THE BEAUTY OF VOCATIONS

Pope Leo XIV, in his message for the 63rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, invites us to rediscover vocations as an inward journey of encountering God’s free gift, which blossoms in the depths of our hearts. Rooted in the image of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd, vocations are seen as beautiful paths in which life becomes meaningful and radiant when lived in close relationship with the Lord.

The Holy Father highlights that God’s beauty is discovered through prayer, silence, and reflection. Like St Augustine, who found God in the depths of his heart, therefore, each person is called to nurture an interior life in which God’s voice can be heard. Vocation is not imposed but is a free and loving invitation, calling each person to respond with joy and openness.

The Holy Father highlights that every vocation begins with the awareness that God knows and loves us personally, and invites us into a relationship through the Word, Sacraments, and acts of charity. This awareness leads to trust, especially when God’s plans are mysterious or challenging. The example of Saint Joseph serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God’s will.

The Pope also emphasises that vocations are ongoing processes of growth, not merely a one-off event. Vocations mature through daily fidelity, guidance, community support, and openness to the Holy Spirit. Just as branches are connected to the vine, our lives must remain rooted in Christ.

Finally, he urges young people to pause, listen, and trust in God, confident that every vocation is a gift that brings happiness and bears fruit for the Church and the world, under the loving guidance of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

For me, the priesthood has always been a beautiful gift to the Church, and it carries deep meaning for everyone who responds to His calling. In the light of the Holy Father’s message, I realise that my vocation is not something I possess, but it is a grace I must continually rediscover in the depths of my heart.

There have been moments in my priestly journey when the path seemed uncertain, when plans did not go as I had expected. Yet, in those moments, I have come to understand that the Holy Spirit is gently guiding, shaping, and leading me according to God’s plan, a plan far greater than my own understanding.

Vocation is not about being perfect, but about trust in the Lord. Just as Jesus, the Good Shepherd who goes before us, gently guides me each day, inviting me to renew my promises. Through my personal prayer, the Eucharistic celebration, and the people entrusted to my care, I can see how this calling continues to grow and deepens over time.

Indeed, the priesthood is truly beautiful – because it is a journey with Christ, a daily act of surrender, and a peaceful joy in serving His people with love.

 

RENEWED BY THE FIRE OF VOCATION

As we journey through the Easter season—a time of renewal, hope, and new life—the Church invites us this month to widen our hearts in prayer, especially for priests. For April 2026, the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, calls the entire Church to pray in a special way for priests who are going through moments of crisis.

The Holy Father’s intention truly touches the reality of priestly life. Priests, though called and consecrated for service, remain human and vulnerable. They, too, experience fatigue, loneliness, emotional struggles, and, at times, discouragement in their vocation. The weight of ministry, the expectations placed upon them, and the pain of misunderstandings or scandals can leave them feeling isolated and overwhelmed.

The Holy Father reminds us that priests do not need perfection from us but rather our presence. They need communities that listen without judgment, offer support without demands, and walk with them in sincere friendship. Above all, they need our prayer and encouragement. We are invited to ask the Lord to “rekindle in our priests the joy of the Gospel” so that their hearts may be renewed by the fire of their vocation.

This is also a call for us, as a parish community, to rediscover our shared mission. The priest does not carry the mission of the Church alone. Through the grace of baptism, each of us shares in the responsibility of proclaiming the Kingdom of God. When we support our priests with understanding, encouragement, and collaboration, we strengthen the whole Body of Christ.

As we approach Vocation Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, this message takes on even greater significance. We are invited not only to pray for more vocations but also to foster a nurturing environment in which vocations can flourish. Young people are more likely to say “yes” to God’s call when they see priests who are joyful, supported, and faithful. Our witness today shapes the Church of tomorrow.

The Holy Father himself stands as a witness to courage and fidelity. In a world marked by conflict and division, he continues to proclaim the Gospel truth with clarity and humility. His voice remains prophetic, rooted in Christ’s call: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Despite criticism and global challenges, he remains steadfast in promoting peace, dialogue, and compassion for all who suffer due to war. Let us also keep him in our prayers, that he may be strengthened in his mission.

We make every effort to pray more deeply, care more intentionally, and love more generously for our Pope, bishops, and priests. Let us ensure they always feel supported and never alone. Let us walk with them, support them, and entrust them to the Lord. For when we care for them, we care for and nurture the very heart of our Church.

            

       

HIS GRACE WORKS WITHIN US

Our Easter Triduum celebrations this year were truly uplifting - filled with faith, unity, and mission - revealing how the Risen Lord continues to gather His people from every corner and lead them into new life.

We were blessed to have two priests serving the Easter Triduum in different communities simultaneously, drawing our parishioners into deeper prayer, reflection, and participation in the sacred mysteries. Rev. Fr. Christopher Wee, SJ, led the Triduum at St. Thomas, the Apostle, Kuantan, while Rev. Fr. Fransickus from Flores celebrated with our Bahasa Malaysia and Indonesian-speaking communities.

I had the privilege of celebrating the Triduum with the newly founded Orang Asli community at Kampung Kundang, about 12 kilometres from Muadzam Shah and approximately 200 kilometres from Kuantan. We have been journeying with this community since July 2025 - offering catechesis, sharing the faith, and patiently walking with them in their spiritual formation.

Despite many challenges, their openness, attentiveness and deep hunger for Jesus have touched us. Their genuine responses, often expressed in a heartfelt “Amen!” reveal a faith that is pure, humble, and firmly rooted in trust.

After nine months of preparation, this Easter marked a historic and grace-filled moment. For the first time, the Easter Triduum was celebrated with Orang Asli communities coming together - from two other Kampungs Asli, Batu 3 Kuala Rompin, and Bukit Serok (70 kms from Muadzam Shah town) - meeting at Kampung Kundang. 

During the Easter Vigil, 81 adults received the Sacraments of Initiation, and on Easter Sunday, 41 children were baptised. In total, 122 members of the Orang Asli community professed their faith in Christ. 

They came from different Protestant churches and animist cultural backgrounds, and have now joyfully embraced the Catholic faith. We warmly welcomed them into our parish family of St. Thomas, Kuantan.

This is truly a new dawn of faith among the Orang Asli. The Risen Lord continues to act in ways that surprise and inspire us, drawing people closer to Himself. In these humble beginnings, we clearly see that love has risen again - alive and active in the hearts of His people and His Church.

At St. Thomas Church, 13 people received the Sacraments of Initiation, and one was welcomed into full communion with the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil celebrated by Fr. Christopher Wee.

As we reflect on these celebrations, we recognise that what has occurred is more than numbers - it is a life of grace, transformation, and hope. In the simplicity and sincerity of these communities, we have witnessed the quiet yet powerful presence of God at work.

God does not require perfection - He desires willing hearts. A sincere “yes” enables His grace to work within us and gives us strength to live as Resurrected People.

    

LOVE HAS RISEN AGAIN

The Easter Season has arrived—a season of light, hope, and new life. Today, we rejoice and celebrate Christ’s victory over sin and death. Easter is not simply a day we observe; it is a living reality we are invited to enter. The Risen Lord approaches us, refreshes our spirits, and calls us into a deeper relationship with Him.

Over the past few weeks, we journeyed through Lent, Holy Week, and the Sacred Triduum. I was truly touched by the strong turnout at our weekend Masses. Your presence, faith, and effort to “Come back to the Lord with all your heart…” revealed a genuine longing for transformation. Many of you have turned your hearts back to God. Now, at Easter, we see the fruit: the love of Christ rising within your hearts. Truly, “love has risen again”—not only in the tomb, but within each one of us.

 

During the Lenten season, I also had the opportunity to visit interior areas to celebrate Mass and hear confessions among migrants and the Orang Asli communities. There were moments of tiredness along the way, but the Lord quietly provided the strength needed each time. In those moments, I experienced a deep joy—a reminder that Christ is present everywhere, especially among the poor, the forgotten, and those who long for His mercy. These encounters have been a blessing for them, and for me as well.

 

Recently, a simple line from the Letter to the Hebrews (12:6) stayed with me: “The Lord disciplines the one He loves.” I came to realise this is not something harsh, but a gentle reminder that God continues to guide, shape, and form us in love—to live a life of love. In our journey of faith, He patiently leads us, helping us grow closer to Him each day.

 

As we celebrate Easter, we are invited to open our hearts to the Risen Lord, giving Him space to transform us. We continue seeking Him in prayer, trusting that He will come to meet us during this season, just as He promised His disciples. Having encountered Him, He sends us forth as messengers of Easter joy and hope.

 

Our mission is clear: to shine the light of Christ into the dark corners of our families, our communities, and our world. Having renewed our baptismal commitments, we pray that the Risen Lord not only encounters us but also dwells within us and works through us. In this way, His love becomes visible and tangible in our everyday lives.

 

As we begin this Easter Season, let us remain rooted in hope, alive in faith, and active in love. Let us walk forward with confidence, knowing that Christ is truly risen and present among us.

 

MAY THE RISEN CHRIST FILL YOUR HEARTS

WITH LASTING HOPE, PEACE, AND NEW LIFE.

ENTERING THE MYSTERY OF HOLY WEEK

We have now reached the most sacred time of the Church’s Liturgical year – Holy Week. After our Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we now step into the profound mystery of our faith: the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus. Holy Week calls us to immerse ourselves in Christ’s love – a love that endures suffering, gives selflessly, and rises with hope.

We begin Palm Sunday with joy, “Hosanna!” – welcoming Jesus as our King. Yet, within moments, the cry changes to “Crucify Him!” This sudden shift reflects the reality of the human heart, which can be faithful in times of blessing but weak in moments of trial. It calls us to deepen our commitment to walk with Christ beyond joyful moments to Calvary.

As we enter the Paschal Triduum, we are drawn into the very heart of Christ’s love.

On Holy Thursday, Jesus shows true greatness through self-giving service by washing the disciples’ feet, symbolising humility. On this same night, He gives us the Eucharist and the gift of the Priesthood. This reminds us that our faith is lived not only in devotion, but in thanksgiving through the Eucharist and in humble service to one another in our families, ministries, and daily lives.

Good Friday brings us face-to-face with the Cross. Jesus does not retaliate or defend Himself but fully submits to the Father’s will. During this Lent, especially through our Way of the Cross, we have reflected on carrying our own burdens with patience and trust. Good Friday now invites us to place our wounds, struggles, and sufferings at the foot of the Cross, uniting them with Christ who redeems and transforms them.

Holy Saturday is marked by silence – a silence filled with waiting, hope, and trust in God’s hidden work. Many among us experience this silence in very real ways: waiting for healing in illness, longing for reconciliation within families, seeking direction in times of uncertainty, or carrying quiet grief. In this sacred stillness, the Church assures us that God is at work even when nothing seems to be happening.

Then, at the Easter Vigil, light dispels darkness and love rises again. The Resurrection simply reminds us that Jesus is alive, that hope is real, and that God’s love is stronger than sin and death. 

Easter fills us with joy and hope. It reassures us that with Christ, we always have a fresh start. Whatever challenges or burdens we have carried, the Risen Lord offers us peace, forgiveness, and a bright new way ahead.

This Holy Week is an invitation for us to participate fully in the liturgies, not as spectators, but as true followers entering into the mystery of salvation. Let us return to the essentials of our faith: the Word, the Eucharist, and love in action.

Walk with Jesus through the Cross, and you will rise with Him in glory. 

WISHING YOU A BLESSED AND MEANINGFUL HOLY WEEK!

SHINING WITNESSES OF HIS PRESENCE

Now is a good time for each of us to take a moment to honestly ask: how far have I prepared my heart? Have I drawn closer to the Lord, or am I still the same? As we enter the Fifth Week of Lent, the Church gently encourages us to look more deeply at Jesus – His passion, His suffering, and His death. Lent is not just a season to pass quickly; it is a special journey that invites us to reflect and grow in faith.

This Wednesday, 25 March 2026, our Parish – the Church of St. Thomas the Apostle – marks a remarkable milestone: the 120th anniversary of its establishment. This meaningful date coincides with the Solemnity of the Annunciation, a beautiful feast when we honour Mary’s “Yes” to God, a moment that forever changed salvation history.

On 25 March 1906, the roots of our Parish were planted with the first three baptisms: Joseph Liao Ah Gni, Andrew Teu Ah Mau, and Lazarus Voun Sui Tso. Interestingly, these baptisms did not take place in Kuantan itself, but in Sungai Belat, about 20 kilometres away, by Rev. Fr. Vincent Gazeau, MEP. From these humble beginnings, our early missionaries and faithful community members worked tirelessly to establish a permanent home for the church.

By the early 1930s, they found an ideal site and built a small chapel. In the 1940s and 1950s, the chapel was expanded under Rev. Fr. Louis Guittat, MEP, to accommodate the growing number of parishioners. Later, in 1966, Rev. Fr. Antoine Henriot, MEP, constructed a new church building, which still stands today as the heart of our beloved Parish.

As we celebrate this anniversary, we recognise God’s unwavering faithfulness. We honour the courage of those early faithful who paved the way, and we treasure the gift of faith handed down through generations – a vibrant, living faith that we are now called to carry forward with our own hearts and actions.

This celebration is deeply connected to our Lenten journey. Just as Mary’s “Yes” to God and our Parish founders’ brave embrace of faith shaped our history, Lent calls us to renew our commitment to the Lord with open hearts. Our history is not only about remembering the past; it is about living that faith daily.

As we prepare for Easter, let us see this anniversary as more than a commemoration of history. It is also a reminder to renew our spirits. Together, let us gather on Wednesday, 25 March, for a special evening Mass at 7.30 pm, to mark the establishment of our Parish on the East Coast.

May this 120th anniversary inspire us to remain deeply rooted in Christ’s love and to become shining witnesses of His presence for generations to come.

          

 

LENT: A JOURNEY OF MERCY, PATIENCE AND HOPE

As we arrive at the Fourth Sunday of Lent – Laetare Sunday, which means “Rejoice” – we find ourselves at the midpoint of our Lenten journey. The Church gently reminds us that the joy of Easter is drawing nearer. Even within this penitential season, a quiet note of hope begins to emerge, inviting us to continue our Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving with renewed spirit.

During this Lenten season, the Lord invites us to do two important things. First, to come before Him with humility, trusting in His mercy. Second, to allow that mercy to flow through us by forgiving others. When we truly experience God’s forgiveness, our hearts begin to soften. We become more compassionate, more understanding, and more willing to reconcile with those around us. In this way, we begin to reflect the very mercy of God in our daily lives.

Lent also teaches us another important virtue: patience. Our Muslim brothers and sisters often refer to Ramadan as a month of patience. In a similar way, Lent can also become a school of patience for us as Catholics. Through prayer, fasting, and small acts of sacrifice, we slowly learn to control our impulses, to step back from anger, arguments and quarrels, and to respond with greater calm and understanding.

Patience is truly a fruit of the Spirit. When we lose patience, we sometimes weaken our witness as followers of Christ. But when we practise patience – especially in difficult times – we grow stronger in faith. Lent is not about an easy journey; rather, it is about allowing God to strengthen us. Instead of praying for an easier path, perhaps we can pray for stronger hearts and steadier steps as we walk through these forty days.

Lent, therefore, is not meant to be a heavy burden but a journey of grace. Every prayer we offer, every small sacrifice we make, and every act of kindness we show, brings us closer to God. Even when we feel weak or imperfect, the Lord receives us with tenderness. Like a loving Father, He never grows tired of welcoming His children back with open arms.

In his Lenten message, Pope Leo XIV reminds us that Lent is a time to renew our hearts through prayer, reconciliation, and acts of charity. It is a season where hope is rediscovered and faith is strengthened.

From the very beginning of Lent, the words of the prophet Joel (2:12-13) have been echoing in our hearts: “Come back to me with all your heart...” These words continue to guide us back to the heart of God and invite us to a deeper conversion of heart. May we keep listening and responding to the gentle invitation of the Lord calling each one of us.

 

THE PATH OF LOVE, FORGIVENESS, AND PEACE

For the month of March, the prayer intention of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, invites us to pray that nations may move towards effective disarmament, especially nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders may choose dialogue and diplomacy over violence.

We continue to witness ongoing tensions and violence in the Middle East. For more than a week, conflicts have escalated, drawing the world’s attention. The Pope urges us to pursue peace, promote dialogue, and seek solutions without weapons. Innocent lives are affected, many are forced to flee their homes, economies are disrupted, flights are cancelled, and daily life is thrown into uncertainty. People are anxious and weary, wondering what the future may hold.

In moments like this, many questions arise. Why does violence continue to repeat itself throughout human history? Why do political interests sometimes take precedence over human dignity? Who truly gains from war? Certainly not the ordinary people who suffer its consequences!

War leaves scars that last for generations. It destroys homes, divides families, and sows seeds of hatred that take years to heal, if at all. Buildings may be rebuilt with time, but peace requires patience, humility, courage, and—most importantly—the willingness to listen to one another.

This is why disarmament is crucial. When nations spend vast resources on weapons, especially nuclear ones capable of destroying humanity repeatedly, we must ask: does this truly secure our future, or does it only fuel fear? Real security comes not from destructive power, but from protecting human life and dignity.

At this time, Christians are observing the holy season of Lent, while our Muslim brothers and sisters are observing Ramadan. Both seasons invite us to open our hearts more fully to God and to one another. For Christians, Lent is a time of repentance, healing, and reconciliation. It reminds us that hatred and violence should never define us. The way of Christ remains the path of love, forgiveness, and peace.

At times, we may feel powerless in the face of global conflicts. Yet prayer is never powerless. When we pray, we unite our hearts with God’s desire for peace. Our prayers become a heartfelt call for justice, compassion, and wisdom for those in leadership.

Let us keep praying sincerely for peace in the Middle East and in all places affected by conflict. Pray, for the protection of innocent civilians, for comfort for those who mourn, for healing for the wounded, and for courage among world leaders to choose dialogue rather than destruction.

May God soften hardened hearts, guide world leaders with wisdom, and help humanity rediscover that we are not enemies, but instead brothers and sisters who should be united on this fragile earth we share.

Peace is not only a dream—it is a shared responsibility. Together, let us build a more peaceful world where everyone feels safe and cared for.

AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS

As we journey through this sacred season of Lent, the Youth of St. Thomas have created a special “Lenten Reflection Corner” at the main entrance of our church. This corner is more than just a display - it is an invitation to pause, reflect, and enter more deeply into the mystery of Jesus’ passion and death.

In this corner, you will find several powerful symbols, objects and instruments that profoundly express His suffering, sacrifice, and love:

·       The 9-foot cross stands tall as the greatest sign of His love for the salvation of humanity. 

·       The crown of thorns speaks of suffering and humiliation, yet proclaims Christ as King, reigning from the throne of sacrifice.

·       The nails remind us of His wounds and of the weight of our sins, which He bore out of love. 

·       The dice symbolise the soldiers casting lots for His garments, warning us how easily we can become indifferent to what is sacred.

·       The lance points to the moment His side was pierced, from which flowed blood and water - signs of mercy and new life.

·       The garments and cloth remind us that He was stripped of dignity, teaching us humility and detachment from worldly pride.

Each symbol tells a story. Each item asks us: What does this mean for me? How do I respond to such love this Lent?

This project especially encourages our catechism students and young people to come forward, observe, ask questions, and contribute meaningful items that reflect their Lenten journey. Lent is not simply something we hear about -it is something we live, experience, and grow through together as a parish family.

Lent prepares our hearts for the joy of Easter. We reflect on Christ’s suffering not to remain in sorrow, but to grasp the depth of His love. We walk with Him through Lent so that we may arrive at the empty tomb, which points us toward the resurrection - a doorway to hope and new life.

This idea was inspired by what I saw at the Herald Publication Office in Kuala Lumpur, where simple elements proclaimed the final earthly journey of Jesus. My hope is that our corner will gradually grow throughout Lent, becoming richer in meaning and deeper in reflection for all parishioners.

I warmly invite everyone - young and old - to spend a few quiet moments at this corner before or after Mass. Bring your children. Reflect prayerfully. Ask yourself: What can I place at the foot of the cross this Lent? A bad habit? A hurt? A prayer intention? An act of charity? You are encouraged to write it down and place it in the designated space.

May this small corner at our church entrance open a greater space in our hearts, so that when Easter dawns, we may rejoice with renewed faith, hope, and love.