A GRACE-FILLED GATHERING OF PRIESTS

We are deeply grateful to His Grace, Archbishop Julian Leow, for choosing our Parish not only as a pilgrimage destination but also as the venue for the October Clergy Monthly Recollection. It was truly heartwarming to welcome 55 Priests and two Brother Seminarians from the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, together with the Archbishop himself, on Tuesday, 14 and Wednesday, 15 October 2025.

Our Parish of St Thomas the Apostle in Kuantan feels truly blessed during this Jubilee Year of Hope, especially as it has been designated as one of the Pilgrim Centres in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. Throughout the year, we have welcomed nearly 2000 pilgrims from various parts of Peninsular Malaysia. Among all these visits, the arrival of our Clergy was truly a moment of grace, renewal and deep joy for our Parish community.

The visit of our Clergy became part of a larger Pilgrimage Journey of Hope – a moment to renew hearts, deepen fraternity, and celebrate the unity that binds us as one Church. The presence of our priests and the Archbishop brought blessings not only to them but also to our Parishioners, who witnessed firsthand the beauty and joy of Priestly brotherhood.

Though the recollection was primarily for the Clergy, our Parishioners were warmly invited to participate in the spiritual programme. On Tuesday evening, about 50 of them attended Solemn Vespers (Evening Prayer), the Holy Hour, and Benediction, offering heartfelt prayers for our Priests and the Church. The next morning, they gathered again for Lauds (Morning Prayer) and the Holy Mass, presided by Archbishop Julian. It was a deeply moving celebration – hearts nourished by the Eucharist, the true spiritual food of our pilgrimage.

After Mass, they joined the Priests for breakfast and fellowship at the Parish Community Centre. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and laughter as many reconnected with our Priests, recalling fond memories and shared journeys of faith.

We are really grateful to all who contributed in one way or another to this blessed occasion. It was a truly uplifting and spiritually enriching time of prayer, reflection, and fraternity among the Priests of our Archdiocese and Parishioners of St Thomas. Everything was beautifully organised, creating a grace-filled atmosphere for reflection and pilgrimage. Hearts were truly renewed and filled with joy.

We sincerely thank the Parish Team, ministry members, benefactors, and Parishioners for their generosity, service, and hospitality. Their dedication ensured the smooth running of this special event.

May this memorable gathering of our Priests remind us all that the Church of St Thomas, Kuantan, is truly alive when her shepherds and people walk together – united in faith, hope, and love. As we continue our Jubilee journey, may the spirit of renewal and communion we experience inspire us to live more fully as a pilgrim people of God.

A JOURNEY THROUGH MARY TO JESUS

“Each bead is a step towards the Heart of Jesus through the heart of Mary,” St. Maximilian Kolbe.

October is a month dedicated to the Holy Rosary, one of the most beautiful and inspiring prayers in our Catholic tradition. The Rosary is not just a repetition of prayers – it is a spiritual journey through the life of Jesus and Mary, a heartfelt prayer that offers peace, strength, and hope in our lives.

 

The word “bead” actually comes from an Old English word "bede", meaning “prayer.” Each bead, therefore, becomes a sacred moment – an offering of love, gratitude, and trust to our Blessed Mother. Many of us have experienced miracles and graces received through this simple yet profound prayer, turning it into a truly heartfelt practice that connects us more closely to our faith.

 

St. Josemaria Escriva, a great lover of Mary, once wrote that the Rosary helps us engrave upon our hearts the life of Jesus – His hidden years, His preaching, His Passion, and His Resurrection. When we pray the Rosary, we should never separate ourselves from her. Instead, we stay close to her, speak with her, share our joys and struggles, and learn from her how to love Jesus more deeply. The Rosary is a journey of love through Mary to Jesus.

 

In every Catholic home, we place Mother Mary statues or images at our small altar or at a prominent sacred space within our home. It is a simple yet meaningful way to honour Mary by creating a humble Marian altar. This gentle reminder of her presence can inspire the whole family to pray and find peace. It helps us transform our home into a little “Nazareth,” where love, faith, and humility reside.

 

Praying the Rosary each day can really boost our faith, enrich our prayer life, and bring a sense of peace into our hearts. It also shapes our character by teaching us Mary’s virtues of love, patience, humility, and compassion. When we imitate her, we become more caring and forgiving towards others, find greater peace within ourselves, and remain hopeful even in challenging times. Most importantly, praying the Rosary helps us find a greater sense of purpose. It teaches us to see life through the eyes of faith and to trust that God’s plan is always rooted in love.

 

As we continue through October, let us unite our hearts with millions of Catholics around the world who pray the Rosary each day. Together, we honour Our Lady, deepen our love for her Son, and bring light into our home, our parish, and our world.

 

May Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary, intercede for us and keep our families wrapped in her maternal love.

 

“The beginning of the way, at the end of which you will find yourself completely carried away by love for Jesus, is a trusting love for Mary.” – St. Josemaria Escriva

COLLEGE GENERAL 360: A LIVING LEGACY

From September 29 to October 1, 2025, the alumni of College General (CG360) gathered at Mariophile, Penang, to celebrate 360 years of history, faith, and priestly formation. The theme of this milestone event was “Remembering with Gratitude, Fidelity, and Hope.” Approximately 250 participants, including bishops, priests, deacons, religious, seminarians, former priests, and former seminarians from Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Singapore, came together with their families to honour the rich legacy of one of the oldest seminaries in Asia.

The College General (CG) was established in Ayutthaya (Siam, 1665–1785), later relocating to Hon Dat, Vietnam (1765–1769), Pondicherry, India (1770-1782), and Malacca (1770), before settling permanently in Penang in 1802. The CG was founded by the Fathers of the Paris Foreign Missions Society (MEP). Since 1970, they have entrusted it to the Local Ecclesial Authorities, who have become the custodians of this treasured institution. Today, generations of priests across Asia proudly trace their roots to this “College of Martyrs.”

The CG360 celebration commenced on the Feast of the Guardian Angels, a reminder of God’s protection and guidance through the centuries. Archbishop Julian Leow, in his homily, expressed gratitude for the many martyrs and missionaries whose courage and sacrifice inspired CG.

Day two focused on fidelity. Bishop Bernard Paul spoke of fidelity as a daily commitment rooted in perseverance, humility, and love. Rev Fr Vincent Senechal, MEP Superior, shared the MEP Society’s dedication to establishing seminaries and training missionary priests who embrace cultures, learn languages, and accompany the People of God. Cardinal William Goh of Singapore deepened this reflection, reminding us that fidelity is not just about what we do, but who we become in Christ – living celibacy, obedience, and joy as a true witness of the Gospel.

Day three focused on hope. Cardinal Sebastian Francis, in his homily, urged us to be visionaries and dreamers, carrying forward a mission of hope in the Malaysian Church. The Rector of CG, Rev. Fr. Innasi Muthu, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the MEP Fathers, the local bishops, and benefactors who have sustained CG through generations.

The presence of the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Wojciech Zaluski, along with Rev. Fr. Jean L’Hour, MEP (aged 92), Emeritus Bishop John Ha, and many others, enriched the gathering with wisdom, sharing, reflections, and inspiring testimonies. These days reminded us that College General remains vibrant, resilient, and missionary at heart, carrying forward an “unfinished work” of evangelisation with steadfast perseverance until the very end.

I fondly recall the last Alumni gathering in 1995, which coincided with Archbishop Murphy Pakiam’s Episcopal Ordination, when I was a first-year seminarian. That celebration was truly grand and unforgettable. Yet, this year’s gathering touched me more deeply. It was not about splendour, but about reconnecting with roots, cherishing memories, and experiencing the joy of belonging to a larger tradition. It warmed my heart to see how the friendships and lessons learned at College General continue to shape lives beyond the Priesthood.

College General is more than a building or history; it is a living witness to martyrs, missionaries, and priests who inspire us to continue the mission with gratitude for the past, fidelity in the present, and hope for the future. When we sang the theme song of our celebration of CG360: “We rise, we rise, to lift Your Name. We live, we live, to shout Your praise!” – may this spirit guide us into the next chapter of the journey of College General.