though they are working in the heart of the world. Like a leaven, members of secular institutes make Christ known and loved wherever they are, ever deepening their commitment to God and the church along with others in their institute. –Keningau website / Vision Vocation Network

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

In this article, we wish to offer some suggestions which parents and teachers on the one hand, and young people on the other, can take note of in the application of Scripture to the faith development of young people. It is hoped that these reflections will assist young people as they discern how God is leading them to a vocation as disciples who seek to follow Jesus more faithfully in their way of life.

Two areas where parents and teachers can apply scripture in the development of faith and discernment to their children

1. Starting them young for their ultimate future

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn away from it (Proverbs 22:6).

This faith training which leads to growth in discernment is crucial for developing the young person. It exposes the modern counterculture of death which is hardly any improvement for life and its future. The young people are faced with a superficial lifestyle without dealing seriously with the root problems of a narcissistic society. A culture where faith is not at its centre degenerates inevitably into chaos and crisis. Without a positive environment of faith and the teaching of scripture instilled upon the young, the backlash of a culture of death, will keep the young in a state of stupor and uncertainty.

The training of faith teaches the young how to endure difficulties and pain. This is especially rewarding when the crisis of life hits them. Faith that comes from suffering helps them to recognise the strength they need to endure the trials of life that must come. We rejoice greatly in our suffering because it produces endurance, and endurance produces character (Romans 5:3).

2. Rooting their children in faith

The first seven chapters of the book of Proverbs exhorts children to listen to their father. Listen my children to your father’s instruction (Proverbs 1:8; 2:1; 3:1; 4:1; 5:1; 6:1; 7:1).

There is a godly wisdom that is handed down to a child by parents and by no other means. The child can never acquire this on its own. Submission to an elder and to a life of faith is the foundation of all learning. Creating a teachable spirit upon the young is the quintessence of a successful parent. And how from infancy you have known the sacred scriptures that are able to instruct you and save you through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15)

Teaching faith is crucial because the so-called “logical world” cannot provide adequate answers about the true purpose of life. This aspect of faith comes from a proper explanation of the scriptures. To inspire and reinforce faith, repetition and focus are needed because of the godless existence of an environment of faithlessness. We live in a state that does not value prayer, faith, and reflection. Distraction is the order of the day. As the human mind receives thousands of stimuli, both positive and negative, the natural ability of the brain is enhanced when, with singleness of purpose, young people centre their attention upon a desired object of study. (Dr Richard J Forster, Celebration of Discipline. The discipline of study.) The task is to root the child with constant links to a life and teaching of faith.

Two areas young people can apply scripture to their development of faith and discernment of vocation

1. Rekindle the gift of God

For this reason, I remind you to rekindle, (fan into flame) the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands. (2 Timothy 1:6)

What is this gift of God? It refers to the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit to equip a young person in faith to be of service. Some may have the gift to teach catechism, another to be part of a choir and yet another to work among the poor.

St Paul uses the word “stir up” or “fan into flame,” , it means to keep blazing and to keep the flame of fire burning. It could also mean to rekindle or to re-stir the flame, indicating that the flame could be dying out. Sometimes a young person needs to be re-stirred and rekindled. “Zeal is required to stir up the gift of God for it lies within our power to kindle or to quench grace. By laziness and carelessness, it is extinguished, and by attentiveness and diligence it is kept aflame” (St John Chrysostom, homilies on 2 Timothy 1).

The idea of “stirring up” is in the present tense, which means it is progressive and a continuous action. The young person is to keep stirring up his gifts, never letting its flame lose its intensity. Every young person anointed with the Holy Spirit at Confirmation possesses a very special grace. God has gifted him or her with a special vocation in faith. The young person must therefore do exactly what God has gifted them to do.

2. In the spirit of power, love, and self-control

“God has not given us a spirit of timidity but rather a spirit of power and of love and self-control.” (2 Tim 1:7)

Too often young people fear standing up for Jesus and his Church not because they do not love God but because they fear ridicule. One may feel the embarrassment of being called “holy.”  Mockery and criticism follow if a mistake occurs. Opposition from elders that “You are not mature enough” or being abused for standing up for justice reinforces these fears. Every young person at one time or another will experience such an obstacle when witnessing to their faith.

It is precisely for this reason the Holy Spirit infuses power into the heart of the young person to face the strain of difficulties and trials…power to take on a job and do it well; power to be confident in proclaiming Jesus both in deed and word; power to withstand the temptations of darkness and sin. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power in your inner being (Ephesians 3:16; Acts 1:8: 4:33)

Paul is quick to add love into any gift of the Holy Spirit so that it will be well executed in a wise and mature manner. “Follow the manner of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts” (1 Cor 14:1). The kind of love that Paul speaks about is “agape” love. (Greek: unconditional sacrificial love) Agape love is God’s love. God alone possesses it therefore only God alone can infuse it through the Holy Spirit, “…and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2).

To make it complete, the Holy Spirit infuses self-discipline meaning, a disciplined character (1 Tim 1::7) with self-control which is the final fruit of the spirit (cf. Gal 5:22)Self-control is the mastery over one’s mind, heart, and actions despite the opposition. Self-control makes a mockery of the superficiality of our age. It bares opens the immaturity and the curse of instant satisfaction which results in a vicious cycle of a hangover, shame, and destruction. It calls young people to move beyond surface living into what is genuine and meaningful.

For the many young people who are in bondage caused by pornography, fornication, drugs, and drinking; scripture has strong warnings on the condition of their soul. “They are blots and blemishes, reveling in the pleasures while they feast with you. With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable, they are experts of greed – an accursed brood” (2 Peter 2: 13b- 14). Even for the lukewarm and self-confident, St Augustine cautions, “we are lost when we are satisfied with our condition.”

Self-control and spiritual disciplines are not simply for saints or sinners but rather are the ordinary means of seeking liberation. The church calls this abstinence or penance.

Conclusion

Therefore, if any young person like Timothy be guided by faith and is willing to respond to the stirring of the gifts, inevitably the young person will develop and progress in his capacity to discern what is true “agape” love and the mastery of self-control.

The testimony of hundreds of case studies has proven that the young can be victorious in their struggle against the dark world of sin and shame. It is to these young ones who are willing to plunge into sacred scriptures, whom none else can instruct better but one willing to keep the word of God in his heart. (cf Psalm 119:9-11)

Ultimately it is the young people that Pope Francis sees as the future of our humanity with the vision of faith enkindled in their hearts. Pope Francis, in his message for World Mission Day 2017 states, that young people are the hope of mission.

“The person of Jesus Christ and the Good News he proclaims continue to attract many young people to a vocation as disciples, following in the footsteps of their Divine Master. With courage and enthusiasm, they seek ways to put themselves at the service of humanity. “There are many young people who offer their solidarity in the face of the evils of the world and engage in various forms of militancy and volunteering … How beautiful it is to see that young people are street preachers, joyfully bringing Jesus to every street, every town square and every corner of the earth!” (Message of Pope Francis, for World Mission Day 2017- Mission at the heart of the Christian Faith-106)

Questions for reflection

1. Who are the elders, mentors, and heroes in your life that have shown you the beauty of faith and scripture?
2. What is the primary requirement for a young person embarking on the faith journey?
3. Do you agree that the discipline of self-control is essential to counter a culture of death? Why?
4. How can I pursue a life of joy, strength, and purpose as a young person?

Bible Sunday falls on July 8 this year.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

SANDAKAN – Around 70 people attended a workshop on Amoris Laetitia (Joy of Love) organised jointly by the Family Life Commission and Catechetical Commission at St Mary here on 18-19 May 2018.

In his address, Bishop Julius Gitom explained that the document by Pope Francis was the outcome of the two synods on family in 2014 and 2015.  The 325-word document has 9 chapters touching on the various challenges confronting the family.

The chapters were explained by the following priests and Eva Siruno, head of the Family Life Commission: Chapter 1 (Father Stanley Matakim); Chapter 2 (Father Simon Kontou); Chapter 3 (Father Sunny Chung); Chapter 4 (Father Phillip Muji); Chapter 5 (Father Christopher Ireneus); Chapter 6 (Father David Garaman); Chapter 7 (Father Thomas Makajil); Chapter 8 (Fr Garaman); Chapter 9 (Eva Siruno).

 Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU – As customary, the Morning Massgoers of Sacred Heart Cathedral here marked their assistant pastor’s 4th priestly anniversary with breakfast on 23 June 2018.

Born in 1977, Father Maxmillianno Hontor (or Fr Max in short) was ordained priest on 15 June 2014.  After ordination he served in St John Tuaran before being sent to serve at the cathedral parish in 2016.

At the same time, the parishioners also celebrated the 78th birthday of Franciscan Sister Cecilia Liew, the head of the Morning Mass Choir, who was born in Tuaran on June 20.

Among those present were Archbishop John Wong, Father Paul Lo, and Father Jeffri Gumu (home for the semestral break).

 Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

On a bright Saturday morning, a group gathered at Rimba Ilmu, Universiti Malaya to take part in the ‘ecological immersion’ programme on May 26.

“What is ecology? What is environment?” began Benjamin Ong, as he introduced the participants to the nature walk. Benjamin is a research assistant at Rimba Ilmu and the founder and leader of The Rimba Project.

The objectives and learning outcomes are:

1. Participants will be able to see tropical plants up-close — many of these are rainforest species and may be difficult to encounter in the wild.
2. To learn about the diversity of tropical plants and animals, the threats they face and what can be done to protect them.
3. To see nature in action: Rimba Ilmu is a work in progress, a forest that has been regenerating and growing over the last 50 years in a former rubber plantation.

The guided, narrated walking tour of Rimba Ilmu provides an opportunity to explore and experience the tropical rainforest with its plants and animals in an easily accessible location.

This Rimba Ilmu Nature Walk was organised as part of the ongoing three-year Lenten Campaign theme of Caring for Our Common Home.This Walk included visits to the Rare Plants and Orchids Conservatory and the Rain Forest and Its Environment exhibition.

After the walk, Benjamin Ong showed a video on Bats to illustrate a specific species and their life, to help us appreciate creation. There was also an interactive dialogue led by Fr Bernard Arputhasamy, SJ, Director of the Kuala Lumpur Archdiocesan Office for Human Development.

Fr Bernard reminded everyone about this year’s Lent theme, Caring for our Common Home. “What did we see? Touch? Smell? Perhaps even taste? Did we hear the sounds in the forest?”

An interactive discussion followed with some responses including: seeing a millipede curl to protect itself, seeing fish in the crystal clear running stream and touching/playing with the fresh water, touching and smelling the different leaves and herbs, tasting wild fruit (at one’s own risk!), seeing a mangosteen tree (the first time for some!), listening to the sound of birds and smelling the dry leaves on the ground, seeing the frogs and tadpoles in the pond, spiders spinning their webs. They all have their purpose and are interconnected.

“Come closer, I’ll show you…” repeated Benjamin earlier. He showed and explained the little mound of sand — the home of termites actively at ‘work.’ “This is the cycle of life: we take wood from the forest and termites take the wood back from us!”

One of the highlights was the ‘shower’ some had, thanks to the sprinklers that were turned on just as we entered the Rare Plants and Orchids Conservatory. It was refreshing to touch, feel and dance with creation.

“How can we show our appreciation, that we are thankful, for all that we have experienced today during the learning walk?” We see and hear of plastics, tin cans, rubbish in the stomachs of fish in the sea. Where did these come from? Let us reduce the use of plastics in our homes, communities and churches.

Fr Bernard asked a soul-searching question, “Now that we have done this, how do we change our lives? How can we show our appreciation?” Some responses were: Don’t waste food, water. Don’t throw rubbish such that they block drains and cause floods.

The ecological immersion echoes the words of Pope Francis: “This lack of physical contact and encounter, encouraged at times by the disintegration of our cities, can lead to a numbing of conscience…Today, however, we have to realise that a true ecological approach always becomes a social approach; it must integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” (LS#49)

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The Petaling District celebrated the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) on June 2 at the Church of the Divine Mercy (CDM).

In 2017, the Priests of the district agreed to a joint Corpus Christi celebration of the six parishes of the District: Church of the Assumption, Petaling Jaya, Church of St Francis Xavier, Petaling Jaya, Church of St Ignatius, Petaling Jaya, Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Puchong, Church of Divine Mercy, Shah Alam and Church of St Thomas More, Petaling Jaya.

A team of volunteers from all six parishes, led by the District Senator Fr Andrew Wong CDD, was assembled in early 2018.

The theme adopted for the celebration was Christ our Hope.

It was decided to hold the celebration at the parish of the Divine Mercy which can accommodate about 3,000 faithful. The date of the celebration decided was Saturday 2nd June 2018, commencing at 5.00pm with Rosary and Novena.

Part of the celebration included a group of bike enthusiasts who began a bicycling trip called Corpus Christi Ride to visit all the six churches. It began early from the parish of St Ignatius, being flagged off by Fr Wong and ending in CDM at 3.00pm. The bikers were then treated to a sumptuous lunch.

The Youths organised a procession from Monfort Boys Town to CDM. The procession of about 200 youth started at 4.15pm. Along the way, they sang hymns and recited the Chaplets of the Divine Mercy. They arrived in CDM by 5.00pm.

