Author Archives: Ken Wong

KOTA KINABALU – Members of the Pauline Family marked their Founder’s Day quietly with Mass and fellowship at the Daughters of St Paul Convent here on 27 Nov 2017.

Father Max Hontor celebrated the Mass for the occasion with members of the Daughters of St Paul, Association of the Pauline Cooperators, and Institute of Our Lady of the Annunciation.  A simple fellowship was held after the Mass.

Born on 4 April 1884 in Italy, Bl James Alberione was ordained a priest on 29 June 1907.  Between  1914 and 1965, he founded five religious institutes, four secular institutes and one lay association – collectively known as the Pauline Family – who use the communications media for evangelisation.

Fr Alberione travelled around the world several times visiting his sons and daughters scattered on all the continents.

The secret of his vast apostolic activity lies in his interior life, which was directed to realising with always greater fullness the words of the Apostle Paul: “It is no longer I who live; it is Christ who lives in me.”

On 26 Nov 1971, at the age of 87, comforted by the visit and blessing of Pope Paul VI, Fr Alberione left this earth to return to the house of the Father.

He was beatified by Pope John Paul II, in Rome, on the 27 April 2003 and his feast day falls on Nov 26.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KUALA LUMPUR: Andrew and Andrene Teoh, the representative couple for the Catholic Marriage Preparation Course (CMPC) gave an informative session to the Family Life Ministry parish representatives on the various programmes that are offered by the archdiocese to assist couples and families in their growth. The following programmes were explained in depth i.e. CMPC, Marriage Encounter, Evenings for Couples, Evenings for Parents and Retrouvaille.

The Catholic Marriage Preparation Course (CMPC) is an innovative way to prepare engaged couples for a lifetime relationship of love. The programme is designed to help couples enter the Sacrament of Matrimony armed with a commitment to love as Christ loves. It prepares all engaged couples, even though one partner may be a non-Catholic.

The Marriage Encounter weekend is for all married couples who want to enrich their relationship, especially after five years of marriage. It does not matter whether the couples are Catholics or not, though Catholics are given priority. It is also for priests and religious who want to revitalize their relationship with the people of God and discover an even deeper appreciation of their own vocation.

Evenings for Couples is for all married couples, especially those in the first five years of marriage. There are two series to this programme, Evenings for Couples 1 and Evenings for Couples 2. Both series consist of four sessions that focus on the growth and development of a couple in their marriage. The sessions help couples celebrate more fully the vocation to which God has called them and supports the couple in their relationship and awakens in them the beauty of their Sacrament. Evenings for Parents is a two series programme.

Evenings for Parents 1 and Evenings for Parents 2, both of which foster a better relationship between parents and children. In each series, there are four topics presented to help parents become more conscious of their significance and importance as persons and their responsibility as parents. Through direction, exercises and discussions, parents come to a sense of solidarity with other parents, and are strengthened by this intercommunication.

The Retrouvaille programme is a lifeline for hurting marriages. It is a platform to mend broken dreams, revitalise strained relationships and bring back hope for a life-time of love. Retrouvaille will help all couples who want their marriage to work but do not know how to get out of the rut. It is NOT a time for hurting but a time for healing. The first Retrouvaille weekend will be held in Kuala Lumpur from January 26 to 28, 2018.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KUALA LUMPUR: The Archdiocesan Family Life Commission (AFLC) organised a meeting of the parish representatives on November 4, 2017 at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Institute to inform and explain its direction for the next five years. The meeting also informed the parish representatives about the various programmes planned for 2018 and beyond.

After the opening prayer in Tamil from Michael and Agnes, the Commission’s Tamil representative couple, there was a brief ice-breaker to enable the group to get to know one another.

Fr Edwin Peter, the Ecclesial Assistant for the Family Life Commission, in his opening address said that he was encouraged at the good response of the family representatives from as far as Banting, Port Klang and Seremban.

The chair couple of the Family Life Commission, Joseph and Anita, explained how the eight cluster groups operate. The family life cluster is an important component in addressing three areas of concern raised at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Assembly (APA) last year. For the benefit of all present, the chair couple explained what a parish Family Life Ministry could do to form Family Life Ministries in their parishes. They encouraged the representatives present to form their ministries to administer to the urgent, important and unique needs of their parish. The Parish Representatives were reminded that they are the best persons to know the needs of the families in their parish.

Citing Amoris Laetitia and the words of Pope Francis, Joseph and Anita spoke of the call for the Church to be “like the beacon of a lighthouse” giving hope and confidence to those who have lost their way. The Church, through the Family Life Ministry, can be a source of solutions for what ails a lost and struggling society. Developing a good family life ministry is one of the most effective means of helping our people learn what it means to become instruments of God and to reach out to our communities.

The chair couple further emphasised that a strong marriage and family ministry serves as salt and light in a world that is confused, with its disoriented and disintegrating families. By offering resources, support groups and programmes, it shows that the Church cares about the community.

This meeting also served to promote and encourage networking and collaboration between the different parishes, especially those within the same district. The need to share resources and work together to minister to the needs of families was emphasised. The language groups too were well represented at this meeting. The commission pledged assistance to the parish family life representatives to set up and form their ministries.

The chair couple then presented the schedule of programmes for 2018: Evenings for Couples and Evenings for Parents, sessions on marriage tribunal matters, Conflict Resolution, as well as training and workshops for presenters of the CMPC.

Fr Edwin also highlighted the Archdiocesan five-year pastoral plan, to give an overview of the direction and plans of the Family Life Commission.

Archbishop Julian Leow, who was present at the meeting, gave the closing address. He noted that “The family is important in the life of the Church. Without the participation of families in church and in the BECs, nothing will happen for we are the hands and feet of Christ.” Archbishop Leow blessed the gathering and encouraged all to persevere in their efforts.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church (OMPH) held their Parish Assembly recently.

The meeting on Sunday, November 12, was led by Chairman Francis Lopez, attended by Parish Priest Fr Joseph Stephen CSsR and Fr Paul Kee CSsR, Asst Parish Priest.

During the meeting, the various ministries reviewed their programmes for the current year and presented their plans for 2018.

Several ministries such as the Parish Human Development Committee, Bahasa Malaysia Apostolate, Chinese Apostolate and Catholic Charismatic Renewal saw a growth and improvement in their ministries and have projected follow ups. There are a total of 28 programmes planned for the following year.

Fr Stephen in his address said the thrust of the diocese would be BEC, unity, formation, internal human development, ecumenical religious dialogue, youth, family and social communication

“These eight themes will be present in the plans and programmes we intend to carry out for the coming year.”

He voiced his concerns on some of the challenges facing the Parish, especially the youth group.

“We do not seem to know how to handle this ministry. Whatever we acquired earlier doesn’t seem to be working. It has become an endless challenge and is a struggle in the parish.

“However, we mustn’t shut out the youth but keep finding ways and means to respond to them as they struggle and discover their own faith in their lives.”

“I hope the Parish will think of new ways and ideas to reach out to them so that they won’t be lost.”

Fr Joe Stephen thanked the members for taking the time to be present for this Parish Assembly to share their insights, success stories and challenges.

“We are collectively one people, one Parish of different language groups but we are trying to work together.”

Francis Martin said that he was happy with the assembly as the participants were interactive and responded with constructive comments.

Earlier, Fr Paul Kee gave a talk entitled Lay Ministry while Fr Stephen talked on Mission.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Parishioners from the Church of St Iganatius and the Church of St Francis Xavier went on a day trip to Triang, Pahang, to visit the unique Sang Riang Senior Citizens’ (SRSC) home and the 100-year old St John’s Chapel.

Sang Riang Senior Citizen’s Home is open to residents of all races, religions and nationalities (who have no place to go or those who have lost their passports). Their acceptance as residents follows strict criteria namely: a. No children b. No income and c. Have not resided in any Old Folks’ homes before. Applicants who have children will be rejected because SRSC would like to inculcate filial responsibility of the children towards their parents. They would like children to look after their parents and NOT abandon them when they are incapable of looking after themselves.

The Home is run by a committee and helpers who are all volunteers. Their Chairperson is Mdm Yap Yoke Moey who, with three lady friends, started the home 14 years ago. It provides shelter to 200 plus residents of all races and they are looked after as long as needed. The final rites of the deceased (depending on the wishes of the residents, be they Christians, Muslims, Hindu etc) are carried out by the home. A memorial of the deceased resident is displayed in a memorial hall at the home.

Apart from providing shelter to the homeless and the underprivileged, the home also runs a kidney dialysis centre catering to 72 kidney patients currently. They work with the National Kidney Foundation to operate the centre and it is open to the public and those who are able to pay. The charges are RM100.00 per treatment.

The home also has a Mental healthcare centre where residents with mental disorders are taken care of throughout their stay. Regular medical treatment is carried out by the Psychiatric team from Hospital Temerloh. Apart from the Mental Care Centre, the home also has a Centre for Critical Patients which includes the Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU). The Home has a future vision to have a building to cater for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

In promoting good moral habits, they have a section where children from Triang town or nearby areas are provided free tuition and moral studies. Their aim is to inculcate good habits to children to respect their parents and society.

Lunch was served at the home’s Sun House Vegetarian Restaurant which offers a variety of dishes for customers (walk-ins are welcome) to have their meals. The meals are priced at a minimum of RM3.00 but customers are encouraged to contribute more as a donation to the home.

After lunch, we visited the 100- year old Chapel of St John which is located not far from the home. Some of the parishioners were there to welcome us. We were surprised by their hospitality. Some of the youth even took time off from work just to be with us. Anthony, a youth member of the Chapel, gave us a brief history of the Chapel.

We pray that the relevant departments at our KL Archdiocese will assist the Chapel committee to resolve the issue of getting the official letter from the State Secretariat to confirm that the Catholic Church has the right to occupy the land for religious purposes. The Chapel committee is currently waiting for a letter from the KL Archdiocese to state the Church’s rightful use of the land for religious purposes. Then the committee will submit the letter to the State Secretariat for its consideration.

After the briefing, we prayed the Divine Mercy chaplet, accompanied with music played by the youths. We then adjourned for fellowship prepared by the community of the Chapel before we left Triang for home at 4.30pm.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The 40th day Memorial Mass for the Late Monsignor Anthony Thomas was held at the Church of St Joseph at 6.00pm on Sunday, November 5, 2017.

Packed to overflowing, a congregation of close to 1,000 faithful from far and near thronged the church and participated in the celebration which was presided over by Fr V.A. Michael, with Cardinal Anthony Soter Fernandez, Archbishop Emeritus Murphy Pakiam and 11 priests concelebrating.

In his homily, Fr V.A. spoke of the virtues of the late Msgr Thomas, describing him as a man who gave his life to the fullest to God and the Church. A humble and spiritual man, the late Msgr Thomas had tremendous love and a soft heart for the poor, the weak and the downtrodden. Fr V.A. also credited him for having played a pivotal role in inspiring a number of young men to join the priesthood.

The sound of music and hymns loved by the late Msgr Thomas, who was also an accomplished musician and composer, reverberated throughout the whole church, with the congregation singing their hearts out. Having served in St Joseph’s Church for almost 22 years of his priestly life, the late Msgr Thomas would have been so proud to hear the whole congregation sing the way they did at his Memorial Mass, just as he had always wanted them to.

Shortly before the Mass ended, a video montage was shown, highlighting his life journey.

After Mass, the congregation gathered at the Parish Community Hall to witness the rededication of the Hall as “Dewan Monsignor Anthony Thomas” in recognition of his efforts and sacrifices. The rededication was officiated by His Grace, Archbishop Julian Leow.

Immediately thereafter, dinner was served, with speeches, music and songs filling the air.

A Memorial Booklet of photographs and loving tributes to the late Msgr Anthony Thomas, was made available to all

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KAJANG: Forty-two children from the parish of St Francis of Assisi received their First Holy Communion at Holy Family Church on Nov 12.

Parish priest, Fr Andrew Manickam OFM Cap was the main celebrant, with Fr Edwin Peter from the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, concelebrating.

The children presented a Faith Folder with materials on the 10 Commandments, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Understanding the Eucharist, Prayer Positions and the Life of the Saints during the Offertory. These materials were the visual aids for the children as they learned more about the Catholic Faith.

Thank you, catechists, parents and guardians. May God continue to shower His blessings on the children.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KOTA KINABALU – The Daughters of St Paul (FSPs) organised the second Pauline Family Day at its convent compound at Jalan Sang Kancil here on 26 Nov 2017.

The media centre was opened on this one Sunday of the year (last Sunday of November) to serve the people who came to patronise the various food stalls set up by the Pauline Sisters and the Association of Pauline Cooperators.

Normally the media centre is closed on Sundays as the Sisters go out to the different parishes for book missions.

Aside from cooked food and pickles, there were also vegetables, fruits, plants and second-hand clothes for sale.

The patrons also enjoyed their free cup of coffee or juice and cake to mark the 46th death anniversary of their Founder, Bl James Alberione, who died on 26 Nov 1971.

The first Pauline Family Day was held on 27 Nov 2016 at the same premises.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

RANAU – The candlelight procession marking the closing of the centenary of the Fatima Apparitions at St Peter Claver (SPCR) here drew over 3ooo people on 25 Nov 2017.

After Sunset Mass, Father Nicholas Stephen crowned the statue of Our Lady of Fatima and garlanded her with a rosary, a scapular and a sash with KadazanDusun design before the procession.

Despite the unpredictable weather, the procession went around Ranau town area before returning to the church.  The procession closed with the offering of flowers to Mother Mary outside the church.

SPCR has become a popular pilgrimage site since the Year of Mercy in 2016 when it was one of the four ‘Holy Doors” in Kota Kinabalu Archdiocese under the pastoral leadership of Fr Stephen, Father Francis Tsen, and Father Florian Marcus.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU – Kota Kinabalu prelate called on parish pastoral leaders to pool resources together to reach out to less involved parishioners on 25 Nov 2017.

Archbishop John Wong made the call during the annual gathering of heads and their assistants of the 70-odd groups, communities, and ministries of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Karamunsing and its sub-parish of Church of Mary Immaculate Bukit Padang.

In a brief speech, the prelate said the many groups of the parish (English, Chinese and BM) can be a source of strength when they pool their resources together in reaching out to the 70 percent of uninvolved parishioners.  The parish has around 2,000 families under its pastoral care.

Around 150 people attended the gathering after the Sunset Mass marking the Solemnity of Christ the King and the 36th Dedication Anniversary of the cathedral.

Abp Wong presided at the Mass, concelebrating with him were Abp Emeritus John Lee, Father Paul Lo, and Father Max Hontor.

Before the rite of dismissal, a video clip launching the 16 Days of Prayer for the Nation entitled Orange the World: Saying No to Violence against Women and Children produced jointly by the Malaysian Catholic Bishops Conference, the Malaysian Council of Churches, the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship, and the Good Shepherd Services was screened.

The 16 Days of Activism runs from Nov 25 through Dec 10.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu