NURTURING A CHRIST-CENTRED COMMUNITY

As we approach the end of this liturgical year, we are grateful for all the wonderful blessings our Parish community has received. This moment calls us to reflect on the significance of the end of the liturgical year - and how it has bestowed upon us the graces to achieve our many successful programmes, formations, activities and events throughout the past year. We acknowledge that our faith-shared journey and growth in holiness comes from our collective commitment and dedication to nurturing a vibrant, Christ-centred community.

This year, our Parish has offered diverse faith formation programmes in four languages - bi-weekly and monthly. These initiatives were designed to enhance our community’s spiritual journey and to foster deep bonds with one another. The Advent and Lenten outreach, and weekly ongoing activities as well as study groups have inspired many with renewed faith. Our youth ministry - particularly among university and college students – has flourished through various gatherings, fellowships and service outreach programmes that brought young hearts closer to Christ. Furthermore, the weekly catechism classes have helped strengthen bonds among children, teachers and parents.

Through the relentless efforts of the various ministries under the PIHDM, we have made wonderful progress in our mission of love, service and charity for the Orang Asli, Migrant Indonesians, Myanmarese, Vietnamese and local communities in need. We are excited to share that our Flood Relief Task Force is all set for the upcoming monsoon rains in Pahang! Thanks to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the PIHDM, where we are able to provide essential support to those who need it most. These ministry leaders, members and volunteers, inspired by Christ’s call to serve, demonstrate unwavering dedication and commitment - ensuring the success of our initiatives. Thank you all for being part of this important work!

With hearts full of gratitude and hope, we eagerly anticipate another wonderful year of growing together in faith, love and service as one big Parish Family of St Thomas, Kuantan! This is a very special for us, as our Parish has been chosen as a Pilgrim Centre in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with the Jubilee Year 2025. We have already planned a variety of events and activities for both Parishioners and pilgrims from across the country, aimed at welcoming everyone to various formations, gatherings and activities.

During this Jubilee Year, we hope to have fruitful reflection, discernment, listening, celebration and encouragement to uplift the progress of our Parish community. We will form a Jubilee Year Coordinating Team soon, to provide an active opportunity for us all to grow and shine in our faith, throughout this special year. May we remain steadfast in our faith, grow in love for one another and share Christ’s light with the world around us. Let’s make this Jubilee Year - Pilgrims of Hope, truly memorable!

CONNECT WITH THOSE IN POVERTY

This year, we celebrate the 8th World Day of the Poor (WDP) with the theme “The prayer of the poor rises up to God” (cf. Ecclesiasticus / Sirach 21:5), as chosen by Pope Francis. This verse highlights the special relationship between the poor and God, emphasising His attentiveness to their prayers and His quick response to their needs. The poor have always held a special place in His heart, and as they seek strength, hope and justice from Him, He reassures them with closeness - promising help and justice. He then calls us to embrace humility and empathy, encouraging us to care for the poor.

The WDP has become essential for every Christian community. It presents a pastoral opportunity to listen to the prayers of the poor and recognise their needs. We must thank the Lord for those who support the most vulnerable through their actions, and respond to the prayers of the needy. The poor teaches us valuable lessons, challenging a culture that prioritises wealth and often undermines human dignity. They remind us that the true essentials for life lie elsewhere.

The Holy Father launched the WDP in 2017. Since then, I have organised various events and activities in the parishes I served in - inviting the less fortunate, both locals and migrants - to celebrate with parishioners on a grand scale through annual fundraising projects. We utilised the funds raised at these events to provide the necessities for the poor as well as natural disaster victims - mainly flood victims – throughout the year.

However, after seven consecutive years of grand celebrations, we decided to observe WDP on a smaller scale this year. We have invited the poor, the Orang Asli and migrants from around our vicinity to our church for dinner after the Sunset Mass on Saturday. To facilitate the celebration, we have arranged buses for the Orang Asli and Indonesian migrants from the interior areas and plantations. 

Approximately 250 people, including parishioners, will sit together for a meal as a parish family to commemorate WDP. Several special dishes will be served, and we hope that it will be a memorable and pleasant fellowship for everyone.

On Sunday, 17 November 2024, we will celebrate our Parish Family Day. Over the past one month, we have made the necessary preparations and have sold 50 tables for the Thanksgiving dinner, celebrating a fruitful year and acknowledging our collective efforts towards the growth of our Parish.

The Holy Father, Pope Francis encourages the Church throughout the world to “step outside” its confines and connect with those experiencing poverty in our world today. As the Jubilee Year approaches, he encourages everyone to become pilgrims of hope, and to establish aspirations for a brighter future in 2025. Let’s cherish “the little details of love” (Gaudete et Exsultate, no. 145): taking moments to pause, offering our attention, sharing a smile, providing gentle touches, or speaking comforting words. Such actions demand a daily commitment fuelled by prayer.

DOING OUR BEST TO PREPARE FOR THE WORST

When November began, people on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia have been monitoring the weather - especially those living in the outskirts of Kuantan City and the interior areas. In some areas of Pahang, we have noticed a change in weather patterns, with consistent nighttime rain followed by clear, bright skies during the day. This is a sign of pre-monsoon weather. Our dedicated Parish Flood Relief Task Force will monitor forecasts and local weather updates while preparing the groundwork for the upcoming monsoon season.

Around this time last year, our Parish Flood Relief Task Force had the opportunity to invite Mr Amala Dass from Port Klang, for an online session. He provided our team with vital guidelines and preparations for flood disasters. This year, Mr Amala Dass will conduct the briefing session in person at our Church on Tuesday, 12 November 2024, from 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm, to assist us in preparing for the approaching monsoon rains. Although everyone may be busy juggling many commitments, I don’t want our Parishioners to miss out on this opportunity. I strongly encourage all Parish Flood Relief Team members and the new recruits to attend this informative program. Together, we can ensure our team is prepared to be mobilised effectively to support those affected by floods.

Over the past two years, we have experienced a few floods in Pahang. Thankfully, they were not severe. We were fortunate not to have many flood-affected areas in Kuantan, Kuala Rompin, Muadzam Shah and Mentakab. Our community always stands ready to help, no matter what! Let’s keep ourselves informed about the flood-season this year and arm ourselves with helpful insights, together.

On 6 November 2024, despite the rainy weather, I had the pleasure of visiting the pre-war Christian cemetery in Sungai Lembing - just 60 kilometers from Kuantan City - along with four parishioners, for a blessing. This was my third visit to this historical cemetery, which contains approximately 50 plots, some adorned with tombstones and some of these with crosses that are broken and in need of repair. Most of those buried here are Chinese, and a few British individuals who worked in the tin mining industry. The tin mine ceased operations in the late 1970s due to the rise of the plastic industry in Malaysia. 

This little town, at the foot of the hills, has existed since the 1930s. It suffers from yearly floods that often reach the roofs of houses. It is truly heartbreaking to see the floodwaters invade their houses and disrupt local businesses. During my trip to this town, I noticed that many residents have already taken precautions before the floods, and some shops have decided to close early as a safety precaution. We pray that there won’t be severe floods in several parts of the East Coast this year.

“God, You are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble”         (Psalm 46:1).

 

JOURNEY TOWARDS COMMUNION

November is significant for the Catholic Church as we remember and pray for departed souls. All Souls Day comes right after the Solemnity of All Saints on November 1, honouring known and unknown saints. We celebrate our deep connection with our loved ones in heaven and in purgatory - bringing our earthly lives together with the spiritual realm through heartfelt prayers and loving memories.

Families from various cultures and religions honour and celebrate their beloved deceased relatives and friends in various ways. As Catholics, we visit cemeteries or columbariums to pray, bring bouquets, light candles or partake in heartfelt ceremonies that beautifully echo our spiritual beliefs. Visiting the resting places of deceased family members deepens our connection to our history and heritage, nurturing a sense of belonging. Many Catholics participate in special Masses and say particular prayers - finding peace or closure after a loss, helping them embrace their grief in a meaningful and thoughtful way.

The Catholic Church assures us of the spiritual bond between the living and the dead. According to Catholic belief, purgatory is a place of purification for those who have passed away in grace, but need a little more time before being fully admitted into the Kingdom of Heaven. Our loving prayers and sacrifices can help these souls in purgatory on their journey toward communion with the saints. It is comforting to know that our Mass offerings, prayers and sacrifices can uplift those in purgatory - assisting them as they prepare to enter the joyful and triumphant embrace of Heaven.

Throughout November, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, encourages us to take a moment to remember and pray for all the parents and others as well who are grieving the loss of their children. May they find comfort and support within their community and experience peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit.

It is a wonderful month for us to honour those we have lost, and it allows us to celebrate their lives as well as the memories they have left in our hearts. It is a beautiful way to keep our love for them alive - showing compassion and grace. It is a heartfelt expression of love that enriches our faith community. 

Remembering those who have passed not only upholds their legacy, but also connects us meaningfully - reflecting our enduring commitment to the well-being of everyone we hold dear - both in this life and beyond. The hope of resurrection and the belief in everlasting life can strengthen our faith in Jesus, who says, “I am the Resurrection and Life, whoever believes in me will have eternal life” (Jn 11: 25). Praying for those who have passed not only deepens our connection to them but also comforts us, reminding us that death is just a transition and a continuity of life.

FOSTERING THE GROWTH OF THE CHURCH

Pope Francis launched the Synod on Synodality in Vatican City, which took place at the end of the Covid 19 pandemic on 9-10 October 2021. The Synod Assembly was supposed to end in October 2023, but the Holy Father extended it until October 2024. All the concrete proposals for the future of the Church will be finalised by the end of this weekend, following the agenda set by the Instrumentum Laboris or Working Documents. This three-year Synod Assembly will officially conclude this Sunday, 27 October 2024, with the release of the final documents of the Synod on Synodality during Mass at St Peter’s Basilica.

Since 2021, we initiated the Synodality process in our parishes, embarking on a shared faith journey. This journey encourages all Church congregations, parishes, dioceses and countries worldwide to engage in meaningful listening, discernment and conversations in the Spirit. It enables collaborative decision-making, to foster the growth of the Church in today’s challenging world. We highlighted critical issues affecting all levels, including faith and moral dilemmas, evangelisation strategies, and social justice concerns. We ensured our voices would be recognised and valued, at the Synod Assembly 2023 and 2024.

The Synod on Synodality addresses critical topics, makes decisions on fundamental issues, and engages in deep theological discussions. Every Church member stays informed about the results of each session at the Synod Assembly. The Synod of Bishops carefully considers all significant issues and key matters that influence the Catholic Church, its governance, teachings and the decisions and actions made by the Church.

The Universal Church has been praying the Synodal prayer at almost every weekend Mass these past three years for a significant and meaningful Synod of Bishops 2024. We will end this Synodal prayer this weekend, and continue with the Jubilee Prayer 2025 – “Pilgrim of Hope”. Pope Francis designated it - inviting us to reflect on our prayer life - examining what we pray, how and why we pray. He wants us to go deeper into our prayer commitments and love for God, and accompany others in prayer during the Jubilee Year of Prayer. 

In the upcoming Jubilee Year, our Parish of St Thomas Kuantan has been selected as a pilgrimage destination within the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. Throughout the Jubilee Year, we, as a vibrant Synodal Church in the East Coast, remain committed to listening, discerning and conversing in the Spirit - faithfully considering the thoughts, insights and recommendations from the Synod of Bishops 2024, to enrich our life of the Church.

Let us embrace the core values of our Synod of Synodality, journeying together as we uplift one another to achieve unity in all diversities. Together, let us renew our dedication to serving our community better, and carry out the mission of the Church during this extraordinary Jubilee Year.