For the first time in history, the Catholic Church in Malaysia
organised the Malaysian Catholic Clergy
Assembly (MCCA), from 16-20 July 2018 at Majodi Centre, Plentong in Johor
Bahru. The main theme of the Assembly was “May They Be One” (Jn 17: 21) and
the sub-theme was “Friendship, Learning
and Challenges”. There were altogether 280 of us including Cardinal,
Archbishops and Bishops, Priests and Deacons. The Catholic Church in Malaysia
consists of 3 Archdioceses (Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu) and 6
Dioceses (Penang, Johor-Melaka, Sibu, Miri, Keningau and Sandakan).
One of the most enjoyable times that I experienced during the 5-day
Assembly was coming together for prayer, Eucharistic Adoration and Eucharistic
Celebration. It was fascinating and delightful to see all the Malaysian Clergy
coming together in prayer as a Church. This reminded me of my seminary days
where we used to gather, without fail, for prayers and other spiritual
exercises. In our priestly ministry, we pray as individuals and as a community
with our congregation, however during the Assembly, it gave us the opportunity
to come together, praying as a Church and as a Clergy.
We also had good spiritual input given by Archbishop Emeritus John
Ha from the Archdiocese of Kuching, based on the theme. His profound input
focused on mission and communion. Both are inseparable entities in our priestly
ministry in order to be disciples of the Lord, we need to be one and to be in
communion. He reminded us that wherever we are or whatever the situation we
face, as ordained clergy, our strength and our unity lies in the way we live
our vocation and exercise our ministry to draw all people of God into
communion. Archbishop Simon Poh from the Archdiocese of Kuching spoke about the
challenges being faced by the Malaysian Clergy in the areas of evangelisation
and mission, either in East or West Malaysia and how we can strengthen our
Church in Malaysia.
Besides the presentations and sharing, we had group discussions and
workshops based on Family, Islamisation, Youth, Secularization, Evangelisation
and Mission Witnessing, Disparities Between East and West and Vocation. These
workshops have helped in building our friendship, learning to understand the
uniqueness of both East and West Malaysia, as well as the diversity and
challenges that we face as one Malaysian Church.
We have a role to play in making our country a better, to encourage
our Church communities to carry out their commitments seriously, and to
spearhead the Church to be the “salt and light” of our nation. The Church
should also be at the forefront of holding the new government accountable in
protecting the people’s rights and freedom regardless of race, culture and religion.
During the Assembly, the Clergy visited parishes in Kota Tinggi,
Masai, Skudai and Johor Bahru. We had the opportunity to meet parishioners from
East and West Malaysia in these respective parishes, and they welcomed us with
praise and worship, entertainment and fellowship.
The MCCA was truly a blessing for the Malaysian Clergy as it
presented us with an opportunity to meet and interact, share ideas and
thoughts, as well as reflect on our journey. Many of us hadn’t seen each other
in a long time, and it was good to catch up and reminisce. I was happy to have
met friends that I hadn’t seen for over 15 years. This Assembly has created
warm memories, brought about laughter and given me the gift of new friendships.
Personally, I feel blessed with much happiness and I am looking forward to the
next East meets West assembly.
We pray that the Lord Jesus continues to bless our beloved Church in
Malaysia!
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