Author Archives: Ken Wong

A home for children from broken and dysfunctional families has been established by Bishop Bernard Paul in Malacca.

Fatima Home took a year to be set up and was blessed and opened on Oct 21. The Board of Management consists of Bishop Bernard Paul as the President, Msgr Michcel Mannayagam as the Spiritual Director, assisted by Deacon Anthony Chua and Jeremy Lee as the Chairman of the Board.

By late April this year, Fatima Home became a reality when the first student was accepted. The Board of Management reviewed and studied the case before the boy, sent by the Malacca Welfare Department, was accepted.

Currently, there are a total of eight children — five girls and three boys. Only children of school going age are accepted into the Home. They go to Government schools and return to the Home after school where a House Mother takes care of them and sees to their needs. These children return to their respective homes during the school holidays to enable them to bond with their families. Parents and relatives can visit the children from 9.00am- 5.00pm.

At the opening ceremony on Oct 21, Bishop Bernard Paul said, “First and foremost, Fatima Home is the house of God for these unfortunate children and JESUS is the Lord of this Home. As such, it must be filled with Love and Prayer because Jesus is walking with us.” He went on to say that the aim of the Home is to provide the children a safe sanctuary. Guidance will also be given to the children so that they grow up to be good citizens.

He thanked all the benefactors, the committee members, those who come to the Home to help the children in their lessons, all those who have donated generously in cash or in kind to keep the Home going and, last but not least, he thanked Msgr Michcel for his untiring efforts to set up the Home.

The guests were reminded that Jesus comes not to be served but to serve. So, likewise, we must step out and do whatever we can to make a difference to the world. He ended his speech with these words, “Fatima Home is more than a children’s Home. It is also a Missionary Centre where opportunities are given for all to serve outside the parish. ”

The Spiritual Director, Msgr Michcel, has this to say, “It is my hope that Fatima Home will help the children to do well in their studies and that the chain of poverty will be broken through education.

The event ended with the guests being treated to a slide show into the children’s daily activities. There was also an exhibition of the children’s works.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Five members of St Mary’s Cathedral Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) visited Parliament in Kuala Lumpur on October 17. The PPC was led by their Vice Chairman who were joined by another five members from the Sandakan Inter-Church members to make up a Sandakan Christian delegation to the Malaysian Parliament. All were first-time visitors to Parliament.

The study tour was made possible by the invitation of the Law Minister, YB Datuk VK Liew and the kind sponsorship from Dato Seri Joshua Chong, a corporate figure from Kuala Lumpur. The objective of the tour was mainly educational to gain first-hand experience of the Federal law-making process.

The group was hosted by officials from Batu Sapi Parliamentary seat. There were briefings and a guided tour of the galleries in the parliament building. The most profound experience was the opportunity to sit in the two different sections of the public gallery inside the Dewan Rakyat. We could see the chamber where the Members of Parliament (MPs) have their debates and discussions. On that particular visit, we witnessed the debate on the Sales and Service Tax (SST) issue. The debate was hot, but, friendly. The proceedings were very enlightening and we did not realise that it was way past our allotted time and we were asked to vacate our seats due to the many visitors that day.

During the Study Tour, we managed to meet a few lawmakers from Sandakan and even managed to shake hands with Datuk Anwar Ibrahim. Our intention was to pay a courtesy call on the Law Minister in his office in the Parliament building was not successful. Nevertheless, Datuk Liew was kind enough to include us for a dinner function that evening. This was an opportunity to discuss and exchange our views on the issue of abolishing the death penalty in Malaysia. At the same time, our Christian leaders brought up their Church’s needs to his attention.

Michael Lai our PPC Vice Chairman shared that we were fortunate to have been able to witness the proceedings in Parliament. Likewise, the fellowship that we, from the different denominations had, has brought us closer.”

Rev Khoo Keng Shiang from the Baptist Church was impressed by the openness of the Malaysian Parliament which is accessible for the public to visit. The study trip has given him some knowledge on how the process of Law is made in Malaysia. He hopes that in the near future a similar tour can be organised for other Church leaders.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

As part of their efforts in guiding current journey inquirers, the St Ignatius Church (SIC) Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) team visited the St Francis Xavier Home for the Elderly which is run by the Little Sisters of the Poor on Sunday October 28.

Sr Teresa gave a briefing on the various activities available for the senior citizens. She took them on a tour of the home for a first-hand look at the facilities available. The RCIA team sang a few hymns while the inquirers served the food. After lunch, all were invited to visit the souvenir shop to look at the items made by the residents.

