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.

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.