REMEMBERING OUR DEPARTED WITH LOVE AND PRAYER

As October ends and November begins, we notice changes around us. After more than two months of the haze crisis, we are once again enjoying clear blue skies and bright sunshine. Meanwhile, the monsoon season is fast approaching and will likely bring heavy rainfall to the East Coast. This gradual change in seasons invites us to pause and remember those who have gone before us, and renew our hope in God’s promise of eternal life.

As Catholics, we begin November by celebrating the Solemnity of All Saints on 1 November, followed by the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed on 2 November. All Saints Day reminds us of our call to holiness and the joy of heaven, while All Souls Day invites us to remember and pray for our departed loved ones, entrusting them to God's loving mercy.

At our Church of St Thomas the Apostle, Kuantan, many Parishioners and friends have recorded the names of their departed loved ones in the Book of Remembrance, placed at the Breakfast Corner. Today, it contains approximately 6,000 names. Each name represents a life, a family, a story and a love that death cannot erase. They were our parents, grandparents, spouses, relatives and friends.

Our Catholic faith teaches us that death does not end our relationship with those who have died in Christ. We believe in the communion of saints and the resurrection of the dead. Our prayers can help those who die in God’s grace but still need purification before entering heaven. As Scripture reminds us, it is “a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead” (2 Maccabees 12:45). Our prayers express our enduring love for them and our trust in God’s saving grace and mercy.

Throughout November, we will place the Book of Remembrance on the altar during our weekday and weekend Masses. At weekend Masses, we will also sing the Requiem hymn as we unite in prayer for them. The greatest gift we can offer our departed loved ones is the Holy Mass, together with our personal prayers, sacrifices and acts of charity.

I encourage everyone to visit your loved ones’ graves or columbarium niches. Clean the area, place flowers, light candles and pray for them. If possible, bring your children along. Share stories about their grandparents and relatives, reminding them of the love, sacrifices and good examples they left behind. In this way, we teach the younger generation to honour the departed and cherish our Catholic faith.

As we pray for the departed souls throughout November, we are reminded that our earthly journey is temporary. Let us make the time God gives us to love generously, forgive sincerely, serve faithfully and grow in holiness. We do not know when the Lord will call us home, but we can prepare ourselves by living each day close to Him.

Let us entrust every departed soul to God’s infinite mercy, trusting in Christ’s promise: “I shall raise him on the last day” (John 6:40).

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. 

WALKING TOGETHER IN FAITH, PRAYER AND MISSION

As October, the month traditionally dedicated to the Holy Rosary, draws to a close, we reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus through our Blessed Mother Mary. To conclude this special month, our Parish will hold a candlelight procession around the church compound on Friday, 30 October 2026, at 7.30 pm. This will be a beautiful opportunity for us to gather as one Parish community and offer our prayers, thanksgiving, and devotion to Our Lady. We warmly invite all Parishioners to join this meaningful celebration and entrust our families, our Parish, and our world to her loving maternal care.

In a week’s time, we will enter November, the month when the Church especially remembers and prays for our departed brothers and sisters. The Church invites us to unite in prayer for the faithful departed, that their souls may be purified and soon welcomed into the communion of saints in heaven. Throughout November, we will offer Requiem Masses and prayers for our departed loved ones, entrusting them to God's loving mercy and holding fast to our hope in the promise of eternal life.

Our Parish is especially blessed to have two precious first-class relics in our Adoration Room: those of our patron, St Thomas the Apostle, and St Faustina Kowalska, the Apostle of Divine Mercy. St Thomas inspires us to profess our faith in Jesus with the words, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). St Faustina reminds us to place our complete trust in the merciful love of Jesus. As we seek the intercession of the saints, may their examples encourage us to deepen our prayer life, grow in holiness, and become living witnesses of Christ’s love and mercy in our families and communities.

This year, as our Parish celebrates the 120th anniversary of the Church of Saint Thomas the Apostle, let us renew our commitment to walk together in faith, united in prayer, and to go forth in love as one parish family, living our missionary calling under the theme, “One in Christ, United in Mission.”

May Mary, the Mother of God, teach us to pray with trust; may the saints inspire us to holiness; and may our prayers for our departed loved ones strengthen our hope in God's promises.

 

ONE IN CHRIST, UNITED IN MISSION

This year, the Church celebrates the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday, established by Pope Pius XI in 1926. It reminds us that the Church is missionary by nature and that every baptised Christian has a role in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Pope Leo XIV has chosen the theme “One in Christ, United in Mission” (In Illo uno unum). In his message, the Holy Father reminds us that our mission begins with our personal relationship with Jesus. As we remain united with Christ, we grow in love for one another and become stronger witnesses to the Gospel.

Throughout the years, our Holy Fathers have continually reminded us of our missionary responsibility. Pope Benedict XVI emphasised the importance of Christian charity and our commitment to proclaiming the Gospel to all peoples. Pope Francis reminded us that every baptised person is called to be a missionary, bringing hope, reconciliation, and God's love to others.

Pope Leo XIV continues this call, reminding us to remain united in Christ and to work together in our mission. Our differences in culture, language, and gifts should not divide us. Instead, they should enrich the Church as we pursue one common purpose: making Jesus' love known to the world.

Mission is not only the responsibility of priests, religious, and those sent to distant lands. Every baptised person shares this responsibility according to his or her vocation and circumstances. Missionaries who leave their homes and families to serve others deserve our prayers, encouragement, and generous support.

We do not need to travel to distant countries to become missionaries. We can begin in our own homes, families, workplaces, and communities. We proclaim Christ when we forgive those who have hurt us, care for the poor, comfort the lonely, welcome strangers, and bring peace where there is division.

As we celebrate World Mission Sunday, let us remember that we are more than members of our parish or local Church. We belong to one universal Church, united in Jesus Christ and sent to share His love with everyone. Our Christian witness grows stronger when our lives reflect what we believe: that we are one Church, one mission, and one love.

Let us be united in Christ, generous in service, and joyful in our mission. May we never think that our contribution is too small or our effort insignificant. A kind word, a sincere prayer, an act of forgiveness, or a generous gift can become a powerful expression of God's love. As we live the Gospel, we are also called to pray for missionaries and support their work. 

Together, let us bring the light of Christ to those around us so that the world may believe in Him. May Mary, Queen of Missions, accompany us on this journey, and may the Lord bless all missionaries who courageously proclaim His Gospel throughout the world.

 

A PRECIOUS GIFT TO OUR PARISH ON ITS 120th ANNIVERSARY: FIRST-CLASS RELIC OF SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE

On 11 October 2026, the 9.00 am Mass at the Church of St Thomas the Apostle, Kuantan, was celebrated by Most Rev. Archbishop George Anthonysamy, Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore, India, and concelebrated by our Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Philip Asirwalam.

During the Mass, Archbishop George personally handed over the first-class relic of St Thomas the Apostle to our Parish. After a special liturgy of veneration, we solemnly placed the relic in our Adoration Room, where it will remain permanently for veneration by our Parishioners and pilgrims.

After the Mass, the Parishioners gathered for a fellowship. It was a joyful occasion that gave everyone the opportunity to meet Archbishop George, express our gratitude, and share in the joy of receiving this precious relic.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to Archbishop George Anthonysamy for personally bringing this precious relic from Mylapore, India, to our parish in Kuantan. We also sincerely thank Rev. Fr. Clarence Dass for his invaluable assistance in arranging this sacred gift from the Basilica of St Thomas the Apostle in Mylapore.

This first-class relic is a precious gift and a great blessing for our parish community. May this precious relic continue to deepen the faith of our parish community for generations to come.

Saint Thomas the Apostle, pray for us!

 

A JOURNEY OF GRACE: WALKING WITH MARY

From 28 September to 11 October 2026, 23 pilgrims embarked on a Marian pilgrimage through France, Spain and Portugal, organised by TOPAZ Travels. Our journey helped us deepen our faith, renew our relationship with God and grow closer to Jesus and Mother Mary through prayer, the Eucharist and the witness of the saints.

We visited Paris, Nevers, Lourdes, the shrines of St Ignatius of Loyola and St James the Apostle in Spain, Nazaré, Fatima and Lisbon. We extended our two-day journey to the magnificent Sagrada Família in Barcelona, and we truly give thanks for the spiritual blessings received along the way.

One profound experience was Lourdes, where Our Lady appeared to St Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. At the Grotto of Massabielle, we prayed, celebrated the Eucharist and entrusted our intentions, families, Parish and loved ones to the Lord Jesus. Lourdes reminded us that Mary always leads us to her Son and invites us to trust in God’s mercy. We were reminded that suffering is part of life, but we never carry our crosses alone. Even when healing does not come as we hope, God’s grace gives us strength, and great renewed hope. We are challenged to show compassion to the sick, lonely and suffering.

Our pilgrimage continued to Fatima, where our visit coincided with the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (7 October). We recalled Mary’s apparitions to Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta in 1917, and her call to prayer, conversion and peace. Having prayed the Rosary daily throughout our journey, we were reminded of its power to bring us closer to Jesus. Through the Rosary, we reflect on Christ’s life with Mary and learn to follow Him in joy, sorrow and sacrifice. The Rosary is for everyone, young and old, and invites families to pray together. Mary’s message remains relevant today: turn towards God, pray faithfully and become instruments of peace.

Our visits to Nevers, Santiago de Compostela and places associated with St Ignatius of Loyola further strengthened our faith. St Bernadette teaches us humility, St James the Apostle inspires us to proclaim the Gospel courageously, and St Ignatius reminds us to seek God’s will. Their lives show us that holiness begins when we faithfully respond to God’s call in our everyday lives. 

In Nazaré and Lisbon, we also encountered Portugal’s rich Christian heritage. These experiences reminded us that genuine faith must be expressed through love, service and compassion, especially towards the poor, the sick and the vulnerable.

As our pilgrimage draws to a close in Barcelona, we thank God for the fellowship, prayers, Eucharistic celebrations and graces shared throughout this journey. We also thank TOPAZ Travels for facilitating our pilgrimage.

We will return home with more than beautiful memories. We carry a renewed commitment to prayer, deeper faith and greater love for one another. May Mary continue to guide our families and parish closer to Jesus, helping us become people of prayer, instruments of peace and witnesses of Christ’s love wherever we go.

WITH MARY, WE PRAY AND WE CARE

The month of October holds a special place in the heart of the Catholic Church. It is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Rosary and to our Blessed Virgin Mary, inviting us to renew our love for this beautiful devotional prayer. The Rosary is more than a repetition of prayers. It is a gentle and profound journey through the life of Jesus, seen through the eyes and heart of Mary.

For centuries, the Rosary has taken deep root in the hearts of Catholics. Its simplicity makes it accessible to everyone, young and old, families and individuals alike. As we move from one Hail Mary to the next, we are gently invited into the mysteries of Christ: His joy, suffering, death, resurrection and ascension. Mary accompanies us, teaching us to listen, to trust, and to say, as she did, “Let it be done to me according to your word.”

The Rosary always leads us to Jesus. Mary does not draw attention to herself but gently brings us closer to her Son. When we pray with Mary, we learn from her faith, her patience, and her willingness to remain close to Jesus, especially in moments of suffering. Through the Rosary, may our prayer life and Marian spirituality deepen, and may we be inspired to serve others, especially the sick, the elderly, the lonely, and those who quietly carry their burdens.

This October, as we pray the Rosary, we are also invited to remember the Holy Father's intention regarding mental health ministry in our parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. Unfortunately, this ministry has not yet been established at St Thomas Church, Kuantan. Pope Leo XIV desires that mental health ministry be established throughout the Church worldwide, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with mental health challenges.

Many people today carry hidden emotional and psychological burdens. Some suffer in silence because they fear judgement or misunderstanding. A caring Christian community can make a significant difference by listening without judgement, offering companionship, encouraging appropriate professional support, and helping people remain connected to their families, the Church, and the wider community.

In the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, we continue to support and pray for the mental health ministry under the supervision of Rev. Fr. Philip Chua, as well as for all those experiencing mental and emotional difficulties.

During this month, let us rediscover the beauty of the Rosary. Whether we pray individually, as a family, or as a parish community, may Mary teach us to be “anxious to see Jesus” (Luke 9:9), while opening our hearts with greater compassion towards those who are suffering. May our prayer become a source of grace, healing, hope, and deeper love for Christ and for one another.

MIGRANTS, REFUGEES AND THE DIGNITY OF EVERY CHILD

This year, Pope Leo XIV invites us to focus especially on migrant and refugee children. His theme, “Even Just One of These Children”, comes from the words of Jesus: “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me” (Mt 18:5).

 

Behind the words migrant and refugee is a real person with a name, a family, a story, fears, and dreams. Among them are children forced to leave their homes because of war, poverty, violence, persecution, natural disasters, and other tragedies. Some have lost their parents or loved ones, while others have been separated from their families. Many have experienced violence, exploitation, trafficking, or terrible hardships during their journeys.

 

Pope Leo reminds us not to allow these children to become mere numbers or statistics. Even one child matters. Every child is created in the image and likeness of God and possesses a dignity that can never be taken away. When we welcome one child, we are not simply helping a stranger; we are welcoming Christ Himself.

 

The Pope calls the whole Church to make welcome more than just a good intention. Migrant and refugee children should never feel like outsiders. Rather, they should experience the Church as a family where they are accepted, protected, loved, and given opportunities to learn, grow, and participate. We are called not only to provide assistance but also to foster friendship, belonging, and hope.

 

Pope Leo also reminds us that this responsibility belongs to everyone, including families, parishes, schools, governments, civil society organisations, and people of different faiths. Protecting a vulnerable child is both a shared human responsibility and a Christian duty.

 

(Adapted from the Message of Pope Leo XIV for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees)

 

What Can We Do as a Parish Family?

 

As the Parish Family of St Thomas, Kuantan, we may not be able to solve the entire problem of migration, but we can make a difference in the life of even one child.

 

We can begin by noticing the children among migrant and refugee families in our neighbourhoods and parish. We can help provide school supplies, uniforms, books, food, and educational support. We can also offer friendship and create opportunities for migrant children to participate in parish activities, children's programmes, and celebrations.

 

Most importantly, we can help them feel that they truly belong in our community. We can listen to their stories, welcome their families, and teach our own children to respect and befriend them. When necessary, our PIHDM ministry can work together with NGOs to provide pastoral assistance and outreach to migrants and refugees, enabling them to receive professional medical care either in their settlements or through services available in our parish.

Perhaps we cannot help many, but Jesus asks us to begin with one child, one family, and one act of kindness at a time. Even a small gesture can make a meaningful difference.

 

Let us ask Mary, who knew the pain of fleeing to Egypt with the Child Jesus, to help us become a parish that protects, welcomes, and cares for every child placed in our path.

A JOURNEY THROUGH DIFFERENT NAZARETHS

From 13 to 18 September 2026, I made a five-day self-directed retreat at the MAJODI Centre, Plentong, under the guidance of the Right Reverend Bishop Bernard Paul of the Diocese of Johor-Melaka as my retreat master. I arrived with many questions, inner struggles, and a troubled heart. Through Scripture, prayer, silence, and reflection, the Lord gradually helped me to look at my life and priesthood with a renewed heart.

The retreat began with the question God asked Elijah: “Why are you here?” (1 Kings 19:1-18). Elijah had become exhausted, discouraged, and afraid. Yet God did not condemn him. Instead, He allowed him to rest and be nourished before inviting him to listen. This spoke deeply to me. I realised that I had not come to the retreat simply to find answers, but to place myself honestly before God. I needed to acknowledge my mistakes, let go of what I could not change, and trust that God was still walking with me.

As I continued to pray with the Book of Revelation, particularly chapters 1-3, I was reminded of who Jesus is: the Alpha and the Omega, the One who is, who was, and who is to come. Then St John's message to the seven churches struck me: “You have less love than you used to.” It prompted me to ask whether, after many years of priesthood, my first love for Jesus remains as alive as it was in the beginning.

Once again, I was reminded that before I am a priest, I am first a disciple loved by Christ. He is my Love and my Key, opening doors to forgiveness, hope, reconciliation, and new beginnings. He also stands at the door of my heart, inviting me to open it more fully to Him and to embrace His love and grace.

The Child Jesus grew up “in wisdom and stature” in Nazareth (Luke 2:39-52), leading me to reflect on “The School of Nazareth” and to see my life as a journey through different Nazareths. My childhood, working years, seminary formation, and the various parishes and ministries where I have served have all been places where God has formed me. Every challenge has become an opportunity for growth, gradually shaping me into more than I once was.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me...” (Luke 4:16-20) invited me to place myself once again in His hands for the renewal of my priesthood and mission. I realised that priesthood is not my possession. The mission belongs to Christ, the people are His, and my life is entirely His.

As I conclude this retreat, I return with a renewed desire to listen, grow, forgive, serve, and love. I am deeply grateful for Bishop Bernard's accompaniment and for the gift of silence and prayer. May the Holy Spirit continue to renew my vocation and mission, so that I may lovingly bring the Good News, healing, freedom, and hope to God's people.

A TIME OF RENEWAL, LISTENING AND WALKING TOGETHER

September is a significant month for our Church in Malaysia, prompting us to pray, renew our spirit, serve others, and care for the world God has entrusted to us. As a living community, we embrace moments to pause, listen, reflect, and reaffirm our commitment to God. Let’s remember an essential truth that the Malaysian Church invites us to celebrate, listen, and walk together in unity.

The Clergy in Peninsular Malaysia have started attending their annual retreat, held in four separate sessions throughout September, at different locations – two sessions in Cameron Highlands, one at the MAJODI Centre in Johor, and another at Stella Maris in Penang. A retreat is an important time for every priest. In the midst of busy parish schedules, meetings, celebrations of the Sacraments and numerous pastoral responsibilities, the clergy must also find time to pause, be silent and spend time in prayer. A retreat allows us to be in the presence of God, listen to His voice, energise our pastoral zeal and priestly vocation, and gain fresh courage to continue serving God’s people with faithfulness and joy.

Meanwhile, the Malaysia Pastoral Convention 2026 (MPC2026) is currently taking place in Sibu, Sarawak, which commenced on 9 September and will conclude this Sunday, 13 September. This event is a significant opportunity for the Church in Malaysia to celebrate its faith, listen to each other, share insights, and collaboratively discern the future.

The Convention looks ahead to the Church’s future mission over the next decade, focusing on four key pastoral concerns. First, the Church aims to strengthen pastoral care and support families through today’s challenges. Second, the Church goes forth to bring the light of the Gospel more meaningfully and effectively to everyone. Third, the Church recognises the need to heal divisions in society and foster greater fraternity, healthy dialogue and unity. Lastly, the Church emphasises the importance of caring for our common home and taking responsibility for the future of our planet. Through prayer, sharing, and “Conversation in the Spirit”, the Malaysian Church shares its hopeful vision for growth and finding meaningful ways to evangelise Christ to the people of our country.

The haze affecting parts of Malaysia in recent weeks reminds us of our duty to protect creation and support each other. Meanwhile, people in different parts of the world continue to suffer from floods, fires, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other calamities. Behind every disaster, there are families and communities whose lives are deeply affected. We are urged to pray for them and, whenever possible, to offer practical aid and show solidarity with them.

May the coming week and month be a time of renewal for everyone. As we celebrate, listen and walk hand in hand as the Malaysian Church, let us strive to become a true family of God, living our faith through prayer, compassion, service, and love.

Photo Credited to Borneo Post
 

WALKING TOGETHER AS ONE MALAYSIAN CHURCH

The first significant national-level pastoral convention will take place in Sibu, Sarawak, from 9-13 September 2026, bringing together 850 delegates – clergy, religious and laity –  from all nine dioceses of Malaysia: three in Peninsular Malaysia, three in Sabah and three in Sarawak. 

 

Since Friday, 4 September 2026, the Church in Malaysia has been praying fervently during the Holy Hour in their respective parishes for the life and future of our Malaysian Church.

 

Malaysia Pastoral Convention (MPC) 2026 is not just about discussing future plans, but about listening – listening to one another, to the lived experiences of our people, and most importantly, to the Holy Spirit. Through prayer and “Conversation in the Spirit”, participants will discern where God is leading the Church in Malaysia.

Four areas that will guide this discernment: Family, Church, Creation and Society.

Family reminds us that our homes are the first places where faith is lived. We hope families become places of love, forgiveness, faith and hope –  where children and young people encounter Christ, and those going through challenges find support and guidance.

Church calls us to renewal. We aim to build a more synodal Church –  a Church of communion, participation and mission – where clergy, religious and laity walk together, share responsibility and become joyful witnesses of the Gospel.

Creation reminds us that the earth is our common home. We are called to be grateful for God’s creation and to take seriously our responsibility to care for the environment, especially for the benefit of future generations and those most at risk.

Society challenges us to live our faith beyond church walls. As we have just celebrated Merdeka, we pray for a Malaysia where peace and prosperity are genuinely shared. As citizens, we must pursue justice, promote peace and stand in solidarity with the poor, the marginalised and the vulnerable.

Our Malaysian Catholic Church has evolved significantly since the early 1800s, thanks to missionaries. The MEP Fathers (Paris Foreign Missions) laid important foundations in Peninsular Malaysia while missionaries – particularly the Mill Hill Fathers – played a vital role in bringing the Gospel to Sarawak and Sabah. Over the past sixty years, the Malaysian Church has gradually developed local clergy and lay leaders. Today, we have a Church that is truly Malaysian, living its faith in a multi-racial, multilingual and multicultural society.

The pastoral convention has expanded over the years, beginning with the first Peninsular Malaysia Pastoral Convention (PMPC I) in 1986. It continued with PMPC II in 1996, PMPC III in 2006, and PMPC IV in 2016. What began as the PMPC is now proudly known as MPC. The journey was originally called the Pan-Malaysia Pastoral Convention, but in 2023, it was renamed MPC 2026.

Let us pray that MPC 2026 will help our Church discern a clear pastoral direction for the next ten years. May the Holy Spirit guide us to build stronger families, renew our Church, care for creation and become a more just and peaceful nation.

Let us walk together, listen together and discern together, trusting that the Holy Spirit will lead our Malaysian Church into the future.