Category Archives: May 2018

TANJUNG ARU – La Salle Secondary School here marked the feast of St John Baptist de La Salle, patron of teachers cum teachers day quietly on 11 May 2018 due to the unexpected holiday given to mark the victory won by the Opposition at the 14th General Election May 9.

Msgr Primus Jouil presided at the Thanksgiving Mass at Stella Maris Church Tg Aru attended by past and present students, teachers and Alumni members.

The theme for this year was: Lasallians take the Lead.

In his homily, the presider urged the attendees to be open like children so as to receive God’s manifold blessings.

After Mass, all adjourned to the parish fellowship centre for refreshments and of course, the hot topic was the recent general election.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KUALA LUMPUR – In a remarkable show of people power, Malaysians showed the long-ruling Barisan Nasional coalition and Prime Minister Najib Razak the door, an act that many predicted could not be done easily after he had rigged the system.

The election commission finally declared just before 5am on May 10 that Mahathir Mohamad’s opposition alliance had won 115 seats in the 222-seat parliament. The alliance needed 112 seats to form a government.

After a long night waiting for the commission to sign off on the country’s 14th general election, Mahathir said he hoped a swearing-in ceremony would be held on May 10.

Mahathir, 92, was Malaysia’s prime minister from 1981 to 2003, making him the longest-serving holder of that office. His political career has spanned more than 70 years since he first joined a newly formed United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) in 1946.

The governing Barisan Nasional coalition has been in power for more than 60 years.

A government spokesman has declared May 10-11 as nationwide public holidays.

Mahathir said his new government will not seek revenge on Najib, who has been accused of corruption in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) sovereign wealth fund scandal where billions of dollars went missing.

At a press conference to declare the victory of his Pakatan Harapan (Alliance of Hope), Mahathir reiterated what he said on the campaign trail that the new government would uphold the rule of law.

“We are not seeking revenge. What we want is to restore the rule of law. If anybody breaks the law, they will be brought before the court to be tried,” he told a packed ballroom at Sheraton Hotel in Petaling Jaya.

He said the new government will also work towards obtaining a pardon for Anwar Ibrahim, who is set to be released from his five-year prison sentence next month.

“We will work on Anwar Ibrahim’s pardon. Once he’s pardoned, then he’s eligible to become prime minister again, but he will have to stand in an election or at least [be appointed as] a senator to be the prime minister,” he said.

Asked whether Najib had accepted defeat, Mahathir quipped that the Pekan MP has been silent on the matter. “I haven’t heard from him … He’s gone silent,” said Mahathir, who was backed by Pakatan Harapan leaders and winning candidates.

Official results showed the Pakatan Harapan alliance, along with an ally in Borneo’s Sabah state, had won 115 seats, with Barisan Nasional on 79 seats.

The Barisan Nasional coalition, comprising UMNO, the Malaysian Chinese Association, Malaysian Indian Congress and several smaller parties, has dominated Malaysian politics since the country won independence from Britain in 1957.

Its popularity started to decline in recent years. In the 2008 election, the opposition made gains and in the next one in 2013 it won the popular vote but failed to win enough seats to form a government.

However, further progress was stalled when then opposition leader Anwar, once Mahathir’s protege, was sentenced to five years in jail on sodomy charges, which he dismissed as a smear campaign.

Mahathir abandoned the ruling coalition in 2016, “embarrassed” to be associated with a party “that is seen as supporting corruption” after Najib was accused of pocketing some US$700 million from the 1MDB fund. He is accused of removing key Malaysian officials scrutinizing the fund.

Criticism of Najib grew when his government redrew election boundaries recently to ensure they were filled by Malay Muslims, who are traditionally Barisan Nasional supporters.

Bersih, an election reform group, accused the government of multiple electoral irregularities.

The government paid little heed and cracked down further on criticism by passing a fake news law that many feared would be used to stifle dissent.

Mahathir is himself being investigated under that law after alleging that the plane he was due to travel in had been sabotaged to prevent him filing his candidacy papers on time for this election.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

PAPAR – Saint Joseph here celebrated its parish day with a bazaar on 6 May 2018.

Archbishop John Wong presided at the concelebrated Mass and administered the Sacrament of Confirmation on 117 candidates.

