Category Archives: Mar 2018

The Parish of St Anthony began the 40 days of the Lenten journey with the celebration of Ash Wednesday on February 14. Parish Priest Fr Francis Xavier said that both Ash Wednesday and Valentine have a lot of similarities.

Ash Wednesday is to show our LOVE to GOD and Valentine’s Day our LOVE to our neighbour (Partner). In order to express our Love to God and partners, we must practise the following: say and do good things to God and our partners (Almsgiving), sacrifice for the other (fasting), communication (Prayer).

The Chinese community in Teluk Intan celebrated the Lunar Chinese New Year on Feb 16, two days after Ash Wednesday. Visiting priest, Fr Moses Lui, shared that the Year of the Dog is a reminder for each and every one of us to be loyal, faithful and obedient. If a man knows how to reward a dog, how much more would God, the Almighty Father, reward us?

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The Church of St Ignatius (SIC) was packed to capacity for the 10.00am Mass on Friday, February 16 to mark Chinese New Year.

The bilingual Mass, in Mandarin and English, was celebrated by St Ignatius Church (SIC) Parish Priest Fr Andrew Wong CDD. Concelebrating with him were SIC Assistant Parish Priest Fr Lawrence Ng CDD and Fr Francis Ng CDD. The Mass was also signed for the benefit of the hearing-impaired.

In his homily, Fr Wong said people ask for prosperity and blessings for Chinese New Year but he wondered what kind of blessings they really want. Making lots of money may sometimes not be a real blessing. To be happy and prosperous should not refer to money but to put to good use our talents and gifts from God. Internal peace is also what we need, he added.

Fr Wong also spoke about the characteristics of the dog as we enter the Year of the Dog. He said the dog is brave and faithful to its master. He said Jesus is our master, and asked whether we are faithful to Him, by being brave to lead a good Christian life, by being sensitive and caring to others. Besides the bread and wine, four other items were taken up at the offertory — flowers (in adoration), red candles (for hope and peace), new year cakes (unity and fellowship) and fruits (happiness and achievements).

The rite of commemoration of ancestors was held at the end of the Mass. The priests then distributed ang pow to the congregation, who also received mandarin oranges distributed outside the church by the hospitality ministers. The morning concluded with a lion dance at the foyer of the church.was packed to capacity for the 10.00am Mass on Friday, February 16 to mark Chinese New Year.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit celebrated the Twenty-Sixth World Day of the Sick 2018 during the Sunday morning Mass on February 11. Caregivers and volunteers ferried in 119 sick people in wheel chairs or using crutches and walkers.

The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit celebrated the Twenty-Sixth World Day of the Sick 2018 during the Sunday morning Mass on February 11. Caregivers and volunteers ferried in 119 sick people in wheel chairs or using crutches and walkers.

The World Day of the Sick was started by Pope John Paul II in 1993 as a way for the faithful to offer prayers for those suffering from illnesses and for the caregivers. It is also the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. This year’s theme is based on the mystery of the Cross whereby Jesus manifests His glory and expresses His love to the very end, when He says, “‘Behold your son . . . Behold your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home” (John 19: 26-27).

Parish priest, Fr Joachim Robert, was the main celebrant, with Fr Francis Anthony concelebrating. Looking at the caregivers, volunteers and the sick during his homily, Fr Francis said that it reminded him of Lourdes, where people from all walks of life stood in long queues to register themselves in order to help the sick.

Referring to the Gospel passage (Mk 1:40-45) on the curing of the leper, Fr Francis spoke of how Jesus felt sorry for the leper who was in pain and ostracised from society according to the laws of that time. Lepers were cured only by chance.

Fr Francis added, “When we are sick, we cannot have what we want, cannot eat our favourite food, etc. Then we wonder why God gave this sickness to us. We should not think that God is not bothered. No, he feels sad. Through your pain, you are linked closely with Christ’s suffering on the cross. You are still useful people, important people, bringing blessing for the parish and the world. You are not alone. In your own way, you are contributing to the Church. In whatever way we can, we should give glory and praise to God.”

After the Eucharistic celebration, the two priests anointed and blessed the sick. The caregivers and volunteers then moved the sick to the Dewan Holy Spirit where they were entertained with songs by the Catechism children. It was a great opportunity for them to meet old friends and enjoy the fellowship.

The event was organised by several ministries, with the Parish Human Development Committee and the Family Life Ministry taking the lead.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Leaders from the English and Mandarin speaking ministries of Jesus Caritas Church (JCC), along with parish priest Fr Michael Chua and pastoral assistant, Sr Mary Heng, attended a two-day recollection at Canaan Valley Heritage Site in Serendah.

KUALA LUMPUR: Leaders from the English and Mandarin speaking ministries of Jesus Caritas Church (JCC), along with parish priest Fr Michael Chua and pastoral assistant, Sr Mary Heng, attended a two-day recollection at Canaan Valley Heritage Site in Serendah.

The first session introduced the vision of Jesus, which is the Kingdom of God or, more accurately, “the Reign of God.”

Leaders were invited to live as Christ, making Him the Lord of their lives and living as children of God, pointing each other towards our true home, heaven. Fr Chua also brought to the leaders’ attention two thrusts for JCC which were identified from the findings of the various cluster groups of the recent Parish Pastoral Assembly:

• From hostility to hospitality
• From followers to disciples

Through a SWOT analysis, leaders made their assessments of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in JCC that could affect positively or negatively the growth of the above mentioned thrusts.

During the second session, the leaders revisited the lifestyle of the early Christian Communities (Acts 2:42) and their missionary activity which drew many non-believers, coparing it with our ministries and BECs.

The 3rd session highlighted the symptoms of those who have lost the vision, preventing the leaders from responding to their mission and call. Leaders were also led to an evening of healing and reconciliation through a para-liturgy and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

The following morning, leaders were invited to renew their vision and commitment to the mission of Jesus. There was also a discussion on the new methods/behaviours/cultures that can be introduced in the ministries and BECs of JCC to grow in the areas above. The recollection ended with Mass and lunch.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Seminarian Martinian Lee was ordained a transitional deacon on Feb 13 at the Church of St Louis. Bishop Bernard Paul was the main celebrant, with Bishop Emeritus Paul Tan, Msgrs Peter Ng, VG, Michcel Mannayagam,VG and a number of priests concelebrating.

In his homily, Bishop Bernard said the Book of Numbers refers to deacons as the Levites assigned to assist priests and serve the community.

The second reading, taken from Timothy, touched on the three Cs: character, conscience and contribution. He went on to say, “It is in the service you render — what you give to people, what you do for the Church and what you do for others.”

He continued, “When we talk about the branches of the vine, we see the importance of Communion, the relationship that the deacon has with everyone who serves the Church.”

Deacon Lee said he is looking forward to working in the Ministry of the Word. He thanked all the parishioners who had come from near and far to be with him on his special day.

At the end of the ordination Mass, Bishop Bernard thanked the community of St Louis’ parish for hosting the ordination event. He also thanked Deacon Lee’s parents for giving their son to the service of God’s people in the diocese of Melaka-Johor.

Deacon Lee will be posted to Sacred Heart Cathedral, Johor Bahru until his ordination to the priesthood.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The Church of Divine Mercy (CDM) celebrated the World Day of the Sick during the 9.00am Mass on Feb 11. Parish priest, Fr Martin Arlando, wanted the congregation to see that the parish consisted not only of the able-bodied but also the sick and the homebound.

There were 43 Catholic and three non-Catholic men, women and children, their ages ranging from 2 to 88 years. Some walked with the aid of walking sticks or supported by their family members. Others were brought in wheelchairs, while yet others were carried by their caregivers. One even arrived in an ambulance and was wheeled into the church.

In his homily, Fr Martin stressed on the need to build a culture of inclusion to integrate the marginalised into the community. He said that, so often, we turn a blind eye to those among us who were sick and in need, thinking we have to accomplish great acts of mercy when, in fact, even small acts could help immensely. He continued by expounding the Gospel reading of the day (Mark 1:40-45) in which Jesus touched and healed a leper.

Fr Martin said that we need to cross those boundaries that separate us from Jesus and present ourselves to him, trusting him to heal and save us. And just as Jesus did, we ought to reach across boundaries to touch those in need of love and acceptance.

Fr Martin went on to explain that the leper, believing in Jesus’ power, was in fact asking for both physical and spiritual healing. And Jesus, out of love, made him clean again, physically and spiritually. Fr Martin wrapped up his homily by exhorting all those who were sick to offer up their suffering to God and be true witnesses by their example.

He also thanked all the caregivers for bringing their charges to church that day, acknowledging that they were often overlooked in spite of the importance of their role which required so much patience and sacrifice.

Fr Martin anointed and blessed the sick who were present. After Mass, he invited the congregation to meet the sick and their caregivers.

Fr Martin presented ang pows and mandarin oranges to the sick and they were then ushered into Faustina Hall for brunch.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

SANDAKAN – The Star of Yahweh Covenant Community (SYCC) organised a parish Lenten recollection on 23-24 Feb 2018 at St Mary Cathedral here themed Journeying Together as a Big Family.

The event began with Parish Pastoral Council Chairman Pilis Malim welcoming the attendees, emphasising the Diocesan Pastoral Plan (DPP) towards achieving the Vision and Mission.

In his talk, Father David Garaman said Lent is an important season for spiritual renewal because during Lent “we are journeying with one another in following the Lord in our deepest humanity” and a “stepping stone to journey together as one community united in Christ without looking at the differences.”

He also touched on the three R’s of Lent: Rest, Reflect and Renew.

On the second day, Fr David elaborated on the DPP logo which symbolises all the parishioners journeying together with one common vision and mission. He invited them to develop a Christ-centred community by serving one another with love and to foster unity in the spirit to help achieve the Vision and Mission of the Diocese.

On the final day, Fr David acknowledged that the sharings based on the reflection were uplifting. He encouraged the participants to purchase the Diocesan Pastoral Plan as a guide to understand properly the Vision and Mission.

The session finished at 12.30 noon with a concluding prayer by Fr David, followed by lunch. – Susanna Cordova

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

TAWAU – Seventeen members of the Holy Trinity Family Life Ministry here attended a half-day Lenten recollection on God’s love on 24 Feb 2018.

The event began with a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament guided by Franciscan Sister Julita Joseph who based her reflection on Matthew 5:43-48 – love, forgiveness and acceptance.

“Lenten season is a special opportunity for you and me to reflect on how I, personally, understood God’s love in my life and to return to God. A positive retrospection can humbly bring us back to Him to ask for forgiveness and mercy. This time of refreshing is important to be strengthened and renewed to continue serving as lay people, parents, friends, as a spouse and as children of God” she said.

In the chapel, the participants spent their time with the Lord in silence whilst offering their personal intentions to God. After the Adoration, all participants proceeded to the Conference room for the next session.

Mario Domingo, the Family Life Chairman, expressed his gratefulness to God for His unceasing guidance and grace to this ministry, and thanked the members for their services.

Julita Kantod then gave a brief slide presentation on the work done by the ministry.

This was followed by Sr Julita’s talk on the power of prayer that leads one to become a witness and to the maturity of faith.

Time was also given for personal testimony by the participants.

The “Our Father” prayer concluded the recollection, followed by lunch. – Julita Kantod

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KENINGAU – Twenty six years ago, a seven-year-old boy watched in awe as a priest celebrated Mass at the small chapel in his village of Kampung Kovosion, in the interior Sook district.

The boy was particularly taken by the vestments of the priest and wondered whether one day he would follow the same vocation.

The answer has indeed been in the affirmative for seminarian David Richard Gasikol who is on his way to a priestly life after being ordained deacon.

His ordination by Bishop Cornelius Piong was held at a packed St Francis Xavier Cathedral here on 25 Feb 2018.

Among those present to witness the ordination was Father Bonaventure Unting who first encouraged David to consider the priesthood during a talk on priestly vocation at the Sook parish a decade ago.

Before the laying on of hands, Bishop Piong explained to the candidate about the functions of the office of a deacon, the meaning, and importance of celibacy to which David accepted.

The candidate also made a promise of obedience to the bishop.

Fr Bonaventure helped David with the vesting of the stole and dalmatic after the laying on of hands.

The newly ordained deacon then began assisting the bishop at the altar.

In his homily, Bishop Piong expressed his gratitude to God for calling on David to serve Him.

He reminded the newly ordained deacon that the vocation was only possible through God’s calling and ordination was a grace of God that must be lived and preserved.

Turning to a group of seminarians who were present to witness the ordination, Bishop Piong said he hoped the event would serve as an encouragement for them to continue on their vocational journey.

To parents attending the ordination, the prelate urged them to be sensitive to God’s calling of their children to take up priestly or religious life.

“Our church needs more people to serve the Lord,” said Bishop Piong whose Keningau diocese of 18,200 sq km covering seven Sabah districts encompassing Beaufort, Kuala Penyu, Membakut, Sipitang in the west coast as well as Tenom and Tambunan in the interior.

To those from the Holy Spirit Parish of Sook, the prelate said it would not be “too long” before the priestly ordination of Deacon David would be held there.

After the Mass, David said he entered the aspirancy at the Catholic Archdiocesan Centre in Penampang in 2010, and gave thanks to God for his calling.

He also expressed gratitude to his mother Norah Mohidou and his five siblings, as well as fellow seminarians for their support in his vocational journey.

After a year at the Initial Formation House in Kota Kinabalu in 2011, he went on for his philosophical and theological studies at St Peter’s College Kuching from 2012 to 2017.

Looking back at his vocational journey, he said the past eight years had been a time of learning and discernment.

His advice to youth who are considering a similar vocation, he said, “Think about God and reflect what is the meaning of your life and your very existence.”

“Do not be afraid to enter into this way of life,” said David. – Ruben Sario

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu