Author Archives: Ken Wong

KOTA KINABALU – Keningau prelate testified to God’s love, presence, and protection in his 25 years as bishop.

In  a testimony released 16 Apr 2018, Bishop Cornelius Piong said:

“I know He (God) loves me because in spite of my unworthiness, He calls me to serve Him through the people He has entrusted to me to serve, Keningau Diocese.

“I know that He is with me because without Him I don’t think I can serve the people entrusted to me with joy and perseverance for 25 years in spite of the challenges that I had to go through.

“I know that He protects me from the power of sin and sustains me in spite of my weaknesses.  His divine mercy always gives hope.”

Born in Kuala Penyu on 1 July 1949, Piong was ordained priest on 27 Mar 1977.  He was serving at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Kota Kinabalu when he was appointed bishop of the newly created Keningau Diocese on 2 Feb 1993.  His episcopal ordination and installation took place on 6 May 1993 at the Katedral St Francis Xavier Keningau.

In the past 25 years, Keningau Diocese has grown and developed by leaps and bounds.  Not only has the Catholic population increased (56,852 [1993] to 135,544 [2016]) but the diocese has become a spiritual powerhouse through its two retreat centres in Tatal and Purun and a family pilgrimage site in Nulu Sosopon.  Moreover, it has many vocations to the priestly and religious life (7 priests [1993] to 19 [2016]); 2 religious institutes [1993] to 5 religious institutes and 2 secular institutes [2017]).

What has the silver jubilarian learnt about himself down the years?

“I have learnt that in spite of doubts, I need to be convinced that God loves me, cares for me, and protects me.  Through prayers, His words, Eucharist and community, His call, His presence, and His protection, become a reality and a source of strength and joy in serving Him,” the prelate said.

Moreover, he continued, “I have learnt that commitment cannot be taken for granted” and that he needs to “focus and refocus on Jesus who calls, sends, and sustains me.”

This, he found, can only be done when he makes time to listen and to speak to the Lord through His word, adoration, and pastoral responsibilities in teaching, leading and sanctifying.

He acknowledged that it is the Holy Spirit who enables him to choose to serve the Lord.

“I have also learnt that on my own I am nothing.  It is only in union with Jesus that I am able to be His instrument and be the channel of His presence to the people entrusted to me,” the silver jubilarian said.

He expressed his gratitude to the Lord for His divine mercy and the Holy Spirit that “enables me to be united to Him, faithful to Him and stays with Him.”

The silver jubilee celebration will begin with a dinner at 6:30 pm at the Dewan Keluarga Kudus Pusat Ziarah Keluarga Kudus Nulu Sosopon on Friday, May 4, and ends with a fellowship at Dewan MPP Katedral SFX Keningau after the Thanksgiving Mass at 10 am at Dewan Solidariti Dataran Keuskupan Keningau on Saturday, May 5.

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

Members of the Bethel English Prayer Community (BEPC), or better known as the English Prayer Meeting, took off to the retreat centre at Bundu Tuhan on 9-11 Feb 2018, to rejuvenate and strengthen themselves for another year of activities.

Of the 40 participants, some are currently serving in the ministry while others are those who have responded to the invitation to serve in the BEPC in the year ahead.

Though the prayer meeting has existed since 1974, it has been through many memorable moments, as well as challenging ones.

Currently, the BEPC, with Carlos Cordova as the interim coordinator, is acting as a caretaker for the prayer community pending the expiry of the current leadership to pave way for the election of new leaders this year.

BEPC also paid a courtesy visit to Father Paul Lo as the new assistant parish priest and introduced themselves to him at the close of last year.

Apart from the weekly Praise and Worship, sharing and in-house talks, BEPC also has a special ministry that caters for benevolent prayers, hospital visits and other spiritual outreach for the members. All are invited to join the BEPC for a time of praise and worship every Friday at 8:00 pm at the Sacred Heart Parish Centre, Room F7.

The Bethel English Prayer Community is one of 70 plus ministry/community groups that are flourishing in the Sacred Heart Cathedral parish.

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KOTA KINABALU – The role of the Alumni of St Francis Convent Schools (SFCS) in completing the construction of the new St Francis Convent School (SFCSS) was highlighted at the 4th Franciscan Night on 14 Apr 2018.

In his message, Archbishop John Wong, adviser to SFCS Board of Governors, noted that it is the school’s motto Amare et Servire (Love and Service) which led the Alumni as well as the building and fundraising committees to “see the completion of the new secondary school.”

He expressed his hope that the schools and alumni members be united as “one big family of Franciscans” able to assist and cater to the many needs of the schools and bring them to “greater heights” in the students’ academic and spiritual development.

In her speech, Alumni president Datuk Aminah Ambrose (Class 1975) acknowledged the hard work of the alumni in organised the previous three annual dinners, which were all about fundraising, classroom pledges, and ribbon-cutting ceremonies involving donors.

However, she said that the fundraising effort is not over yet as the school is “not complete without furnishings and equipment for the classrooms and special rooms.”  So she called on alumni members for their continual support to meet the school’s needs.

Ambrose took the opportunity to thank immediate past principal Pang Shat Muai for her support of the alumni’s projects and to welcome new principal Theresa Chong into the Franciscan Family.

Mary Gomez (Class 1979), chairperson of the Board of Governors, said Pang has been instrumental in ensuring that the construction went on smoothly by submitting the documentation and obtaining all the relevant approvals from the Ministry of Education.

Class 1993 sprang a surprise when it presented a donation of RM6,300.00 raised from its Awesome Zumba 2018 in aid of the school building fund.

Gomez received the mock cheque from the class representatives, witnessed by Abp Wong, Ambrose, and Leena Toyoi, chairperson of the fundraising committee.

Among those present at the dinner were Toh Puan Hjh Rahimah Stephens, patron of the alumni, Mother General Sister Frances Mani of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, past Mother Generals Sister Cecilia Liew and Sister Grace Deosing, Dora Loi, headmistress of the primary school, and Grace Shim, headmistress of the kindergarten.

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

The initial expectation 40 years ago, following that of the Aggiornamento of 1976, has been achieved for BECs to a certain extent, i.e. the people who come regularly for BEC gatherings:

(i) know and support one another,

(ii) have had their faith strengthened through the Word of God.

But, the number who attend BECs regularly is minute compared to the Catholic population in the parishes.

The movement of the Church today stresses very much that we change from an inward-looking Church (self-preservation) to that of an outward looking Church i.e. a Missionary Church — in line with the present pontificate of Pope Francis.

Hence, we need missionary disciples who can inject new life into the BECs and move the BECs to the next level, where inner strength (empowered by the Holy Spirit) is exhibited in outward loving service This was stated in the Final Statement from the Melaka-Johor Diocesan Synod 2016, no. 5.3.2(ii) “Set up Trainer teachers and Trainers School for Community Building … ”

Bishop Bernard Paul suggested setting up a formalised training school at the Malacca Johore Diocese BECAFT meeting on August 20, 2017 and again at the South Johor BECCOT Assembly on October 7, 2017.

The objective of SEED

This is to ensure that parish BECCOT chairpersons/BEC Coordinators/ Core Teams may grow in their

(i) faith,
(ii) knowledge and understanding of the development of BECs in the Diocese and Peninsular Malaysia,
(iii) Facilitating skill in community building,
(iv) Understanding of Church and
(v)Theology of Community Building

So that the BECs in Malacca Johore Diocese:

— will be equipped with capable and committed community builders and facilitators endowed with the Spirit of the Gospel to serve
— will come to life and live the call to be 4E BECs

When?

The School of Ecclesial Experience Development (SEED) will begin on:

— May 26, 2018, Saturday in Melaka
— June 9, 2018, Saturday in South Johor

Content of Training

1. The person of the community builder — personal prayer, faith and life (human development), psycho-spiritual, etc.

2. Knowledge

(i) A familiarity with Vatican II Documents and Social Catholic Teaching
(ii) BEC in Peninsular Malaysia, its history, development, process in relation to aggiornamento, Diocesan Synods, PMPCs,…
(iii)Scripture and liturgy

3. Facilitating skills

(i) In prayer – different ways of praying using Scripture (eg. Lectio Divina),
(ii) In community gathering – 3 D and other Gospel sharing approaches,
(iii) Human relationship skills — general discussion, general sharing, decision making, relationship with parish priest, conflict management, etc.

4. Other Faiths and practices – Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.

5. On-going journey of faith – personal and community, human and spiritual.

6. A Missionary Spirituality of BEC — witnessing and evangelising.

A Six-Month Formation

— The participants will gather for three to four hours or two consecutive nights of two hours each, once a week (consisting of prayer, talk, reflection group study, workshops, etc).

— There will be monthly written assignment or reflections.

— Practicum — giving BEC introductory formations to specific parishes in teams of three.

–A certificate will be given by MJD Pastoral Secretariat to all successful participants who have completed the training.

Who Can Attend  

— Candidates have basic computer skills in using word, excel and powerpoint programmes

— Candidates who feel the call to facilitate faith growth of others through small communities.

— Candidates must be able to understand, read and write in English.

— During the training period, candidates are expected to focus on the training and BEC activities only. This is to allow time for understanding, reflection, prayer, study and research and practicum.

How To Apply  

— Interested candidate must submit a written application, with name, tel. no, email, address and the reasons for wanting to attend this training.

— Parish Priests are urged to select and recommend suitable candidates for the School of Ecclesial Experience Development (SEED)

— Submit the completed application form provided to:

Dcn. Offic: josephoffic@yahoo.com 013-7505594 (Johor)

Francis Ong: mjdbec@majodi.org 012-6178681 (Melaka) By 1 May 2018

The Trainers   

— Malacca-Johore Priests
— Eileen & Fung Ming (Lim) of EQUIP Leadership Trainers  — Engaging Priests of MJ Diocese – Priests are encouraged to book a slot (about 30 Min) to share their personal story on community building.

Contribution
A contribution of RM100

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The Malaysian Bar is deeply disturbed by the overall manner in which the constituency boundary changes exercise was conducted by the Electoral Commission, leading up to and including the indecent haste in which its boundary changes proposals were tabled and passed by Parliament on March 28, 2018.

The boundary changes exercise was dogged by procedural issues from the very beginning, starting from the exercise for the state of Sarawak, the proposals for which were presented for public review in January 2015. In the High Court case of See Chee How & Anor v Pengerusi Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya Malaysia, the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak in Kuching ruled that the preliminary information provided in the Electoral Commission’s public notice was insufficient, although this finding was reversed by the Court of Appeal. The Federal Court in turn refused to grant leave to appeal, on the grounds that the proposals had, by then, already been submitted to the prime minister.

The same concerns spilled over once the boundary changes exercise was commenced for Peninsular Malaysia, with questions raised about the adequacy of the preliminary information, the rejection of some of the objections on procedural grounds, the rush of the first round of the local inquiry, the refusal to allow objectors to fully ventilate their objections, the denial of the right for legal counsel to be present, and the refusal to hear some objectors during the second round of the local inquiry.

Appalled by some of the judicial pronouncements

The Malaysian Bar is also appalled by some of the judicial pronouncements taken in the various legal challenges made in the course of this boundary changes process. The courts appear to have denied litigants access to a legal remedy and, in so doing, failed to protect and uphold the Federal Constitution. In particular, the decision of the Federal Court on 19 February 2018 — involving applications brought by two opposition members of Parliament from Perak and seven voters from Melaka — where it was held that the proposals of the Electoral Commission could not be judicially reviewed, because they were actions of the Electoral Commission that did not bind parties, was astounding.

The combined effect of this decision and that in See Chee How is that the Electoral Commission’s proposals can never be tested against the principles of the thirteenth schedule to the Federal Constitution. This is a wholly untenable position. As William Blackstone wrote in his Commentaries: “It is a settled and invariable principle… that every right when withheld must have a remedy, and every injury its proper redress.”

Parliamentary procedure

When it comes to parliamentary procedure, the Malaysian Bar fully supports the fact that the doctrine of separation of powers is a feature of the Federal Constitution, as most recently reaffirmed by the Federal Court in the cases of Semenyih Jaya v Pentadbir Tanah Daerah Hulu Langat and Indira Gandhi a/p Mutho v Pengarah Jabatan Agama Islam Perak.

Applying the principle to this situation, Parliament is the master of its own affairs. However, if there is to be a real respect for the doctrine of separation of powers, and not mere tokenism, then the legislative branch of government must not only be independent, but must be seen to be independent. It should not bow or tie itself to the executive branch and must oppose any attempt by the executive branch to rush through legislation to meet the latter’s own political agenda and timetable. The speaker of the Dewan Rakyat should not act in a manner that gives rise to the irresistible impression that Parliament was but a mere rubber stamp for the exigencies of the executive branch.

Further, even though Parliament is the master of its own affairs, the speaker must exercise his discretion in a fair and non-arbitrary manner. His ruling earlier in the year that a debate on the matter of 1MDB could not proceed — on the grounds it was the subject of court proceedings in the United States of America and therefore “sub judice” — is hard to reconcile with his recent ruling that debating the Election Commission’s boundary changes proposals — although the subject of court proceedings in Malaysia — was not “sub judice” and could therefore proceed. This inconsistency is an abuse of the rule of law.

Incredible variation between the smallest and largest seat

After 60 years of independence, it is incredible that the variation between the smallest and largest seat (by voter size) in Parliament has actually increased over time, rather than decreased. In the 2018 boundary changes exercise, the largest constituency will be the renamed Damansara seat in Selangor, with 150,439 voters, which is 8.53 times larger than the smallest constituency, the Federal Territory of Putrajaya, with 17,627 voters.

Even comparing within states, the variations remain huge. In Selangor, the difference between Damansara and the constituency of Sabak Bernam with 37,126 voters, is 4.05 times, the highest in any single state in Peninsular Malaysia. For this to be occurring in Selangor, arguably the most developed state in Peninsular Malaysia, is incredible.

The Federal Constitution states

Section 2 of the thirteenth schedule to the Federal Constitution states this as one of the principles that “shall as far as possible be taken into account in dividing any unit of review into constituencies pursuant to the provisions of Articles 116 and 117”:

(c) the number of electors within each constituency in a State ought to be approximately equal except that, having regard to the greater difficulty of reaching electors in the country districts and the other disadvantages facing rural constituencies, a measure of weightage for area ought to be given to such constituencies;

The order relating to the 2018 boundary changes exercise was passed by the Dewan Rakyat on March 28, 2018, and then submitted to the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, published in the Federal Government Gazette, and brought into force in the short space of 24 hours.

The proposals are being implemented for the imminent general election.

By disrespecting and totally disregarding the principle of “one person, one vote, one value”, the proposals are fundamentally flawed.

The inherent unfairness and unconstitutionality of the boundary changes exercise and its results may well cast a long and deep shadow over the legitimacy of the outcome of the coming general election and future general elections. 

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KOTA KINABALU: Around 131 representatives from Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish and subparish of Church of Mary Immaculate turned up for the follow-up parish assembly at the Sacred Heart Parish Centre here on 9 Apr 2018.

At this gathering, Dr Jeffrey Soon, coordinating chairman of the parish PAX committee, presented to the delegates the summary of the reports they had gathered from all the groups/ministries/communities existing in the parish since the first gathering on March 13.

Prior to that, Soon also gave a brief overview of how the three parish priorities – issues on family life, faith formation and reaching out to nominal parishioners – came about and how they are related to the three challenges of apathy, secularisation and islamisation as well as the archdiocesan pastoral thrust of “going inward, going smaller, and going outwards” highlighted by PAX Assembly 2015.

In his turn, Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) chairman Jason Joenoi gave the overview from the PPC, highlighting the efforts to meet the needs of the parish, and calling on the groups to work together for the common good.

One of the issues highlighted during the Q&A session is the need to help the newly baptised to grow in their faith development which calls for the involvement of all the parish groups and communities.

The two assemblies were held in preparation for the archdiocesanwide Pre-PAX Assembly on May 1 at the SHPC.

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Indonesian priest Romo (Rev) Eduardo Raja of Ende Archdiocese Flores gave a sharing on Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs or Komuniti Kristian Dasar [KKD]) to Papar parishioners on 7 Apr 2018 at the Fr John Tsung Hall St Joseph Parish here.

The sharing was given during the Easter gathering after the Sunset Mass.

In his welcoming speech, PPC chairman Johnny Sitamin thanked the parishioners for their participation during the Holy Week celebrations,  Romo Eduardo’s ministry to the Indonesian migrant and local communities at the outstation chapels and estates in Papar and Limbahau.

In his sharing, the visiting priest told his audience that the Ende BECs (or Komunitas Umat Basis or KUB as it is known in Indonesia) were started in the 1950s under the Congregation of Santa Maria and became an official body in the 1980s, providing prayer services with gospel reading and reflections,  spiritual and economic community services.

Since 1987, the KUB has become a centre of generating and collecting ideas and discussion platform in dealing with all aspects of lives and thereafter stamped its direct involvement in pastoral activities.

The priest said the KKD works best in smaller groups of 10-20 Catholic families living in a neighbourhood that  know each other well, meeting weekly, praying, reading and sharing the Gospel, celebrating the Eucharist, sharing problems encountered,  and  searching for possible solutions to these problems.

Romo Eduardo stressed the need for all the BECs to work together in ensuring that pastoral faith formation and development are in line with the archdiocesan vision and mission.

Prior to this sharing, the audience witnessed the Easter cake cutting led by Father Thomas Yip and rendition of the blessed birthday and congratulation songs accompanied by the choirs, parish pastoral councillors, catechist, Sister Juanah Saliun and her novices, and the parishioners. —(SOCCOM Papar)

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

PETALING JAYA: The fourth annual Day of Solidarity, themed Pilgrimage towards Justice and Peace, was held on Sunday, March 25 at the Council of Churches Malaysia Ecumenical Centre.

The gathering, initiated by the Conference of Religious Major Superiors and the Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) was to stand up for common Christian values as children of God.

The session began with Taize meditation and a short video message from the prior of the French Taizé Community, Brother Alois.

Bro Alois said, “Solidarity is linked intimately with our faith in Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are called to sow and discover seeds of hope, wherever we are … with the hope that Christ doesn’t abandon anybody.”

“As we work towards the expansion of the kingdom of God, there must also be joy of common humanity in our heart.”

The congregation was invited to join any of the four breakout sessions on Human Trafficking by Global Shepherds, Migrant Workers by Tenaganita, Environmental Issue by Jaringan Kampung Orang Asli Pahang community leader Fatimah Bah Sin and Youth Perspective Towards Justice and Peace by lawyer Syahredzan Johan, to learn and be better equipped about the plights of our fellow brethren.

Each topic saw a fairly even number of attendees as its speakers passionately shared on their respective subjects.

The highlight of the afternoon was the forum. Bukit Bendera, Penang MP Zairil Khir Johari, Selangor State Assembly speaker Hannah Yeoh, Sungai Burung, Penang UMNO member Shamil Norshidi and three-time winner of the Asian British Parliamentary (ABP) Debating Championship’s Asia Best Speaker award and Youth Chief of the Malaysian United Indigenous Party (Bersatu) Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, presented their take on Malaysia’s pilgrimage towards justice and peace. Jerald Joseph, a Commissioner with SUHAKAM was the moderator.

Syed Saddiq, Hannah Yeoh and Zairil shared their thoughts on the need for change for a better Malaysia. Transparency, Accountability, Free from Corruption and Racial Discrimination were of utmost importance in the light of the current political scenario. They spoke with compassion and the need for change for a better Malaysia.

Zairil spoke about the hijrah and that those of us whose forefathers came to Malaysia or migrant workers were likened to a pilgrimage for a better life. Equality and respect must be accorded to all who seek a better future.

The youngest keynote speaker, Syed Saddiq, said his vision of Malaysia for the next 10 years, despite the growing apathy in the wake of pessimism, is optimistic, based on what the young have achieved thus far.

“Change doesn’t happen instantly and it happens when you least expect it,” said Syed.

He believes people’s loyalties to parties and individuals have reduced. They are more aware and conscious of their rights, which will help them move forward.

Syed said, “No matter who governs the nation, the power must return to the people and they will, in turn, determine the country’s progress, like never before.”

Yeoh talked about looking at the bigger picture versus drowning in feeling hopeless just because that is what friends say.

“I am hopeful because there are still a lot of good people working the ground and there will be a breaking point for the situation we are in today,” said Yeoh.

She also believes the need for the implementation of checks and balances in a political party to ensure accountability and transparency, regardless of who is in power, to achieve success.

Syamil shared his concerns on global warming and the life span of earth and the generations to come. There was pin drop silence when he shared statistics with those present.

Archbishop Julian Leow said the closing prayer and the covenanting pledge was read, followed by the audience lighting candles.–Communications and Media Relations Office/Neubert Ambrose

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Members from the Sathya Sai Baba Centre of Bandar Klang visited the Assumption Church on March 17 as part of their Education for Human Values programme for children between the ages of 4 to 17 years.

Hosted by the Assumption Parish Ministry of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and joined by Assumption’s Youth Ministry and media team, participants, especially the lower primary school children, were brimming with smiles, excitement and curiosity as expected from precocious children.

The joy of sharing our Christian values of love, peace, kindness for all was observed when Father Gregory began by introducing the simple sing-a-long hymn “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world…”

Bringing the children, youth and their minders to the church’s pews, the Sacristy and the pulpit, Fr Chan informed them that this is the season of Lent. Drawing attention to the dried tree branch, the prelate explained about Jesus Christ suffering and dying on the Cross to save mankind, his passion to give life to others. “Jesus Christ is the life of the world. When He dies, the world has no life, when Jesus Christ rises from the dead at Easter, the world is alive again.”

A female Sai Baba Centre youth enthralled all those present with her rendition of “Alleluia.”

Later, during the Q&A session led by PMEIA chairman Hilary Narcis, assisted with Core Team member Vincent Quah, the minors, young as they are, posed intelligent questions, such as “In which year did Jesus die?” or “why did Jesus die on the Cross?”

The visit increased the students’ and hosts’ understanding of differences in religions whilst enhancing the common values of unity, respect of diversity, as Hilary Narcis succinctly conveyed “all religions teach good. No religions teach hate.” Thus, clearly, it is misinterpretation of religion which leads to conflict which all faiths would or should never aim for. There was also a suggestion for an exchange visit by Assumption parish to the Sathya Sai Baba Centre in Klang.

At a time when differences in opinion or judicial and authorities’ interpretations of federal or state legislations on religions or public policies which have at times interfered the boundaries of a faith professed by other adherents and divided society, such inte-religious visits foster goodwill and the much cherished aspiration of 1Malaysia.

We should also ponder as wisely posed by Fr Chan in his Facebook; “The visit of the Sathya Sai Baba to the Church of the Assumption was a milestone in many ways. The question is: do our youth (and adults) know what it means to dialogue with them?” It is hoped that through more dialogue and interactions, more goodwill, combined activities to benefit society will be reaped and misunderstandings be cast aside.

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 42 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) from the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Chapel of Our Lady of Good Health attended a formation session on March 17 facilitated by Fr Raymond Michael OFM Cap. We learnt to appreciate our responsibility of bringing Holy Communion to the sick and homebound as a calling, a vocation, a ministering that matters.

The Eucharist makes present for us the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ which is the source of our redemption. It makes present the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Himself. Hence, the Eucharist is the ultimate aim of our Christian living. Jesus does not limit His Eucharistic Presence to the solemn moments of holy Mass. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) are bestowed the unique privilege to bring Jesus to the sick and homebound.

It was wonderful to discover the eight characteristics which were the hallmarks of Jesus’ PASSION for His Ministry:
l It is love of God and neighbour. The focus of Jesus was always on His Father and people, not Himself. Our life with God is like the sheep and the vine. Who are the people that God puts in our life? Each time the EMHC brings Holy Communion to the sick and homebound, it is a visitation of joy that is similar to the First Visitation when Mary visited Elizabeth, bringing the Son of God in her womb. Each visitation is nothing about ourselves but about God.

–It is not a job but a vocation. It is not how much I have done but how much I have grown in my love for Christ. We were reminded that everyone, including the priest, works for God. However, very few see beyond the fact that we are actually doing God’s work. Just like a vocation, once we are immersed in this ministry, it is no longer “what do I prefer” but rather “what does God want me to do”.

–It is doing God’s Will. Just like Jesus for whom everything is always for the Kingdom of God, we too should not be motivated by self-will. Using the wheel as an analogy, it is neither the tyre nor the spokes that move the wheel but the hub. In our lives then, the spokes and wheel form the exterior while the hub is the interior of our lives where God resides.

— It is beginning each new day with a clear vision and passion. What is the intention of our involvement? This question is important because intention sets the vision and without a vision, our mission can lose its passion. From His first dialogue in the temple at the age of twelve till His passion and death on the cross, Jesus never lost sight of His vision to do the Will of His Father to build His Kingdom on earth. To have a vision is to know what you are doing, why and where you are going.

–It is a desire to seek out the lost. The Emmaus Encounter was used as a model for EMHC. As the Risen Lord enters into the presence of the two disciples on their journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus, so too the EMHC enters into a Ministry of Accompaniment whenever he brings Holy Communion to the sick and homebound. Our minds were opened to the world of the sick and homebound who may carry with them their feelings of guilt, depression, anxiety, fear, anger, bitterness, boredom, loneliness and despair.

—  It is being ready to face opposition. In spite of temptations and betrayal, Jesus was never overwhelmed but instead reached out with compassion and love.

— It is not allowing emotions to dictate our ministry. There are obstacles that can hinder us from embracing our calling. Known as the Jonah Complex, these obstacles are characterised by fear (such as fear of the unfamiliar, of change, of losing control and identity, of being set apart from others, of being ridiculed, of responsibility and of failure).

—  It is growing each day in the favour of God. It helps if we give priority to regular times of prayer, live contemplatively in the midst of an active apostolate, have an attitude of constant gratitude, and understand what it means to have poverty of spirit.

Since the sick and homebound face many challenges, our response should be one of love and compassion (in other words, empathy), mercy and hope. We need to respect the individual’s current state of being and to be genuinely interested in the individual’s welfare, with active listening. Keeping confidentiality will help to build trust. The gift of our accompaniment will foster a capacity in the person to help himself and to grow in responsibility for his own personal choices and actions. Ultimately, the sick and home-bou nd will be able to cope better in life. — Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online