In his homily, the prelate touched on how Christ chose and accepted us as friends, and commissioned us to bear everlasting fruits through love, filling us with joy in the process.

Johnny Sitamin, parish pastoral council chairman, thanked the parishioners for their commitment, teamwork, and contributions in the various parish programmes and fundraising activities for the new Catholic Centre.

In his speech, Abp Wong urged the parishioners to look to St Joseph as a role model and to the Eucharist as the source of life and strength in their family life and in meeting challenges.

He then challenged the newly confirmed to read the Word of God, to receive the sacraments, to obey God’s commandments, and to share the Good News of Jesus with others.

Prior to the Mass, the prelate had a breakfast meeting with PPC members and listened to the reports of various committees and ministries. A video clip on the current programme on family, BEC and church tackling the issues of apathy, secularisation, and islamisation was screened.

After Mass, all adjourned to the parish hall for the certificate presentation to the confirmands and a light meal before visiting the various stalls set up at the Mother of Mercy open hall.

The bazaar was organised as part of the fundraising activities in aid of the Catholic Centre building project.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU – Veteran choir master of the Sacred Heart Cathedral here was called to eternal life on 3 May 2018.  He was 95.

Francis Lee Yit Khee served as choir master of the cathedral from 1960 to 1987.  Aside from being choir master, he also served as parish councillor from the 1970s to the late 1980s as well as reader, offerer, and extraordinary minister of Holy Commumion.

Born on 29 Jan 1923 in Sandakan, Francis was the second eldest child in a brood of five boys and four girls born to Thomas Lee Yen Chiang and Beatrice Ho.  His younger brother is Archbishop Emeritus John Lee while his eldest son is Father Cosmas Lee.

After five years in the Aberdeen Regional Seminary in Hong Kong (1939-1944), he decided that he was not called to the priesthood. He married Francisca Wong in 1947 and they had 13 children: nine boys and four girls (two died shortly after birth).

To feed his growing family, he worked at various jobs – teacher, store assistant, storekeeper, and school canteen operator.

In 1981, when he was 51, he received the papal award “Bene Merenti” from Pope John Paul II for “long and exceptional service to the Church.”

He served as the first Local Minister of the Fraternity of  the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Order of Franciscan Seculars) for 14 years.  The OFS was established in Sabah on 3 Oct 1986.

His wife died on 18 Dec 1980, almost two weeks after meeting with a car accident near Seremban.

Francis is survived by his 11 children, 34 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KENINGAU – Papal nuncio Archbishop Joseph Marino summarised Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation on the call to holiness on 4 May 2018 at the celebration of Keningau silver jubilee here.

The talk was given at the newly completed Immanuel Catechetical Building to invited guests and organisers of the celebration.

In his talk, the nuncio pointed out three important aspects of the document, Gaudate et Exsultate (GE).

First, the pope is proposing once again the universal call to holiness as stated in Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium: “all the faithful of Christ of whatever rank or status are called to the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity” (LG 40).

Second, he proposes a practical understanding of Christian holiness – how holiness is manifested and concretely lived, not by a select few, but all in that ‘great cloud of winesses’ (Heb 12:1), who include “our own mothers, grandmothers and loved ones,” who each day “keep moving forward and proved pleasing to God” (GE 3).

Third, the pope wants the faithful to embrace a holiness “for our time” – a Christian life that reflects a true and visible response to the needs of our time, a response to the longings of every human being, which only the Gospel is capable of fulfilling.

The nuncio said the document points out the sources of holiness are baptism, the Holy Spirit and life in and with the Church.

However, the nuncio warned his audience of the two errors which have plagued the Church almost from its beginning: gnosticism (holiness comes from knowledge, not from acts of charity), and pelagianism (holiness by personal efforts).

Holiness in life, according to Pope Francis, is “charity lived in faith” (GE 12) through the eight Beatitudes as found in the Gospels of Matthew (5:3-12) and Luke (6:20-23).

In the final chapter of the exhortation, Pope Francis lists signs of holiness in today’s world.  They are 1) perseverance, patience and meekness; 2) joy and a sense of humour; 3) boldness and passion; 4) constant prayer.

According to Abp Marino, the Vatican paper, Osservatore Romano editorialised the exhortation this way: Holy, yes, but not superhuman or perfect.  Simply ordinary people who are unafraid to set their sights higher and each day allow themselves to be loved and liberated by God, transforming their lives into an ongoing mission to service to others.  Very often it is holiness found in our next-door neighbours, in those living in our midst reflect God’s presence; this everyday holiness is at the heart of the Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete et exsultate.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

PENAMPANG – Keningau celebrated its diocesan silver jubilee with a deep sense of gratitude and joy to God on 4-5 May 2018.

The culmination of a yearlong preparation was the concelebrated Eucharist at the Solidarity Hall on May 5.

Over 3,000 faithful including the members of the regional bishops conference joined Bishop Cornelius Piong in celebrating his episcopal silver jubilee as well as that of the diocese he has led for 25 years.

On hand to join in the occasion were Cardinal Anthony Soter Fernandez and Archbishop Joseph Marino, apostolic nuncio to Malaysia.

In his homily, the jubilarian stressed on God’s mercy and foundation of the diocese (cf Ps 127), the unity with Jesus (Jn 15), the role of the Holy Spirit, with Mary and St Francis Xavier as role models in the journey of the diocese.  He also pointed out three themes from the priestly prayer of Jesus (Jn 15): unity in Jesus, protection from evil, and holiness of life.

What was significant in the celebration was symbolically portrayed in the putting together of the pieces of the framed jigsaw puzzle of the Holy Family by representatives of the people of God – young and old, priest and religious – in union with the KK Ecclesiastical Province (Abp Wong) and the Universal Church (Abp Marino).

Both the organising committee chairperson, Stella Kinsik, and Bishop Piong thanked all those who have helped in organising the event

After his brief speech, Abp Marino presented the apostolic blessing of Pope Francis to the jubilarian.

Before Mass ended, Bishop Piong announced that the hosting parish for 2019 diocesan day will be St Valentine Beaufort.

The event closed with lunch at the parish hall.  The visitors also visited the venue for the tasting of native wine and delicacies next to the hall.

On the previous day May 4, Bishop Piong officiated the rite of burying a time capsule in front of the cathedral, followed by a tour of the jubilee exhibition at the pastoral centre and refreshments.

Then Abp Marino gave a talk on Pope Francis’ recent exhortation on holiness at the newly conpleted Immanuel Catechetical Building.

The day ended with a jubilee dinner at the Holy Family Pilgrimage Site at Nulu Sosopon where Bishop Piong entertained the guests by singing two of his own compositions.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

Message from Archbishop Simon Poh Catholic Archdiocese of Kuching on the 14th General Election

Dear Catholics,
Every five years, we have the opportunity to democratically elect our leaders and government. I call on all Catholics to exercise our Christian stewardship. It is our moral duty and right as citizens of our beloved country Malaysia to vote wisely and responsibly. We will be placing the future of our nation — our future into the hands of men and women whom we are electing into the government for the next five years.

1. Exercise our Christian stewardship and moral duty to vote.
By casting our votes, we hold our government and candidate accountable to walk the talk; to fulfil all promises made to the rakyat; to work for the common good and well-being of all Malaysians; to defend religious freedom for all irrespective of race, religion and ethnicity.

2. Discern the following before you cast your vote
Consider the Political Party and the integrity of the Individual Candidate on development, citizen’s rights on freedom of religion, welfare and concern for our people, etc

3.Pray and Fast for GE14

a) Personally: Offer up prayers and fasting from NOW until the Sunday after election.
b) As a Community: Pray together with friends and other Christians.

4. Cast your vote wisely on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, according to your conscience before our Lord.

An invitation to pray unceasingly:
As peace-loving citizens in Sarawak and Malaysia, I exhort all Catholics to pray unceasingly for free, fair and clean Election.

Begin NOW before the GE 14, during the Election and right until the Sunday after the Election. May we always respond with God’s love and peace to preserve the peace and harmony in our nation.

Act justly. Love tenderly. 
Walk humbly with our Lord. 
(Micah 6:8)

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Leader: Let us proclaim the name of the Lord;
and ascribe greatness to our God!

All: Lord your work is perfect. And all your ways are just.
Let your voice be heard today by all the nations!

O God, Judge of the nations, put fear into our hearts,
So that we may know that we are only human.

Father, the whole of creation groans and labours
to be delivered from the bondage of corruption,
into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Lord Jesus, send forth Your Spirit of Truth
and let this Spirit prove to ‘the powers that be’
how wrong they are about sin, righteousness and judgment.

O Lord, declare the power of your works to Your peoples
and let us be filled with the knowledge of Your glory
as the waters cover the sea.

Gather us, O Lord, in Your name
and may all worship the One True God.

Amen

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Sarawakians, particularly the Bidayuhs, take pride in the appointment of Mdm Gloria Peter Tiwet as the Malaysian High Commissioner to Nigeria. She is the first Bidayuh woman to be appointed as a Malaysian envoy.

Catholics in the Archdiocese of Kuching are no less delighted. Gloria is a parishioner of St Joseph’s Cathedral and attends Sunday Masses there together with her family.

Born in 1972, Gloria is the fourth of six children of Peter Tiwet, 74 and Lucy Rippiang 72. Both her parents are from Singai, Bau. She and her siblings grew up and received their education in SRB and SMB St Teresa respectively. After Form 6 in St Joseph’s school, she furthered her studies in Political Science in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang.

What she saw on television when she was 9 years old became her dream. “I saw a lady receiving a scroll from His Majesty the King. As a young girl, I too wanted to be like that lady, to meet the king. That stayed on with me,” said Gloria.

She continued to pursue her ambition to become that lady she saw on television, which has now become a reality. “I joined the administrative diplomatic service as soon as I graduated from USM. This year is my 22nd year in service. It has been very challenging, rcwarding, a lot of tears and sweat, but I believe that it was all for a good cause,” she revealed.

On February 12, Gloria received her instruments of appointment as a Malaysian envoy from the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V, at Istana Negara.

Gloria was posted to Santiago, Chile in 2002-2003, Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2003-2006, and Stockholm, Sweden in 2011- 2015. Prior to her posting to Nigeria, she was the director of the Sarawak Regional Office in the Foreign Ministry.

Asked about the challenges she had faced while in foreign lands, she remarked that each country was different. “It depends on the countries — the people, the culture, the work ethics, the weather, the food, the environment – when it comes to work, we do not know what is to come. We cannot predict.”

As for her new posting to Nigeria, she is prepared. “I am ready as far as work is concerned. I prepare myself mentally and physically for anything that may come later. As the high commissioner, I carry the name of the country and the King with me. I believe with faith and prayer, everything will be alright.”

For a Catholic to be sent to a country like Nigeria where persecution of Christians is not unheard of, is Gloria not worried? The answer is yes, but she trusts in God’s protection and providence. “I do get worried if I think too much over it. There are more than 100 high commissions in Abuja,” she said. “Do not worry about things that are not there in reality. Have peace. Peace is found in prayers.”

Gloria left for Nigeria with her husband, Raj, on April 3.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The parish of St Ann will celebrate her 50th Golden Jubilee and dedication of the new St Ann’s Church on July 26.

Archbishop Simon Poh, together with the priests, religious, visitors and parishioners of St Ann will celebrate the event with an opening ceremony at 6.30pm, followed by Mass at 7.00pm.

In conjunction with the Golden Jubilee of St Ann’s Church, the St Ann Golden Jubilee Committee will be organising the usual Zone Community Day (ZCD) from April till June. This event will be spread over several locations. The aim of this event is to help the parishioners foster community spirit and build up unity within the parish. All parishioners, both within and outside St Ann, are welcome to join the Zone Community day activities.

Since September 2014, the parishioners of St Ann have waited for almost 39 months for the completion of the new Church. The new St Ann’s church, which is situated at the intersection of Jalan Landeh and Jalan Puncak Borneo, Kota Padawan, can accommodate as many as 3,500 parishioners, both at the ground level and the mezzanine floor.

There are good and fond memories of the Baruk that was considered as the “Mother Church” for many who came from near and far to worship. After having worshipped at the Baruk, which is situated at the top of a small hill since the late 60s, it is time to move on and begin a new history in the life of the parishioners of St Ann. The last Mass was celebrated on 18 March.

The shift to the new St Ann’s Church premises began on March 19 which coincided with the feast of St Joseph. The Day Chapel behind the Main Church will be used for the celebration of daily Masses on weekdays and other occasions like weddings and funerals. However, the administration and religion classes will continue to be held at the Baruk area until the completion of Phase 2.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online