Author Archives: Ken Wong

In conjunction with the 50th Universal Anniversary of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR), the English Prayer Group of the Church of the Blessed Sacrament organised a Renewal Seminar with Jude Antoine as the main facilitator.

LABUAN: In conjunction with the 50th Universal Anniversary of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR), the English Prayer Group of the Church of the Blessed Sacrament organised a Renewal Seminar with Jude Antoine as the main facilitator. The seminar began with a Para Liturgy led by Fr Johnny Raju. Approximately 180 participants attended this seminar.

The topics of this seminar were: The History of the Charistmatic Renewal in the Catholic Church for the past 50 years, How it came about from Vatican II, The discernment and prophesy from Popes Leo, John and Francis.

The Universal Catholic Church needs to undergo a renewal, to work as a team in every parish community but, before we can do that, we need to renew ourselves and our mindsets.

There were also talks on personal growth, understanding the role of the Holy Spirit and Transformation and a time of personal ministering and baptism of the Holy Spirit.

The fruits of the spirit were evident during the personal testimony of the participants. They shared on the personal touch of the Lord as they received various gifts. — By GL

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

“There are three elements to cooperating with God to fulfil His salvation through the family, said Fr Aloysius Tan on August 2 at the Chapel of St Anne during its feastday celebration

By DMC Durairaj
“There are three elements to cooperating with God to fulfil His salvation through the family, said Fr Aloysius Tan on August 2 at the Chapel of St Anne during its feastday celebration

“They are — to place priority on prayer and worship, to increase love within the family and, to be of service to one another. The important element is to grow in hope. The family is like a field with treasure — we want to give everything for it,” said the priest from Kampar.

Fr Tan spoke on the theme for the first day which was Hope Creates Harmonious Families. He presided at the multilingual Eucharistic celebration with parish priest Fr Vincent Paul concelebrating. The celebration began with a flag-raising ceremony and novena.

On August 3, the Eucharistic celebration was presided by Fr Anthony Pillai, assistant priest from Taiping parish, with Fr Vincent concelebrating. In his homily, he stressed how we should be united, no matter the race or religion. It is always good to be involved in church activities. This will strengthen our faith and relationship with one another.

On August 4, the Eucharistic celebration was presided by Fr Vincent Paul, assisted by Deacon Lazarus from St Anne, BM parish. The homily for the day was by Deacon Lazarus who shared on the Gospel reading about how Jesus was rejected in His hometown. He gave three reasons. Firstly, the people knew him as a carpenter, secondly, being from the same town, thirdly, they had a low impression of the family as Mary had been pregnant before marriage. He also asked a few questions for everyone to ponder on such as, Do we treat people equally? Do we look at their status? The anointing of the sick followed after the homily.

On Aug 5, the final day, Fr Vincent was the main celebrant, with Deacon Clement Samuel from Taiping parish assisting. The theme for the celebration was the Parable of the Sower. Deacon Clement, in the homily began by asking, Have we been growing as good Christians? Why is it that some do not change? The reasons could be that they hear, but they don’t believe. They are too busy and have no time for the Word of God. St Anne taught Mary the Word of God — Mary was to say YES to God’s word. Parents, nowadays, should teach their children the Word of God so that God can work on all of us and we can grow spiritually.

An the end of the Mass, there was a candlelight procession, with Fr Vincent carrying the Blessed Sacrament, followed by the decorated and lighted statue of St Anne. Hundreds of parishioners followed, singing hymns and reciting the Holy Rosary. The procession ended with the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at the Chapel.

Fr Vincent was happy and proud that the parishioners of this little Chapel were able to make all the arrangements for the successful feastday celebration.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

By Julita Kantod
The Diocesan Family Life Ministry Commission members were commissioned by Fr Marcelinus Pongking, the Assistant Rector of St Dominic, Lahad Datu, during the Sunset Mass on July 22.

The next day, the Parish Family Life Ministry of St Dominic, together with some members from Sandakan, joined the team in giving the Pre- Marriage course to 23 couples in Tampenau, Lahad Datu.

Serving in the Family Life Ministry is challenging. The members are there to help other families sustain and protect the dignity of the family and, yet, they themselves have to struggle to maintain and sustain their own families in the midst of difficulties and disappointment. The Lord’s reassuring voice in the Gospel of Matthew encourages them. “Do not be afraid; I am with you always. Look, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

These couple of months I have noticed that the attendance for our weekend Masses have been dwindling. I don’t know about other churches but I tend to be too obsessed with this troubling thought.

By Fr. George Packiasamy 
These couple of months I have noticed that the attendance for our weekend Masses have been dwindling. I don’t know about other churches but I tend to be too obsessed with this troubling thought. I try my best to make my homilies and celebrations interesting so that you may stay connected when you come for Mass. Some of our parishioners don’t feel that it is important to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation.

Church attendance is important. We attend Church to meet with God. God is worthy of our worship.  As Catholics, Church is a place where we can all come together to worship. It reminds me of one of the hymns, which goes, “Enter His gate with thanksgiving in our hearts…” (cf. Psalm 100:4). Every time when we enter our Church doors we come with thanksgiving in our hearts and we sing praises to God.

We come to Church to be part of our Church and to be one with Jesus. We submit ourselves to Him and draw life from Him. We gather in the Church where the Word of God is faithfully proclaimed and the Sacrament of the Eucharist is celebrated reverently for us. Our gathering in the Church for weekly worship will encourage us, strengthen us and nourish us.  We listen and learn from Jesus, Mary and Joseph in order for us to grow spiritually.

It is very important that Catholic families should mould their children in faith while they are still young. We attend Sunday Masses or any other spiritual formations in Church to enhance our spiritual and psychological growth. Our participation in the sacrament, prayers and formation each week deepens our belief and our faith in the “one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one Church,” (cf. Eph 4: 5).

There is no excuse for not attending mass on Sundays. Often we hear that “Sunday is my only day to sleep in.” Church no longer holds priority in our lives. We are too occupied with our daily schedules. When the weekend comes,  we would prefer to go for a  vacation or away from the town just to get some relaxation. One of the greatest advantages we Catholics in KL have is the easy accessibility to numerous Churches in the city –  just a mere  20 minutes drive!  It will be most pleasing to God that we fulfill our Sunday obligation before we get engrossed with other agendas during the weekend. God will be happy when we come to Church and worship Him. When Jesus sees that His Church attendance is full and His Church is growing in numbers, surely He will be rejoicing in Heaven as He rewards us with His overflowing love.

Today’s culture is changing where we have become very individualistic. Both Church attendance and fellowship with communities are equally important. The Holy Spirit leads us to unity with the Body of Christ, which is the Church. “Without Jesus Christ, there can be no Church; and without the Church, we cannot stay united with Jesus.” We need to bring ourselves closer to Jesus and to reach out to the people in the community. It is for our own good that Jesus wants us to have fellowship with one another. The more we develop our friendship in the Church, the more we want to be together.  We are to be disciples of Christ.  We need each other to grow in the faith of Christ, to learn to serve, to love one another, to exercise our spiritual gifts, and to practice forgiveness.—SJC

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

VATICAN CITY –  The Vatican released on 19 Aug 2017 the official logo and motto for Pope Francis’ Apostolic Journey to Peru, which takes place on 18-21 January 2018.

“United for Hope” (Unidos por la esperanza) is the official motto for the Journey, signifying that the encounter will be “a great feast of hope to be received in unity”.

The logo expresses the Pope’s closeness to the Peruvian people and his accompaniment of their journey of faith.

Two outstretched hands under the motto and date of the visit evoke the colors of the Peruvian and Vatican flags: red and yellow, respectively.

They form the shape of wings as a sign of prayer, praise, and joy for the arrival of Pope Francis in Peru.

To the left, Pope Francis joyfully reaches out of a map of Peru in a sign of closeness to the country and of unity with it.

Pope Francis will be the second Pope to visit Peru, following Pope John Paul II’s two visits in 1985 and 1988.

Thirty years then since the last papal visit, Peru requested that Pope Francis journey there, in order to strengthen the bond between God and his Peruvian people and to aid in “a new missionary awakening” in the country. – Vatican Radio

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

PENAMPANG – Over 1000 parishioners attended the rededication of Penampang church on 18 Aug 2017.

Saint Michael had been closed for renovation since March this year and Masses had been celebrated at the parish hall.

Archbishop John Wong officiated the rite of dedication.  Joining him at the altar were Msgr Primus Jouil, Fathers Wilfred Atin (pastor), Fundes Motiung (past pastor), Wiandigool Runsab (asst pastor), Mattheus Luta, Raymond Edward, Abel Madisang, Rayner Bisius, and Max Hontor.

The rite began with the blessing of water at the new baptismal font at the foot of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Altar.

The prelate then went around the whole building blessing it with holy water including the cemetery compound where the tombstones of former state minister Datuk Peter Mojuntin and Rev Anthony Paulmichl mhm were laid (left side of church building) which had been turned into a seating area for 300 people.  He also went up to bless the mezzanine.

The tombs were relocated to the cemetery behind the church.  Mojuntin was one of the newly-formed Berjaya Cabinet members who were killed in the Nomad crash on 6 June 1976.  Fr Paulmichl died on 20 June 1945 enroute the death march to Sapong Tenom with Msgr August Wachter and other Mill Hill Missionaries and laymen rounded up by the Japanese.

The altar and tabernacle were blessed before Presentation of the Gifts.

In his speech, Ernest Mojikon, parish finance and property council chairman, said the renovations took about six months to complete.  The church used to accommodate 800 parishioners but now it has 1,300-seating capacity.

The major face-lift involved all the interiors such as window glasses, altar, sound system, tiles, wall paintings while the pews were repainted.

The total cost of the renovations work was around RM332,852.00 with funds from both the Federal and State Governments.

Businessman Datuk John Lim Pang Seng donated 10 units of air-conditioners while Gerald Chin donated two sets of chandelier lights (near the main entrance). The three-dimension painting of the Last Supper backdrop was done by Samson Gadakui of Kg Babagon.

In turn, Fr Motiung who initiated the project explained the conceptual framework of the ceiling paintings and the altar design of four loaves and two fish.

The church was built in the 1930s by Msgr August Wachter with stones collected from the Dambai River by the villagers headed by Bartholomew Sinsua using buffaloes. It survived World War II.  No other church was built the same way except St Michael Sandakan which also survived the war.

Fr Atin, in his speech, encouraged the parishioners to build up their parish community which is more important than the material building itself however beautiful it may be architecturally.

Abp Wong, too, exhorted the faithful to build themselves up through having large families, praying for priestly and religious vocations, and having a strong eucharistic life.

After Mass all adjourned to the parish hall for a late dinner fellowship.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

TANJUNG ARU – The Catholic Women’s League (CWL) of Stella Maris Tanjung Aru celebrated 50 years of ministry on 17 August 2017.

Archbishop John Wong presided at the Thanksgiving Mass at the parish church.  Joining him at the altar were Msgr Primus Jouil, Fathers Moses Lui of Melaka-Johor, James Chia OdeM, and Martin Wong of Kuching.

In his homily, Abp Wong paralleled the Israelites crossing the Jordan River with their crossing of the Reed Sea from Egypt and related it to Christian Baptism.  He also stressed on Jesus’ call to forgive from the heart.

Some 500 people attended the dinner at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa.

The pioneering status of the CWL Tg Aru was the main theme of the speeches given by Organising Chairperson Theresa William, CWL Tg Aru Chairperson Agnes Delgado, Msgr Primus Jouil, ACWL Chief Coordinator Anita Tunggolou and Abp Wong.

It was mooted in 1967 by Fr Vivian De Souza who saw the need to have a group of dedicated ladies to assist the pastor in looking after the welfare of the church and carrying out fundraising activities. However, the first formal meeting was only held on 26 June 1968 by 29 women.  It soon spread to other parishes throughout Sabah.

William has served in the CWL for 34 years, 19 of them being the chairperson.

Mementos were given to past chairpersons, past serving priests, and to the oldest member Nancy Fong after the anniversary cake-cutting ceremony.

A slide show on the CWL history was screened as well.

The attendees were entertained by a variety programme by some groups.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KAINGARAN: The Elias Carmelite Family celebrated its founder’s golden jubilee of priesthood on 13 Aug 2017 at St Mary Magdalene Chapel here.

Visitors from Indonesia, China, Sarawak joined the local Putri Karmel (Daughters of Carmel), Carmelitae Sancti Eliae (CSE) and Komunitas Tritunggal Mahakudus (KTM) in celebrating the 50 years of priesthood of their Founder, Father Yohanes Indrakusama OCarm, 79.

Bishop Cornelius Piong presided at the thanksgiving Mass.  Joining him and the jubilarian at the altar were CSE Superior General Rev Sergius Paulus, Rev Giovanni C Sugau CSE,  Rev Peter Hwang of Limbang,  Anthony Mikat, Bede Anthonius, Gilbert Lasius, Joseph Gapitang, and Mario Tong of China.

Young dancers in traditional attire led the entrance procession from the St John Catholic Retreat Centre to the chapel accompanied by the beating of the gongs.

In his homily, the bishop told some 500 people present that he came to know the jubilarian in 1984 while attending a Charismatic Renewal Convention in Indonesia.

When he became the bishop of Keningau in 1993, he welcomed the Putri Karmel into the diocese in 1997 where it took root and flourished on a 32-acre of land at Kaingaran Tambunan.

After the Mass, there was a fusion of Chinese and Murut cultures in the performances by the Fook Xing Dragon Unicorn Lion Dance Troupe Tambunan, firecrackers and fireworks display outside the retreat centre in spite of the inclement weather.

The reception was held at the hall below the chapel where a video clip on the life of the jubilarian was screened.  The Elias Carmelite Family also entertained the guests with a variety show.  An exhibition on the founder’s life and history of the Elias Carmelites was displayed outside the dining hall.

Born in 1938 in small East Java town into a Chinese family, the jubilarian began his novitiate in a Carmelite monastery in 1960. Ordained as a priest in 1967, he pursued his studies in theology in Rome and Paris and later worked in various parts of the country. In the mid-70s, he spent time in a hermitage involved in contemplative life.

He founded the Putri Karmel on 19 March 1982 in Ngadireso, a small village in Malang Diocese East Java, followed by the Carmelitae Sancti Eliae on 20 July 1986 and the Komunitas Tritunggal Mahakudus on 11 January 1987.

On 12 Jan 2013, the St John of the Cross Institute (philosophy and theology) in Pontianak West Kalimatan founded by the jubilarian was officially opened by the Pontianak Archbishop.

Putri Karmel is a religious community of women, whereas CSE is for men and KMT for lay people.

The two religious communities have the same spirituality, way of life and ministry. Fundamentally they follow the spirit of the Carmelite Rule and Traditions, accentuating the contemplative aspect, integrated with the Charismatic Renewal.

The  Charismatic Renewal brings about the experience of God in the power of the Holy Spirit, and the Carmelite Spirituality is a very rich tool to deepen it and settle it down.

The members may give counselling, retreats, seminars, or offer prayers for individuals.

Currently, there are 43 Putri Karmel Sisters, 16 CSE Brothers, and over 1,800 KTM members in Malaysia.  Aside from Indonesia and Malaysia, there are also communities in China, Italy and USA.

On 12 April 2017, Sister Maximilliane Soon became the first superior of Malaysia-China District with two communities each in Malaysia (Keningau and Sibu) and China (Xingtai Hebei Province in the North and Fuqing Fujian Province in the South) respectively while Sister Geraldine Marie is the local superior of Kaingaran.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online 

LAHAD DATU – Eighteen members of the Sandakan Diocesan Family Life Commission (DFLC) attended a half-way recollection on 22 July 2017 at St Dominic here.

The participants came from St Mary Sandakan (5), St Martin Telupid (3), OLOF Beluran (2), St Dominic Lahad Datu (4), and Holy Trinity Tawau (4).

The theme of the recollection was “Do as you say,”  the words spoken by the three angels to Abraham in the book of Genesis (Gn 18:5).

Recollection began with an opening prayer led by Franciscan Sister Evelyn Tivit,  followed by self-introduction of each member.

The session continued with an inspiring input presented by Eva Siruno, DFLC chairperson, on the meaning and purpose of commissioning which they would later be given.

She said the commission given by the risen Jesus to his disciples (Mt 28:19-20) is the “most sacred commissioning” because it came directly from Jesus’ lips.  Jesus’ promise to be with us always is the “most consoling part of our mission,” she added.

Jesus’ promise to be with us always is the “most consoling part of our mission,” she added.

Siruno said that through the commissioning, “we gain affirmation from the Lord” through the church “in our commitment to each other,” and provide “us a time where we can rejoice and give thanks together.”

She noted that the people’s prayer can “charge us up” and most importantly, “we inspire others to serve in the church.”

A video on the nature and mission of the Catholic Family: “Garden of Holiness” was screened.  It touched on the challenges of being  a father, mother or child in the family to create an environment of holiness.

Sr Evelyn facilitated a short reflection session wherein the participants recalled their experiences in serving the church and the struggles they faced.  This was followed by group sharing.

Later the participants went to the chapel for personal reflection using a guided reflection based on Pope Francis’ catechesis on the family.  It helped them to recall their experiences and challenges in the ministry.

Time was given to the participants to share their experiences and how God sustained them when they were on the verge of giving up.

In the evening, the participants were commissioned by Father Marcellinus Pongking after the homily at the Sunset Mass.

The next day, July 23,  the participants from Sandakan and Lahad Datu joined the pre-marriage course team in giving sessions to 23 couples in Tampenau, Lahad Datu.

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

BELURAN – The Parish Family Life Ministry (PFLM) was established in Our Lady of Fatima Parish here on 29 July 2017.

Thirty participants from St Paul Ulu Dusun, St Anthony Bukit Garam, Emmanuel Church Jaya Bakti and neighbouring Beluran chapels.

In his opening remarks, Bishop Julius Gitom said, “It is about time to have your own Family Life Ministry in order to find out the challenges faced by families in your own parish. If you do not know your enemy, how can you overcome them? Therefore, be aware and identify them then together we find solutions.”

He added that if a family is strong in its faith, “then our Church will also grow  stronger.”

Cesar Siruno, Sandakan PFLM chairman, presented a slideshow on the scope of the family life ministry at different levels: pre-marriage course, marriage enrichment programmes, natural family planning, coordinating activities for senior citizens and single parents, collaborating with other commissions and ministries in organising activities relevant to family life.

Dimeh Koyopo, of St Mark’s Church, shared: “It was through our (with his wife) experience in handling couples under crises that I was attracted to serve in this ministry. You need to be faithful and committed to your service. It is important to pay attention to my own role and responsibility as a father and as a husband, first of all, before I can tell others to do so. The words “I’m sorry” for a husband is not easy to say, but knowing our “marriage vow” should become a common practice in the home if I were to lead the parish.”

Gabriel Bali, newly elected OLOF Family Life Chairman shared “I always think of a family in small groups, but now we need to spread our wings, knowing that we have a Mission to do in our parish starting from our family.”

The office bearers for 2017-2019 are Gabriel Bali (chairman), Camillus Bikanis (asst chairman), Linda Marcus (secretary 1), Anthony Valentinus (secretary 2), and Cristina Heresilles (treasurer). – newsupdatedospo.blogspot.my

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu