A JOURNEY OF GRACE AND RENEWAL

Our Jubilee pilgrimage in this Holy Year of Hope has truly been a journey filled with grace – a living encounter with Christ, His Church, and His saints. We, thirty-six pilgrims from Malaysia, spent ten blessed days, travelling across Italy carrying in our hearts the prayer of the universal Church: “Hope does not disappoint.” (Romans 5: 5).

Our journey began in Rome, marking our first three-day visit to the heart of our faith. Passing through the Four Holy Doors – the Basilicas of St. Peter, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major – we deeply felt that each door offered a great experience of God's mercy in its fullness.

Each of us crossed those thresholds with silent prayers – for family, for peace, for healing, but most of all, for reconciliation, conversion, and renewal. In those sacred moments, we realised that Christ Himself is the true Holy Door. His words came alive: “I am the Door; whoever enters by Me will be saved.” (John 10:9).

 

Standing inside those ancient basilicas, immersed in the beauty of faith, we were reminded that the Jubilee is not about travelling but about transformation – letting God open new doors within us. It is a journey through grace, where every step, prayer, and encounter becomes an open door into the heart of God.

 

From Rome, our journey took us to San Giovanni Rotondo to meet the humble friar, St. Padre Pio. His life of prayer and suffering reflected complete trust in God. At Assisi, the peace of St Francis, St. Clare and St. Carlos Acutis touched us deeply. Their joy and simplicity reminded us that the Gospel can be lived in every small act of kindness and surrender.

 

In Siena, St. Catherine showed us the courage born from prayer – a reminder that God can use even the humble to renew the Church. Finally, in Padua, before St. Anthony, we felt at home. His uncorrupted tongue became a sign that every word spoken in truth and love continues to live. Their examples whispered to our hearts: holiness grows when love is lived quietly and faithfully.

 

The first part was about grace received through the Holy Doors of Basilicas, and the second part concerns the grace we are called to live as saints. Our final visits to Venice, Milan and Turin, especially the Holy Shroud, invited us to contemplate the face of Christ – silent, wounded, yet radiant with the hope of resurrection.

 

We laughed, prayed, and walked through the Italian streets, and each Mass, Rosary, and quiet moment made our heartfelt journey all the more meaningful. As we now return home, we do so not just as pilgrims but as witnesses of hope. The Holy Doors we have passed are now open within us – doors of forgiveness, gratitude, and renewed trust in God.

 

May the saints inspire us to love deeply in our daily lives. May this pilgrimage bring blessings to our families, parishes, and nation. May we embrace the Jubilee message with joy, simplicity, and humility.

A GRACE-FILLED GATHERING OF PRIESTS

We are deeply grateful to His Grace, Archbishop Julian Leow, for choosing our Parish not only as a pilgrimage destination but also as the venue for the October Clergy Monthly Recollection. It was truly heartwarming to welcome 55 Priests and two Brother Seminarians from the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, together with the Archbishop himself, on Tuesday, 14 and Wednesday, 15 October 2025.

Our Parish of St Thomas the Apostle in Kuantan feels truly blessed during this Jubilee Year of Hope, especially as it has been designated as one of the Pilgrim Centres in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. Throughout the year, we have welcomed nearly 2000 pilgrims from various parts of Peninsular Malaysia. Among all these visits, the arrival of our Clergy was truly a moment of grace, renewal and deep joy for our Parish community.

The visit of our Clergy became part of a larger Pilgrimage Journey of Hope – a moment to renew hearts, deepen fraternity, and celebrate the unity that binds us as one Church. The presence of our priests and the Archbishop brought blessings not only to them but also to our Parishioners, who witnessed firsthand the beauty and joy of Priestly brotherhood.

Though the recollection was primarily for the Clergy, our Parishioners were warmly invited to participate in the spiritual programme. On Tuesday evening, about 50 of them attended Solemn Vespers (Evening Prayer), the Holy Hour, and Benediction, offering heartfelt prayers for our Priests and the Church. The next morning, they gathered again for Lauds (Morning Prayer) and the Holy Mass, presided by Archbishop Julian. It was a deeply moving celebration – hearts nourished by the Eucharist, the true spiritual food of our pilgrimage.

After Mass, they joined the Priests for breakfast and fellowship at the Parish Community Centre. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and laughter as many reconnected with our Priests, recalling fond memories and shared journeys of faith.

We are really grateful to all who contributed in one way or another to this blessed occasion. It was a truly uplifting and spiritually enriching time of prayer, reflection, and fraternity among the Priests of our Archdiocese and Parishioners of St Thomas. Everything was beautifully organised, creating a grace-filled atmosphere for reflection and pilgrimage. Hearts were truly renewed and filled with joy.

We sincerely thank the Parish Team, ministry members, benefactors, and Parishioners for their generosity, service, and hospitality. Their dedication ensured the smooth running of this special event.

May this memorable gathering of our Priests remind us all that the Church of St Thomas, Kuantan, is truly alive when her shepherds and people walk together – united in faith, hope, and love. As we continue our Jubilee journey, may the spirit of renewal and communion we experience inspire us to live more fully as a pilgrim people of God.

A JOURNEY THROUGH MARY TO JESUS

“Each bead is a step towards the Heart of Jesus through the heart of Mary,” St. Maximilian Kolbe.

October is a month dedicated to the Holy Rosary, one of the most beautiful and inspiring prayers in our Catholic tradition. The Rosary is not just a repetition of prayers – it is a spiritual journey through the life of Jesus and Mary, a heartfelt prayer that offers peace, strength, and hope in our lives.

 

The word “bead” actually comes from an Old English word "bede", meaning “prayer.” Each bead, therefore, becomes a sacred moment – an offering of love, gratitude, and trust to our Blessed Mother. Many of us have experienced miracles and graces received through this simple yet profound prayer, turning it into a truly heartfelt practice that connects us more closely to our faith.

 

St. Josemaria Escriva, a great lover of Mary, once wrote that the Rosary helps us engrave upon our hearts the life of Jesus – His hidden years, His preaching, His Passion, and His Resurrection. When we pray the Rosary, we should never separate ourselves from her. Instead, we stay close to her, speak with her, share our joys and struggles, and learn from her how to love Jesus more deeply. The Rosary is a journey of love through Mary to Jesus.

 

In every Catholic home, we place Mother Mary statues or images at our small altar or at a prominent sacred space within our home. It is a simple yet meaningful way to honour Mary by creating a humble Marian altar. This gentle reminder of her presence can inspire the whole family to pray and find peace. It helps us transform our home into a little “Nazareth,” where love, faith, and humility reside.

 

Praying the Rosary each day can really boost our faith, enrich our prayer life, and bring a sense of peace into our hearts. It also shapes our character by teaching us Mary’s virtues of love, patience, humility, and compassion. When we imitate her, we become more caring and forgiving towards others, find greater peace within ourselves, and remain hopeful even in challenging times. Most importantly, praying the Rosary helps us find a greater sense of purpose. It teaches us to see life through the eyes of faith and to trust that God’s plan is always rooted in love.

 

As we continue through October, let us unite our hearts with millions of Catholics around the world who pray the Rosary each day. Together, we honour Our Lady, deepen our love for her Son, and bring light into our home, our parish, and our world.

 

May Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary, intercede for us and keep our families wrapped in her maternal love.

 

“The beginning of the way, at the end of which you will find yourself completely carried away by love for Jesus, is a trusting love for Mary.” – St. Josemaria Escriva

COLLEGE GENERAL 360: A LIVING LEGACY

From September 29 to October 1, 2025, the alumni of College General (CG360) gathered at Mariophile, Penang, to celebrate 360 years of history, faith, and priestly formation. The theme of this milestone event was “Remembering with Gratitude, Fidelity, and Hope.” Approximately 250 participants, including bishops, priests, deacons, religious, seminarians, former priests, and former seminarians from Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Singapore, came together with their families to honour the rich legacy of one of the oldest seminaries in Asia.

The College General (CG) was established in Ayutthaya (Siam, 1665–1785), later relocating to Hon Dat, Vietnam (1765–1769), Pondicherry, India (1770-1782), and Malacca (1770), before settling permanently in Penang in 1802. The CG was founded by the Fathers of the Paris Foreign Missions Society (MEP). Since 1970, they have entrusted it to the Local Ecclesial Authorities, who have become the custodians of this treasured institution. Today, generations of priests across Asia proudly trace their roots to this “College of Martyrs.”

The CG360 celebration commenced on the Feast of the Guardian Angels, a reminder of God’s protection and guidance through the centuries. Archbishop Julian Leow, in his homily, expressed gratitude for the many martyrs and missionaries whose courage and sacrifice inspired CG.

Day two focused on fidelity. Bishop Bernard Paul spoke of fidelity as a daily commitment rooted in perseverance, humility, and love. Rev Fr Vincent Senechal, MEP Superior, shared the MEP Society’s dedication to establishing seminaries and training missionary priests who embrace cultures, learn languages, and accompany the People of God. Cardinal William Goh of Singapore deepened this reflection, reminding us that fidelity is not just about what we do, but who we become in Christ – living celibacy, obedience, and joy as a true witness of the Gospel.

Day three focused on hope. Cardinal Sebastian Francis, in his homily, urged us to be visionaries and dreamers, carrying forward a mission of hope in the Malaysian Church. The Rector of CG, Rev. Fr. Innasi Muthu, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the MEP Fathers, the local bishops, and benefactors who have sustained CG through generations.

The presence of the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Wojciech Zaluski, along with Rev. Fr. Jean L’Hour, MEP (aged 92), Emeritus Bishop John Ha, and many others, enriched the gathering with wisdom, sharing, reflections, and inspiring testimonies. These days reminded us that College General remains vibrant, resilient, and missionary at heart, carrying forward an “unfinished work” of evangelisation with steadfast perseverance until the very end.

I fondly recall the last Alumni gathering in 1995, which coincided with Archbishop Murphy Pakiam’s Episcopal Ordination, when I was a first-year seminarian. That celebration was truly grand and unforgettable. Yet, this year’s gathering touched me more deeply. It was not about splendour, but about reconnecting with roots, cherishing memories, and experiencing the joy of belonging to a larger tradition. It warmed my heart to see how the friendships and lessons learned at College General continue to shape lives beyond the Priesthood.

College General is more than a building or history; it is a living witness to martyrs, missionaries, and priests who inspire us to continue the mission with gratitude for the past, fidelity in the present, and hope for the future. When we sang the theme song of our celebration of CG360: “We rise, we rise, to lift Your Name. We live, we live, to shout Your praise!” – may this spirit guide us into the next chapter of the journey of College General.

TOGETHER, MISSIONARIES OF HOPE

This year, we observe the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which coincides with the Jubilee of Migrants and of the Missions. The late Pope Francis has chosen the theme: “Migrants, Missionaries of Hope” and called on us to reflect on the connection between migration, mission, and hope.

Our world today is marked by war, violence, climate disasters, and economic inequality. These realities force millions of people to leave their homes in search of peace and safety. Sadly, nations often prioritise their own interests, neglecting the broader responsibility we share for the well-being of the entire human family.

And yet, in the midst of suffering, migrants themselves become powerful witnesses of hope. Their courage, resilience, and faith in God shine through as they strive for a better future. Like the people of Israel in the desert, they continue their journey, trusting in God’s protection. Migrants remind us that the Church, too, is always a pilgrim people, journeying towards our final homeland in heaven.

Jesus Christ, who Himself experienced displacement when His family fled to Egypt, identifies with migrants and the poor. They are not strangers to be feared, but brothers and sisters to be welcomed. As the Letter to the Hebrews says: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

For the late Pope Francis, migrants were not only people in need, but also missionaries of hope. Through their witness, energy, and faith, they breathe new life into our communities. They can help renew the Church, reminding us of God’s promise of peace and dignity for all His children.

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are called to see migrants and refugees not as burdens, but as blessings - signs of God’s presence among us. The Christian response is clear: to welcome, to accompany, and to walk with them as brothers and sisters in Christ.

With this in mind, we will gather as a Parish on Sunday, 16 November 2025, to celebrate the 10^th World Day of the Poor. On that day, we will invite migrants, primarily from Indonesia and Myanmar, the Orang Asli, and the poor from our neighbourhood to join us in a joyful time of thanksgiving. This gathering is not just about charity, but about coming together in communion – sharing our lives, food, and friendship with those who truly need our support.

We require financial support to help us reach out to the poor, and at the same time, we invite you to share your time, enjoy meals together, and pray with our brothers and sisters. By welcoming them, we are truly welcoming Christ into our midst. May this celebration remind us that in God’s family, no one is a stranger, and together we can truly become a community of hope.