Author Archives: Ken Wong

PETALING JAYA: In just the first hour alone, more than a hundred parishioners had already streamed to the Marian Exhibition at the Rooftop of Costantini Community Centre in St Ignatius Church (SIC). The event was opened by SIC Parish Priest, Fr Andrew Wong CDD and Assistant Parish Priest, Fr Lawrence Ng CDD at 10.00am on Sunday Oct 8. Also at the opening were Fr Martin Then CDD and Bro Joseph Lim CDD, together with event organisers comprising ministries and BECs. The exhibition was held in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the apparitions in a mountainous region in the middle of Portugal, known as Fatima, where the Mother of God appeared six times to three young children.

Anchored by the theme Mother Mary is in the Heart of Every Disciple, the event showcased the four Marian Dogmas (Perpetual Virginity, Mother of God, Immaculate Conception and Assumption) and 12 apparitions of which nine have been approved by the Catholic Church. Visitors were able to attend talks on various Marian topics, view video screenings and movies, hand in prayer petitions, pray the rosary as a community and take in the beautiful decorations, artwork and figurines.

Various groups started to visit the exhibition, including a delegation of 40 from the Chinese Apostolate of St Joseph Church in Plentong, Johor, on Oct 15. Another group of 20, included six priests from Hualien Diocese, Taiwan, whom Fr Francis Ng CDD, Fr Stephen Ng CDD and Fr Augustine Lee (Parish Priest, Sacred Heart Church, Bentong, Pahang) were happy to meet. There were also 40 residents and caregivers from the Little Sisters of the Poor, more than 20 residents from Sri Seronok Retirement Village, as well as parishioners from the Church of the Holy Rosary, Kuala Lumpur.

Visits from groups continued on Oct 19 with 25 parishioners from the Church of Jesus Caritas (JCC), Kepong, and eight from the Church of St Aloysius, Mantin, Negeri Sembilan. Another JCC group who visited on Oct 21 got a bonus as they were able to catch up with Fr Lucas Ng CDD who was their Assistant Parish Priest for a short while. Fr Ng had just returned from the Vatican as part of a delegation of Congregatio Discipulorum Domini (CDD) priests who met His Holiness Pope Francis, on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the founding of CDD by Cardinal Celso Costantini in 1927 and the start of the process for his beatification. On the same day, the SIC Single Adult Ministry (SAM), Family Life Ministry (FLM) and a Bahasa Malaysia group led rosary prayers. FLM Singers also added a musical touch with renditions of various Marian hymns.

Several priests enhanced the exhibition by giving talks. They included Fr Michael Chua who spoke about the Role of Mary in the Life of the Church and as First Disciple, Fr VA Michael who shared about Mother Mary and celebrated the 6 pm Mass on Oct 15. Fr Then and Fr Stephen Ng gave a talk in Mandarin titled Mother Mary Navigates Us to Jesus Christ and Guadalupe respectively. Amongst the visitors on the final two days were Archbishop Julian Leow and Fr Mari Arokiam.

Fr Wong declared the exhibition closed at a Thanksgiving Mass at 6.00pm Oct 30. He hoped that attendees know more about Mother Mary now through this event. Central to its success were the dedication and hard work put in by committee members, volunteers from various SIC ministries and BECs, and donors.

About 7,000 visitors attended the three-week exhibition. Visitors came from as far as Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam, and locally from Johore, Malacca, Pahang, Penang, Perak, Sabah, Sarawak and Terengganu. Many commendations were received including one for bringing Mother Mary to the parishioners and another for beautiful, informative and interesting displays. The exhibition has indeed touched many in various ways.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KUALA LUMPUR (Herald Malaysia): Malaysians from all religions and walks of life came together to help those who were affected by the recent storm in the north.

The volunteers from different religious organisations came forward to help with cleaning the affected arears, offering shelter, providing food as well as other essentials in the aftermath of one of the worst floods in recent history which affected almost all of Penang, Kedah and Perak.

Thousands of Penangites, affected by Saturday’s floods, are grateful to all Malaysians for the nonstop aid and assistance rendered.

Senior citizens were the main victims following the massive floods in Penang, as they were easily overpowered by surging flood waters.

Since many were evacuated to temporary flood relief centres on Sunday, all forms of aid have been pouring in, continuously.

Initially, living lives as strangers, many have warmed up to their new neighbours and have bonded, thanks to their time at the centres.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

“I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born,” (Is 66:9). Indeed, many experienced emotional pain at some point during this eight-week video-talk programme by Jeff Cavins entitled Walking Towards Eternity Series 2 (WTE2) because it involved “Engaging the Struggles Of Your Heart.”

While WTE1 held last year dared the participants to “Walk the Walk” of Jesus in love, WTE2 dealt with how to engage our heartfelt struggles such as our inordinate Appetites, Shame, Envy, Anger, Fear, Loneliness and Hopelessness – and emerge stronger “wholly” – in mind, heart, and actions. Awareness of the transformative nature of God’s love is the fundamental bedrock that can liberate us from the tyranny of these sinful habits and emotions.

Session one: “Living on Purpose” provided an overview with its focus on how we live is what matters most. The purpose of life? We may recall that even Sigmund Freud is known to have said that “… only religion can answer the question of the purpose of life …” For us Catholics, Corinthians 8:28 teaches us, “And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

In truth, none of us can say that we don’t have problems coping with any of these struggles. This realisation made the programme relatable, practicable and therapeutic. Participants felt they gained insights, strength and comfort from sharing their struggles with group members. Many noted that they had matured spiritually because, through sharing and praying together, they had grown in their love relationship with God.

Participants like Karen Koong, Bernadette Tang, Juliana Joseph and Alice Lee experienced a heightened sense of awareness to live out what they had learned by inviting God and His Word to help them deal with these very real problems. Li Mei shared that this journey “… allowed God to show me my weaknesses and allowed God’s healing grace and love into my life.”

Vital questions led participants into the heart of Scripture for tips and guidelines to engage these struggles in a healthy manner. We learned that not all struggles are bad in themselves. For example, there is a healthy shame and an unhealthy shame; no, we shouldn’t be ‘shameless’ either! Similarly, there is healthy and unhealthy fear, etc. We learned that God, through His words of wisdom, inspiration and instruction, figures in all our struggles to provide the grace to help us cope. The Good Book is a great teacher! Are we good learners? The programme concluded with a short healing prayer service by the coordinator, Bernard Capel. He shared several scripture verses intimating the importance to be blessed “wholly” by the grace of God (cf.1 Thess 5:23). This means that our entire being should “get a grip on grace,” with no part of our being to be deprived of God’s healing grace (cf.Heb 12:15) to live life to the full (cf.John 10:10).

Finally, we wrote and offered up our personal struggles by placing our prayers at the foot of the Cross, indicating that we were now prepared to “Walk Towards Eternity” renewed by His healing grace!

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

JOHOR BAHRU (Herald Malaysia): The Episcopal Regional Liturgy Commission, at the service of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei (CBCMSB) has produced the new English translation of the Order of Celebrating Matrimony according to the Second Typical Edition 2013, of which, recognitio was granted by the Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. (Prot 491/14 29May 2015).

Our Conference, at its January 2017 meeting, has decided that this English translation will enter into use throughout all Arch/dioceses in our region from December 3, 2017 (1st Sunday of Advent). From that date forward, no other English translation of the order of celebrating matrimony may be used.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The Catholic Doctors Association of Malaysia (CDAM) organised a Charity Dinner and Dance at the Subang Gold Club on Oct 28.

Once again the Catholic doctors put down their stethoscopes to do charity work in conjunction with its 35th Anniversary celebration. This event was to raise funds for the poor and marginalised, regardless of race or religious affiliation.

A group of doctors, led by Dr Freddie Loh, the organising Chairman, targeted an amount of RM50,000 to be raised.

Around 300 guests attended and enjoyed the sumptuous meal, the goody bags and lucky draw. The performance by stand-up comedian Dr Jason Leong, and Zarsadias Brothers provided the entertainment.

This event was graced by Archbishop Julian Leow, Archbishop Emeritus Murphy Packiam and Fr Lawrence Andrew SJ.

The President of the Asian Federation of Catholic Doctors Association (AFCMA) / the President of the Philippines Catholic Guild, Dr Manuel Po and wife Dr. Nita Po also attended.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

“Welcome to this celebration of the Solemnity of All Saints. The Church triumphant asks all the saints in heaven to pray for us here on earth, to journey towards heaven to be like the saints.”

Archbishop Julian Leow said this at the 7.30pm Mass on November 1, 2017 at the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Parish priest, Fr Edwin Peter concelebrated the multi-lingual Mass, which was presided by the prelate, with 900 parishioners present.

The Gospel on the Beatitudes, (Matthew 5: 1-12), was proclaimed by Fr Edwin.

In his homily, preached in Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin, Archbishop Leow asked the assembly, “What is this Solemnity?

What is the Church’s purpose in giving us this All Saints feast?” He said the purpose is so that we all can become saints for God; that we will know where our permanent (eternal) home is, which is in heaven, our final destination.

“Where we are going depends on our choices. We should transform our lives and conduct for the better while we are alive. Once we breathe our last, we cannot change.”

Archbishop Julian Leow added that we need to follow the Beatitudes in the Gospel. Despite our many challenges in life, we must follow Jesus, keep the Commandments and observe Church laws to be able to live with God in heaven one day.

“What we choose while on earth will determine where we go; either to heaven, hell or purgatory, where we will undergo cleansing.”

He continued that, as we celebrate the saints, the Church in heaven, on November 2, (All Souls’ Day), we remember the souls in purgatory and pray for them. The prelate said if the souls are in hell, there is no point in praying for them as they are far away from God. During All Souls’ Day, we pray for the souls in purgatory so that they will undergo the process of cleansing.

“As the Church on earth, we must pray for those souls in purgatory, as well as for those in the world, so that they will be transformed.”

After Mass, Fr Edwin thanked the prelate for coming to celebrate the Mass.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

An Outreach Programme was held recently for some 50 Orang Asli from Kg Sg Bil and Kg Sg Lembing, more than 20KM from Tanjung Malim in Perak.

It was held in the parish hall of the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer. Present were parish priest, Fr Andrew Stephen, PPC Chairperson Edmund Yeo, and lay leader Liza Tan and a group of Catholics from Kuala Lumpur.

The event commenced in the afternoon, with a Prayer Session in Bahasa Malaysia and a short Reflection. Everyone joined in the prayers and the two hymns in Bahasa Malaysia.

Fr Andrew welcomed and thanked the KL Group for assisting in organising the outreach. This was followed with a short address by the representative from the KL Group. Twenty five Rosaries and 70 Prayer Booklets in Bahasa Malaysia were blessed by Fr Andrew and later distributed to the Orang Asli, to help them in their personal prayers.

Edmund also shared about the history of Kg Sg Bil and Kg Sg Lembing, the Orang Asli communities that belong to the Tanjung Malim parish and his encounter with them, to all those present.

The KL Group also sang the Song of A Young Prophet, as everyone went round to exchange the sign of peace with one another. Several indoor games and a colouring competition were held.

After the Closing Prayer, all adjourned to the church grounds for tea fellowship. 500 kgs of provisions were distributed to the poor Orang Asli in the Outreach.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Experiencing Hope Through the Holy Spirit was the theme for the Parish Formation Weekend for the Taiping Catholic Church, October 20 – 29. It was conducted by Fr Johny Panamthanam from the Congregation of the Society of St Paul who told the participants that “every disappointment is an appointment with God.”

SIN is definitely not a hot topic among Catholics and many would like to ignore it and dive straight into receiving blessings from the Lord. Yet, at every session, the participants were reminded that as long as we are living in sin, it will block the flow of God’s blessings, and without confession and repentance, we can never hope to experience Christ’s promise of an abundant life.

Fr Johny spoke of the healing power of Christ’s presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Each time we receive Holy Communion, Jesus enters into our hearts to liberate us from all that enslaves us. However, he warned that receiving Holy Communion without preparation by an examination of conscience, confession and repentance can lead to condemnation instead of grace. He mentioned the incident at the Last Supper when Jesus dipped the piece of bread and gave it to Judas and, as soon as Judas took the bread, ‘Satan entered into him.’ Judas’ life ended tragically because, unlike Peter, he did not confess his sin or seek forgiveness. The same thing can happen to us when we receive Holy Communion without being in a state of grace.

In the session on the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Fr Johny took the participants through a detailed analysis of the Ten Commandments, expanding on the significant effects of each sin in our lives. He compared sin to a nuclear bomb, where you suffer the effects long after the event is over. Sin can be summarised as a refusal to love God and to fulfil His mission for our life.

During the session on Inner Healing, the participants learned that character defects are rooted in how we were conceived, born and nurtured during our first year of life. The following six years are important foundational years in the life of a child as the hurt or nurturing received during that period will determine how the child will function for the rest of his/her life. He urged parents to be aware of this and to seek the root cause of a child’s difficult and problematic behaviour instead of blaming it on others. Every present problem has a past history. To be transformed, we must review our past and allow the Lord to forgive us.

Speaking about the Holy Spirit and hope, Fr Johny stated that a true believer can face the trials of this life through the power of the Holy Spirit and with hope in the Lord. As in the parable of the sower, the seed that is sown will inevitably meet with obstacles but, finally, there will be an abundant harvest. Whatever the worries, pleasures and discomforts that may come our way to choke the Word, we must persevere, and the Word, which never disappoints, will come to dwell in us.

During the talk on the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) and the Church, Fr Johny stressed that the CCR is IN the Church and FOR the Church and that its ultimate purpose is the complete renewal of Christian lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. The CCR is not confined to a particular group of people who exercise the gifts of the Spirit, but is the whole Church being energised by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The two challenges facing prayer groups today are the integration of the CCR in the life of the parish and the renewal of parish life by the CCR. The goal of the Renewal movement is to work as leaven within the Church. It cannot exist indefinitely as a specialised group, but must be integrated into the dough.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Advancement of technology in communications opens up a whole new style of information distribution to the masses and needs to be adopted by today’s media practitioners while staying true to the principle of journalism.

Rector of St Peter Claver Ranau Church, Fr Nicholas Stephen said, in this era of easy and open access to communication media, thanks to technological advances, people can share and desseminate news directly and widely.

“Towards that end, I urge the media today to engage in building constructive communication, rejecting prejudice against others and promoting the culture of fellowship, while helping us all to see the world around us in a real and convincing manner.

“I also want to convey this message to everyone, who, whether in professional work or personal relationships, to daily ‘grind’ a great deal of information with the aim of providing a useful and good intake to people with whom they communicate,” he said.

Fr Nick was speaking when officiating the SPCR Social Communication and Multimedia (SOCCOM) Mini Retreat 2017 at Kam-Kam Joyful Garden, Bongkud near here recently.

He added that it is obvious in the world today that the new media has to break the spirits of anxiety and spiralling fears that arise as people are constantly focusing on ‘bad news’ like wars, terrorism, scandals, and all kinds of human failures.

“This is the message that our Holy Father Pope Francis urges of us, to let us not be misguided deviators who neglect the tragedy of human suffering and naive optimism that blinds us to the scandal of crime,” he said.

Fr Nick urged retreat participants to look for an open and creative way of communication, which never glorifies evil but is solution-oriented and inspirational towards a positive approach.

“I urge everyone, especially media practitioners, to be ‘good news’ agents for this world we are living in today,” he said.

The one day retreat, which was attended by over 30 members of the recently formed SOCCOM SPCR, was aimed at introducing the roles of the committee within society, as well as to foster fellowship among the participants.

Also held at the retreat were talks entitled Introduction to News Writing by Clarence G Dol and Basic Media Photography by Jimmy Akau, as well as personal sharing by the participants.

At the event, themed Service Through the Media, were Franciscan Friar, Br Aiden Peter, Chairman of SOCCOM SPCR, Zebius Karim, and other committee members.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

BUKIT PADANG – The coordinator of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) of Sacred Heart Cathedral Kota Kinabalu called for fresh blood to join the ministry at its 46th anniversary dinner on 15 Nov 2017.

“There is so much to do to help the parish and the church through the Catholic Women’s League and we really need more than just 150 members to help us.  With more hands we can do more and work will be lighter,” Anita Tunggolou said in her welcoming speech.

The CWL was formed on 16 Nov 1971 with seven members and currently, it has over 130 active members.

The dinner took place at the Putera Ballroom Bukit Padang with over 800 diners including Archbishop John Wong, Archbishop Emeritus John Lee, Msgr Primus Jouil, Father Max Hontor, Father Joshua Liew,  religious sisters, aspirants and Initiation Year (IY) seminarians.

In his speech, Abp Wong warned the diners not to be trapped by  the current “instant-maggie mentality.”  He was referring to the four years it took for the CWL to spread from Stella Maris Tanjung Aru (1967) to then Sacred Heart Church (1971).

He said it “was not slow” but “wise” because the “Spirit has His own timing.”

“Our task is to focus on watering and cultivating, to make sure that the roots are not dried up and the shoots are not infested.  Listen to the Word of God and put it into practice, and the group will stay longer,” the prelate concluded.

As in the past, the coordinator gave a summary of the activities carried out by the CWL members in the past year – from cooking to works of mercy.

She presented a mock cheque of RM70,000.00 to Abp Wong for the seminarians’ fund (same as last year’s) and several tokens of appreciation to all those who were involved in the CWL in one way or another.

The dinner was interspersed with lively stage entertainment by choral or solo singing as well as lucky draws.

Earlier, some CWL members and their spouses, religious sisters, aspirants and  IY seminarians attended the Thanksgiving Mass presided by Abp Wong and concelebrated with Fr Liew at the cathedral chapel.

In a brief address after the Mass, the prelate expressed his gratitude to the CWL for the services they have rendered to the parish for 46 years and hoped they will continue to do so in the future.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu