Author Archives: Ken Wong

Educational Aid is a yearly event organised by the Ministry of the Poor (MOP) in the Church of the Holy Family, Kajang. This aid is to help school going children of the adoptees to pay the school fees.

On Jan 6, 20-25 adoptee families with a total of 70 children were present. The children received presents donated by parishioners of the Church, who responded to the wishes on the Christmas wish tree which was put up during the Advent season.

The children also received school bags. Vouchers for school shoes or uniforms were given for those children who did not receive any gifts. This event was graced by parish priest Fr Surain Durai Raj and assistant parish priest Fr Vincent Thomas.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The Parish of St Anthony closed the year 2017 with a year-end service with communion on Dec 31.

The year-end service was divided into three parts: Part I – asking for forgiveness for sins committed during 2017, Part II – thanking the Lord for all the blessings received during 2017 and, lastly, Part III – receiving communion.

On Jan 1, 2018, the world celebrated New Year Day, but the Catholic Church celebrated another two additional events: the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and the 51st World Day of Prayer for Peace. In his homily, Fr Francis Xavier shared on the National Sport of Spain which is Bull fighting.

The story is about a young boy battling with the bulls. It is a dangerous sport — you are either badly injured or die from the horns of the bulls. This young boy’s mother was up on the stands of the arena watching the show, praying for her son to win the tournament and the bull to die. A priest, sitting beside her, noticing her tears, asked her the reason. The woman said she was scared her son would die from being gored by the bull’s horns. The priest told her that her son would definitely win because she was praying whereas the bull has a mother who can’t even pray.

This is what Mother Mary is doing for us, praying every day for us, whether we realise it or not, to bring us closer to her son in Heaven.

St Augustine was very notorious and a real rascal. He was transformed to be a bishop and Great Doctor of the Church by his mother’s (St Monica) prayers. To quote one of His teachings: “Peace means serenity of mind, simplicity of heart and tranquility of soul.”

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KUALA LUMPUR: The Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) on Jan 10 condemned the recent desecration of a church and a Hindu temple in Kelantan.

In a statement, CCM general secretary Reverend Hermen Shastri called it a “despicable act, apparently motivated by extremists who are out to stoke the flames of religious intolerance in the country.

“If left unchecked, such actions where people committed to disrupting inter-religious harmony, target religious buildings with flagrant acts of vandalism and arson, may further embolden extremists and unscrupulous elements,” he added.

Authorities believe that a petrol bomb was hurled from the Sultan Yahya Petra bridge towards the church and the temple, along Jalan Hamzah on January 7 at around midnight.

The object shattered a window on the church’s second floor before landing in front of the temple’s main entrance.

Although no one was hurt, police initially determined the 34-year old suspect was not connected to the terrorist organisation, Islamic State. The civil servant at Pasir Mas was detained in connection with the incident.

Kelantan police chief Datuk Hasanuddin Hassan said the suspect, who claimed to be hallucinating, had committed a similar act earlier on January 3. —Malay Mail Online

MAJLIS GEREJA-GEREJA MALAYSIA
COUNCIL OF CHURCHES OF MALAYSIA
26 Jalan Universiti 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia 
Tel: 03-79567092/79608926/ 79551587 Fax: 03-79560353
E-Mail: cchurchm1948@gmail.com Website: ccmalaysia.org

DESECRATION OF CHURCH IN KOTA BAHRU
The Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) views with great concern another act of desecrating a place of worship in Kota Bahru on 7th January when a person threw a “petrol bomb” that landed on a Methodist Church building causing damage to its façade.

According to the Police investigation a person had thrown an object from the vantage point of the Sultan Yahya Petra bridge, targeting the church and a temple nearby.

CCM strongly condemns this despicable act, apparently motivated by extremists who are out to stoke the flames of religious intolerance in the country.

We call on the Police to reinforce their efforts to act firmly against this growing trend, where there are people committed to disrupting inter religious harmony by targeting religious buildings with flagrant acts of vandalism and arson.

Such actions if left unchecked may embolden extremists and unscrupulous elements to engage in such actions in the run up to the coming national General Elections in 2018.

REV. DR. HERMEN SHASTRI
General Secretary
10th January 2018

Member Churches: Anglican Diocese of Kuching, Anglican Diocese of Sabah, Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia, Basel Christian Church of Malaysia, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia, Lutheran Church in Malaysia & Singapore, Mar Thomas Syrian Church, The Methodist Church: Chinese Annual Conference, Sabah Provisional Annual Conference·

Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference, Sarawak Iban Annual Conference, Tamil Annual Conference, Trinity Annual Conference, Orthodox Syrian Church, Presbyterian Church in Malaysia, Protestant Church in Sabah, The Salvation Army
Associate Members: Bible Society of Malaysia, The Boys ’Brigade in Malaysia, Girls’ Brigade Malaysia, Interserve Fellowship, Malaysian Care, Mobilization Fellowship Malaysia, National Council of YMCAs, Seminari Theoloji Malaysia, Sabah Theological Seminary, YWCA, Prison Fellowship Malaysia, Open Doors Malaysia

Affiliate Member: Coptic Orthodox Church.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Approximately 82 migrants and refugees were feted to a Christmas Gathering organised by the Hospitality Ministry of the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist, December 31, 2017.

Held in the Community Centre hall, it was also attended by Hospitality Ministers, including family members and friends. Also in attendance was Josephine Tey, the Coordinator for Migrants Services Centre of AOHD. The PIHDM Coordinator was also present.

The migrants consisted of Myanmarese children and refugees from Iran, Pakistan, Syria and Rohingya.

Parish priest, Msgr Leonard Lexson said the Opening Prayer.

The Hospitality Ministry Coordinator in his speech invited all the migrants and refugees to share the love, joy, hope and peace of Christmas. He mentioned that Jesus Christ, who came to be the saviour of the world, is the Gift to us all.

After a sumptuous buffet lunch, everyone went round to wish and greet each other. The guests were entertained with Christmas songs and dance presentations, followed by Christmas carols.

There were several indoor games and a colouring competition for 55 children. Some 100 prizes ranging from bath towels, wall clocks, toys, stationery sets, school shoes, etc were given to the guests. There were also lucky draws and 13 lucky winners received cash prizes.

Archbishop Emeritus Murphy Pakiam dropped by, spending time to chat with the migrants and refugees. He is known as a pastoral person, showing great care and concern for the migrants and refugees.

There was also a carol singing competition for Hospitality Ministers. Nine participated and the winner received prizes worth RM120. The migrants and refugees were the judges.

It was truly an enjoyable afternoon. Some of the migrants and refugees disclosed that they were happy to have been invited to the celebration of Christmas.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

“We are gathered here to close the liturgical Season of Christmas with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord, and also to mark the Anniversary of the Dedication of the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist,” said Msgr Leonard Lexson at the special 1.00pm Mass on January 8, 2018.

The Cathedral of St John the Evangelist was built in 1955, replacing the old St John’s Church (now used as the Community Services Centre). The parish of St John the Evangelist has a history dating back to 1883. This year marks its 135 years of existence.

In his homily, Msgr Leonard said we are here for two purposes. Firstly, to remember our Advent preparation. We enter into Christmas which ends with the Baptism of the Lord (January 8). Christ’s baptism is to restore us, giving us a message of peace, love, hope and goodwill.

The other purpose is the Solemnity of the Anniversary of the Dedication on Jan 8. “All of us gathered here to thank God for his blessing on our cathedral.”

“We dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to the Lord and remember all who have been part of this cathedral. We thank God for all the blessings He has bestowed on this church and on us.”

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The Church of the Immaculate Conception’s BEC Area Group 4 ended 2017 with a Christmas party for close to 100 merrymakers.

Adults and children joined in fun games, quizzes, dances, and carolling. There was a lucky draw with great prizes and delicious food for everyone.

This year’s Christmas celebration was held at the local community hall. It was a boisterous affair in a gaily decorated hall. All the members were persuaded to join in the games.

Helmed by Jillian Theseira and her assistant Dorothy Ong, the group meets every month for the BEC Bible reflection and pray the rosary in the month of May and October in members’ homes.

Paul Fletcher, husband of Jillian, has also organised a monthly praise and fellowship which received lots of support from members.

In the last few months, the group visited an old folks’ home, sick members in their homes and got the carollers together for a visit to the Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital on Christmas Day.

Jillian said the festivities were successful due to the resourceful contributions of Philip Chai, Andrew Yong, Francis Ooi, James Fletcher, Paul Fletcher and Steven Froud.

“Without these dedicated members, the area group wouldn’t have managed to run so many activities over the past years,” she said.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

PURAK, Papar – A novice of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception made her first profession of religious vows while six juniors renewed their vows at the novitiate chapel at the Convent of St Mary of the Angels here on 20 Jan 2018.

Archbishop John Wong presided at the Eucharistic Celebration with the Rite of First Profession, concelebrated with Father Wiandigool Runsab, Father Rayner Bisius and Father Aloysius Fidelis, chaplain of the novitiate house as well as of the nearby Holy Family Residence for Senior Citizens run by the order.

In his homily the presider said that based on the readings of the day (Sat of 2nd Week in Ordinary Time), one must have passion for the mission like Jesus no matter what others may think.

Novice Bevelly Colin of Kiulu then professed the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience for a year before Superior General Sister Frances Mani, who accepted the vows, which was witnessed by Sister Grace Deosing and Sister Maria Banting.

After doing so, the neo-professed changed into the habit of the congregation, signifying a new status, that of a temporary professed member of the institute.  She is now Sister Bevelly.  After the change of attire, the presider presented her with the Rule and Life of the Order Regular of St Francis.

The rite ended with a sign of peace and welcome from the Superior General and her council, the Directress of Novices, the concelebrants.  The neo-professed also gave the sign of peace to her parents.

Born on 6 Apr 1993, Bevelly is the second child in a brood of five girls and one boy born to Colin Runsab (brother of Fr Wiandigool) and Impenetty Camilus of Kiulu.  Some of them including her grandmother came to witness her first profession.

After the Rite of First Profession, six junior professed renewed their vows before Sr Frances: Sisters Anita Philip and Jossekah Disius for two years; Sisters Clarice George, Edna Yukun, Ranni Duanis and Celadiana Jikulis for a year.

After the Mass, Sr Frances announced that Sr Bevelly would be sent to the community of St Clare in Tawau.  She also took the opportunity to convey the congregation’s warm wishes to Fr Aloysius on his 61st birthday that day and to Abp Wong on his 19th priestly anniversary the following day (Jan 21).

Those who attended the event – around 150 – mostly fellow religious, family members and relatives, Secular Franciscans and friends – adjourned to the dining hall for a fellowship lunch.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KENINGAU – Four hundred people participated in the 12.19 km Silver Jubilee Run 2018 here on 6 Jan 2018.

The run was part of the fundraising efforts to meet the expenses of the diocesan silver jubilee celebration on May 5 at the Diocesan Solidarity Hall Keningau.

Datuk Daniel Kinsik flagged off the run organised by the Keningau Parish Pastoral Council and Parish Solidarity Games Committee.

Divided into four categories, Kona Liau won the veteran women’s category while Yusop Tungkop won the veteran men’s category.

Dr Madeliene See and Muhd Eussofrey Hanis won the women’s open and men’s open respectively.

Bishop Cornelius Piong was on hand to hand out the prizes to the winners.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian farmers are protesting against the ban on the use of palm oil due to be voted on in the European Parliament on 17 Jan 2018. The say the provision constitutes a threat to the livelihood of millions of people. On the eve of the consultation, about 1,400 farmers gathered for a demonstration in the centre of the capital and headed to the diplomatic offices of the European bloc, to deliver a petition.

Brussels intends to ban the use of the product in biofuels by 2021, as its cultivation would have a devastating impact on the environment of rural populations. In recent decades, vast areas of rainforest have been demolished to make way for palm plantations.

Important multinational companies manage plantations, but protesters in Malaysia, the world’s second largest producer of raw materials, say that a ban will devastate the economy of rural communities. According to the Malaysian Palm Oil Council, more than 650,000 small farmers and more than 3.2 million Malaysians depend on the palm oil industry.

“The policies that the EU is proposing to introduce will damage the rural communities of Malaysia and reduce household incomes,” said Douglas Uggah Embas, deputy chief minister of Sarawak where many small landowners live. – AsiaNews / Agencies

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KENINGAU – Over 500 people from Keningau Parish and St Blasius Magatang attended the Christmas- New Year Open House on 7 Jan 2018 at Magatang.

It was organised jointly by the Kelompok Inti Pembaharuan Karismatic Katolik (KiPKK or Catholic Charismatic Renewal Group) and St Blasius Magatang BEC.

In his homily, Bishop Cornelius Piong reminded the faithful that Christmas is God’s love for his people expressed through Jesus who came to save them.

In his turn, Jikah Guka, Keningau Parish KiPKK chairman, expressed his hope that other outstation churches would take turns to host the celebration.

On his part, Luis Yonolon, chairman of the Diocesan Charismatic Renewal Team, thanked the bishop for giving the team to serve the whole diocese.

After Mass, all adjourned to the open hall for a fellowship meal, and were entertained by a variety of stage performances.  – Paul Zeno Labun

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu