Category Archives: Oct 2018

PENANG: It was a pleasant surprise for Fr Nelson Chitty when he was greeted by many familiar faces at the Hotel Royal Penang on September 22.

The 150 parishioners from City Parish had turned up for a special dinner to thank and appreciate Fr Nelson’s services as parish priest for the past four years.

They were feted to a buffet dinner and enjoyed the various performances which included a skit by the Our Lady of Sorrows Mandarin Youth and many impromptu songs, which were sung by parishioners.

Organising Chairman John David said that Fr Nelson was well-loved by many parishioners who were inspired by his simplicity and remarkable homilies during Mass.

“As our shepherd, Fr Nelson held the fort firmly within the parish and often emphasised inclusiveness as he guided us closer to God,” he said.

John also said that although there was a tinge of sadness at Fr Nelson’s impending transfer, the parish wished him the best and expressed its pride and happiness for him.

When it was Fr Nelson’s turn to speak, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards those who had lent him their support during his leadership.

“Priests come and go, but it is our faith towards God that remains,” he said whilst urging all parishioners to support the new parish priest and expressing his full confidence towards the new leadership that will bring the parish to greater heights.

The night ended with a toast, with the presentation of a token of appreciation and group photo sessions with Fr Nelson.

With effect from October 1, Fr Nelson will be transferred to the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Balik Pulau and his successor is Fr Aloysius Tan. 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

ARAU, Perlis: The humble Chapel of the Holy Cross celebrated the feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross, its patronal feast, on Friday, September 14, 2018 at a special Mass at 6.30pm.

The Mass was celebrated by Fr Charles Chin with many parishioners and worshippers participating.

In his homily, Fr Chin, who shared from Mark’s Gospel (24th Sunday of Ordinary Time), reiterated that Jesus is not a political Messiah. He is a Messiah, the Lamb of God who sacrifices Himself so that our sins can be forgiven.

The Mass was celebrated in Bahasa Malaysia and Tamil.

After Mass, the Chapel’s Committee leader gave a speech thanking all for their presence. He also commended Fr Chin, who has served the community for the past couple of years.

It was also a farewell to Fr Chin, who is retiring soon as the Chapel’s Administrator. A cake was wheeled to the front for Fr Chin to cut and a token of appreciation was also given to him.

All were feted to a dinner fellowship after the Mass, held at the canteen area behind the Chapel.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

PUCHONG: “The sacrament of matrimony is where the family is the image of God, where marriage and family receive the grace of the Holy Spirit from Christ to bear witness for God,” said Fr Clarence Devadass.

The Director of Catholic Research Centre was speaking to about 150 people who had come to listen to his lecture on Amoris Laetitia at the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Aug 21. The lecture was attended by parishioners and those from other parishes.

Fr Clarence is also, among others, the Executive Secretary of the Office of the Theological Concerns in the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference and the Editor-in-Chief of the Catholic Asian News.

“Families have a role to play in the larger society,” he said, adding that the Catholic Church needs to hold back on judging others and, instead, reach out and touch them with Jesus’ love. He said the Church needed to bring back into the fold those who had left the Church, those who had divorced, those who had married non-believers, those who were told they could no longer receive communion because of their divorce.

He added that the acceptance of Amoris Laetitia did not mean the Church was reversing its position on matters relating to same-sex marriage, divorce and such. Instead, Catholic families are now called to embrace others and lead them to the right path with love and not try to use condemnation and judgment to force conformity.

“It is a paradigm shift in the approach,” he said, adding that it is the approach that has changed and not the Church’s position. “As it was in the beginning, and is now … .”

Amoris Laetitia (Joy of Love) is Pope Francis’ first document on family, relseased on March 19, 2016.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

IPOH: More than 640 parishioners of St Michael’s Church (SMC) and Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church here turned up for a thanksgiving dinner to show their appreciation of Fr Stephen Liew.

Fr Liew will be transferred to Taiping Catholic Church effective Oct 1. His eight years of work as SMC parish priest knew no boundaries.

During his tenure at SMC, the Sahabat Orang Asli group was formed to serve the Orang Asli (which reached out to the whole of Perak) and is now under the Perak Deanery Orang Asli Apostolate under Bishop Sebastian Francis. Also, SMC’s soup kitchen for the poor was started, BECs became active, and formations were organised for the parish.

The columbarium area was cleaned up and pebble paving was done in the St Michael’s church cemetery, making it clean and beautiful. The Oak, which is the clubhouse for the Evergreens (senior citizens), was renovated and repainted, with a new additional funeral parlour built next to it.

Fr Liew has always kept a low profile, and his humble ways have touched many of the parishioners and newcomers to the parish.

Respectful to the elderly and helpful to others, his warm smile marks his style of reaching out to others. It is very easy to talk to him about anything, even difficult family problems, because he has a sympathetic and compassionate heart.

He has always encouraged others to do their best to “be the face of Christ to others.”

Fr Liew was presented with a small gift by Parish chairman James Lau. A short video of St Michael’s church and its parish activities and charitable work during Fr Liew’s eight years was highlighted during the dinner.

Fr Liew, in a short speech, thanked his office staff, the security guards and the parishioners for all their contributions and the support they had given him, describing his eight years as the best ones he experienced as parish priest.

Present at the dinner was Bishop Emeritus Antony Selvanayagam; Redemptorists Fr Joseph Stephen, Fr Paul Ki, and Fr Robin Lomangkok; Fr Arul Segar from India; and SMC priest-in-residence Fr Robin Andrews.

Guest of honour was M. Kulasegaran, who is Member of Parliament for Ipoh Barat and Human Resources Minister. In his speech, M. Kulasegaran said he wanted to thank Fr Liew personally for doing his social duty during the GE 14.

Fr Liew had organised talks to educate the people and explain the significance of voting. “This is an important social duty for everyone and especially for a church to do this.”

“It is how we educate others to choose the people to lead and direct the country,” Kula said. Kula said even though he was not a Catholic, he had Bible Studies as one of his school subjects. “We were very poor, and I admit the reasons I came was for the food and singing, which I loved,” he said.

Later however, he was touched by the many ways the church contributed towards the education and welfare of people.

“I thank the Catholic Church for the great schools and the important role they played over the years to educate so many Malaysians.

“I want to remind Malaysians of their contributions, and let us do our part. We are in a bleak situation now but God will shine and show us the way,” he said.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

PETALING JAYA: A philanthropic evening showcase of praise and hope was held on September 1 to solicit donations and spawn a wave of awareness for the Assisi Palliative Care (ASPAC).

The band kicked off the showcase with Lord, You are Good, electrifying the crowd through seven songs that created a sonic bridge between an appreciation for Gospel music and the permissible delights ingrained in everyone to become part of a bigger pool of giving. The energetic thrust continued with lead singer, Charleen Manuel singing Falling in Love with Jesus that mesmerised the crowd.

Serenading the audience through their sweet blend of melodies, the band opened the second set with Oh Happy Day. Then, the audience got on their feet, singing and swaying to Heaven is in My Heart. The night was an incredible blend of various music genres, sprinkled with intimacy and a dose of techno-driven rock and drove a contagious energy to all generations present.

Malaysian Idol winner, Jaclyn Victor set the house on fire with a soul stirring performance of the classic Joyful, Joyful to conclude the second set.

Tishay de Rozario initiated this fundraising with his father, Brian de Rozario and friend, Damian Emmanuel. He shared that “The evening was an opportunity to showcase the talent of the young individuals in our community who share a passion for Gospel music and the tunes we all grew up to.”

With the objective to offer skilful care in a designated facility for patients faced with life limiting illnesses, ASPAC is run by a band of staff and volunteers trained in palliative care, supervised by the Medical Director.

ASPAC takes pride in prioritising professional development for the care team to upskill itself too. Doctors and nurses take the initiative to attend conferences and scientific meetings, while volunteers are sent for training programmes. Dr Teh Ee Von shared that compassion is key in palliative care. ASPAC renders in-patient hospice care with difficult crises at home. The core group of staff and volunteers go above and beyond their call of duty to perform Touch and Pet Therapies, sitting with patients, holding vigils for patients at the End of Life and conduct training programmes in basic palliative care for the public, volunteers and healthcare workers.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

IPOH: St Michael’s Church (SMC) Padre Pio group marked the celebration of St Pio’s feastday with a novena and evening Mass on Sept 23, celebrated by SMC parish priest Fr Stephen Liew.

This year marks the centenary of the reception of the stigmata by St Pio and the 50th anniversary of his death.

During the novena, petitions and thanksgiving letters were read out, including a letter from the Padre Pio group to St Pio, thanking him for his prayers and intercessions for their needs and those critically ill.

Thanking Mother Mary for her help, they also asked to be a source of energy for the sick, being strong in spirit, gentle of heart, courageous and compassionate. The group also thanked Fr Stephen Liew for his strong support and inspiration, wishing him good health and God’s blessings in his future parish.

One thanksgiving letter spoke of a patient who was in stage four of lung cancer and given only six months to live, yet, with the intercession of St Pio and spiritual support through the group, was still alive and healthy four years later.

Fr Liew, in his opening words at the Mass, asked the people to call to mind any person(s) who may need the intercession of St Pio for healing, restoration and good health.

In his homily, Fr Liew said the Christian mission is to serve “little children”, as Jesus did.

It means serving those who have no way of giving back to you, and not expecting anything in return.

“It is 100 per cent giving. Nowadays, no one goes to the least, the last and the little. Pope Francis, in his first year of papacy, invited us all to do this, because it is in knowing the least, the last and the little that we won’t have anything in return. He said the culture now is to go to the rich and powerful who have connections to help us. This is not the Christian attitude.

The Letter of St James speaks of the conversion of our ambition to rule, to take charge, into an attitude of serving. It means a conversion from having things done for us to doing things for others. We need to ask two questions: How can we use our gifts and talents to serve others, the country and Church? And what can we do for others?

It simply means using that gift or talent to benefit others rather than to be proud of oneself. There is the example of St Pio, who shared the wounds of Christ on his hands. Suffering came with it, and it is a gift of sharing, and the privilege of suffering with the wounds of Jesus.

“We have the relic of St Pio here in St Michael’s church, a piece of his mitten which he wore over his stigmata as he was a humble man. Padre Pio is present to us here in SMC.

“When he first received the stigmata, no one believed him and his fellow brothers and bishop banished him. He remained quiet until God changed the minds and hearts of those who chastised him. So St Pio also suffered humiliation, as well as the wounds of Christ, and that was his contribution.”

St Pio’s main aim was to relieve suffering, and so he built a hospital. “He created various prayer groups throughout the world so that other people would be able to serve the sick, especially the terminally ill. When we serve the ill, we don’t expect anything back. It is pure giving of our time. In our parish, the Padre pio group is doing a wonderful job as shown by the testimonies.

“The effectiveness of St Pio has enabled many more people to do things for others, and I invite more of you to join. St Pio said, “I can do more things after my death,” and because of this, many more people are sharing in his ministry to the sick.

“He needs our help to show that God refuses no one. It is through us and not only our devotions. We need to go out to the terminally ill (the last, the least and the little). We ask St Pio for his help in achieving this,” he said.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

September 7, 2018 PKK/CHN/2018/09/002

APPOINTMENTS AND TRANSFERS
His Lordship, Rt Reverend Sebastian Francis,
D.D., has appointed the following priests: –

1. Msgr Michael Cheah (Parish Priest of Church of St Michael, Alor Setar)- Effective on October 1, 2018

2. Fr Nelson Joseph (Assistant Priest of Church of St Michael, Alor Setar)- Effective on October 1, 2018

3. Fr Francis Xavier Selvarajoo (Parish Priest of Church of Our Lady of Fatima, Kangar and Administrator of Church of the Immaculate Conception, Changloon)- Effective on October 1, 2018

4. Msgr Henry Rajoo (Parish Priest of Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Kulim and Assistant Priest of Church of St Anne, Bukit Mertajam)- Effective on October 1, 2018

5. Bishop Sebastian Francis (Parish Priest of St Anne, Bukit Mertajam)- Effective on October 1, 2018

6. Fr Leo Elias (Assistant Priest of Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Kulim and Assistant Priest of Church of St Anne, Bukit Mertajam) – Effective on October 1, 2018

7. Deacon Lazarus Jonathan (Assisting Deacon of Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Kulim and Church of St Anne, Bukit Mertajam)- Effective on October 1, 2018

8. Fr Nelson Chitty (Parish Priest of Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Balik Pulau)- Effective on October 1, 2018

9. Fr Jude Miranda (Parish Priest of Church of the Immaculate Conception, Pulau Tikus)- Effective on October 1, 2018

10. Fr Aloysius Tan (Parish Priest of City Parish, Penang)- Effective on October 1, 2018

11. Fr Mark Michael (Parish Priest of Church of St Patrick, Kuala Kangsar and Administrator of Church of St John the Baptist, Sungai Siput) – Effective on August 2, 2018

12. Fr Simon Anand (Parish Priest of Church of the Sacred Heart, Kampar)- Effective on October 1, 2018

13. Deacon Rocky Loo (Assisting Deacon of Church of the Sacred Heart, Kampar) – Effective on October 1, 2018

14. Fr Anthony Liew (Parish Priest of Church of St Michael, Ipoh)- Effective on October 1, 2018

15. Fr Stephen Liew (Parish Priest of Taiping Catholic Church)- Effective on October 1, 2018

16. Fr Vincent Paul (Administrator of Church of St Anthony, Teluk Intan, Church of St Mary, Tapah, Chapel of St Joseph, Bidor, Chapel of St Anthony, Slim River)- Effective on October 1, 2018

17.Fr David Lourdes (Assistant Priest of Church of St Anthony, Teluk Intan, Church of St Mary, Tapah, Chapel of St Joseph, Bidor, Chapel of St Anthony, Slim River)- Effective on October 1, 2018

18. Fr Michael Dass (Assistant Priest of Church of St Anthony, Teluk Intan, Church of St Mary, Tapah, Chapel of St Joseph, Bidor, Chapel of St Anthony, Slim River)- Effective on October 1, 2018

19.Fr James Pitchay (Assistant Priest of Church of St Anthony, Teluk Intan, Church of St Mary, Tapah, Chapel of St Joseph, Bidor, Chapel of St Anthony, Slim River)- Effective on October 1, 2018

Rev Fr Victor Louis
Chancellor
Diocese of Penang

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

A “Unity Walk” for all faiths in conjunction with the recent celebration of the 55th year Hari Malaysia was held on Sept 22, 2018 at the Seremban Lake Gardens. The event was organised by the Church of the Visitation’s Parish Ministry of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs (PMEIA), led by its Chairperson Christopher Krishnan and in collaboration with the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) of Negeri Sembilan.

A total of 250 people from all walks of life, of different age groups, race and faith participated. The 2.3km walk around the lake gardens with the theme Strength in Unity also received support from the Negeri Sembilan’s Jabatan Perpaduan Negara and YB Tuan Arul Kumar Jambunathan, who is the Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Bertindak Sumber Manusia, Perladangan dan Hal Ehwal Bukan Islam EXCO member and ADUN Nilai.

As the participants arrived as early as 7.30am wearing their Unity Walk t-shirts, they were welcomed by leaders of different faiths and members of the PMEIA were seen distributing the Jalur Gemilang flags to everyone. The event started with a Zumba dance led by Dr Areana and her team. This was followed by the singing of the national anthem Negaraku and the famous – Setia. The leaders of the different faiths then took turns to offer prayers, blessings and thanksgiving for the Nation, the people of Malaysia and thank God for the unity walk.

The Bahai faith offered their prayers in the form of singing by its choir group.

In his welcoming speech, parish priest Fr George Harrison, who is also the NS MCCBCHST Chairman, said the event was the dream of the MCCBCHST. The unity walk, he said, was for humanity, harmony and peace. He thanked all the leaders of the different faiths for coming together.

Yg Bhg Puan Salasiah Hashim, Pengarah Perpaduan dan Integrasi Nasional in her speech thanked Fr George and leaders of different faiths for their commitments and active participation. The gathering of people of different faiths, she said, was an indication that the people pledge their united efforts to attain the first of the five principles of the Rukun Negara – Belief in God (Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan). Before ending, she invited all to sing a belated Happy Birthday song for YB Arul, who celebrated his birthday on Sept 12, 2018.

In his speech delivered in BM, YB Arul thanked all for their participation in organising the Unity Walk. He also noted and thanked representatives from the Islamic faith who came to join in the walk. He also pledged to work with leaders of different faiths to organise future programmes to strengthen unity.

Fr George then led the leaders and State EXCOs for the ribbon cutting ceremony to kick off the unity walk. The walk, led by the Jalur Gemilang and Negeri Sembilan flag bearers, started at about 9.15am. The slow walk around the lake gardens took about 23mins to complete. At the end of the walk, there was fellowship among the participants, who enjoyed the breakfast that was provided. The Sikh community provided hot masala tea for all.

Fr George then presented a souvenir to YB Arul and Puan Salasiah. The event ended at about 11.30pm with a group photo.

Also at the event were YB Puan Nicole Tan Lee Koon, who is the Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Bertindak Hal Ehwal Wanita, Keluarga Dan Kebajikan EXCO member and ADUN Bukit Kepayang; YB Mary Josephine Prittam Singh, ADUN Rahang; leaders of different faiths; representatives from the Skuad Mubaligh NS; En Mohd Umry, from ABIM; and the State Mosque.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

This survey was conducted in 2009 and the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was held during the month of February in 2010. Five parishes were selected out of 158 parishes in the diocese and from each parish, 15 respondents participated along with their parish priests. In all 75 respondents took part. BEC gatherings are held monthly, mostly on Sundays, with around 30 persons attending.

The 7 step Gospel sharing method is regularly followed, with concrete service action of attending to the needs of the community members.

For the quantitative part the mean score is used to present the data. For the qualitative part, the more predominant trends are listed.

Mean score of 1.5 would indicate more than 50 per cent where as scores below 1.5 would be less than 50 per cent. Mean 3 would be 100 per cent.

Communion
Gospel Sharing (GS): Gospel sharing was emphasised right from the beginning.

As a result of this, it appears that the BECs have been very fruitful.

Out of 75 respondents 98 per cent say that Gospel Sharing is IMPORTANT.

They are more familiar with the 7-step Gospel sharing than with any other method.

Personal reading of Bible:
The majority say that they are familiar with Gospel texts. 2.76 (92 per cent)

Impact on Personal prayer :
— Can pray from the heart: 2.88 (96 per cent)
— Spend more time in prayer: 2.45 (81 per cent)
— Pray for important matters: 2.59 (86 per cent)
— All I do for Glory of God

Impact on Family Prayer: 2.77 (92 per cent)
–Treat others as Christ would: 2.175
— Also as Christ to non Christians: 1.97
— Feel as Christ’s brother/sister: 2.85

Other points related to impact of Gospel Sharing:
— Art of listening, learn when to talk.
— Empathise. See from the eyes of God.
— Appreciate family. Open to all, even non-Christians. Learnt meaning of evangelisation etc. In all 86 per cent

Links to parish and diocese:
All the facilitators unanimously say that the parish priest is supportive (3.00). Very many say the initiative to have BEC was taken by the parish priest. (2.11)

Facilitators say that the PP gives a free hand (2.87), helps BEC develop a life of its own (2.61)

When asked about the style of leadership of the Priest, the majority say that it is participative, servant, encouraging, animating. They also describe that the priest gives moral, spiritual, financial, social and advisory support. All say that priests are convinced of BECs because they support all activities of the BECs, they participate in BECs, give training and show interest and leaders’ work is appreciated.

Expressions of Communion:
In the qualitative part, the respondents say that as a result of BECs they have better relationship with their neighbours and wish to “become a member of a wider family”. The BEC “helps improve the growth of the’ community,” starting from the family.

Unity through structures (PPC) & training:
As regards the question whether the BEC coordinators are trained to reach out to non Christian neighbours, the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) states that “reaching out to them” may not be a good phrase. “They too have leaders in all areas like us. We collaborate with them and they with us…

We Christians are a minority. There are leaders in the secular: socio economic, political and other fields in all religions, as efficient as we are… However the training of the BEC coordinators and members helps them to be ‘leaven’ in society.”

Mission

Participation in activities
The feeling that it is the mission of the Church in neighbourhood is seen 2.89 (87 per cent). All share 2.43 (68 per cent) All say they lead the Gospel Sharing and keep a prayerful atmosphere 2.93 (98 per cent).

While praying for the families is done (92 per cent), sessions on family are hardly conducted at BEC level. A few children participate (43 per cent), since the focus of BECs is the adults. Only 33 per cent say that some activities are conducted exclusively for children. Seventyeight per cent say that visiting the sick is conducted. Twenty-five per cent say that activities for youth are organised. Seventy per cent say that they became aware that families should become agents of evangelisation. Only 10 per cent say that they meet with the nearby BECs.

On Liturgy
Helps to get closer to Christ
Helps me to see Christ in others 2.53
Inspires me to accept Non Christians 2.17
Eucharist more meaningful 2.89
Inspires to attend Sunday Mass 2.51
Whole family goes for Mass as before 2.97
Deeper appreciation of the Eucharist: 2.54
Holy week services are meaningful: 2.77,
Prepares for Sunday Liturgy: 2.97,
Sunday Mass more alive: 2.77, changes in Liturgy: 2.03,
Lectors are from the BECs: 1.84,
Liturgy more Christ centred: 2.67,
Integrates faith and life: 2.64.

Ministries / Regular Outreach
Visiting the sick and healthcare: 2.32,
Cleaning the environment: 1.83,
Clean houses for the poor: 1.28,
Political consciousness raising: 1.97, etc

Service Projects/ Interfaith activities
Gospel sharing has made them more open to others by sharing tasks to serve the neighbourhood. The Liturgy encourages them to transmit Jesus’ message to others.Thus they learn to integrate faith with life.

Understanding the Mission:
Various missions listed are: “Care for the environment, cleanliness and sanitation, tree planting, awareness of ecology, healthcare, assisting to build houses, taking the sick to the hospital, constructing toilets, free labour, promoting political awareness, free and fair election, etc.

Source: AsIPA VI report

To be continued

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

PENANG: A team from the Creation Justice Commission (CJC) team and Global Catholic Climate Movement (GCCM) facilitated some get-togethers for BECs from the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit (CHS) to “Care for our Common Home” either as individals, families or BECs.

The team is commited towards ecological conversion by reducing our carbon footprint (CO2) ie. by cycling and reducing the usage of plastic especially in packaging. They also want to avoid food wastage by reducing, reusing and recycling!

CHS Parish Priest Fr Joachim Robert and BEC Chairman Thaddeus Chan and the Zone Leader Sealan Samuel strongly encouraged the families in their Zones to participate for this Eco project during this Season of Creation.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online