The faithful started arriving from 2.30pm. There was a festive atmosphere in the church compound as the various groups began preparing for the Eucharistic celebration. Hospitality Ministers, Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, Choir, traffic Marshalls and Altar Servers were from all the six parishes.

The celebration started after the recitation of the Rosary and Novena with a superb Liturgical Dance performance by six East Malaysian students from Sabah and Sarawak studying at the Tun Tan Cheng Lock School of Nursing. Following the dance at 6.00pm, the Eucharistic Celebration began. All the priests of the Petaling District were present. Fr Raymond Pereira, parish priest of St Thomas More was the main celebrant.

The Readings, Responsorial Psalms and Gospel were read and sung in Bahasa Malaysia, Tamil, Mandarin and English. The joint choir led the congregation beautifully with hymns in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and Tamil.

Fr Gregory Chan, the parish priest of the Church of the Assumption, in his homily said, “We are the people of God. After receiving the Body of Christ, we become one in the Body of Christ.

“Having become one, we have a responsibility to be of service to the world. We are to be the salt of the Earth, to be different and to do the right thing always,” he added. “Doing this is difficult and challenging, but we draw our strength from Christ our Hope, which is the theme of our celebration, to show our non Christian brothers and sisters that we are ready to do always what is right,” continued Fr Chan.

The Intercessory Prayers were read in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and Tamil by representatives from the six parishes.

The offertory gift bearers were representatives from the Hearing Impaired, the Youth students from Sabah and Sarawak.

After the Post Communion Prayer, the procession with the Blessed Sacrament commenced. The route was a predetermined 1,000 metre walk around the church and the surrounding buildings.

A beautifully decorated and brightly lit floral Float with a canopy was used.

The procession made three stops along the route. At each stop, a short Gospel passage was read by Fr Norris of St Francis Xavier Church, Fr Andrew Wong of St Ignatius Church, Fr Albet Arokiasamy of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, in Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and Tamil respectively. After each reading, the celebrant blessed the faithful with the elevation of the Monstrance.

When the procession reentered the Church, the final Benediction was celebrated by Fr Gerard Theraviam, of Divine Mercy Church.

Fr Gerard thanked the people for coming in such large numbers. The estimated faithful that attended was 3,000. Finally, Fr Wong thanked everyone for the planning and also for the faithful who took part in the celebration.

Everyone present was invited to a fellowship in the church compound. The entire celebration that ended at about 9.00pm was a great example of our oneness and unity with Christ our Hope.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

SEREMBAN: The Feast of The Visitation of The Blessed Mary, celebrated on May 31, saw some 2,300-faithful gathered at the Church of The Visitation. The theme for the feast day multilingual Mass was My soul glorifies the Lord. Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Julian Leow.

Being the oldest Catholic church in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, the feastday also marked the church’s 170 years of existence since 1848, thanks to the selfless giving, hard work and the faith foundation laid down by the early missionary MEP Fathers.

In his opening, Archbishop Leow welcomed all to this parish and to celebrate the faith and the existence of this parish. In his homily, Archbishop Leow said, “The promise given to Abraham and all generations to come has been made to us, that is the promise of salvation inherited from God. We must remain faithful to God. The choice is ours to choose good over evil.” He went on to urge the parishioners to read again the 2nd reading as it contained good advice for all. Our love, he said, must be sincere and not pretence. In referring to the name of The Visitation, Archbishop called upon parishioners to make hospitality as a special care. He asked that we carry Jesus wherever we are sent, to serve, to work or to live.

Parish Priest Fr George Harrison gave the homily in Mandarin and Tamil.

A Minangkabau style tabernacle was built to replace the old tabernacle. Archbishop Leow incensed and blessed the new tabernacle before placing the ciborium there.

Holy water and oil in small bottles were brought to the sanctuary for blessing. They were later distributed to each family present.

To mark the 170 years, hand fans decorated with the façade of the church building and The Visitation were distributed. In addition, a pocket size prayer card with the image of the 85 year old statue of Our Lady printed was also given out.

After Mass, all attended the dinner cum fellowship organised by the Church. Four food stations and a cendol stall had been set up. The chairperson of the organising committee of the 170th Anniversary, Jerome, gave a speech and presented the committee of ten members.

The highlight of the day was the launching of the coffee table magazine commemorating the 170th Anniversary by Archbishop Leow who was flanked by Fr George and Fr Andrew Kooi. Interesting articles, news, pictures, testimonials and information relating to the 170 years of the Church of the Visitation are contained in this magazine.

A cake cutting ceremony followed. As midnight approached, the celebration of the 170 years of the Church of the Visitation which started a year ago finally came to a close.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online