The inquirers listened to His Eminence Cardinal Anthony Soter Fernandez who shared his life experiences.

The children of the inquirers surrounded Cardinal Soter who gave out candy and religious stickers. The inquirers took home with them the sense of community life and hope that this will inspire them to live in hope and prayer.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

1.0 Retirement of Archdiocesan Financial Administrator

Mr Peter Loh, who has been the Archdiocesan Financial Administrator for the past three years, finished his term yesterday, October 31, 2018. He has decided not to extend his contract as he wishes to spend more quality time with the family. The Archbishop, Most Reverend Julian Leow, would like to thank him for his dedication and tireless service to the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur and wishes him a happy and well deserved retirement.

In the interim and before the appointment of a new Financial Administrator, Mr Ong Cheng Watt, the Financial Secretary, will assume the duties of Mr Peter Loh as the Acting Financial Administrator.

Mr Loh remains on the Board of Directors of Sri Seronok Retirement Home and Yayasan Tan Sri Dominic Vendargon.

2.0 Appointment of Vicar for Religious
His Grace, Archbishop Julian Leow, has appointed Fr Paul Cheong OFM Cap as the Vicar for Religious for a term of three (3) years with effect from November 1, 2018. He will take over from Fr Lucas Ng CDD, who will now concentrate on his duties as the Provincial of the CDD Fathers. Fr Lucas remains the Ecclesiastical Assistant of the Archdiocesan Chinese Language Apostolate Committee (ACLAC).

Fr Michael Chua
Chancellor
Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur
528 Jalan Bukit Nanas,
Kuala Lumpur

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KUCHING – The “pioneering spirit” of the Church and early missionaries contributed to Sarawak’s social and human development, says Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah.

He said the missionaries had ventured into the jungles of Borneo to help the rural population by setting up schools for education and small clinics for health-care.

“I am one of the beneficiaries of such a school. If it had not been set up, I might not be standing here today,” the guest-of-honour said when opening the International Catholic Committee of Nurses and Medico-Social Assistants’ (CICIAMS) 20th World Congress here on 5 Sept 2018.

Uggah added that the clinics set up by the missionaries, which were staffed by Sisters and laypersons trained as nurses and midwives, became the backbone and foundation of government medical clinics as the state developed.

The congress, which takes place once in four years, was held at the Riverside Majestic Hotel  from 4-7 Sept 2018.

Also present at the global event, which was hosted by Catholic Nurses Guild Malaysia, were Cardinal Peter Turkson, Prefect for the Dicastery for promoting Integral Human Development; Archbishop Joseph Salvador Marino, Papal Nuncio; Bishop Cornelius Sim, Episcopal President of the Commission of Pastoral Healthcare of the Bishop’s Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei; and Archbishop Simon Poh of the Archdiocese of Kuching.

The four-day congress, held for the first time here, attracted about 300 delegates from Malaysia and 18 from other countries.

On the congress, Uggah said its focus on issues affecting children, youth and the elderly would provide tools for education, sustaining life and promoting human development through the nursing and healthcare profession.

Cardinal Turkson reminded Catholic nurses that they are “ministers of life, and that sustainable care was done by Jesus Christ.”   Referring to the theme of the congress, the Cardinal urged Catholic nurses to “educate, provide sustainable care and respect life”.

CICIAMS, through the congress, aims to provide a forum for its members to share experience on issues of education for sustainable health, engaging development and respecting life across the human life cycle.

In line with this year’s theme: Education for Sustainable Health: Engaging Development, Respecting Life, the congress hoped to achieve the objectives of 1) Improving and developing skills and expertise in the nursing profession in the context of the Catholic faith; 2) Sharing of global, regional and countries’ evidence for the development of tools to educate, sustain life and promote health for all and to enable each person to live with dignity; and 3) Equipping delegates with strategies to assist individuals and communities to live life with meaning and purpose through the life cycle of the human person.

Delegates returning home were strongly recommended to promote the Social teachings of the Church, to reach out to the needy, to see Christ in every person and ‘may they see Christ in us’. The church does not wait for the wounded to knock on her doors; she looks for them in the streets, she gathers them in, she embraces them, and she makes them feel loved in the name of God in Mercy.

Catholic Nurses were urged to upgrade their nursing development via continuous education and engagement with research in evidence based learning.

The congress concluded with the statement that the Church considers service to people who are sick and suffering an integral part of the Church mission.

At the same time, the congress has affirmed that CICIAMS will promote the scientific and pastoral response of the Holy See to questions relating to Human Dignity, Migration, Health Care, Charitable works and care of creation. – Francisca Malantin, thestar, and others

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

SANDAKAN – The BEC of St Teresa of Calcutta, Sandakan was formed in 2010 with some 30 active families. Since its inception, the members have made two local pilgrimages (Diocese of Keningau and St Anne, Bukit Mertajam, Penang) and an overseas pilgrimage to Manila, the Philippines. This year, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam was selected as their destination with assistance from the Vietnam IFFAsia Alumni (Institute of Formation Fondacio).

Over the course of five days, we visited seven Catholic pilgrimage sites, churches, Saigon Archbishop’s Residence and Pastoral Centres with significant historical and architectural values.

We were particularly impressed by Vietnam Catholics in forming the faith of their young.

In another parish, we witnessed how the International Young Catholic Students organized children faith formation by giving catecheses accompanied with activities.

The faith and religious practice among the Vietnamese believers is very much alive. This could be seen from the attendance of the faithful during the morning Mass in Notre Dame Cathedral.

Apart from the spiritual pilgrimage, we also took the opportunity to understand the Vietnamese way of life, culture and history by visiting places like the Mekong Delta, War Remnant Museum and the Presidential Palace. For many of us, we know little about Vietnam.  We knew Vietnam as a war-trodden country but after setting our foot here, we realized that Vietnam is a fast developing country. Coming to Vietnam, we saw it as a place where the Christian faith is flourishing, as can be seen in their efforts in nurturing a strong faith among the young.  We have come to see Vietnam as a place where God’s love reaches out to many and the people responding with faith and zeal.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KUCHING – The Archdiocese of Kuching has a lot to thank God for the gift of Archbishop Emeritus Peter Chung Hoan Ting, who has given his entire life to serving the people of Sarawak.

On 10 September 2018, bishops, priests, the lay faithful and his family and friends, came together to celebrate the 90th birthday of Archbishop Emeritus Peter Chung at his thanksgiving Mass.

The Archbishop Emeritus presided the Mass, which was concelebrated with 10 archbishops and bishops and priests from all over Malaysia.

He recalled how God has shown him love throughout his life and priesthood “My father died six months before I was born, and my mother remarried after three years, thus I was left to the loving care of my grandmother and aunt, who were devout Christians, and gave me a good Christian upbringing,” he said.

Despite the outbreak of World War II and the great famine it caused, followed by the rise of communism in China, he persevered and completed his seminary formation in June 1954.

He was sent to Sarawak on 21 August 1954 and ordained priest on 26 September that same year. His was the first ordination in the land of Sarawak. On 15 November 1970 he was ordained Coadjutor Bishop of Kota Kinabalu and was installed as Archbishop of Kuching on 26 November 1976.

Archbishop Emeritus Chung thanked the archbishops, priests, sisters and all lay people for their kind acceptance, cooperation and support “I promise you, I will continue to pray for you and for the local Church. And I beg your continual remembrance of me in your prayer,” he pledged.

The prelate shared the secret of his joy and strength, that is, the Holy Mass and God’s word. He urged the congregation to do the same. “Make good effort to read, reflect and practise God’s word in the Bible, especially the Beatitudes. You will surely find true happiness as Jesus has promised.”

A birthday dinner was organized by the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council the evening before at a local restaurant, attended by a thousand guests, including his relatives from China.

A video featuring a typical day in the life of the retired archbishop, which was produced by the Social Communications Committee, was shown.

Since his retirement in June 2003, Archbishop Emeritus Chung has not ceased to serve the laity. He continues to minister to the people through daily celebration of the Eucharist, hearing confessions, giving formation, counseling and other assistance.

Cecilia Chung, the niece of Archbishop Chung, thanked all present for having accompanied and supported the archbishop emeritus throughout his life. She requested that they continue to offer him the same loving companionship and support.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

SANDAKAN – Parishioners of St Mary’s Cathedral prepared for the celebration of the parish 134th  anniversary with a nine-day novena, culminating in the Eucharistic Celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 15 Aug 2018.

Prior to Mass, the 500-crowd gathered in front of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre to pray the Rosary, which concluded with the blessing of Mary’s statue by Bishop Julius Gitom before processing to the Cathedral.

At Mass, Bishop Gitom highlighted three words, “struggle”, “resurrection” and “hope” which were the essence of the day’s liturgical readings.

Referring to Mary, the Mother of Jesus in the first reading, Bishop Julius underlined that she always accompanies us in our struggles, and sustains us in our fight against evil. In praying the Rosary, we invite Mary to pray with us and to journey together with us, remembering that in our struggling together as a community, we become stronger because we, the people of God, have come together as a community of faith.

Referring to the second reading, the prelate reiterated the Church’s truth that “Christ has truly resurrected from the dead”. Mary shared the pain of Jesus’ cross and was given the gift of resurrection.

He concluded, the feast of Assumption expresses a fervent hope that our faith in the bodily assumption of Mary into heaven makes our faith in our own resurrection firmer. Though in heaven, she continues to be with us in the struggles of everyday life and strengthens our hope to live out the parish’s vision of a “Christ-centered community serving one another with love”. – Wendy Yong

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

TAWAU – A total of 258 parishioners attended a talk facilitated by Xavier Chung on Pastoral Care for The Sick:How to offer healing and peace of Jesus Christ at Holy Trinity here on 11 Aug in English and on 12 Aug 2018 in BM.

The participants consisted of Sunday School children aged 13 years above, parents and adults from various ministries in the parish.

The speaker, Xavier Chung is from St Francis Major Seminary in Singapore. He majored in Clinical Pastoral Care from the University of New South Wales in Australia and is currently providing pastoral care in hospitals and hospices in Singapore.

Chung reminded the listeners that it is the mission of every Catholic to spread the Good News of Christ’s salvation, and that it is not exclusively to those who are healthy but also it includes those who are sick.

In the church’s catechism No. 1500 “The illness/sickness afflicting a person causes the person to experience helplessness, to feel limited in life and to feel tied down. This in turn can cause anguish, self-absorption, sometimes even despair and revolt against God. It can also lead a person to be more mature in the sense that the afflicted person is able to discern what is more important in life. Often, an experience of glimpsing death provokes a search and return to God.”

Chung singled out the main difference between care-giving by NGOs and care-giving by the church in that care-giving by the church acknowledges the afflicted as a child of God, created in His image and that Christ knows him/her personally.

For Christian care-giving, the need to understand and emphatize with the sick is accentuated. The afflicted will have a myriad of feelings. He may feel anger, despair, hopelessness. While some may be able to smile and joke in the face of their illness, some may be numb and unable to show any feelings about what they are going through.

He explained why the afflicted reacts the way that they do. From his experience, he shared that the sick experiences pain, regrets in life, unfinished businesses, thoughts about death, of unreached expectations and some are overwhelmed by the surrounding happenings.

Chung then shared some tools that care-givers should have.  Using the five stages of grief based on the Kubler-Ross model, he identified the stages the patient goes through in his sickness. The first being denial, followed by anger, then depression which then develops into bargaining and the final stage being acceptance of the condition he is in.

Highlighting on the four basic needs that humans require in life: 1) to have meaning and purpose; 2) the need to give love; 3) the need to receive love; and 4) the need for hope and forgiveness; the speaker said that a person afflicted by serious sickness will experience regret with respect to these four needs.

Chung also introduced the attendees to the Spiritual Screening Tool where the attendees were taught to communicate effectively and personally with the afflicted person.

A series of exercises were done to help the attendees to understand more their role as care-giver. The main aim was to get to know the person more closely so as to facilitate the encounter to be more positive with the goal to have the afflicted know that God is with them in whatever condition they are in.

Feedback from the attendees was positive: the participants have acquired the knowledge and understanding how to provide better care for the sick. They were also now more aware and appreciative of their roles as care-givers.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

MANGGATAL – The Therapy Community of Bukit Harapan, together with its residents and staff, benefactors and friends, celebrated the 77th and 81st birthday of Father Francis Tsen and Father Felix Chung respectively on 20 Sept 2018 at the shelter home for disabled children and abused women here.

From the beginning of his papacy, forging bonds with the elderly has been a special concern for Pope Francis.

He said “The elderly are the future of a people. A people has a future if it goes forward with both elements: with the young, who have the strength, and things move forward because they do the carrying; and with the elderly because they are the ones who give life’s wisdom.” (The Holy Father was speaking to Italian Catholic youth of the Catholic Action movement last December.)

On the happy occasion of their birthdays, after celebrating Mass in the presence of those who were gathered with them, both priests shared with Catholic Sabah the wisdom of their years.

Fr Tsen reflected how alarmingly fast time seems to fly by for him.

He spoke of the need to use time more effectively and the need to curtail the “wasting of time” with more awareness.

For Fr Chung, there was every reason to thank God for blessing him with long life.  He reflected pensively “God has kept me alive and well that I may remain faithful to my priestly ministerial services purely out of His goodness.”

A man of vision, Fr Chung looked towards the coming of the glorious Jubilee year of the Lord’s Resurrection in 2033

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu