02
Oct
Oct
Congratulations to all those who received the Sacrament of Confirmation yesterday evening!
May the Holy Spirit continue to empower you to do great things!
Article reproduced from St. Joseph’s Cathedral Kuching
Author Archives: Ken Wong
02
Oct
Oct
KENINGAU : Misa sempena dengan Hari Malaysia peringkat paroki KSFX telah diadakan. Misa yang diadakan pada 16 September 2017 ini disempurnakan oleh Rev. Fr Bonaventure bertempat di Gereja St.Maria Kepayan.
Dihadiri oleh seramai lebih kurang 150 umat sekitar Zon Kepayan dan kedatangan umat dari sekitar Paroki KSFX.
Hari Malaysia merupakan hari memperingati dimana Sabah, Sarawak dan Tanah Melayu bersatu untuk membentuk Malaysia. Tujuan Misa sempena Hari Malaysia ini diadakan adalah untuk mengungkapkan kesyukuran kepada Tuhan yang sentiasa memelihara, mengasihi dan menyertai umatNya khasnya Negara Malaysia.
Kata Fr Bonaventure dalam homilinya, keharmonian sebuah negara adalah sememangnya bermula daripada diri setiap orang. Keharmonian yang tercipta dalam diri sesorang kemudiannya memimpin kepada keharmonian dalam keluarga seterusnya dalam masyarakat dan negara.
“Sebagai pengikut Yesus yang baik, bagi menunjukkan kekitaan dan kebaikan semua kita hendaklah sentiasa memperlihatkan tanggungjawab terhadap negara kita.” sambung Fr Bonaventure.
Pn. Bibiana Steven selaku Pengerusi Zon dan wakil Tim Ajk Penganjur mengucapkan kesyukuran keatas kesempatan dan kejayaan sambutan Misa sempena Hari Malaysia. Beliau bersyukur kerana masih dapat merayakan Misa kesyukuran yang menunjukkan negara masih dalam aman dan damai. Sebelum mengakhiri ucapannya, beliau mengajak umat meraihkan Hari Malaysia dengan semangat solidriti, cintakan tanah air, saling menghargai satu sama lain dan bertukar-tukar pendapat.
Tidak ketinggalan, Timbalan MPP, En. Didacus dalam ucapannya membawa umat agar terus mendoakan negara agar semua rakyat tanpa mengira warna kulit dapat hidup aman damai. Beliau juga mengungkapkan penghargaan kepada Tim Ajk Penganjur.
Selepas Misa, lagu Negaraku dan Sabah Tanah Airku dinyanyikan oleh umat-umat dihadapan gereja sambil bendera dinaikkan. Fr Bonaventure dan umat-umat dijemput dalam jamuan kesyukuran di dewan.
Selepas Misa, lagu Negaraku dan Sabah Tanah Airku dinyanyikan oleh umat-umat dihadapan gereja sambil bendera dinaikkan. Fr Bonaventure dan umat-umat dijemput dalam jamuan kesyukuran di dewan.
Article reproduced from Diocese of Kiningau
02
Oct
Oct
Organisers and representatives of the migrant communities pose with the concelebrants after the Mass, SHC, 1 Oct 2017.
KOTA KINABALU – The Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish here celebrated the Mass for Migrants in conjunction with the local observance of Migrant Sunday on 1 Oct 2017.
The Mass was in BM while the songs, readings, and Prayer of the Father were done in the different languages – BM, English, Kadazan, Filipino, Indonesian, Korean, Bidayuh, Iban, Timorese.
Indonesian and Filipino flags were carried at the entrance procession, indicating the two largest migrant communities in the archdiocese.
Archbishop John Wong presided at the Mass concelebrated with Korean priest, Father Lorenzo Lee, a retired priest on holiday here.
In a brief address after the Mass, Abp Wong said, “We are all migrants – people on the move – as the Church terms it and therefore we are all brothers and sisters.”
In conjunction with his seventh episcopal anniversary, the Human Development Committee presented to the prelate a garland and a scrapbook of well-wishes from the people.
After the Mass, all adjourned to the right wing of the parish centre for a fellowship meal.
Earlier, the prelate celebrated the Solemnity of St Therese of Lisieux (Oct 1) with the Carmelite community at the Carmelite Chapel Kota Kinabalu. St Therese is a co-patroness of the Carmelite Monastery here, the other being Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July 16).
In an impromptu interview on the occasion of his seventh episcopal anniversary, Abp Wong said that he has learnt to trust God more deeply – in situations when all seem hopeless, God will open a door.
Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu
02
Oct
Oct
SANDAKAN – The Diocese of Sandakan hosted the third AMOS conference at the Sandakan Pastoral Centre here on 21-23 Sept 2017.
A total of 162 participants registered for the conference including 12 representatives from the Papar-Limbahau Human Development Committee (Komiti Pembangunan Insan or KPI).
The conference, held every two years on rotation basis among the three arch/dioceses of Kota Kinabalu, Keningau and Sandakan, included two bishops, 13 priests, seven religious sisters and one novice.
The objectives of the conference are to enhance the understanding of the issue of migration, to strengthen the migrant ministry, and to foster collaboration among the dioceses in this ministry.
In his homily at the opening Mass, Archbishop John Wong said the participants are like the apostle Matthew in answering the call of Jesus without a second thought. He hoped that when they return to their respective parishes, they will continue to bring Christ’s mercy to those they encounter, especially the migrants, touching their hearts with kindness, love and mercy, notwithstanding the challenges and criticism they will receive from parishioners at times as well as misunderstanding from the communities.
The two-day programme saw the presentation and discussion on several topics namely:
- Human Rights Defence (Pembelaan Maruah Insan: Dasar Pelayanan Migran) by Romo Lukas from the Diocese of Larantuka.
- The Reality of Migrant Ministry in Local Church (Realiti Pelayanan Migran dalam Gereja Lokal) by Bishop Julius Gitom from the pastoral perspective and Jellferlyne Joseph from personal perspective.
- Migration in peace, legal and dignified (Bermigrasi secara aman, legal dan bermartabat I) by Indonesian Councillor Bapa Krishna Djelani and Malaysian Magistrate Elsie Primus.
- Migration in peace, legal and dignified (Bermigrasi secara aman, legal dan bermartabat II) by Romo Lukas from the Early Church perspective.
- Moving Together as a Purposeful Church (Bergerak Bersama sebagai “Gereja Tujuan”), a written report on AMOS-2 and its follow through by the three dioceses and the current recommendation and resolution which will be documented and later forward to the three dioceses for their implementation and follow-up.
The conference participants had a cultural night filled with traditional dances from various ethnic communities from Indonesia, Philippines, Sabah and Sarawak as well as entertaining drama sketch from the Indonesian community.
It coincided with the World Migrant Sunday 2017 which is normally celebrated between the last week of September and the first week of October, with the theme “Minor Migrants, Vulnerable and Voiceless”.
The final day saw a consensus from the three dioceses to address and implement the suggested recommendation and resolution in stages. – William Charles Mindus (SOCCOM Papar Limbahau)
Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu
29
Sep
Sep
The Franciscan Sisters, led by Sr Grace Deosing, sing their song of farewell to the late Sr Alphonsus Low at the Stella Maris Church Tg Aru before her body was brought to the Mile 4.5 Catholic Cemetery Jalan Penampang Lama for burial, 29 Sept 2017. Near the coffin are the three nieces and one nephew who flew in from Singapore and Perth Sept 28.
TANJUNG ARU – Over 60 Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (FSIC) led by Superior General Sister Grace Deosing bade final farewell to Sister Alphonsus Low, at the Stella Maris Church here on 29 Sept 2017, her 79th birth anniversary.
Singapore-born Low died peacefully on Sept 26 at KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital Likas. The wake was held at Stella Maris Hostel Tg Aru where she had been taking care of the boarders.
Archbishop John Wong presided at the funeral Mass at the parish church. Concelebrating with him were Msgr Primus Jouil, Father Johnny Raju, Father Tony Mojiwat, Father Wiandigool Runsab and two Korean priests.
In his homily, Abp Wong paid tribute to the deceased’s lifelong fidelity to her vocation as a religious and as a teacher. Her first posting in 1958 was at Stella Maris Primary School before she joined the Franciscan Sisters in 1961. Her last posting was at Stella Maris Secondary School as principal (1981-1989). After her retirement from teaching, she took charge of the hostel for students.
Over 300 people turned up for the funeral Mass, among whom were several of her former students. Three nieces, two nephews, and a nephew-in-law flew in from Perth and Singapore on Sept 28 even though one of the nephews had to leave early on the day of the funeral.
Fr Mojiwat officiated the rite of burial at Mile 4.5 Catholic Cemetery Jalan Penampang Lama.
Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu
29
Sep
Sep
| OBITUARY Monsignor Anthony Thomas Date of Birth: 22nd Oct 1937 Date of Ordination: 2nd Feb 1965 Date of Demise: 24th Sept 2017 |
Monsignor Anthony Thomas (aged 80), who served in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur from 1965 till his retirement in June 2013, passed away peacefully on 24th September at 2.30pm at the Little Sisters of the Poor Home for the Aged, Cheras, where he had been residing since his retirement.
Monsignor Thomas was a gifted and proficient musician who had contributed greatly to the repertoire of hymns, responsorial psalm musical settings and mass ordinaries widely used in the local Church and beyond. He is also fondly remembered as a ‘great builder of community centres’.
The late Monsignor Thomas served as parish priest in the following parishes in the archdiocese:
1. Church of St Joseph, Sentul (1971 to 1972; 1976 to 1982 and from 1982 to 1991)
2. Church of the Visitation, Seremban (1991 to 1998)
3. Church of the Sacred Heart, Jln Peel (1998 to 2008)
4. Church of St Aloysius, Mantin (2008 to May 2013)
To honour his many years of faithful service to the Church, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI conferred him the ‘Honorary Prelate’ in December 2010, which carries with it the privilege to use the honorific ‘Monsignor.’ The official investiture ceremony was held on Jan 9, 2011 at the Cathedral of St John, Kuala Lumpur.
The details of the funeral and the wake of the late Monsignor Anthony Thomas are as follows:
The body is lying in state at the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Jln Peel, Kuala Lumpur.
Wake and Vigil Mass will be held on Mon, 25th Sept and Tues, 26th Sept at 8.00pm. The funeral will be held on Wed, 27th Sept at 11.00am at the Church of the Sacred Heart, and thereafter for burial at Kajang Catholic cemetery.
His Grace, Most Rev Julian Leow, the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur and the clergy of the Archdiocese, extend condolences to the family of Monsignor Anthony Thomas in this time of loss and assures them of our fraternal prayers and support.
Father Michael Chua
Acting Chancellor
Archdiocesan Chancery
Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online
29
Sep
Sep
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
29
Sep
Sep
Monsignor Anthony Thomas, known fondly as a ‘Psalmist’ and ‘Great Builder of Community Centres,’ passed away on September 24, 2017 at the age of 80. He will be memorialised through his music and the parish community centres which he built during his tenure as parish priest in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur.
Psalm 104:33 – “I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live” probably best describes the passion which the late Msgr Thomas had and which resulted in him painstakingly composing the Psalter with musical notes for the Church’s three-year liturgical cycle. The compilation which covered all Sundays, Solemnities and Major Feasts of the Liturgical Year (Years A, B and C), was a result of more than 10 years of labour and love.
In an interview with HERALD in 2000, the late monsignor had explained how the Book of Psalms has always held a special interest for him. “The Psalms, which can be found in the Old Testament and recalled in the New Testament, hold a significant and very important role in the history of the Church. The Psalms were the prayers of Israel in the Old Testament, in which God inspired the feeling that His children ought to have towards Him and the words they ought to use when speaking to Him.
The Psalms are the official prayer of Israel. It is also the prayer of Jesus. They were recited by Jesus Himself, by the Virgin Mary, the apostles and the early martyrs. Psalms form the foundation of Christian liturgical prayer used by countless religious, priests and deacons, as well as an increasing number of laity. It is our prayer. It is the prayer of the Church.
“What actually pushed me to try and find my own way of composing something was that I was motivated by Vatican Council II. In the process of Liturgical restoration, Vatican Council II has highlighted the Responsorial Psalms in the Liturgy as an “integral part of the Word of God” (cf General Instruction on the Roman Missal No 36 S.C.)
“It re-emphasises the place and role of the Responsorial Psalms in the liturgy. The Responsorial Psalms are strictly the people’s response to God Who speaks to them. The emphasis that the Responsorial Psalms are an integral part of the Word of God means that the Psalms cannot be omitted. They have to find a place to be proclaimed.
“The people’s response can be in the form of a chant. Chanting is a common feature in our Asian culture. This form of meditation impresses me a lot and I am proud of it because I am an Asian. It then became my desire to put these ‘chants’ into music.
“Over the years, as a priest, I have been noticing that not much justice has been done in respecting the proper role of chanting the Psalms in parishes. It is not anybody’s fault, but no ideal guide or book had been made available in their hands.
“When I sit to compose my music for the Psalms, it is not directed to any particular group. My audience or target group is the general gathering of God’s people on Sundays. This includes everyone — old, young, youths and little children. This is where the Church meets.
“My musical compositions are an expression of my feelings and my understanding of the Psalms. I do not deny other ways of expressing the Psalms because any composition is the expression of an individual. The way I understand, the way I feel about it, whether in song or music, or even in dramas, is the expression of an individual. It is my way of saying, ‘This is how I look at it, this is how I understand it’.”
Today, many parishes continue to use Msgr Thomas’ notes which have also been translated into Tamil and Mandarin.
Msgr Thomas was also a firm believer that every church should have its own parish hall/centre and he set out to build multi-purpose parish community centres which earned him the title of ‘Great Builder of Community Centres’. His legacies still stand tall at the Churches of St Joseph Sentul, Visitation, Seremban and Sacred Heart of Jesus, Jalan Peel. The parish community of St Aloysius, Mantin, where he served prior to his retirement, have him to thank for giving their church building a much-needed refurbishment. Born in the East Coast town of Kuantan on October 22, 1937, Msgr Thomas was the eldest son in a family of 5 boys and 6 girls. Described as quiet and shy, he displayed a musical inclination, picking up the harmonica and guitar. His affinity for music continued over the years and he soon mastered the organ, piano and violin.
As a young boy, Msgr Thomas was fortunate to encounter several priests in his life — all of whom inspired him in one way or another to contemplate the priesthood. He joined the minor seminary in Singapore in the late 1950s and was later sent to College General major seminary in Penang to complete his studies. On February 2, 1965, he was ordained to the priesthood, together with Fr Daniel Lim (who also went on to become a monsignor) at the Cathedral of St John in Kuala Lumpur.
Not long after his ordination, the young Fr Thomas was sent to India by Archbishop Dominic Vendargon to study Tamil. Upon his return after nearly a year, he was assigned to the Church of St Joseph, Sentul, as assistant priest. During this time, he began to promote the new Tamil hymns, which he had brought from India, to the predominantly Tamilspeaking community in Sentul. He also tried his hand at composing music for the liturgy, starting with the Tamil version of ‘Lord Have Mercy.’ This was used in the estates and soon incorporated in the Sunday morning Tamil Mass at the Church of St Joseph. In 1969, the first Tamil Liturgical Hymn book entitled Poosai Padalgal was published and made available to parishes throughout Peninsular Malaysia.
In 1973, Msgr Thomas was sent to Rome for studies where he obtained his Licentiate in Sacred Liturgy. He was later appointed as Chairman of the Archdiocesan Liturgy Commission where he organised formation programmes at archdiocesan level. Apart from that, he continued to compose music for use during the Liturgy.
Having spent a number of years at the parish of St Joseph, Msgr Thomas was posted to the Church of the Visitation in Seremban in 1991, where he served as parish priest until 1998. This was followed by a seven- year tenure at the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Peel Road before his final posting to the Church of St Aloysius, Mantin in 2008.
To honour his many years of faithful service to the Church, His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI conferred on him the ‘Honorary Prelate’ in December 2010, which carries with it the privilege to use the honorific ‘Monsignor.’
Due to his failing health, Msgr Thomas retired in June 2013 and took up residence at the Little Sisters of the Poor, Cheras.
Wherever he served, Msgr Thomas was much loved by the parish community because of his simplicity, generosity and dedication to his work as a priest. He has certainly left an indelible mark in the lives of many and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online
29
Sep
Sep
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
28
Sep
Sep
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