Category Archives: June 2018

“As we gather here to pray for our priests to be sanctified and noble, keep in mind that our priests will always follow the Heart of Jesus.”

Archbishop Julian Leow said this to the assembly on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, on June 8 in celebrating the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests.

The prelate presided at the morning Mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

In his homily, the prelate gave an example of a priest celebrating a Wedding Mass in the morning, a funeral in the afternoon and, perhaps later, an evening Mass. What a roller coaster he undergoes!

We usually associate the heart with emotions.

In today’s feast, we look at these emotions — compassion, love, care and forgiveness. Do we sympathise with others around us? Do we pray for others as Jesus prays for us? “Today we pray for our priests to imitate Jesus; to imitate His Sacred Heart. In fact, the laity too are called to have compassionate hearts.”

On the subject of the new Malaysia, Archbishop Leow asked, ‘What are you doing about it, do we come together as one nation?’

“People knew what was happening, how there was discrimination and negativity. Now, through our discerning hearts, we pray that we will not repeat the past but ensure we are part of the solution.”

“Today, we ask Jesus that more and more people may come to know His humanity as we know His divinity, by truly living out the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Pray for all our priests, those present and those gone before us, we remember them. Pray that all our priests will be faithful; walking with Jesus and reflecting His heart; that all the values of the Gospel be put in practice in our priests, as shepherds and priests of this archdiocese.”

After Mass, parish priest Fr Edwin Peter thanked the archbishop and the priests who came. He also expressed his appreciation to all the laity present.

The prelate also informed the parishioners that Pope Francis has asked all the faithful worldwide to pray for peace in the world that day at 1.00pm. Archbishop Leow suggested we observe a minute of silence and pray as a community (at 11.40am), and again at 1.00pm wherever we are, to pray for peace in our family, BEC, Parish community, nation and in the world and, most important, for peace in ourselves.

Later, all were feted to an early lunch fellowship in the parish courtyard.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The Parish of the Church of the Blessed Sacrament was graced with the presence of Archbishop John Wong June 2-3 for his Annual Pastoral Visit and also to celebrate the feastday of the parish.

His Grace met with members of the Pastoral Council and Coordinators of the various Church ministries. The main item of discussion was to get a permanent Resident priest in Labuan. They also mentioned the growth of the Catholic population and the possibility of building an extension to the church.

Archbishop Wong was the main celebrant for the Sacrament of Confirmation for 90 of our parishioners, 23 from the English class and 67 from the BM class. It was concelebrated with our Resident priest, Msgr Primus Jouli.

The celebration of Corpus Christi ended with a procession with about 2000 particpants. Archbishop Wong stressed on the need for the procession because to us, Catholics, the Body and Blood is a living testimony of our Faith. We walk with Jesus and follow him as we practise our Faith of Love, Tolerance, Humility, Humbleness and Commitment to the Sacraments. There were 2000 participants in the procession.

A fellowship was held after the Eucharistic celebration with the cutting of three cakes: one for the newly confirmed, one for the Parish Feastday and one a surprise birthday cake to celebrate Archbishop’s birthday.

Archbishop Wong was very encouraged with the feedback on the commitment and co-operation between all the groups.

He encouraged the Catholic community to have bigger families as the Catholic population is dwindling. He also stressed on our responsibilities to look into the needs of the Catholic students at the Higher Institutions of Learning in the island of Labuan.

Msgr Primus Jouli reminded the parishioners that we are the only Church in Sabah with the Name of the Blessed Sacrament. We should set an example to our family members that the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ is a living testimony of our salvation.

The Pastoral Visit ended with great memories for us, the parishioners of the Church of the Blessed Sacrament. WP Labuan.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

It was a time of joy and celebration for both the IJ Sisters and parishioners of St Francis De Sales (SFDS) and St Anthony’s, Telok Intan, when four IJ Sisters celebrated their 60th and 50th anniversary in Religious life.

The multilingual Eucharistic celebration was presided over by SFDS parish priest, Fr Vincent Paul (Sitiawan), with Fr Edmund Woon (Batu Gajah) and Fr Aloysius Tan (Kampar) concelebrating. The Sisters from different communities gathered together to celebrate the Diamond and Golden Jubilee of Sr John Bosco Vong (Diamond Jubilee) from Telok Intan; Sr Bernadette Ng (Golden Jubilee) from Telok Intan; Sr Antonia Manikam (Golden Jubilee) from Telok Intan; Sr Lourdes Mak (Golden Jubilee) from Sitiawan.

Fr Woon, in his homily, congratulated the Sisters for their achievements in serving the Lord for 210 years collectively. He thanked them for their commitment and selfless services given to the community and schools. During their final profession, they made vows to be faithful to the Lord all their lives. There may have been doubts, but they never gave up serving with humility and, at the same time, suffering for the Lord.

Later, all the Sisters present also renewed their vows. They renewed their commitments to serve God, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to serve God in an apostolic manner by the vows of obedience, poverty and chastity.

After the Eucharistic celebration, Sr M Theresa Chua, provincial, expressed her deep sense of gratitude to God, through Fr Vincent Paul, for the opportunity to make this celebration a memorable one.

She quoted Pope Francis’ recent reflection with those in consecrated life which consists of three pillars, namely PRAYER, POVERTY and PATIENCE. For Pope Francis, Prayer is a return to the Lord who invites the consecrated person to be close to him and that makes one work for God. The Spirit of Poverty helps them to discern what is happening in the world and to be challenged to “look into the drawer of their souls.” Thirdly, patience gives one the capacity to bear suffering and constantly pray for those who are suffering in the world.

She challenged the young people of the parish to have the courage to respond to God’s call in the different vocations God reveals to them.

To the elderly, she asked them to remember Psalm 92:15: “They will bear fruit at an old age” and continue to live life to the full. In conclusion, she said that it was a day of Thanksgiving to God for the gift of religious vocation. “Let your hearts be opened with holy joy as you contemplate your happiness and the excellence of your vocation.”

Before the final blessing, Fr Vincent Paul thanked the priests who had come all the way to join the celebration. He also thanked the Sisters and the congregation for the growth of the parish and community and invited everyone for a fellowship. The coordinator, Peter Francis welcomed all to the celebration.

Fr Vincent Paul blessed the cake before it was cut by the Sisters whilst the congregation sang “Happy Anniversary.” A song in Bahasa entitled “Sayang Sayang di Sayang” was also dedicated to the Sisters.

In conclusion, we will continue praying for all the religious and their mission in bringing Christ to others.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

SEREMBAN: Prior to the feastday Mass, a nine-day Novena was celebrated from May 23. Each Eucharistic Mass was animated by the eight cluster groups and ministries in the parish. Each day the theme centred on the Magnificat. Priests from the KL Archdiocese and Malacca Johor diocese were invited to celebrate mass.

On the first day, a flag raising ceremony was held at the entrance of the church. At each Mass, the Magnificat was sung. The Priests and parishioners were treated to dinner hosted and organised by the various Zones in the parish. Stage performances were presented during the fellowship.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The grand candlelight procession of Our Lady took place at the Church of The Visitation after the 6.00pm sunset Mass on May 26. The multilingual Mass, animated by the Youths, marked the fourth day of the nine days of Rosary, Eucharistic celebration and Fellowship leading to the Visitation Feastday on May 31. It also coincided with the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity.

The Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia, Most Rev Joseph Salvador Marino, was the main celebrant. In his homily, Archbishop Marino said, “The world of Christ’s mercy did not end when he was taken up to heaven. Instead, Jesus told his disciples and tells us today to go into the world and baptise in the name of the Holy Trinity.” The Church is the sacrament of Mercy as the Holy Father Pope Francis gave us the Jubilee of Mercy in 2016. “Mercy is the foundation of the life of the Church. The Mercy shown by Jesus is to touch our human suffering and that is why Jesus came to the world. What matters to Jesus is to save those shunned by the world and to restore every human being to the family of God.” Archbishop Joseph concluded his homily with what the Pope wrote. “We can fear to lose the saved or we want to save the lost, that is to go outside and bring those who are lost into the Church. The Church has always been the way of Jesus, the way of mercy.”

At the end of the Mass, Fr George thanked Archbishop Joseph for celebrating Mass and the entire liturgy team for the preparation.

The solemn procession started in front of the Church. The route passed by two places of worship, the Gurdwara Sahib and Sri Bala Thandayuthapani Temple. Other landmarks were the iconic A&W restaurant, the General Post Office, the Railway Station, NSCRC and the site where the Seremban Convent school founded in 1904 once stood till 1994. As our Lady made her final lap passing the Little India street, the church bell rang once again. As the float stopped in front of the church, the Nuncio said a closing prayer. Parishioners approached Our Lady to offer prayers and thanksgiving. Thanks to the traffic police, RELA and Hospitality ministers, the procession went well.

Fr George then led Archbishop Joseph to the fellowship reception area. A group photo with members from different faiths was taken with the Nuncio. Performances were presented on stage to entertain the guests and parishioners. In appreciation, the Church of The Visitation awarded three parishioners for their selfless giving in service to the Church for a good number of years. They were Lawrence Xavier (Christmas Campaign for the Poor), Charles De Lima (St Anthony’s meal) and Madam Angeline Van Huizen (Hospitality Ministry). They each received a plaque and certificate.

The statue of Our Lady was first installed in the main sanctuary of the Church of Visitation in 1933 by Fr Georges Auguin, an MEP priest and (the then) Fr Dominic Vendargon. In 1966, resident priests at the Visitation – Fr Paul Wan, Fr Edward Limat, Fr Pallier and Fr Joseph Tsai – had the statue relocated to the front of the Church. It is elevated above the main entrance overlooking Seremban town.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KOTA KINABALU –  With the commencement of piling, the RM9.6 million Catholic Centre moved one step forward on 21 May 2018.

At the construction site on the grounds of the former Shan Tao Primary School at Jalan Sang Kancil Karamunsing,  Archbishop John Wong of Kota Kinabalu drove the first pile into the ground, symbolically signalling the beginning of piling works. After that, he led a prayer asking God to bless this new phase in the construction of the centre.

Present to witness the event were project priest-supervisor Father Cosmas Lee, members from the Steering Committee, Architect Daniel Koh, consultants from QS-CE Technical Services, piling contractor Colleen Sdn Bhd, engineering consultant from BSK Sdn Bhd, earthworks contractor JV Champion Sdn Bhd, main contractor Min Construction Sdn Bhd and project coordinator Johnny Liau.

Piling works are estimated to take about two months and targeted to complete on July 24.

Construction of the main building is expected to begin on August 1 and completed in October 2019.

At the same event, John Voo of JV Champion Sdn Bhd was presented with a letter of appreciation by Abp Wong for having successfully completed the demolition and earthworks.

The time frame for the earthworks went beyond the stipulated time by three months due to a requirement of the local authority to construct drainage and retention walls, works that had been planned to be carried out at the construction of the main building.

To date, donations received have reached over RM3 million, including a State Government grant of RM200,000.  The total cost of the New Catholic Centre is RM9.6 million. There is still a shortfall of RM5.7 million.

For details, please call 088-712297 (Angela Yen, Cecilia Funk, or Teresa Chin).

 Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

BUKIT PADANG – The Catholic Women’s League of Church of Mary Immaculate here presented two cheques amounting to RM10,000.00 to Archbishop John Wong at a fellowship marking the prelate’s 50th birthday.

The fellowship was held after the Sunday morning Mass on 17 June 2018.

Present at the fellowship was a group of four members from the Cebu Philippines Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals.

The contribution was for the RM9.6m Catholic Centre building fund.  The building project was launched in July 2017.  Demolition and earthworks began shortly after that.  The earthworks were completed in April 2018.  Piling works started on May 21 and are scheduled to be completed on July 24.  Construction of the main building is expected to begin on Aug 1 and to be completed by Oct 2019.

For those who wish to donate (donations are most welcome), kindly make donations/cheques payable to RTDKK-The Catholic Centre Building Fund, Maybank Berhad, Lintas Branch A/C No 510198683591. For details please call 088-712297 (Angela Yen, Cecilia Funk or Teresa Chin).

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

BUNDU TUHAN – Around 200 delegates across the archdiocese gathered to refocus on the Diocesan Vision-Mission on 13-16 June 2018 at the retreat centre here.

This was the second assembly convoked by Archbishop John Wong.  The first was in November 2015.

The PAX Assembly has been synonymous to the Church in Kota Kinabalu since 1971 when it was called by Bishop Peter Chung, then Apostolic Vicar.  The word PAX is an abbreviation of the Pastoral Council of the Catholic Church in Sabah.  In Latin it means PEACE.  Since its inception, it has been a forum to deliberate and study matters related to pastoral issues brought up by parishes and PAX commissions.  Since 1979, annual themes were introduced to regulate the assemblies.  However, in 1997, after the launching of the Diocesan Vision and Mission, the annual themes were no longer used.  Instead the assembly has become a forum for common discernment, with the Diocesan Vision and Mission as guide.The term “PAX Assembly” is retained to show continuity and for nostalgic reason.  It is now officially called in Malay, Perhimpunan Pastoral Keuskupan Agung.

The assembly has three objectives: (a) to share what has been done since PAX 2015; (b) to refocus on the Diocesan Vision-Mission; and (c) to carry on the Pastoral Thrust in the context of the Diocesan Vision-Mission.

It began with dinner fellowship on June 13 followed by a roll call/ice-breaker and opening remarks by Abp Wong.  The next day focused on listening to five cluster consolidated reports gathered from the pre-PAX gathering on May 1.

After lunch, the assembly listened to the reports from the nine commissions.  Each report session was followed by a plenary session (Q&A).

On the second full day, the morning was taken up by nine people – priests, religious, lay – sharing on how the vision-mission has touched their lives personally and in ministry.

In the afternoon, Father Wilfred Atin summarised the questions and recommendations brought up during the pre-PAX gathering under the following headings: 1) more in number & competent/proactive priests; 2) formation – regular programme of training in different fields; more and better trained pastoral and administrative agents; 3) visit and formation to the parishes; 4) media & IT facilities, physical amenities; 5) financial aid – and how to move forward in the context of the vision-mission.

All that was discussed was brought to the Lord in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament after dinner.  The participants had also the opportunity to go for confession.

Before the delegates returned home, Dominic Lim recapitulated the flow of the past days and they were invited to put on the mind of the Church through Pope Francis’ encyclical on the call to holiness in today’s world (Gaudete et exultate) presented by Abp Wong.

Before the dismissal of the closing Mass, Abp Wong and Father Nicholas Stephen unfurled the buntings depicting the Vision and Mission to mark their relaunching followed by the presentation of the two buntings to the representatives of the 19 parishes.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU – The Catholc Women Commission of Kota Kinabalu Archdiocese organised a birthday dinner to mark its advisor’s 5oth birthday on 12 June 2018 at the Putera Theatre Ballroom Bukit Padang here.

In her welcoming remarks, Anita Tunggolou, head of the commission, said that the members felt it would not be right to let the occasion go quietly.

Born on 6 June 1968, Archbishop John Wong was ordained priest in 1999 and a bishop in 2010.  He succeeded Archbishop John Lee when Lee retired in 2012.  His installation as second Archbishop of Kota Kinabalu took place in 2013.

In his address, Abp Wong thanked the CWC for 0rganising the dinner and the people for turning up to support it.  He said he felt relatively old initially when he turned 50 but took comfort in the thought that Tun Dr Mahathir was 92 when he was sworn in as prime minister a second time on May 10.

The honouree was pleasantly surprised by the presence of his mother, Mdm Rose Chung, and five of his siblings and their families at the dinner.

Among the invited guests were Abp Emeritus Lee, Bishop Julius Gitom of Sandakan , and several priests and religious.

The 1,000-strong diners were entertained by the dance and song performances by various groups including some priests and religious.  A video clip of various youth groups and religious wishing the honoree on his birthday was screened.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

PENAMPANG  –  The Football  Friendly Games held on 8 June 2018 at the Penampang Stadium A drew five teams: SHC, Church of Mary Immaculate (CMI), Alto Kristus (clergy/seminarians), St Paul Dontozidon (SPD), and St John Kopungit (SJK).

It was a five -team games playing in a league of 15 minutes each.  The Alto Kristus (clergy) team captained  by Archbishop John Wong put up a formidable opposition.

At the end of the games, SHC team emerged as the champion with Dontozidon and Alto Kristus as the first and second runner-ups.

A few days earlier, 32 players took part in the Badminton games at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall Karamunsing on 29 May 2018.

Reno Yu won the Single Men Open with Samuel Simon as the runner up while Robert Gilung/Felix Chung won the Men Doubles with Wong Boon Kie/Stephen as the runner-ups.

Cynthia Migiu/Elizabeth Gonki won the Women Double with Ann Soo/Fiona Danny in the second place.

In the Mix Doubles, the champs were Robert Gilung and Prsy with Alex Ryeon and ann Soo in the second place.

In the Veteran category, the champions were Oswald Pawoh/Lui with John Ho/Thien as runner-ups.

The games were organised in conjunction with the cathedral parish fiesta 4-10 June 2018.

According to the Vatican’s new document on Sport, Giving the Best of Yourself (released 1 June 2018), Pope Francis has lauded the document: “Sport is a very rich source of values and virtues that help us to become better people… We need to deepen the close connection that exists between sport and life, which can enlighten one another.”

The 52-page document highlighted the Church’s positive view of the important values inherent to sport and blew the whistle on the growing threats in the sports world, including corruption, over-commercialisation, manipulation and abuse.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu