Author Archives: Ken Wong

Each year on the evening of October 3, the Franciscan family throughout the world celebrates the solemnity of St Francis’ Transitus, that is the passing over from this life to the next. The line Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whom no one living can escape in St Francis’ famous Canticle of the Creatures, reflects the importance and natural character of death in the life of all creation. Francis did not fear death as he recognised it as a transition from one way of living to another.

This year, the Transitus was celebrated by the Franciscan family in the Church of the Risen Christ, Air Itam. Franciscan friars, religious sisters, postulants and laity gathered to mark the passing of Francis as a reminder to renew their own commitment to follow Christ in the same way as the poor man of Assisi. A key part of the celebration is the reading and reflecting upon the Gospel passage that Francis asked his brothers to read aloud at his death bed.

The Gospel passage is taken from John 13:1-20 where Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. The readings gave a glimpse into the life that the poor man from Assisi sought to live and which the Franciscan family has inherited. At the heart of the reading stands the example of the servant leadership modelled by Jesus Christ Himself.

The celebration drew to an end with those present placing lighted candles at the foot of the statue of St Francis.

The evening continued with Fr Arul Mariadass, OFM, parish priest of Risen Christ Church, introducing members of the Franciscan family who attended the celebration. The members came from the Order of Friars Minor (OFM), Order of Friars Minor Capuchins (OFM, Capuchins), Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (FSIC), Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM), and the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS).

It was indeed a most meaningful and enriching celebration. For the non-Franciscans present, this celebration may, perhaps, lead them to emulate St Francis in loving God, being faithful to the Catholic Church, giving precedence to the Holy Gospels and living a life of simplicity.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

By Lavinia Louis
Parishioners of St Francis of Assisi (SFA) celebrated their parish feastday at the Holy Family Church on October 4, 2017. The overall theme was The Man from Assisi and His Message of Hope for Today.

The celebration began at 7.15pm with the recitation of the rosary, followed by Liturgy of the Hours and the Novena to St Francis of Assisi. Mass was celebrated by Fr Surain Durai Raj, parish priest of Holy Family Church.

The theme for the day was Never Give Up. In his sermon, Fr Surain asked the congregation to reflect on the question, “Are we saints or sinners?”

“Nowadays, we find ourselves struggling to make clear decisions. Just like the saints, we too struggle inside but the key point is to never give up,” he said.

“Even St Francis struggled when he was founding this order. People knew him as a peasant from Assisi but deep down inside of him, he had a discernment. God sent a message that the Church had to come back to being poor and that is why he is known as the patron of poverty,” he said.

After Mass there was fellowship and entertainment.

The next day, the celebration continued with the theme All is Not Lost. Parish priest Fr Andrew Manickam OFM Cap shared an incident that happened on January 15, 2009, called the miracle on the Hudson River.

“There were 155 souls on that unfortunate US Airways flight 1549. The passengers prepared for their final moment and said their last prayers. But to everyone’s amazement, that plane did not crash; instead, it just skidded on the water. It was a miracle,” he said.

“This goes to show that something good can come out of something bad,” he continued.

On Friday Oct 6, Fr David Reegon OFM Cap was the main celebrant. The theme for the third day of the novena was Rediscovery of Hope.

“October 13, 1884 was the day mankind was given another chance. It was the day Pope Leo XIII, after celebrating Mass, collapsed. He was given a vision of Satan ascending the throne of our Lord. The Lord had told Satan that he would never be strong enough to take down the Church. Satan then asked the Lord to grant him another 100 years and the Lord agreed. Later, he wrote down the Prayer to St Michael the Archangel. This prayer was said during Masses across the world in the hope that it would prevent any evil from taking over the Church. October 13, 2018 will be 134 years after 1884. We still see so much evil all over the world,” he said.

On the fourth day, Fr David spoke on Hope is my Anchor. He said, when we encounter difficulties in life, there are no easy answers. However, we must be hopeful. “We need guidance from the Church and the community. The greatest joy and the greatest strength is to find a good Christian and journey with him or her. It does not matter if you are a priest, religious or lay person, everyone needs this,” he stressed. The last and final day of the celebration concluded with a two hour adoration, recitation of the rosary, liturgy of the hours and Novena to St Francis of Assisi, followed by a multilingual Mass celebrated by former Parish Priest of SFA, Fr John Anandan OFM Cap.

The theme was Heroes of Hope. Fr John shared that we are all called to be messengers of hope.

“Who is your hero? I would say God is our hero of hope. He has never given up on us. He has great trust and hope in us,” he said.

Fr Andrew thanked the parishioners who had come from near and far to celebrate the parish feastday, despite not having a physical church.

“We are the Church and the Church is still active in many ways. I am glad to see the response we have been receiving. So thank you all,” he said.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KUALA LUMPUR: During the July Meeting of the Pontifical Missions Society (PMS) Directors’ in Penang, it was agreed to focus on two areas for Mission Sunday

(1) Mission Sunday collection for the Pope
(2) Collection from Children (children to give a Love-offering for poorer children).

This year, PMS Malaysia has decided to use the Folded Love Offering boxes instead of stickers. The box needs to be assembled from flat stencilled 10”×14” paper. These packages were sent to all Arch/dioceses in August.

The boxes may be returned by Epiphany next year or by Christmas this year.

Each Arch/diocese is also free to organise other activities or events to celebrate Mission Sunday.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KOTA KINABALU – The catechetical ministry of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish here organised a rosary procession in conjunction with the centenary of the Fatima Apparitions (13 May – 13 Oct 1917) on 22 Oct 2017.

The event commenced with offering of flowers and short prayers at the feet of the statue of Our Lady of Fatima.

Father Max Hontor proclaimed the Word and gave a short reflection on the Fatima Apparitions.

The Glorious Mysteries were prayed in English (first and fifth decades), BM (second and fourth) and Mandarin (third) at designated stations around the cathedral compound starting from the cathedral itself, behind the parish centre, exit junction, St Francis Kindergarten, and back to the cathedral.

The candles were lighted outside the cathedral before the procession began after the First Glorious Mystery.

Rain fell while the devotees were praying the fourth decade at the kindergarten but there was no unruly behaviour while scampering for shelter.  Many came prepared for rain.  They blew off their candles before entering the cathedral.

The event ended with a blessing from Fr Hontor inside the cathedral.

Pope Francis has granted a plenary indulgence opportunity for the 100th anniversary of the Fatima apparitions throughout the centennial year, from 27 Nov 2016 to 26 Nov 2017.

There are three ways to obtain the indulgence, detailed in a statement from the Fatima Shrine in Portugal.

To obtain the plenary indulgence, the faithful must also fulfill the ordinary conditions: go to Confession and Communion, be interiorly detached from sin, and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father.

1. Make a pilgrimage to the shrine

To the faithful who make a pilgrimage to the Fatima Shrine in Portugal and participate in a celebration of prayer dedicated to the Virgin. In addition, the faithful must pray the Our Father, recite the Creed and invoke the Mother of God.

2. Pray before any statue of Our Lady of Fatima

To the faithful who visit with devotion a statue of Our Lady of Fatima solemnly exposed for public veneration in any church, oratory or proper place during the days of the anniversary of the apparitions, the 13th of each month from May to October 2017, and there devoutly participate in some celebration or prayer in honor of the Virgin Mary. In addition, the faithful must pray the Our Father, recite the Creed and invoke Our Lady of Fatima.

3. The elderly and infirm

To the faithful who, because of age, illness or other serious cause, are unable to get around, may pray in front of a statue of Our Lady of Fatima and must spiritually unite themselves to the jubilee celebrations on the days of the apparitions, the 13th of each month, between May and October 2017. They must also “offer to merciful God with confidence, through Mary, their prayers and sufferings or the sacrifices they make in their own lives.”

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KKIP, Telipok – The Chinese-speaking senior parishioners of Sacred Heart Cathedral (SHC) Karaminsing visited the newly blessed Church of the Divine Mercy here on 22 Oct 2017.

After the 7 am Chinese Mass at SHC, almost 90 senior parishioners gathered at the right wing of the parish centre for a quick breakfast before boarding three chartered buses for their trip to the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) church.

The church was officially blessed and opened the day before (Oct 21) by Archbishop John Wong.

Led by Charlie and Catherine Chia of the Chinese unit of the SH Pastoral Care of the Aged Ministry, the group prayed the Divine Mercy chaplet before the huge mural of the Divine Mercy Image painted on the sanctuary wall.

A collection was made for the upkeep of the church and given to David Andrew of the catechetical ministry there. He briefed the visitors on the history of the church.

Later, the group left for their annual lunch (with games) at Wong Kok Restaurant Penampang.

The outing is part of the yearly activities organised by the pastoral care unit.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

TELIPOK – The Catholic Church of the Divine Mercy, Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) here was finally blessed and opened for public use after almost two years on 21 Oct 2017.

Archbishop John Wong officiated the rite of blessing in the presence of almost 1000 people including Archbishop Emeritus John Lee, present pastors Fathers David Sham, Mitchelly Kiun and Mattheus Luta, and past pastors Fathers Aloysius Fidelis, Ambrose Atang, Edward Raymond, Michael Modoit and Rayner Bisius.

The rite of opening was marked by ribbon-cutting before opening the sliding church door and unveiling the commemorative plaque at the church entrance by Abp Wong.

The prelate blessed the water before using it to sprinkle on the people present and the building including the chapel behind the church.  Mass then continued as usual.

After the Mass, speeches were given by Albert Lim, Telipok Parish Pastoral Council chairman; Fr Sham and Abp Wong.

In his speech, Fr Sham thanked all those involved in realising the project including Abp Emeritus Lee who mandated him to carry out the building project and the many donors in cash and kind including the state government and KKIP.

On his part, Abp Wong reminded the faithful of the task given to them to bring God’s mercy to all those around them as members of the pastoral community there.

After all the speeches, all adjourned outside for the reception and cake-cutting under makeshift tents and under intermittent showers.

Prior to its current name, the chapel was known as Our Lady of Fatima Chapel.  It was in the path of the KKIP Development Programme, a state government project that has been designated as the nucleus of growth for the state in 1994.  Occupying an area of 8,320 acres, the park falls within the Knowledge Corridor of Sabah, where the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and other training and research institutions are located.

KKIP offered to land swap (similar 3-acre land) with KK Archdiocese which was accepted. Abp Lee officiated the groundbreaking ceremony on 5 May 2012 and the church was renamed Catholic Church of the Divine Mercy KKIP.  Construction work began on 12 Dec 2012.

The final agreement with KKIP was signed on 1 Aug 2014.  The first Mass was celebrated on 25 Dec 2015.  However, the Occupation Certificate was only given on 12 May 2017 by KK City Hall.

The church is only the first phase of the building project that includes a presbytery, catechetical centre with a kindergarten (scheduled to begin in 2018), and a church hall.  Its landmark is the 25 ft tall statue of the Divine Mercy at the entrance to the church compound.

Sunday service (Liturgy of the Word with Communion Service) is at 8:00 am and if there is Mass, between 10 am and 2 pm (depends on the availability of the priest as all the three priests have to administer to the three main churches of St Catherine Inanam, Good Shepherd Manggatal, and Holy Family Telipok and their numerous outstation chapels).

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

MELAKA – The Malaysian Catechetical Commission (MCC) released the theme for next year’s Catechetical Sunday at its meeting held on 9-13 Oct 2017 at the Good Shepherd Catholic Seminary here.

Nineteen delegates from the different arch/dioceses/vicariate in the Malaysia-Singapore- Brunei Region attended the meeting chaired by Jesuit Father Alvin Ho of Kuala Lumpur.  In attendance was Bishop Cornelius Piong, episcopal president of the commission.

The meeting began with Mass on Oct 9, presided by Father Simon Yong SJ from the Diocese of Melaka- Johor and the meeting closed with a Mass presided by Bp Piong on Oct 13.

In his homily, the prelate encouraged all MCC members to move forward united in God, serving with Him so that we may serve as He served and be ready to face the challenges in the catechetical ministry in line with the theme for Catechetical Sunday 2018: “Christ, our Hope.”

The meeting deliberated on many issues and concerns. One of the deliberations was to discuss on the theme for Catechetical Sunday 2018: “Christ, Our Hope” (Heb.10:23). The theme was chosen in continuation with 2017 theme, “Christ, Our Joy.” And for this year, all are urged to be more hopeful in spite of all the challenges, sacrifices and persecution encountered. The reflection for this theme will be prepared by Father Michael Sia of Miri Diocese.

Other deliberations pertained to the outcome of the Malaysian Catechetical Series survey carried out within the year, the needs of the MCS, the formation of catechists at diocesan and national levels, the catechetical weekend camps, and the syllabus for RCIA process.

The last item on the agenda dealt with reports from the arch/diocesan catechetical commissions.

In his closing remarks, the chairman thanked everyone for their active participation at the meeting.

Sibu Diocese will host the next meeting on 27-31 Aug 2018. – sr dariah ajap fsic

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

In a recent exclusive interview with Catholic Sabah, Fedelis Motiung, the older brother of the late Father Fundes Motiung, shares about his brother’s priestly vision. At the interview, he was accompanied by daughters Michelle and Christie, who had been the constant companions to their uncle during this important part of his life’s journey.

“I will work for Christ until I drop!” said Fundes. Words spoken by him remain vivid in my memory.

That’s exactly what he was – the priestly servant of God. During his sabbatical leave from August 2017 onwards, he still offered himself to serve God, serve the bishop, and serve the people whenever his strength permitted him.

The changes in his appearance as a result of his cancer treatment could be a good reason for him to turn into a recluse, but not Fundes. His disfigured face did not bother him or how it affected others. “What is far more important is what is inside,” said Fr Fundes.

He constantly hammered home to anyone who would listen, the three virtues of faith, love, and charity which he strove to live by and passed them on.

Faith – During the critical periods of his relapses as his illness turned from acute to chronic, he knew that hundreds of people were praying for his healing.

He consistently repeated that he did not want people to pray for his healing, but to pray for his faith, “Your faith will heal you!” he insisted.

He was open to visions…during his first ICU treatment, he saw Jesus beside him, at the foot of his bed, and finally Jesus walking toward him and covering him with His own body, saying “Your suffering is my suffering.”

As soon as he was discharged, Fundes filled with faith continued with his mission to the lost, the lapsed, and in particular to families and youths. There was no idle time. In between his medical appointments and medications, he rode through his pain and moved relentlessly on.

His mission to families led him to minister to his own family members as he gathered them constantly to instill good family relationship and values. For the parish, he was constantly gathering small groups of families to bring awareness and good stewardship of families. He worked hard to bring back the rejects, the broken and lapsed members of the families.

During his second critical ICU treatment, he had another vision of Jesus showing him ‘heaven and hell.’ Heaven is the most beautiful and serene place that you would want to be, while hell is a dark and cold unwelcoming place.

After this vision, Fundes repeated with a troubled sense of urgency to family members and all who visited him: “Don’t go to hell, go to heaven! All can go to heaven. The only thing to stop us is our sins. All that we need to do is to go to Confession regularly and repent, and say the Our Father and the Rosary regularly. It is that easy to go to Heaven. Why would we want to go to Hell?”

Love – It is Love that drove him to reach out to the rejects, the broken and the lapsed.

Some have shared with me at the funeral that it is because of Fr Fundes, that they have come back to church.

Charity – He had given away his priestly allowance to those in need. At St Michael, he had formed a Charity for those in need. He firmly believed in God’s promise: “The more you give, the more you receive.”

However, at the end of an intense eleven months, Fundes had to acknowledge that he could not fulfill his priestly duties anymore, that he had planted some seeds, and what would be next would be up to others after him. “I am ready to go…I am tired,” he acknowledged.

His final message to his beloved family members, friends and parishioners is 1) to be strong in their love and in their service for Jesus, God, and Church; 2) not to go back to where they were before; and 3) to move forward, for Jesus has promised that He will always be with us.

Aptly chosen by him, Fundes has left us words of comfort through the song entitled ‘Don’t cry for me’ by Libby Allen:

No need to fear
God spoke to me…my time has come
He made a way to bring me home
Don’t cry for me
My pain is gone forever
Don’t cry for me
My body’s been made whole
Don’t cry for me
We’ll soon be back together
Don’t cry for me
I’m well within my soul……
My soul lives on…to a better place
With all his glory, with all his grace

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

TANJUNG ARU – One hundred and forty people attended a talk on the family by Redemptorist priest Fr Patrick Massang on 9 Sept 2017 at the Stella Maris parish hall here.

The attendees came from Sacred Heart Cathedral KK,  St Simon Likas, St Thomas Kepayan, Stella Maris Tg Aru, and Holy Family Terawi.

A nursery for young children was organised so that the parents could focus on the sessions based on the theme Legacy of the Holy Family.

Fr Massang covered topics related to the archdiocesan pastoral thrust of “Go Inward, Go Smaller, Go Outward” as a way to tackle the challenges generally faced by the parishes in the archdiocese.

Fr Massang spoke about himself, the “Go Inward” to know his talents particularly on art and music, and how they had helped him to recognise God’s call to the priestly vocation.

He then spoke about “Go Smaller” related to stories from “small beginnings,” about his own family and his own experiences as a son, a brother and a servant of God, and how he journeyed through life being supported by a loving mother. He was the 13th in a brood of 15 brothers and sisters.

“Go Outward” relates to how all these events and experiences are connected to his passion of being called by God to serve as His priest, and how God used him to reach out to people through his skills and talents.

He advised parents to be anchors for their children, while at the same time to know when to let go. He also cautioned that what they wish for their children may not be what the children aspire for their own lives. He encouraged parents to recognise the talents of their children, and to develop these talents by helping and walking them through the journey of growing up.

Fr Massang also emphasised family values such as remembering birthdays, Mothers’ day, learning to appreciate, expressions of love, praying together, making family prayers  a priority in the family agenda.

In just six hours, Fr Massang managed to cover topics on bullying, youths being the foundation of a parish, being Christ-centred parishioners, and how to pray communally and personally.

Since 2016, Stella Maris Parish has organised faith formation talks, beginning with the Women Faith Formation, and followed by one for men. – Teresa Alberto

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

INANAM – Divine Mercy Church KKIP which will be officially blessed and open by Archbishop John Wong on 21 Oct 2017 will operate its own tadika (kindergarten) next year.

A total of 60 students have enrolled so far for this new tadika. This was disclosed by Father David Sham, pastor of St Catherine Inanam.

Fr Sham informed the parishioners that there are altogether six tadikas in operation early this year. Out of the six, two come directly under the care of St Catherine Church, while three are under the sub-parish of Good Shepherd Manggatal and one under Holy Family Telipok.

At the fundraising dinner in aid of these tadikas on 3 Sept 2017 at the Port View Palace, Dewan Hakka Likas, Fr Sham said that out of the six tadikas, only Tadika Sinar Sukacita of St Catherine Church is self-financing with 117 students and five management staff.

The other tadikas can hardly pay for the teachers’ remunerations due to insufficient students. The plight of running the tadika runs deeper as many of the parents are unable to pay for their children’s school fees in full, which necessitates public support for these tadikas.

Fr Sham then urged the parents to give full support to the Catholic Mission Tadika as their children are the future of the church.

Over 1000 people attended the dinner including Abp Wong, priests, religious, and well-wishers from several companies and other individuals. – Michael Guntili

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu