Author Archives: Ken Wong

FORMED, a digital platform of Catholic Resources by the Augustine Institute, is now available in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur.

In July 2017, a team of lay Catholics from various parishes in the Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese embarked on a journey using the ‘New Roman Road.’ Each one had been using this Netflix-like VOD and digital content service from the Augustine Institute called FORMED over the last one to two years.

Having experienced the fruits of using this huge library of resources, they started promoting this resource to several parishes in the KL Archdiocese and beyond, to Perak and Penang. The team met with Archbishop Julian Leow and a number of priests. Apart from sharing tips on how to effectively use FORMED, the team members also shared their life testimonies during our sessions.

With the Archdiocesan Pastoral Institute under the directorship of Msgr Mitchel Joseph, the team collaborated to work at the grassroots’ level to share their faith experiences.

FORMED is still in its infancy for the Church in Malaysia and many have not heard of it yet. However, in the US where the digital platform originated, there are more than a quarter of a million users to-date in over 2,000 parishes.

The support from the Parish Care of the Augustine Institute helps subscribers to be on the look-out for new and suitable programmes for the various ministries in the parish.

Taking its cue from the liturgical calendar of the Universal Church, the Parish Care specialists also provide tips on when, and/or how, to initiate a particular programme.

For example, in preparation for the Feast of Pentecost, they would highlight a programme called WILD GOOSE.

Then, there is a 12-session video based programme entitled BELOVED that ‘uncovers the mystery and the meaning of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.’

The widely popular Catechetical video series of SYMBOLON has earned the thumbs up from many who have gone through this programme.

Even the little ones can learn from Brother Francis: The Barefoot Saint of Assisi, in a 10-part animated drama which is about the life of St Francis of Assisi, the fun-loving son from a wealthy family who gave up everything for the love of Jesus. In total, there are currently more than 300 titles of videos, audios, e-books and movies but this is not exhaustive, as more are added from time to time.

To learn more about FORMED, pick a FORMED promo-card from your parish bulletin rack or visit www.formed.org. We can also be contacted via formedmy@ gmail.com

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

IPOH (Herald Malaysia): St Michael’s Church parishioners marked the 80th birthday celebration of their much-loved priest-in-residence, Fr Robin Andrews, with a grand Eucharistic celebration on Sept 17, followed by a sit-down lunch at a Chinese restaurant with 490 parishioners.

The event was organised by SMC parish priest Fr Stephen Liew and a small committee comprising parish chairman James Lau and his wife Theresa, Jude Quah, Josephine Lim, Steven KK Ng, Paul Cheok and Agnes Wong.

Fr Robin, a gentle and soft-spoken priest, has grown dear to many parishioners with his approachable ways, offering wise and practical advice on working and caring for relationships with others, especially in family life.

Fr Robin, whose actual birthday falls on Sept 19, wished his twin brother Colin a Happy Birthday at the start of the Mass. Colin, and his sister Shirley, were unable to attend the celebration but were represented by their extended family members.

Fr Robin celebrated the joyful morning Mass at SMC. Concelebrating with him were Fr Rudy Wong CssR, Fr Steven Ng CDD, and Fr Moses Lui.

His homily was on forgiveness, in line with the day’s Scripture readings. It dealt with how to nurture and grow in our relationships with God, others and self, through forgiving others when they hurt us.

“God wants us to forgive others like in the parable of the Unforgiving Servant,” he said.

He added that if we don’t forgive others, our prayers will not be heard and our spiritual life will collapse.

If we are open to forgiving others, we are showered with blessings from God.

Generally, people tend to respond with a “No” to forgive another person for hurting us, and this is a terrible thing to hear, since it can only bring about more hurt.

Otherwise, we say we want to forgive but are unable to. While this may be true, we cannot remain silent and unresponsive. Instead, we should bring it to Jesus in prayer, asking Him for the grace to forgive.

“Jesus prayed for those who hurt and crucified Him, while on the cross,” said Fr Robin.

“Another more common response is there is nothing to forgive as we have not wronged others. This is erroneous and always destructive. So instead, ask God to show us those persons we have offended.

“We must continue to forgive as much as possible, and set no limits as God doesn’t limit forgiving us. Forgiveness is only complete if we do something to be reconciled with the person.

“The Lord’s prayer speaks of forgiveness so we must forgive others as God forgives us. By refusing to forgive, we are asking God not to forgive us,” he said.

At the lunch, Fr Robin thanked Archbishop Emeritus Tan Sri Murphy Pakiam, Bishop Emeritus Antony Selvanayagam, St Michael’s church parish priest Fr Stephen Liew, Fr Jude Miranda, Fr Michael Dass, Fr Edmund Woon, Fr Rudy Wong, Fr Moses Lui and Fr Steven Ng for attending the celebration. Many other religious brothers and sisters also attended.

Fr Lui blessed the food. He also made a short speech highlighting Fr Robin’s contributions at College General, when College General was expanding and required fund raising since he was very good at accounts.

Fr Robin thanked SMC parish priest Fr Liew, all those who came, including his former parishioners of St Joseph’s in Batu Gajah, St Michael’s Church and neighbouring parishes, and especially the Lord Jesus for bringing him to 80 years of age.

“I always wanted to be a simple, humble and happy priest, and as I know you all have problems, if I am happy, I won’t add to your problems.

“I retired four years ago, but I want to encourage the retirees who are here. Don’t look upon yourself as retired, but Re-fired! Retired seems to describe a decrepit and weak person, but re-fired depicts an energised, vigorous new you with ooomph. So live with new vigour and oomph in your lives and praise the Lord,” he said.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

In conjunction with Malaysia Day and the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, a Family Day was organised by City Parish on September 16.
There was a sense of eagerness and excitement as parishioners turned up for the fun-filled day at the Church of St Francis Xavier (SFX).

The participants reflected the cultural diversity of the parish, with the various language groups and migrants coming together for the parish event of the year.

Parish priest Fr Nelson Chitty and assistant parish priest Fr Maiccal Sinnappan were also present.

In his opening remarks, Fr Nelson said that individual family units, in coming together as one church, form a larger community that is united by love for Christ.

“I hope that through today’s activities, all of us will enjoy fellowship together and that we continue to be united as a parish,” he said.

Many activities were held, with parishioners taking part in programmes that encourage healthier lifestyles.

The morning got off to an energetic start with a zumba exercise by professional trainers. Parishioners sweated it out with swift moves and upbeat music.

There were booths for glucose and blood pressure tests, as well as face painting. The children took part in a colouring contest and each one received a goodie bag.

Community and station games were organised by the youths, with the tug-of-war being the highlight.

Parishioners were also treated to meals with ice-cream and Sun-quick fruit drinks. Each participant was given a keychain bearing the logo of City Parish as a souvenir.

Youth member Nimrita Joanne said that the activities of Family Day managed to bring everyone closer as a family of Christ.

“It was an amazing morning and the zumba session was great. It is good to exercise in the morning,” said Joanne Francis.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysia celebrated its 60th Independence Day on August 31, thousands of Malaysians turned up to take part in the 3rd Inter-Faith Merdeka Walkathon at Metropolitan Park, Kepong to celebrate both the country’s independence and unity amongst its fellow citizens.

The event was organised by the various religious groups in the Kepong-Selayang area, with the Parish Ministry of Interreligious and Ecumenical Affairs (PMEIA) of Gereja Kristus Cahaya spearheading the occasion. The Merdeka Walkathon brought together hundreds of participants, young and old, who walked together to forge new friendships. It successfully achieved the aim of the event to encourage unity and dialogue amongst the various races and religions around Kepong and Selayang.

Representatives from each religious group, i.e. Tn. Hj. Bakri Dahlan (Deputy Administrator of Al Faizin mosque, Desa Jaya), Mr. Kumara Pillai (Chairman of Thirumurugan Alayam Hindhu Temple, Desa Jaya), Mr. Chong Tiam (President of Taoism Temple, Ban Sin, Desa Jaya), Mr. Gurmit Singh (President of Gudwara Sahib Temple, Selayang), Rev Fr Stanislaus (Parish Priest of Christ The Light Church, Desa Jaya) and Rev. Ven. Hemaloka of Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple, Brickfields, were present to show their support and foster harmony and comradeship amongst their members. It was a sight to behold as the participants and organisers stood shoulder to shoulder to sing the National Anthem as the Malaysian flag was raised.

In his speech, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Albert Anthony reminisced about the good old days where neighbours and friends mingled freely without prejudice and forged long-lasting friendships. He hoped that through the walkathon, we will take the time to have conversations and create new bonds of friendship. This was seen at the finish line where participants encouraged one another, cheering on the winners and lending helping hands to those in need.

The day ended on a high with prize giving and lucky draws, with new friendships and a better understanding amongst the various religious

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

By Ms Christina Raj
Simple, quiet and unpretentious
A man of few words he was.
An ambitous personality
But a fancy dresser he was not!
He was a stickler for perfection
and a gentle character by profession.

Never underestimate his demure demeanour…
a ‘Jack of All Trades and the Master of All.’

He was…
An ingenious composer,
An eloquent writer,
A nifty musician,
A nightingale,
An evangelist, A liturgist…

He was God’s gift to all of us!
He mesmerised us, both young and old through his versatility…
Tenacious, without ambiguity,
A visionary with passion —
He saw things differently.

He knew the unknown, heard the unheard,
He brought the best out of nothing.
He left footprints in the sand
for others to follow.

It was certainly an experiential journey,
A journey that was rather rough
filled with ups and downs,
A journey with no returns.

This journey would certainly have been less fun without ‘us’
his most favourite people —
the ‘adrenaline boosters.’

He was neither an architect nor a financial controller
Yet he built the blocks and collected the stocks.

He challenged us
He opened up new horizons
He closed the conventional doors
He revolutionised the systems
He broke the norms without any qualms!

We embraced new cultures optimistically
We accepted views critically
We have become a better people.
Facing changes was much easier
We worked hand in hand and helped
make his Mission a success.

Msgr Anthony Thomas,
You have been our inspiration, although we seemed like rebels,
You guided us towards the right path
and we will cherish all that you have taught us.

We may have unintentionally given you a rough time because we were young and impressionable.

We, the Kampung Pandan Youths love you and will keep you in our prayers always.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KOTA KINABALU: A Carmelite nun celebrated 90 years of life with a solemn Mass on 26 Sept 2017 at the Carmelite Monastery here.

Archbishop John Wong presided at the thanksgiving Mass for Mother Consuelo of Jesus.  Joining him at the altar were Archbishop Emeritus John Lee, Father Felix Chung, Father David Sham, Father Michael Modoit, Father Rayner Bisius, Father Mattheus Luta, Father Max Hontor, and two Korean priests.

Over 100 people turned up for the celebration.

In his homily, Abp Wong touched on the many meanings of a birthday celebration in the light of the liturgical readings for votive Mass of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.  Basically, it is to thank God for the gift of life and the graces received by the celebrator that are shared with those around.

After the homily, Mother Consuelo renewed her baptismal promises.

After Mass, Celestina Jinu OCDS thanked the concelebrants for marking the occasion with them and paid a tribute to Mother Consuelo for her prayerful ministry inside.

A surprised tribute was paid by Joseph Carlos Leong, a dentist by profession from Selangor.  He and his family came to Sabah in 2004 and got acquainted with Mother Consuelo in 2005.  Last month, he went to Spain and was able to meet the relatives of Mother Consuelo, and brought back their greetings to her.

After the speeches, all adjourned outside for a simple breakfast prepared by the Carmelite Seculars.  Abp Wong also cut the commemorative cake in Mother Consuelo’s stead.

Born on 26 Sept 1927 in Spain, Mother Consuelo entered Carmel there. She made her first profession on 30 Oct 1954 and her solemn profession three years later.  She arrived in North Borneo (now Sabah) on 12 Apr 1960.  She served as prioress for many terms.

At 90, she has been a cloistered nun for 63 years, serving in Sabah for 57 years.  She celebrated her diamond jubilee (60 years) of religious profession on 30 Oct 2014.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KENINGAU – A day of reparation was held simultaneously in all parishes, churches, and chapels in Keningau Diocese on 15 Sept 2017, memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Activities included fasting, rosary recitation, Mass and Holy Hour.

Around 200 faithful attended the event at Katedral St Francis Xavier here presided by Bishop Cornelius Piong.

As indicated by the bishop’s pastoral letter issued for the occasion, the intention was to make reparation for all the sins committed at personal and communal levels against God and neighbour in the past 24 years as a diocese.  It was also to make peace with God and one another.

In his homily, the bishop emphasised the sin of unfaithfulness against one’s commitment whether as priest, religious or married couple.

He gave praise to God for people who still come to Mass despite their busy schedule.  He said it indicates the importance they place on the spiritual life.

The prelate said that redemption is not something one can do for oneself.  Quoting Hebrews 9:28, he said it has been done by Christ once and for all.

Why then the need to make reparation?  The bishop said it was because of human weakness and living in this world, one needs to experience God’s mercy in oneself, one’s family and in society. One needs also to let go of those attitudes that run contrary to God’s will through self-surrender to God each day.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU – Sister Alphonsus Low of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (FSIC) was called to eternal life on 26 Sept 2017, a few days short of her 79th birthday.

She was admitted to KPJ on Monday Sept 25 due to breathing difficulty and died peacefully around 10:20 am the next day.

She was born in Singapore on 29 Sep 1938 as Daisy Low Cheng Neo.

She entered Postulancy on 5 Aug 1961 in Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu) and received the habit and the religious name of Sr M Alphonsus when she entered the novitiate on 11 Feb 1962.  After taking her first vows on 11 Feb 1964, she went for formal teachers’ training.

In her 53 years, she had been fully involved in education and caring for boarders, while at the same time giving much of her time in service to the Stella Maris Parish Tanjung Aru as Extraordinary Communion Minister, Spiritual Director of the Legion of Mary and the intercessory group.

She also played a proactive role as Secretary General of the Congregation in 1981 and as Councillor for two terms in 1987 and 1993 during which time she was entrusted in securing grants from the state government for various projects of the Congregation.

In 1999, Sr Low almost succumbed to Melioidosis.

It is not clear whether her infection had to do with her diabetic condition. According to doctors, the single most important risk factor for developing severe melioidosis is diabetes mellitus.

As she struggled with her life while on drug therapy at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the entire Congregation prayed for her recovery. God answered their prayers when the former Principal of SM Stella Maris sprang back to life, defying near death.

She lived on to celebrate her golden jubilee in October 2014.

The lying-in-state is at Stella Maris Hostel Tanjung Aru Monday-Thursday Sept 26-28.  The funeral will be on Friday Sept 29 at 10 am at Stella Maris Church Tg Aru before the body is brought for burial at Mile 4.5 Catholic cemetery Jalan Penampang Lama.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

Every year in the month of September all the clergy (Cardinal, Archbishop, Bishops and Priests) in Peninsular Malaysia will make their annual retreat for six days starting from Sunday evening till Friday evening. There will always be three locations of retreat centers: two in Cameron Highlands, one in Penang Island and the other in Plentong, Johor. Every year I choose to go for my annual retreat in Penang – I love Penang for certain reasons.

This year the retreat was conducted by Bishop Mylo Hubert from the Diocese of Pasig, Philippines. I still remember having attended his retreat back in 1995 which was 22 years ago when I was in the seminary at the College General, Penang. He was then, a priest.

This year my annual retreat has offered me an opportunity to stop, listen and reflect on my priestly journey. This retreat was enjoyable, relaxing and uplifting. I had a very good prayerful experience and a truly uplifting retreat. Bishop Mylo’s lovely encouraging words and his personal priestly life stories have brought enlightenment to me. On the first day itself he spoke a lot on mercy and compassion and how we can reach out to one another. This provided me an opportunity to truly reflect on my own life as a priest and my ministry with wonderful people whom I work with now. I do ask myself from time to time in what way have I experienced God’s mercy and compassion? I found the insights to be thought provoking and these have enhanced my realization as to what my true calling is in my priestly life. I have emotionally felt a sense of peace within myself. I have enjoyed my time at the retreat and gained a lot from it, a lot of meaning and understanding of my gift of the priesthood and my personal prayer life.

At night, we were given some free time for personal reflection and relaxation. This is the time we meet each other and share our thoughts, feelings and reflections of the day. I too enjoyed meeting my priest friends from the other dioceses, whom I have not met for some time. On most nights some of us went out for supper. I enjoyed eating Penang Char Koay Teow which is a favourite of mine. It was a very joyful balance between sessions, sharing and fellowship.

This weekend (22nd – 24th September) we are having our Parish Retreat. The Parish Retreat committee has worked very hard these past two months to recruit more participants to register for this weekend’s retreat. We have about 570 participants. I would like to congratulate all of you for working so hard to make this event a very significant and memorable one for our parish. We hope all those who have registered for this weekend retreat will pray that you will receive more strength to grow in your faith. Some of the participants are from different parishes and I hope you have met new people and you have made new relationships with them.

As your retreat draws to a close make a few practical commitments to improve your prayer life daily. I pray and hope you will have a refreshing and revitalising weekend retreat and deepen your relationship with God and one another. For the next couple of weeks do make a point to write down those thoughts and commitments in your notebooks. I hope everyone has a wonderful retreat and I am sure all of you will be looking forward to the next one.

We thank God for the gift of our retreat masters, Rev. Frs. Jacob Arimpur and Arun Louis and we pray that the Lord grant them the wisdom, understanding and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu