Author Archives: Ken Wong

South Johor Vicariate BEC Coordinators and their core teams gathered for their Core Team Assembly at Majodi on Oct 7.

The vision of the BEC Animation and Formation Team (BECAFT) Melaka-Johor Diocese is to have BECs rooted in Christ and to help parishes transform into a Communion of Communities. Thus, the aim of the assembly was to foster dialogue among participants and to revitalize their commitment to their BECs in accordance with the MJ Diocesan Option 2016-2020.

The programme for the day centred on the 4E strategy; Encountered, Enlightened, Empowered and Evangelising.

The first session saw participants getting to know each other through a song activity to share about themselves.

This was followed by reflecting on His Word taken from Luke 19:1-10 about Zaccheus’ encounter with Jesus. “Salvation has come to this house today, for this man is also a true son of Abraham,” and in Mark 10:17- 22, Jesus’ encounter with the rich man, “Then come and follow me.” Participants shared on how the Holy Spirit strengthens them to forgive trespasses, commit to doing His work and to be excited about our faith!

Bishop Bernard Paul continued with session two, on Enlightened. He commented that the rich man in Mark 10:17-22 lacked patience. It is our impatience that makes us lose sight of how God is in control. He went on to explain the journey of the BEC, from when it started in 1976, to its current form and function. He stressed that the BEC provides the opportunity for all Catholics to serve, regardless of status. In serving, we discover our potential and that of others. Bishop Bernard Paul called upon us to be witnesses of our faith — a spark that ignites the fire of the Word, especially to ‘the least, the lost, the lame, the lepers and the little.’

He also suggested that in addition to electing leaders, we must also identify new leaders and provide them a conducive environment to grow.

Session three focused on how we are Empowered by Jesus to be leaders in our BECs and, in turn, empower our members to participate actively. The text from Hebrews 10:23-25 exhorts us to “Hold fast to our hope without wavering… spur one another to love and good works… encourage one another.” The text from Ephesians 3:14- 20 sees St Paul’s prayer for us, “May He strengthen in you the inner self through His Spirit… may Christ dwell in your hearts…”

Each participant made a paper outline of their hand and wrote key phrases taken from either text in it, as a personal commitment of how they would exercise their special gifts in their BECs.

The fourth and final session on Evangelising concluded with Mass. Bishop Bernard Paul reminded all present that everyone has the opportunity to evangelise in any environment — on campus, at the market place. We can evangelise by our attitude, actions and way of life. He also advised all participants to open their hearts to the Lord, “know me, teach me, strengthen me and send me.”

Head of BECAFT, Francis Ong, echoed this sentiment with this parting statement, “everything is done by God but nothing is done without us.”

We were then commissioned by Bishop Bernard Paul to be the Light of Christ in our BECs.

Participants were from the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (JB), the Church of the Immaculate Conception (JB), Church of St Joseph (Plentong), Church of St Theresa (Masai), Skudai Catholic Centre (Skudai), Church of the Holy Family (Ulu Tiram) and Church of Christ the King (Kulai).

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

SINGAPORE: Fr Jean Marie Bosc, M.E.P., Professor, then Rector of College General, Penang from 1956 to 1970, passed away in France on October 2, 2017. He was 89 years of age.

Fr Bosc arrived at College on Nov 1, 1956 as a professor. He was the last MEP rector from 1966 to 1971.

In July 1971, he left for France for medical treatment. We keep him in our prayers.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

By Bernard Anthony
The Church of St Theresa celebrated the 80th anniversary of its establishment (1937 – 2017) and the 120th death anniversary of its Patron Saint, St Therese of the Child Jesus (also known as St Thérèse of Lisieux) (02/01/1873 – 30/09/1897). The parish celebrations began on September 21 and culminated on September 30, with a procession in honour of St Theresa.

Joining in the procession, after the Rosary and Novena prayers were Melacca-Johore Diocese Bishop Bernard Paul, parish priest Fr Adrian Francis Mathews and Permanent Deacon Offic Joseph Veangany, with close to 800 faithful.

After the procession, the multi-lingual Mass began in the church. Bishop Bernard Paul was the presider and preacher on September 30. The theme was Be Disciples of Hope. The prelate preached in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Tamil.

After Mass, Fr Adrian thanked all for coming to join in the celebration. He also thanked the prelate for his presence. Fr Adrian also expressed his appreciation to his parishioners who did a splendid job to make the anniversary celebrations meaningful and wonderful.

Fr Adrian appealed to all present for funds as the church is in dire need of repair and renovation. The parish is currently waiting for approval from the local council before renovation works can be carried out.

Many bought the ‘Help Build Our Future — Donate a Brick’ tickets at RM10/- each, to donate towards the fund raising project.

Dinner was held in the parish hall and grounds. As the faithful feasted on nasi briyani, there was a presentation of songs to keep the guests entertained. As Fr Adrian also marked his second Sacerdotal Anniversary on Oct 1, 2017, the parishioners brought out an anniversary cake. Bishop Bernard Paul and everyone present sang Happy Anniversary.

Today, after 80 years, the composition of the once mainly Indian parishioners includes Sabahans and Sarawakians. More than 1,000 faithful come here for worship.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

PAPAR – A pre-marriage seminar organised by the parish Christian Family Committee here drew 20 couples.

The seminar was held on 20-21 Oct 2017 at Fr John Tsung Hall.

The programme began with a Bible Enthronement by Father Rayner Bisius, followed by his presentation entitled; Marriage in the Context of The Catholic Church, and Marriage in God’s Plan/Sacrament of Marriage.

The second day began with a session by Richard and Grace Lim on Communication in Marriage.

Dominic Lim presented Theology of the Body while Joseph Sipalan gave a talk on infectious diseases.

After tea break, Judith Sideh presented Economics in the Family in accordance with the Bible.

The afternoon session continued with a workshop session on Responsibilities of Christian Parents in a Family, moderated by the PPC Chairman, Johnny Sitamin.

The 40 participants were divided into two men and two women groups, where they discussed and presented the chosen topic on what are the responsibilities of husband/wife after marriage?

The final session dealt with Natural Family Planning Approach with a practicum on the process of charting.

After Sunset Mass, the participants returned for the summary and Q&A session handled by Jeffery Anjuman, chairman of the family life committee.

The seminar ended with a certificate presenting ceremony to the participants by Margaret Lee, coordinator of Christian Family Committee, and a group photo session. – William Charles Mindus

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KOTA MARUDU – After a year of learning English, a group of learners from St Peter Claver Parish decided to celebrate the completion of their “English for Beginners” programme with a two-day trip to Serinsim Park here on 12-13 Oct 2017.

The group was accompanied by their tutors, the parish staff, SOCCOM members, Franciscan Sister Caroline Duli, and OFM Friar Aiden Peter Jr.

The trip was filled with laughter, jokes, splashes, barbeque, companionship, singing, hiking, prayer and sharing.

“We had a fantastic time. We all really enjoyed the event and everyone had great fun. The location was also excellent and it really suited us. The food was addictively delicious – all in all, it worked out very well and we were very happy with the thanksgiving event,” Sr Caroline said.

The parish organised the course from July 2016 to August 2017 for 40 participants.  However, only 12 were able to graduate from it.

Hilda Lajip, one of the participants, said she realised how fun writing can be in a different language.

“I’ve learned different writing techniques which are currently helping me. The writing techniques I have learned so far are how to organise and plan a paper which is comprehensible, related to subject matter and logical to the readers. I also have learned how to analyse, critique and evaluate resources, and finally how to express and translate the main idea of a subject matter. I strongly believe it is very beneficial for all of us. Because not only this course prepares you for your academic writing, but they also teach and prepare you well for your future. I would like to thank all my tutors for all their hard work, and making writing in a different language more fun for me and my classmates,” said Lajip.

Rayner Sausun also shared that it can be both easy and fun to learn English grammar if one goes about it with a positive attitude, an open mind and a clear goal for the learning experience.

For example, he said, what is the purpose of the student who wants to learn English grammar? Is it for school or to enhance work opportunities in the global economy? In order to succeed at work, it is almost a necessity to learn English grammar if one wants to be part of the greater global economy. In addition, if one wishes to attend school in an English-speaking country, one needs to understand the English language and learn English grammar in a way that will allow him or her to communicate with native English speakers both effectively and professionally.

Sausun added that a goal needs to be set as far as the time commitment that will be necessary to learn English grammar.

Friar Aiden Peter Jr  used the opportunity to reflect on the benefit of learning another language.

He said, “There are lots of good reasons to learn English, from the professional to the personal. It is one of the six official languages of the United Nations, and more than 67 countries have English as their official or native language, more than any other language in the world. The majority of electronic communication is in English – being able to read and write emails is a big advantage. In addition, learning a language can give you a great sense of personal achievement and fulfilment. Some of the world’s best music, films, and TV shows are in English. Understanding the language will give you a better appreciation of these cultural highlights. Furthermore, speaking English will help you meet all kinds of people and make great friends especially with Ranau being a tourist spot. I hope that the English programme will continue to be a perfect jewel of an experience for all.”  – friar aiden peter jr ofm

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

MACAU – Judges of the Veritas Cup, a Chinese hymn-writing competition, have praised a marked improvement in the quality of this year’s entries.

Some hymns were accompanied by music played on the Guqin, an ancient Chinese zither-like stringed instrument.

Although the competition was judged in mid-July, an awards ceremony and Holy Music Festival is to be held in Macau from 27-29 Oct 2017 at the Macau Diocesan Social Communication Centre.

A special Mass has been organized and Bishop Stephen Lee Bun-sang of Macau will present the awards.

The winner is a Malaysian contestant for a hymn called “God is Love.”

“Thanks for Your Hug” by a contestant from Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province was first runner-up and “Shepherd in the Mountain” from Taichung, Taiwan, came third.

The distinguished judging panel of five Chinese-speaking musicians considered over 200 entries.

So Kai-yi from Taiwan, the chairwoman of the jury, told ucanews.com Oct 25 that one criterion was how well hymns reflected Christian faith.

Malaysia’s “God is Love” was deemed the winner after heated debate amongst the judges.

Competition judge Wu Jiagong, principal of Guangqi Music School in Shanghai Diocese, noted that some entries were performed in an ancient Chinese chanting style.

However, Wu admitted that the bulk of mainland Chinese composers had yet to catch up with other entrants, including from Malaysia, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

He added, however, that new Church music talent is emerging in China.

Judge Wu Ru-ran, a conductor from Taiwan, said traditional influences such as folk songs and operas should not be ignored.

“In addition to composing our works via our own experiences and emotions, we need to think more about the relationship between oneself with the earth and God,” he advised.

Wu noted that the “treasure” of Western Catholic music was accumulated over hundreds of years.

Themes of this year’s entries ranged from saints to family, children, religious orders and worship as well as the sharing of faith.

Judges highly praised a hymn about an area of Guangdong Province called “Son of Jiangcheng — Calling” composed by Father Han Bo of Jinzhong Diocese in China’s Shanxi Province.

A Gregorian chant with a typical melody played on the Guqin, the hymn tells of how a teenager responded to a call from God by dedicating himself to religious life.

It is the second Veritas Cup. The first contest in 2013 attracted 182 entries, with 16 percent coming from overseas Chinese communities. – ucanews.com

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

Kemuncak penutupan program ini diakhiri dengan acara “Malam Tematik‟ yang mempersembahkan sebuah lakonan yang menyampaikan mesej yang tersendiri menurut tema HWK-19, “Karena Yang Mahakuasa telah melakukan perbuatan-perbuatan besar kepadaku dan nama-Nya adalah kudus‟ – Lukas 1:49. Semoga pelajar – pelajar Katolik Kampus yang telah menghadiri HWK ke 19 ini lebih dimantapkan iman mereka dan apa yang telah diperolehi akan dapat di kongsikan bersama dengan para pelajar Katolik kampus yang berada diKeuskupan Sandakan.

Gambar kenangan bersama – sama perwakilan dari Keuskupan Sandakan

Theressa Maria berdiri di tempat yang ke – 4 dari kiri dan berbaju warna light  blue.

Article reproduced from Dicocese of Sandakan 

SAKILAN DESA – Program Rasa Sayang – Sayang (RSS) telah diadakan di kapela St. Yohanes Pembaptis, Sekilan Desa pada 7 sehingga 8 Oktober 2017. Program yang bertemakan “kerana yang Mahakuasa telah melakukan perbuatan-perbuatan yang besar kepadaku dan namaNya adalah kudus” (Lukas 1:49) telah dihadiri seramai 36 orang muda Katolik disekitar Sakilan Desa dan dari Komuniti Besar Keluarga Indonesia (KBKI).

Antara wajah-wajah peserta

Program RSS ini merupakan ilham dan inisiatif para belia di Sekilan Desa yang dipimpin oleh Saudara Paulus Kopong dan saudari Marselina Kornelis yang bertujuan untuk mengeratkan lagi hubungan persahabatan antara belia dan membawa belia untuk lebih mengenali Yesus, Bonda Maria dan asal usul keturunan keluarga sendiri dengan lebih mendalam.

Pelbagai aktiviti dan sesi yang telah dijalankan sepanjang program ini. Antaranya adalah doa Taize, perkongsian dalam kumpulan dan renungan secara peribadi, aktiviti berkumpulan dan “Outdoor Games”.

Aktivti dalam kumpulan “Persembahan Lakonan”

Outdoor Games

Doa Taize

“Siapa Tuhan Yesus bagi saya?” merupakan sesi yang pertama yang telah disampaikan oleh Sr. Lilian Unsoh fsic, selaku pembantu Penasihat Rohani Kerasulan Belia Keuskupan Sandakan. Sesi kedua iaitu “Siapakah Bonda Maria?” telah dikongsikan oleh saudari Maria Fatimah, yang merupakan seorang rasul awam yang melayani umat di Keluarga Besar Katolik Indonesia (KBKI). Sesi ketiga yang bertajuk “Gereja adalah satu Panggilan, Gereja adalah Apostolik” telah disampaikan oleh saudari Anna Teresa. Dalam sesi yang ke 3 ini, saudari Anna mengambil kesempatan untuk mengingatkan kepada anak – anak muda perantau agar tidak melupakan identiti serta asal – usul diri kerana identiti ini juga merupakan anugerah Tuhan dan perlu dihargai.

Para Penyampai Sesi Sr. Lilian (kiri), Saudari Maria Fatimah (tengah) dan Saudari Anna (kanan)

Melalui program ini, kerohanian dan jasmani para peserta dapat disegarkan dan dikuatkan. Hubungan antara sesama juga telah terbina dan semakin erat melalui aktiviti – aktiviti berkumpulan. Selain itu, keyakinan diri pada para belia juga dapat dimantapkan melalui sesi-sesi dan aktviti-aktiviti sepanjang program ini. Melihat kepada sokongan dan penerimaan positif dari para belia dan pemimpin Gereja Sakilan Desa, program RSS ini, diharapkan dapat diteruskan agar pembentukan iman dapat ditingkatkan dan persahabatan dapat diteguhkan.

Bergambar kenangan bersama selepas Ibadat Sabda

Article reproduced from Dicocese of Sandakan 

LAHAD DATU: Silam Catholic Youth Apostolate (SCYA) telah mengadakan sebuah Program Kem Belia Alpha yang berlangsung selama 3 hari 2 malam bermula pada 6hb Oktober hingga 8h Oktober 2017. Kem ini diadakan di Borneo Paradise Eco Farm Resort, Kunak. Seramai 53 orang telah menyertai program ini. Antaranya ialah peserta dari Our Lady of Pilar Silam dan St. Nicholas Tampenau.

Objektif di dalam Alpha Belia ini adalah agar para belia mengalami keintiman dengan Yesus, bukan sahaja mengalaminya namun juga untuk memperbaiki hubungan ini, serta bertumbuh di dalamnya.

Kem ini termasuklah 10 sesi yang diambil daripada tajuk-tajuk Kem Alpha (Siapakah Yesus?, Mengapakah Yesus Wafat? Bagaimanakah saya yakin dengan Iman saya? Mengapa dan Bagaimanakah saya berdoa? Mengapa dan Bagaimanakah saya membaca Alkitab? Siapakah Roh Kudus dan Apakah yang dilakukan oleh Roh Kudus? Bagaimanakah saya boleh dipenuhi Roh Kudus? Bagaimanakah saya boleh mengatasi kejahatan? dan Adakah Tuhan masih menyembuhkan masa kini?).
Selain daripada itu, perkongsian dalam kumpulan, Puji dan Sembah, doa berkumpulan(sesi penyembuhan), Faith in Action (FIA), dan Journey To Unity (“Amazing Race”).  Bukan itu saja, sesi pertobatan dan pemeriksaan hati nurani juga telah disampaikan oleh Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Pongking diikuti dengan sesi Sakramen Rekonsiliasi. Tidak lupa juga Rev. Fr. Simon Kontou yang telah mengadakan Misa Ekaristi dan telah menyampaikan homili yang sangat baik.

Melalui kem ini, telah membawa sesuatu yang luar biasa dan telah mengubah ramai peserta. Semestinya perubahan tersebut merupakan sesuatu yang sangat baik. Puji Tuhan!

Testimoni peserta:

Mereka bersyukur dan berterima kasih kerana melalui program ini, semua orang sangat “sporting”, semakin kenal antara satu sama yang lain, gembira kerana mendapat kawan baru. Mereka juga telah belajar dengan betul bagaimana untuk berdoa, membuka Alkitab, mendapat banyak pengetahuan melalui sesi-sesi yang telah disampaikan. Mereka berharap agar dapat menguatkan dan mengukuhkan iman mereka.

Mereka juga bersyukur kerana telah diberi peluang untuk menyertai program ini dan membuat mereka mendapat sentuhan dari kuasa Roh Kudus lebih-lebih lagi semasa sesi penyembuhan. Ini membuatkan mereka menyedari bahawa hari tersebut adalah hari yang paling indah bagi mereka apalagi bagi yang pertama kali menyertai program seperti ini.

Mereka juga sangat terharu dan gembira kerana bukan saja dapat memperbaiki komunikasi dan hubungan dengan komuniti/kawan-kawan tetapi juga dengan Tuhan serta membawa diri lebih dekat dengan Tuhan. Mereka sangat merasai kehadiran dan jamahan Roh Kudus bekerja di dalam diri mereka.

Ternyata semua usaha, jerih payah dan segala kesulitan untuk menjayakan kem ini tidak sia-sia. Terima kasih kami ucapkan kepada Saudara Billy M. Socobos yang telah memperkenalkan program Alpha ini kepada kami sejak berbulan yang lalu sehingga kami dapat menjayakan program ini. Tidak lupa juga mengucapkan jutaan terima kasih dan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan kepada mereka yang telah menyokong dan membantu dalam menjayakan program ini; kepada Paderi Paroki, Fr.Simon Kontou dan Fr. Marcelinus Pongking (St.Dominic), kepada KUK, Pengerusi KKD San Juan Silam, KWK dan komuniti Our Lady of Pilar Silam Chapel, kepada para penaja, penceramah, Senior Alpha Kajang, dan kepada keluarga yang telah membantu dalam menyediakan makanan dan keperluan kami, Belia St.Nicholas Tampenau dan seterusnya kepada SCYA team ministry.

Tuhan sungguh baik ! Alleluia !

Article reproduced from Dicocese of Sandakan 

“We come with one heart and as one family to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary,” Fr Lawrence Ng CDD said, at the Feastday Triduum of the Church of the Holy Rosary (HRC) on October 7, 2017. The triduum, with the theme Be Disciples of Hope, was celebrated from October 5 to 7. Fr Clement Lim preached on Day One. He said our duty is to spread the Kingdom of God. “Are you hopeless or hopeful people? You might share gossip, but do you share the Good News?

“To be a disciple is not easy. We need to experience God in our lives.

“As disciples of hope, we not only pray, but need to put the words of God in our lives. You are the one to continue His work today. Can I build His Kingdom? If you see one loving family or society, that means Jesus is with us. He comes into our reality. Do not be afraid. We all go through trials but bear it for the Lord,” Fr Lim reiterated.

Hundreds of faithful came for the last day of the triduum. The Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated by Fr Ng, with HRC parish priest Fr Joachim Tan concelebrating.

A procession with the statue of Our Lady of the Rosary was held after Mass.

Earlier, in his homily, preached in both English and Mandarin, Fr Ng said, a year ago in October 2016, there was a large gathering of bishops, clergy, religious and laity for the Peninsular Malaysia Pastoral Convention (PMPC) IV. He recalled this important event because it is related to our theme, Be Disciples of Hope.

Fr Ng said there were four great concerns from the findings of PMPC IV. First Islamisation. Catholics must be well established in their own faith in order not to be confused by conflicting religious teaching.

The second concern was Globalisation. The whole world has become a village. When there is a major incident in one place, the whole world will know of it in minutes.

The third concern: Secularisation. The belief that there is probably no God and so we should stop worrying and just enjoy life. Fr Ng said this makes people forget their faith and spirituality and it has become a major concern.

The fourth concern: Corruption, which includes Malaysia. In society, in the world and even in the Church, there is corruption. The priest from the Church of St Ignatius in Petaling Jaya challenged the congregation and asked them how we can face all these concerns.

He said PMPC IV suggested three ways. First, Be Creative. We need to maximize the usage of technology. Fr Ng said that he uses slides in his homily to help convey the message. Once you get the message, you can change and be a light to the world.

The second way is Being Inclusive. We must be inclusive. Accept and welcome everyone, especially in the church. We are the Church, which is supposed to be loving, welcoming and empowering the laity. We are all children of God. We are here to proclaim the Good News to others. Jesus challenges us to re-live our faith in our lives.

Fr Ng said that the third way is Bridge-building, where we need to dialogue with others, especially inter religious-dialogue.

Speaking on the day’s theme, Be Disciples of Hope, he said that, despite all the challenges and problems, “Step out and be proud to be Catholics. Be missionary disciples. Go out and spread the Good News. Tell others that Jesus loves you. God is love. We are called to be missionaries.

“When you receive Holy Communion, Jesus comes into your heart. You are supposed to bring this Jesus to others. By our baptism, we all are called to be missionary disciples.”

Benediction was held in the Church after the procession. All present were feted to a dinner fellowship in Dewan John Hsiong as a conclusion to the celebration.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online