MAKE HUMAN DIGNITY A PRIORITY

The Holy Father, Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of June 2023 is “for the abolition of torture.” He invites us “to pray that the international community may commit in a concrete way to ensure the abolition of torture and guarantee support to victims and their families.” The Pope said, “Torture is not past history; unfortunately, it is part of our history today.”

In the world today, there are highly brutal forms of torture. There are some forms of mistreatment that can be inflicted on individuals such as insulting, bullying, dulling the senses or imprisoning them under inhumane conditions which strip them of their dignity. The Pope reminded us that torture is not something unprecedented and is not a new experience. He encourages us to reflect on how Jesus suffered, was brutally tortured and crucified. Even as he was hung on the cross, the torture and humiliation continued.

The use of torture or any form of cruel or inhumane action is strictly prohibited at all times and in all places. Torture can have varying effects on individuals, families and communities. It is expected to have a significant impact on physical and psychological health - both in the short-term and long-term. 

According to international law, torture is considered a crime. We need to put to stop this horrible act at once. It is crucial to prioritise each individual’s dignity and treat them as living beings and not as things or objects. When we treat people mercilessly, causing death or permanent psychological and physical harm, the repercussions last a lifetime. We must commit and urge any authority to act against or to prevent torture. We should strive to ensure that victims of torture receive redress, including the right to sufficient compensation as well as complete rehabilitation.

There are many reasons for torture, and we have read or seen them in countless publications as well as on social media. Despite being completely banned by international law, many countries continue to practice the act of torture. The protection of human rights is not being fully realised. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that torture is against moral law and does not respect the dignity of the human person.

Everyone is entitled to basic human rights, yet torture and violation occur daily in every corner of the world. There is no situation in which it is permissible or reasonable. It is completely prohibited. In case these rights are violated, the public authorities must intervene to put an end to it. Furthermore, the authorities have a duty to investigate any credible reports of mistreatment without delay.

Human rights are like shields which provide protection. They are also similar to rules which teach us how to behave towards others. Human rights can be violated and can be destroyed. They remain fundamental values that are easily recognisable when they are violated or ignored. Human rights belong to everyone - regardless of wealth, age, race, or physical appearance, and demands that every single person be treated with dignity, respect and equality.

“Torture which uses physical or moral violence to extract confessions, punish the guilty, frighten opponents, or satisfy hatred is contrary to respect for the person and for human dignity.” (CCC 2297)

THE BLESSINGS THAT COME OUR WAY

The Holy Father, Pope Francis has urged Marian shrines in all Arch/dioceses throughout the world to hold prayers on May 31st, the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary visiting Elizabeth. This is in preparation for the Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops scheduled for October 2023 in Rome.

The Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October marks the third and final phase of the synodal process that the Church has been engaging in since 2021, following the Parishes/Dioceses and Continental levels. Let us ask for her maternal protection of the Church to guide this crucial stage of the Synod.

Despite not being a Marian Shrine, around 170 Parishioners of St Thomas, Kuantan gathered at the Grotto to pray the Rosary at 7.30 pm, followed by the Eucharistic celebration on the Feast of the Visitation, for the intention of the Holy Father.

As the month of May, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, draws to a close, let us follow the footsteps of Mary and Elizabeth by utilising every opportunity and blessing that comes our way to share the Good News and lead each other towards our Lord, Jesus.

VENI, SANCTE SPIRITUS

Christians celebrate Pentecost 50 days after Easter, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus’ disciples. Our journey from Easter Sunday to Pentecost has been greatly enlightening and profoundly impacted our faith in Christ Jesus and His Church. Today, we find comfort and confidence in the promise of the Holy Spirit, as expressed in John 14: 16: “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you always.”

As we celebrate Pentecost Sunday this weekend, we hope the Spirit of God will refresh our hearts with renewed faith so that our good works will be for His glory and for the well-being of our neighbours. The Church encourages us to confidently spread the message of Christ and carry out the Church’s mission in the world. It is essential to maintain a positive outlook and hold on to our faith - no matter what challenges and uncertainties come to our life. 

The Church’s mission must be carried out with joy and courage, without fail. The 12 Apostles boldly fulfilled Christ’s mission after receiving the power of the Holy Spirit, bringing lasting joy and peace to the world. We need to be more assertive and always pray that the Holy Spirit gives us the strength and ability to fulfil the mission of the Church by witnessing Jesus Christ in all corners of the earth (cf. Acts 1:8)

During the Eastertide, we have conducted spiritual formations in four languages with the theme “Pentecost – A New Beginning.” Generally, all sessions were attended by a good number of participants and everyone gained significant benefits from them. We have been provided with some scriptural texts for our own reading and reflection during the sessions. It is important to take time to pray and meditate on those texts and also readings that occur on Pentecost Day from the Sunday Missal.

Following the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord on Thursday, 18 May 2023, several parishioners began a nine-day Novena prayer to the Holy Spirit. I would like to draw attention to the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and Spiritual gifts in this discussion on apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, gifts of healing, help, gifts of leadership, different kinds of tongues, wisdom, knowledge, faith, discernment of spirit and interpretation of tongues, (cf. 1 Cor 13). Each of us has at least one spiritual gift, which is to be used for the benefit of all humanity and must be exercised in love.

To have a more meaningful personal Pentecost experience, we should prepare ourselves by repenting, forgiving, and professing our faith. We pray that we may be guided by the Holy Spirit and enlighten our hearts and minds so that we too can be filled with wisdom and find joy and comfort in our lives. Let’s participate in prayers and silent reflection and allow ourselves to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, the Giver of Life, inspires and transforms our Parish community.

Together with our family and community, we pray: 

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love and mission.

 

V. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created.

R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

The 57th World Day of Social Communications will be celebrated on 21 May 2023 with the theme “Speak with the heart” - Varitatem Facientes in Caritate” (Doing the truth in charity). Pope Francis has linked it to last year’s theme – “Listen with the ear of the heart,” as the entire Church is in preparation for the Synod in October 2023. Our heart is what motivates us to explore, observe and actively listen. It is this same heart that inspires us to communicate in an open, welcoming and friendly style of communication.

The Holy Father urges us to use “the gift of communication as a bridge, and not as a wall.” The theme emphasises the importance of speaking the truth - which must be rooted in the Gospel. However, it is essential to practice “a style of mercy, of sincere participation in the joys and sufferings of people of our time,” as seen in the dialogue between the mysterious presence of Jesus and the disciples of Emmaus, which perfectly provides an example of such a style. 

To communicate kindly, we need to practice listening with patience and not forcefully assert our own views. By listening with an open heart, we can speak truthfully and lovingly. Speaking from the heart is essential for genuine listening and expressing ourselves truthfully. When we communicate in a friendly and respectful way, others will more likely accept our involvement in the experiences of people in our society - including their joys, fears, hopes and struggles. Engaging in friendly conversations can often soften our toughest hearts.

In the media industry, it is crucial that communication should not lead to hostility, anger and conflict. Instead, it should encourage peaceful and thoughtful reflection and interpretation of the world around us. We must emulate Saint Francis De Sales (Patron Saint of Journalists) for his “meek attitude, humanity and willingness to dialogue patiently with everyone, especially with those who disagree.” Adhering to this standard of excellence guarantees top-quality communication.

The Holy Father stressed, “In the Church, there is a great need to listen to and to hear one another.” When we listen without judgment and with openness, we can speak in a way that reflects God’s style of closeness, compassion and tenderness. The book of Proverbs (6:5) says, “A pleasant voice multiplies friends, and a gracious tongue multiplies courtesies.” In today’s world, it is crucial to communicate with compassion, to promote peace in areas affected by war and to create opportunities for dialogue and reconciliation in places where hostility prevails.

In a world that is divided and closed off, we have the ability to use words to create a civilised society. We are all expected to contribute to this endeavour, but those who work in the communications field are particularly motivated by a sense of responsibility to carry out their work as a mission.

Let us ask the Lord Jesus to assist us in communicating with clarity, openness and integrity. May the Holy Spirit lead us to listen to one another and enable us to speak the truth kindly and to look out for each other’s well-being.

(An abstract of the message from the Holy Father, Pope Francis for the 57th World Day of Communication)

Many countries and churches the world over have embraced Mother’s Day as an annual celebration on the 2nd Sunday in May. This year, Mother’s Day falls on 14 May 2023 and we would like to lift all mothers in prayer during Mass as a sign of love and gratitude.

Mother’s Day celebration originated in the 19th Century, before the Civil War (1861), in the United States. It was initiated by Ann Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia with a “Mother’s Day Work Club” to educate women about caring for their children. In 1868, she organised “Mothers’ Friendship Day” to promote reconciliation within families. In 1873, Julia Ward Howe campaigned a “Mother’s Peace Day” which urged all mothers to unite in promoting world peace. In 1905, Anna Jarvis (daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis) organised a Mother’s Day celebration to honour sacrifices made by mothers for their children.

 

As we celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, we honour our mothers - young and old - who have tirelessly raised and nurtured us with love and virtue. We may have many ways to celebrate this day with our mothers, to show them our gratitude and appreciation, and to spend quality time with them.

 

This month of May – a month for Mother Mary – as we gather to pray the Rosary as families or as a BEC, please remember to dedicate a decade to our own mothers, who have poured their maternal care and granted protection each time we turn to them. May our Spiritual Mother always pray for our mums to be healthy. We also pray for ourselves during this month of the Rosary - that we may grow in humility, simplicity, chastity, integrity, charity and virtue.

 

This year, we thank our Parish Youth who have come together to bake cupcakes - with the support and guidance of Ms Georgina and her baking team. The St Thomas Baking Team have never failed to make beautiful and delicious cakes, buns and cupcakes for the parish community. These homemade cupcakes come in a variety of tempting flavours - vanilla, chocolate, coffee and butter. Instead of giving florals, the Youth have decided to distribute cupcakes and bookmarks with composed prayers, during the weekend Masses. They took this initiative to show all mothers in our Parish how special they are - not only to their families, but also to our Parish community.

 

Loving God,

We thank you for every mother and we honour them always. 

Bless our mothers and keep them under your protective care, always.

May they be loved, honoured and cherished. Help us to be ever grateful for them and helpful towards them, not only on Mother’s Day, but every day. Amen!

 

To ALL mothers – wishing you a delightful Mother’s Day! 

God bless you with good health, always.