HAPPY AND CONTENT IN THEIR GOLDEN YEARS

This year, we celebrate the Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, with the theme, “Do not cast me off in my old age” (cf. Psalms 71:9), which reminds us of the loneliness and isolation many elderly people experience. Pope Francis reassured the elderly that, “God never abandons His children, never.” He described the elderly as “the firm foundation” on which new generations can thrive, helping to build a spiritual legacy (cf. 1 Peter 2:5).

Pope Francis acknowledges the challenges they face and dispels the misconception that older people hinder the progress of the young. He urges us to embrace a compassionate mindset and optimistic outlook, instead of focusing on ourselves. We should support each other and embark on new journeys together, fostering a sense of connection and unity across generations.

 

Both my paternal and maternal grandfathers passed away when I was a child, but I gained experience and much affection from my grandmothers in my childhood and adolescent years. As an adult, I notice that many young parents rarely allow their children to stay with the grandparents. When children desire to visit their grandparents, parents fear that the latter will spoil them! It is uncommon to see children accompanying their grandparents to church or other recreational activities, as they are ever so often engrossed with their own schedules.

 

Grandparents and the elderly play a crucial role in shaping a promising future for all. Grandchildren should look up to their grandparents for wisdom, guidance and heartfelt affection. The stories shared by grandparents foster strong familial bonds, faith, tradition and family history. 

In today’s digital age, younger generations have a unique opportunity of imparting their knowledge of information technology (IT) to their grandparents and elderly. Assisting the elderly with interactive experiences such as computers, smartphones, gaming, online shopping and more, helps to keep them motivated, engaged, entertained and up-to-date with current affairs. It not only enriches the lives of the elderly, but also empowers the younger generation with a sense of responsibility and contribution.

 

As part of our family, it is important to care for our grandparents and the elderly, especially those who may feel lonely, down, weak, or are alone in their old age. We all wish for our ageing parents, grandparents and elderly to experience longevity, good health and a peaceful life. The joy that comes from being surrounded by loving family and friends – happy and content in their golden years – warms our hearts and inspires hope for the future.

 

This special day is a heartwarming tribute to the invaluable contribution of grandparents and elders in preserving a family legacy and sharing their faith. Our thoughts and prayers go out to forgotten, lonely and isolated grandparents and the elderly. We pray for their inner strength and well-being. May they receive blessings and comfort always, and may Sts Joachim and Anne, pray for them!

SELFLESS SERVICE AND COMMITMENT

A few courageous women from St. Thomas Church, Kuantan, have fearlessly taken the lead in initiating a Women’s Ministry in the Parish. Their unique role is to raise awareness of gender equality and human rights, and inspire fervent action to achieve equality. This is a challenge faced by all women who strive for a better society and nation without prejudice or discord.

On Thursday, 18 July 2024, we had a momentous kick-off for the women’s ministry, a significant event that filled us with hope and excitement, followed by a fellowship in St. Giles’ Room. Sixteen participants, including two FMM Sisters, came together to learn, share and connect. This event marked the official beginning of the Women’s Ministry and set the tone for future activities. Prior to this, they met informally to chat and generate ideas on setting up this ministry in the Parish. Their dialogues helped them shape their goals for the ministry. They shared the news in the Church bulletin, inviting more women from the Parish to be part of this ministry. After subsequent discussions, Ms. Georgina kindly took the lead as coordinator.

We are delighted by the enthusiasm, commitment and generosity in initiating this ministry. The desire to empower women to pursue equality and human rights significantly contributes to our Church’s mission. This is not just another ministry, but a crucial step towards fostering gender equality and safeguarding human rights.

In our Parish, we deeply appreciate the active participation of women in the Church’s various ministries. Their dedication and hard work in assisting with the Parish’s activities are invaluable. The Parish is truly grateful for their selfless service and commitment, which help strengthen the faith of the community.

We urge all committee members to stay united as a family and, at the same time, welcome newcomers warmly to ensure everyone feels valued and cared for.  It is important for the ministry to strengthen its foundation consistently through prayers and reading the Word of God for spiritual enhancement. Every member should nurture themselves with their faith and spread the love of Christ and compassion to all women within our community. This will guide the ministry in achieving its goals, as we focus on disciple-making and practising servant leadership.

Women encounter various challenges in today’s society. It is in this context that we must support our women’s ministry as they move forward with strength and perseverance, not letting anything hinder them from fulfilling their parish’s mission and making valuable contributions to our community.

We extend our sincere congratulations and best wishes to each individual who has collaborated, worked diligently and initiated a new ministry within our Parish with the aim of enhancing the welfare of all women, and we are truly grateful for your dedication and vision!

A MISSION OF MUTUAL CARE

For the month of July 2024, Pope Francis has urged us to dedicate our prayers to those involved in the pastoral care of the sick. His call is not just a request, but an inspiration to remember and acknowledge the tireless efforts of pastoral workers in transforming homes, nursing homes and hospitals into havens of love and blessings for the sick and the elderly. The Holy Father stresses the significance of mutual care as an essential part of the mission of the Church and a beacon of hope and inspiration for us all.

The clergy, empowered by dedication and commitment, are entrusted with the sacred duty of administering the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. This sacrament - a profound act of healing and restoration for the mind, body, soul, and spirit - symbolises God’s boundless love and care for His people, regardless of their circumstances. The anointing, a tangible sign of God’s compassion and love, is given to those in need, providing strength and comfort. It is not solely for the terminally ill or those who feel hopeless, but a source of strength and comfort for all in need of healing - a hope in times of distress.

Many churches worldwide hold healing services on significant occasions, such as the feast of their patron saints, the anniversary of the church’s dedication, or the World Day of the Sick which falls in February. During these services, the Church extends a special invitation to its elderly and sick members, to come together and participate in the Sacrament of the Anointing. This sacrament involves anointing them with oil, representing a comforting and healing gesture that provides solace to those suffering from illness. The sacrament is not merely a preparation for peaceful death, but a source of solace and strength for the sick, and fortitude for their caregivers. Participating in the sacrament provides comfort and support, offering a transformed perspective on suffering, and fostering a renewed sense of hope. 

Having previously served as a priest in Kuala Lumpur, I had the opportunity to visit the sick in hospitals and old folks’ homes regularly, offering comfort and prayers. These visits were immensely meaningful for me, as they allowed me to provide spiritual support to those in need and to share in the healing touch of Christ in our lives.

Is healing always guaranteed? In the Sacrament, we pray for the comprehensive healing of the sick person in mind, body, soul and spirit. The Sacrament, too, offers forgiveness and healing, which is not limited to physical healing alone. Only God knows what kind of healing we need the most: perhaps easing our anxieties, healing a wound, transforming our fears into hope, embracing our loneliness, or turning confusion into insight. 

Lord Jesus, we humbly ask for your compassionate gaze upon all those who need healing of their minds, bodies and emotions. May your comforting presence bring strength and peace to them.

 

 

REMAINING STEADFAST IN OUR MISSION

As the Parish of St Thomas, Kuantan celebrates its Feast Day and 118 years of its establishment, the Feast Day committee has made a significant decision to mark this occasion by holding a public procession with the Blessed Sacrament on Saturday, July 6, 2024, being the sixth-day celebration of the Feast Day Novena and Mass. This tradition, observed on Corpus Christi and parish feast days, holds great significance within the Catholic Church, particularly in our spiritual intimacy with the Blessed Sacrament.

We took the first step by submitting the application for a Police permit through our committee member, a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Tuan William Fernandez, a month before the celebrations began. On 28 June 2024, we were invited to meet with the Special Branch to discuss details of the procession and the instruments we intended to carry along, such as the monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament, the cross, candles, banners from each BEC representative, the total number of participants, and other matters. We explained to them the crucial of each item in the solemnity and reverence of the procession. We had a productive meeting with the Special Branch police officers.

The Secretariat of the Officer in Charge of Police District (OCPD) of Kuantan invited a few committee members, including myself, to meet with the Tuan OCPD, Wan Mohd Zahari Bin Wan Busu, on Tuesday, 2 July 2024, at 3.00 pm at his office. Two representatives from the feast day committee members, June Thoo, Clement Lim, and I, eagerly attended the meeting, hoping to return with the permit. During our meeting, nine other department heads, such as Special Branch Officers, Patrol Officers, Traffic Police, Crime Investigators, and others, were present. We had a pleasant and constructive hour-long conversation with Tuan OCPD and his team.

Tuan OCPD was a very humble person, and he spoke to us in a polite and respectful manner. During the conversation, he stressed the “sensitivity” that could be triggered in certain individuals regarding our proposed procession through the town, especially the carrying of the Monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament and Cross. On our part, we re-emphasised the profound significance of the Blessed Sacrament held during the procession, a symbol of our spiritual connection with the Divine. 

We, too, agreed to their request to have the procession commence only after their Maghrib prayer time. Although they seemed hesitant to provide immediate approval, they assured us that a decision would be made within a few days. During the Novena Masses, I requested everyone to pray for the success of our application to hold the procession. The police response, dated 4 July 2024, stated that the procession is not an absolute necessity for religious practice and is not listed as an annual activity in the calendar.

Despite the authority’s last-minute rejection of our request, we remain steadfast in our mission to celebrate and proclaim Jesus as “Our Lord and Our God!” We are disappointed with their decision but resolute in moving forward with our faith. We question the rights to "freedom of religion" and the promotion of religious and racial harmony stand in our nation, but we are determined to continue with the celebration as the psalmist expresses, “Lead me, O Lord, in Your justice,” (cf. Psalm 5:8).