LET’S GO AND INVITE!

World Mission Sunday is celebrated on the second last Sunday of October, and this year it falls on 20 October 2024. This significant day brings Catholics together in prayer, solidarity, and worldwide support for missionaries and the Church’s missionary work. Pope Pius XI instituted this annual observance in 1926. It invites us to reflect on the importance of mission work in the life of the Church, and furthering Christ’s mission.

Pope Francis has chosen the theme, “Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet” (Matthew 22: 9), for this year, emphasising that the host sends his servants to invite everyone – no matter their social status, background, or previous invitation – to partake in the feast. The banquet represents the church’s joyful spiritual celebration, capturing the warmth and hospitality that Christian communities extend to everyone who seeks God. This uplifting theme motivates the community of faithful to actively share God’s love with open hearts. Let’s engage in this global mission to share the Gospel, and warmly extend invitations for everyone to experience the joy of Christ’s message.

The theme truly inspires our church ministries to dive into outreach programs and reflect on our universal mission to share the Good News to every corner of the world. For those unable to physically participate, we encourage you to offer prayers for the missionaries and active members, as they engage in this meaningful mission. This is symbolised by the banquet, where everyone is invited to partake in the blessings of God’s kingdom. 

God’s invitation to salvation and grace is for everyone, not just a select few. The invitation must be extended with urgency, reflecting the need for mission work and evangelisation in today’s world, especially to those who have not yet encountered Christ. As Christians, we are called to reach out to all people - regardless of race, culture or status - welcoming them into the faith.

“Let’s go and invite!” This perspective is just as vital for us today as it invites us to share the joy of our faith, knowing that “the Lord is near.” In the early days of Christianity, the passionate drive to spread the Gospel was closely linked to their beliefs about the end times, creating a heartfelt urgency. This mission focuses on joyfully welcoming others to the Lord’s banquet. 

In contrast, the world may tempt us with its own version of “banquets” – such as consumerism, selfish comfort, wealth and individualism. However, the Gospel lovingly invites everyone to join in a divine celebration filled with joy, sharing, justice and a sense of togetherness with God and one another. Our primary responsibility is to lead the lost to the Gospel, and take it to those in need. Let’s go and invite everyone to meet Our Saviour and Our King!

LISTENING AND DISCERNING GOD’S WILL

The 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops commenced on 2 October with an opening Mass at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. Before beginning the Synod, the participants had a two-day retreat, followed by a Penitential Prayer Vigil led by Pope Francis, praying for forgiveness to foster a reflective and penitential approach in preparation for discussions. This has set them on a central theme of the Synod’s preparation as they enter into the conversations in the Spirit, listening, discerning, and engaging in an open dialogue process.

One of the topics is women deacons, which will generate significant discussion and various opinions within the Synod. The female participants speak about women’s experiences and calls to the priesthood. Some women “sense a call to the priesthood,” highlighting a growing recognition of women’s roles in the Church. This sentiment reflects a broader cultural, canonical, or theological dialogue about gender, vocation, and leadership roles in the future of the Church. 

The question of allowing Catholic women to become permanent deacons has been a significant topic during Pope Francis’ papacy. He has encouraged open dialogue regarding women’s roles, indicating that while changes might not happen overnight, there is room for exploration and understanding. The historical role of deaconesses in the early Church suggests a willingness of the Pope to explore the matter further. He proposes that potential changes should be based on thorough study and reflection in reshaping women’s roles within Church structures.

October is traditionally dedicated to the Rosary. Praying the Rosary, with focus on reshaping women’s role within the Church, is a powerful reflection. Journeying with Mary toward a Synodal Church invites us to walk together in faith. The synodal journey is about listening and discerning God’s will as a Church, and praying for guidance, unity, and wisdom is vital. A truly synodal Church listens to all its members, especially those often unheard. As we pray, we can ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom to guide the Church in recognising and valuing the unique gifts that women bring to its life and mission.

Let’s pray together with these intentions in mind: unity and openness to the Holy Spirit. Meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary reminds us of Mary’s vital role in salvation history—a model of strength, humility, and faithful discipleship. Reflecting on her example can inspire deeper conversations about women’s leadership, contributions, and voices within the Church today.

We aim to build a Synodal Church that actively listens, walks together, and discerns God’s will as a community of disciples. Offering prayers for the success of the Synodal process, along with personal intentions and expressions of gratitude for blessings, aligns beautifully with the theme of journeying together in faith during October. May our prayers foster a spirit of greater inclusion, collaboration, and understanding as we journey together with Mary.

STRENGTHENING THE CHURCH’S MISSION AND STRUCTURE

The second session of the 16^th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops commenced on 4 – 29 October 2024 at Vatican City. About 480 participants, including voting and non-voting members, had a two-day retreat and penitential vigil in preparation for the upcoming Synod, centring around the theme “For A Synodal Church in Mission.”

The Synod on Synodality Assembly took place from October 2021 to October 2024 and involved a lot of listening, discussion, and sharing by lay people, consecrated persons, and clergy. Initially scheduled to conclude in October 2023, the Holy Father extended this for a year to allow for more listening, discernment, and “Conversations in the Spirit” to address the challenges the Church faces. The Church has been continuing the discussion and discernment at parish, diocesan, national, and continental levels before sending the synthesis to the General Assembly.

The first session of the Synodal Process, 2023, focused on how the Church could effectively engage with the modern world by promoting participation, communion, and mission in the face of various challenges. It aimed to make the Church more inclusive and open to lay people, women, and youth involvement.

The second session of the ongoing Synod in October 2024 marks a significant step towards fostering a more participatory approach, dialogue, openness, pastoral strategy, and collaboration in the Church’s mission. Additionally, the critical issues discussed in the first session will be revisited during the second session of the Synod Assembly, with a specific focus on Women Deacons and the Church’s approach to LGBTQ+ individuals. The role of Women Deacons must be considered in the context of the ministerial priesthood. The examination will also address how the Church’s doctrine can engage with LGBTQ+ issues, pastoral care, and ethical considerations.

The Holy Father, Pope Francis, is encouraging the Synod 2024 to broaden its focus to include Church structures, theology, and mission. This means moving beyond controversial issues to clarify the Church’s hierarchical system and the implications of clericalism in governance and pastoral care. Additionally, the ongoing ecumenical dialogue will be a crucial point of discussion aimed at promoting unity and cooperation.

Pope Francis insists on the greater involvement of the laity, both men and women, in contributing their skills and insights. He strongly advocates for their participation in decision-making at all levels. We hope the Synod aims to create a balanced approach that addresses unresolved issues and strengthens the Church’s mission and structure, promoting inclusivity across all levels.

October is a significant month for us Catholics, inviting us to integrate the Rosary into our daily routine. The Holy Father has designated 7 October – the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary – a day for prayer and fasting for peace in Palestine and Israel. He is also committed to seeking guidance, grace, and fruitful deliberations for the ongoing Synod in 2024.

UNDERSTANDING HUMANITY

Since 1914, the Universal Church has upheld a tradition of celebrating the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR). This annual event is a testament to our enduring solidarity and concern for the vulnerable, particularly those whose lives have been torn apart by war and conflict. It is a time when we come together to pray for those facing life’s challenges and raise awareness about the opportunities migration presents.

Each year, without fail, the Church celebrates this occasion on the last Sunday of September.  This year marks the 110th WDMR celebration, and it falls on 29 September 2024. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has chosen the theme, “God Walks with His People.” In their journey, migrants and refugees see God as their steadfast travelling companion, guide and source of strength, journeying towards our “true homeland”. They trust in Him and seek comfort in times of need, finding reassurance and hope in His presence.

The Book of Exodus recounts the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, moving from slavery to freedom over a span of 40 years. This journey symbolises the pilgrims of the Church, the people of God, from the earthly to the heavenly kingdom, to be in communion with the Lord (cf. Lumen Gentium, #49). In today’s world, we see migrants and refugees who have left their homeland and are struggling in foreign lands, with many looking for resettlement or ways to return home. Their experiences reflect a profound journey towards their eternal homeland to become citizens of heaven (cf. Phil 3: 20).

One of the most enriching ministries throughout my priestly life has been the pleasure of working with migrants and refugees who come from various cultures, religions and backgrounds. While at the Church of St. Joseph in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, I had the opportunity to deeply engage with migrants and refugees living in the Klang Valley - namely from Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India. Upon my transfer to Kuantan, I continued working with other migrants and refugees, primarily Indonesians who work in oil palm plantations, sawmills and construction.

Working and ministering with migrants and refugees has been an eye-opening experience for me. It is all about realising the Gospel spirit – “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me” (MT 25: 35). I have come to understand the importance of showing empathy and care for these individuals who have left their homeland to find new prospects, and live their lives in a new land. I take great pride in working closely with them, addressing their pastoral and physical needs, and in return, I have learned so much. This experience significantly impacted me, broadening my understanding of humanity and shaping my priestly ministry.

By reaching out to them, we can make them feel welcomed and accepted. Let’s journey with them, be “synodal” together, and offer hope and consolation so they may feel at home within our plural society and culture.

FULFILLING THE MISSION OF CHRIST

Every year in September, the clergy members in Peninsular Malaysia gather for their annual spiritual retreat, which is held at three different locations: the first week of September in Cameron Highlands, the second and fourth weeks in Penang, and the third week at MAJODI Centre, Plentong, Johor. This six-day retreat begins on Sunday evening and concludes on Friday evening. Twenty-three of us were at the retreat at the MAJODI Centre, conducted by Rev. Fr. John Mc Gowan, ODC, a priest from the Carmelite Congregation in England. He has been a priest for 42 years and is currently assigned to the Parish of St. Joseph in England.

On the first day, the retreat Master highlighted several key points from the Vatican II document on the Ministry and Life of Priests, known as Presbyterorum Ordinis (PO). He reminded us that the Sacrament of Holy Orders leaves an indelible mark and encourages us to embrace our role in representing Christ, Persona Christi (cf. PO #2). He reminded us that as Priests, our primary duty is to communicate the Gospel using language that resonates with people and to convey Christ’s message through words and actions (cf. PO #4). Additionally, he stressed the significance of celibacy as a valuable gift to the priesthood, along with the virtues of humility and obedience (PO #16), guided by the Holy Spirit.

The next day, he led us in studying the teachings of St. Paul’s Epistles and his spirituality, where “Love is all you need.” As Priests, we often encounter obstacles, struggles, and challenges in the ministry. St Paul truly understood the pain and suffering of Christ, and for him, “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Eph 1: 21). This is the central message of Paul because, from his conversion till his martyrdom, he proclaimed the Gospel of Christ, imitated Christ and pursued the knowledge of Christ. Jesus, who initiated the vocation to the Priesthood in us, is our source of strength and wisdom throughout our ministry. Whoever lives for Christ, His love will never let us down (cf. Rom 5:50).

Our attention then turned to the Synod of Synodality 2023 for the next two days. It was a great opportunity to review a few documents like Evangelii Gaudium, Christifideles Laici, Evangelii Nuntiandi, and Instrumentum Laboris. These documents are designed to help us discover our unique charisms and draw inspiration from our love for Christ and the Church. They also underscore the importance of our collaboration with the laity and our shared responsibility in strengthening the Church and fulfilling the mission of Christ.

As our retreat came to a close, we deeply explored the spirituality of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus and the importance of prayer in the life of priests. Her profound influence based on her life and teachings on humility, love, the missionary spirit, and prayer are truly remarkable and inspiring. We seek her guidance through exemplary virtues of humility and unwavering love for the Church and missionaries. As the patroness of missions and missionaries, we humbly ask for her intercession to nurture with the spirit of love, humility and prayer.

“Let us love since that is what our hearts were made for.” (St Theresa of Lisieux)