PERSEVERING IN MY PRIESTLY DUTY

We the priests, in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, commenced our assignments in our respective new parishes effective 10 January 2022. After receiving confirmation of our new postings, parishioners felt sad having to say goodbye to their outgoing priests. However, they were excited to welcome the incoming priests. For us priests, we are very enthusiastic in spirit - joyfully going forth to serve in our designated parishes.

I have been posted to this parish, the Church of St Thomas in Kuantan, Pahang. It is the second time that I’m serving in this parish. Prior to this, I served as the Assistant Parish Priest to Rev Fr Eugene Benedict back in February 2003 until June 2004. Following that, I was posted to the State of Terengganu for 3 years, as an administrator for all the Mission Centres. Now, I am back here once again, this time as your Parish Priest, taking over from my predecessor, Rev Fr Patrick Boudville.

 

For me, the East Coast is familiar ground with familiar faces, but I still have many things to learn, rediscover, explore and experience. I will miss the city lifestyle for sure, as well as the parishioners and friends whom I left behind. I will always cherish the support and love I received, but most of all, I am truly thankful to them for accepting me as I am. I will treasure the memories and experiences in my heart.

 

However, now that I have returned once again to the East Coast, I am eager and ready to serve my new parish community. I was touched by the kind gestures of several leaders who warmly welcomed me on my arrival. Although St Thomas Church is situated in Kuantan town, it serves a large and varied community including the orang asli, varsity students, the armed forces, East Malaysians, migrants (mainly Indonesians and Vietnamese) and the local Chinese and Indian communities. I am very excited to serve, and I look forward to meeting all of you during this weekend’s Masses.

 

Since I arrived in Kuantan, there’s been a welcoming and gentle East Coast breeze blowing in the salty air. I am hopeful that my ministry here will be an exciting and fulfilling one. I promise to persevere in my priestly duty and do God’s work faithfully. I certainly believe that God will bring everything to completion, as what St Paul says, “I am quite confident that the One who began a good work in you will go on completing it until the Day of Jesus Christ comes,” (Philippians 1: 6).