Author Archives: Ken Wong

PENANG: The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP), Conference of the Assumption made 30 primary school children from the Convent Light Street happy with their donation of RM1,800.00.

One of its members, Molly Mark, had come across an appeal from the school’s Persatuan Ibu- Bapa Guru-Guru (PIBG) to provide educational assistance to 30 needy students from Std 4 to Std 6.

On 16 Nov, three members representing the Society, namely Molly Mark, Patricia Loo and Elizabeth Teoh were at the school to present a cheque of RM1800.00 to Puan Chan, the acting principal of the school.

The presentation was held in the presence of the pupils, their teachers, office staff and the honorary treasurer of PIBG.

Puan Chan introduced the three members from SSVP, a charitable organisation for the poor and underprivileged, and thanked the Society for their generous donation.

Molly, in her speech, informed the audience that SSVP is a church-based organisation that caters to the less fortunate people, regardless of race and religion.

She encouraged the students to work hard and excel in their studies. The audience’s interest perked up when Molly recalled fond memories of being an ‘anak’ in the same school.

After the formality of the presentation and speeches, there was some fun when everyone joined in singing and dancing to the beat of music in the school hall, ending with the popular Rasa Sayang Eh. The presentation ceremony ended when the students dispersed for their tea break. –– By SSVP, Conference of the Assumption, Penang

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

By Shaun Chan
The start of the Season of Advent in St Ignatius Church (SIC) on Dec 3 coincided with the welcoming of the new batch of catechumens into the community.

At the 8.45am Mass, celebrant Fr Lawrence Ng CDD invited the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) enquirers to come into the church after the sounds of “knocking of the church door” were heard. A total of 43 enquirers, with their respective sponsors, then walked into the church for the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens.

The Rites included welcoming, signing of the cross on the forehead as well as presentation of crucifixes. All these signified a commitment from the entire church community to accept and share in the growth in faith, and work towards giving these new members love, guidance and prayers.

Fr Ng reiterated that although these catechumens cannot participate fully in the Lord’s Eucharist, they should stay with the community as a sign of hope that all God’s children will eat and drink with the Lord. After Mass, the catechumens, their family members and sponsors were invited to join in a breakfast reception initiated by BECCOT (Basic Ecclesial Communities Coordinating Team) where they had the opportunity to mingle with the larger church community.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

By Daniel Yeoh
The Good Shepherd Church successfully organised the second Spelling Bee competition for underprivileged children on Nov 18. Due to the good response and positive feedback received from the previous year’s competition, the Parish priest, Fr Christopher W. Soosaipillai, gave his blessings to conduct this event again this year. The objective of this competition was to provide an opportunity for the students to enhance their spelling skills and to expand their vocabulary in a fun and competitive manner.

Thirty-seven children from Standard 1 to Form 3 participated in this competition. Compared to last year, the number of participants has increased. With much enthusiasm, the competition became intense as many of the participants were able to spell all the words correctly and it took a few exciting rounds of tie breakers to determine the winner from each age group. It was truly a proud moment for everyone to witness the participants displaying a marked improvement in their spelling skills. While waiting for the results to be announced, the parents were invited to participate in some fun games prepared for them.

After the event, all the parents, children and teachers were invited to a luncheon. The parents were very proud of their children and appreciative towards the teachers for their time and effort. With the success of this year’s Spelling Bee Competition, Good Shepherd Church English teachers are even more motivated and committed to work towards helping more underprivileged children to improve their English proficiency.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

By Ken Cham
Forty two participants received certificates for attending at least four out of five sessions of A Biblical Walk Through the Mass: Understanding What We Say and Do in the Liturgy module which ended on November 27 at the Church of St Ignatius (SIC). Conducted by the SIC Scripture Study (SSS) group over five sessions, the study was also attended by six SSS facilitators and led by 12 other facilitators. During each session, attendees watched a video presentation by theologian, author and scholar Dr Edward Sri, followed by group sharing for an hour each time.

There was a good mix of parishioners, from the newly-baptised to mature Catholics, for this module which is the shortest conducted by SSS. Amongst other aspects, attendees learnt the biblical background to the words, prayers and gestures experienced in the Liturgy and discovered how the Mass is a ‘true re-presentation’ of Christ’s redeeming sacrifice on the Cross. This marked the second time the module was conducted, the first time was in 2015.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

By Dr Ivan Filmer
The Church of the Divine Mercy (CDM) organised a dinner on November 18 and raised RM122k for a Learning Centre to be housed in a new building next to the church.

The Learning Centre will provide dynamic instruction that inspires lifelong living skills to the less privileged and disadvantaged. These include short courses on baking, cosmetics and make-up for single mothers, language classes for migrants and social activities for old folks and the youth.

It is estimated that the new building would cost approximately RM10 million.

The dinner started off with a dazzling display of fireworks from the stage at the Majestic Theatre at 7.30pm. 52 tables were filled by generous patrons. Tables were also sponsored for three orphanage homes: Crystal Home, Sunshine Home in Kulim and the St Joseph Home in Penang, as well as for the Little Sisters of the Poor in Penang, giving them a chance to have a fun time. In addition, 60 lucky draw prizes were given out throughout the eight-course dinner.

The occasion was attended by Bishop Sebastian Francis, the guest of honour, YB Sim Tze Tzin, the Member of Parliament of the area, as well some officials from the local government who had helped CDM to obtain the parcel of land adjoining the church for a new building.

Local comedians from the MACC namely, Douglas Lim and Phoon Chi Ho entertained the audience with their interpretations of local dances and various humorous meanings of the English language interpreted by our Malaysian public.

In addition to this, the audience were also entertained by Leonard and Friends as well as Evelyn and Friends. CDM parishioners also put up some items. There were dances from the Youth, the Migrants, Tamil Apostolate and the CEC children who presented a ‘live’ painting of the nativity scene. Parish priest Fr Martin Arlando also came out of 15 years retirement to entertain the guests with a fast paced Indian dance. For his enthusiastic effort the delighted crowd donated more than RM 3k. It was heartening to see the great community spirit that was on display for everyone who came to contribute towards this project.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

By Patrick Gerard Au
The Church of St Anthony began the new liturgical year on Dec 3 by celebrating the Sacrament of the Eucharist for 11 children.

At the beginning of the Mass, parish priest Fr Francis Xavier lit the first of the five candles that are placed in the Advent wreath. Three of the candles are purple, one candle is pink and the last is white. The first purple candle symbolises Hope, the second Peace, the third pink candle means Joy, the last candle is Love. The white candle in the middle of the wreath signifies Jesus Christ, the only person who can bring hope, peace, joy and love to the world.

The 11 candidates who received Holy Communion for the first time symbolise God bringing HOPE into their lives.

The theme of the homily by Bishop Sebastian was Protect Humankind From Destruction. He asked everyone to be awake and ready for the Second Coming of Christ. He said that we should also be awake and aware of the dangers of the current climate changes. We must protect Nature in order for nature to protect us. Bishop Sebastian said that the floods and landslides in Malaysia and other parts of the world are due to the indifference of the people. Rivers are polluted by toxic waste and used as rubbish dumps. Hills are being cut down and trees are felled for development. This is not what Christ wants from us. He gives the best to us and we do not cherish what God has created. Thus, we need to do something before it is too late.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

By Christine & Francis Ong
The Parish of St Theresa, Melaka, launched its first ‘Parish 40 Day Mission’ on November 1. Msgr Peter Ng had invited the Redemptorist Priests for this Mission. One of the events was Mass at BEC level for the six-English speaking BECs and 15-Mandarin speaking BECs.

In preparation for the ‘Parish 40 Day Mission,’ the English speaking BECs of the parish launched a one-month long registration drive for all persons who attended the 11.15am English Mass on Sundays. Msgr Ng said that the purpose of the registration was for the BECs to contact them and to invite them for Mass in the BECs during the Mission in November/ December and also for pastoral care of the parishioners.

We were indeed taken aback when a number of Sunday church goers were reluctant to give their names and contact numbers — possibly because they did not want to get involved. It reminded us of what was expressed during the Diocesan Synod/PMPC IV regarding the ‘minimalistic’ attitude of Catholics who only want to attend Sunday Mass. The BEC/Parish/ Diocese needs to address this issue so that we can move together in the direction set out by the Diocese ie ‘4e Catholics’, Church as Communion of Families, creative, inclusive, bridge building, visionary and missionary.

The Mass for BEC Kampong Lapan was held on November 8 at the home of Ms Chin Siok Hoon and family. Before the Mass, the core team met to prepare a leaflet for the Mass so as to assist all to participate fully. BEC members (present and old), including two new persons (from the recent registration exercise) and elderly family friends joined us. We were also happy to have Sr Felix IJS and Sr Clara IJS with us as they live in our neighbourhood. Together, we were about 40 persons celebrating the Lord’s presence in the families of Kg Lapan BEC.

Fr Patrick Massang CSsR was the celebrant. The theme for the Parish Mission was become 4E Catholics and Church as Communion of Families. In his homily, Fr Patrick spoke on the 1st E — Encountered. He shared that coming together as community and celebrating Mass — to be recharged by Jesus in the Eucharist, is so wonderful. Communities gathering together were like the ‘twelve apostles’ gathered with Jesus in the beginning, and the result is the Church today. Thus, coming together as a community with Christ, we meet Christ and are enlightened by him through his words and nourished by his flesh. The Lord reminds us to love and to forgive when we are hurt in relating to one another

All of us were very much energized by the passion, witness and commitment of Fr. Patrick as he put us all in constant touch with the presence of the divine among us. We were absorbed and lifted in this great mystery of the Trinity of the communion of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

After Mass, there was a fellowship meal with a variety of delicious food cooked/bought by our BEC members. The regular BEC members also brought food containers for eating — as we always do, in caring for the environment — the result of one of our responses to the BEC’s reading of Laudato Si last year. It was a time for the community to share food, stories, renew and deepen relationships among us. The elderly also took the opportunity to ask for a special blessing from Fr Patrick. Everyone felt comfortable and enjoyed the presence of Fr Patrick. We had a memorable time.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KUALA LUMPUR (Herald Malaysia): “Is there anyone present here who has pain in the shoulder or neck?” Immediately, the hands of thirty-five parishioners shot up eagerly. In response to a common problem, the newly formed ASSIST Ministry of the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Peel Road organised a show and tell session regarding neck and shoulder pain on Sunday November 26.

Medical and allied health professionals comprising a medical doctor, physiotherapist and a counsellor shared their knowledge and skills in English, Tamil and Cantonese. The Ministry adopted an inclusive approach to ensure that parishioners were not left out due to language barriers. In the coming year, ASSIST looks forward to enriching parish life with various year-round programmes by professionals in the fields of medicine and allied health, education, counselling and law, as well as outreach services for special groups like migrants and our Evergreen senior parishioners

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KAULA LUMPUR: The prison ministry of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur sends volunteers and priests to the prisons regularly for visits and spiritual encouragement. We have many volunteers, priests from various parishes here, as well as bishops visiting and sharing the good news to all prisoners .

Visits to the prison have always brought about God’s abundance of love and compassion to these, the least of our brothers and sisters. “I was in prison…. You visited me” Mt 25:31

Keep up the good works. The season of Christmas is approaching, so let’s write a card with a message of hope for all these prisoners who are waiting for your support. Contact the prison ministry volunteers in your parish today! Praised be God for his goodness.

I was in prison…. You visited me!
It was in 2014 during my visits that I came across three Catholic lady inmates from the Togo Republic, Africa. I was told of their need to see their embassy officials for some legal help and assistance. The prison department was not able to assist them as there is no embassy in Malaysia. This prompted me to write to the Nuncio in KL who advised me to contact the Togo embassies in Japan and India. Requests were made through letters and email but they were not able to assist. This case was even later taken to the commission of justice and peace in Rome by the Nuncio, who assured of prayer support of the Holy Father.

Since then, some of my letters to them of prayer support and encouragements from volunteers have kept them going in life faithfully.

This year, one of them was released from the Kajang prison and was sent to the depot in Bukit Jalil. The volunteers were told of this release and made an attempt to visit her to assist while at the immigration camp here. All she needed now was a travel pass from the Togo government and a flight ticket. This inmate was assisted by these volunteers who, through some efforts and help, had finally gotten a travel pass given by the Togo embassy in Beijing, China. Travel arrangements were made and on November 6, 2017, Amavi returned home safely. Thanks to Catherine Boon and Theresa and the entire prison ministry team for this help. She is very grateful for all the great help given her by the prison ministry.

There was another similar case of a lady inmate from Georgia, with no embassy here, who needed assistance. It was during prison visits that I got to know an official from the Romania embassy, Kuala Lumpur who helped to refer this matter to the Romanian foreign ministry who helped to arrange officials from Georgia to visit the inmate here. Continuous visits and efforts given will surely bring goodness to these inmates .

Another story is of a child born in prison and growing up with her mother, a Guinea national who was sentenced for life in prison. At the age of three, this child had to be given up for adoption or to the welfare department. The mother requested that the child be sent to her home country to be raised by her family. This needed the help of the embassy and it was not easy. The case was taken up by then Archbishop Murphy Pakiam who took it to the cardinal in Guinea. Immediately the Guinea government made all arrangements to take the child. Three-year-old Chantal was flown home on May 16, 2014.–By Fr George Harrison

Education… Anytime, anywhere!
I went to the Kajang prison for the first time in 2007 and visited a young inmate whom I knew well from my home parish. This visit created a great opportunity for counselling, guidance and confession. These visits slowly encouraged me to make regular monthly visits to other sections and the female prison, as well. Visits like this give hope and cheer to the inmates.

This young inmate, Moses Anthony, while in prison, was held in good standing because of his character and conduct. He was offered to take up a special course through distance learning. The OUM university offered him a Bachelor in Business Administration four year study-course. This would only be possible if the family could pay the fees for the entire course. The family was not able to manage this. It was at this time that Moses asked the Church for assistance. With the help of Tuan Ranjit from the prison who made every possible effort and Herbert and Theresa from the Holy Family Church Prison Ministry, all arrangements were made. We approached the Archdiocesan Office for Human Development (AOHD) for help and they approved to pay for the entire course. Special thanks to Fr Mitchel Anthony who was then the director of AOHD.

Moses is a bright student who obtained high marks in all the subjects and passed with flying colours. He successfully completed the course and also finished serving his sentence and was released this year in March. After his release, he made time to visit all the friends and prison volunteers who helped him in his journey.

Though life is very tough and hard for Moses, now 35 years old, who had spent almost 11 years in prison, it was the Word of God and the spiritual guidance that strongly encouraged him to be what he is today.

Moses is now giving his best to live a new, good and purposeful life. On Nov 26, 2017, he was conferred the Bachelor in Business Administration by OUM. He and his family are very grateful to the prison ministry and all faithful for the continuous support given. — By Fr George Harrison

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

PETALING JAYA: It was a joyous occasion for children, parents and catechists of the Assumption parish when 80 children received the Holy Eucharist for the first time on the Feast of Christ the King on Nov 26. Joy radiated from the faces of the children as they came into the church, as the moment they had been preparing for was now a reality.

At the beginning of the Mass, gifts were offered by the children. Potted plants to symbolise their growth in faith, boxes containing all the sacrifices that they had made preparing for this moment, their prayers of thanksgiving for God’s blessings and their religious education books that have helped them build their faith.

Parish priest Msgr Mitchel Anthony Joseph, VG, began by telling the children that Jesus humbled himself to come down from heaven to be with them when they receive the Eucharist. In his homily, he told the story of Mother Teresa and the young man who told her that even if he was given 10 million rupees, he would not be able to clean the sores of a homeless old man. However, she explained to him that she did so because she sees Jesus in that man.

Thus, Msgr Mitchel pointed out that this is the beautiful characteristic of saints: they see nature as an extension of themselves and everything is connected to Jesus. He went on to say that since our spirituality flows from the life of Jesus, therefore in receiving the Eucharist, the life of Jesus will grow in the children’s lives — to live the way He taught us, by helping the ‘poor, the marginalised and the sick’. He told the children to humble themselves and to see Jesus in others. He ended his homily by thanking the parents for bringing up their children in the faith and the teachers for their commitment in imparting Faith to the children.

After Mass, there was a fellowship which helped everyone get to know each other better.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online