A HEART FOR THE POOR

Pope Leo XIV, in his message for the World Day of the Poor (WDP) 2025, reminds us that our Christian hope is not founded on possessions or our own strength, but on God’s faithful love. The theme is “You, O Lord, are my hope” (Ps 71:5), which arises from deep suffering, yet is filled with trust and hope. This is the core of the Jubilee Year’s message: hope in God never disappoints because it is rooted in His mercy and sustained by the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Father highlights that the poor are true witnesses of hope. Even in the face of poverty, instability, and exclusion, they show faith and perseverance. They remind us that God alone is our lasting treasure, not wealth or success. Jesus urges us to accumulate treasures in heaven, where love and compassion endure forever.

The Pope warns that the deepest kind of poverty is spiritual – when people no longer know God or seek His presence. The poor, however, often have hearts that are ready to receive faith. Therefore, the Church must never neglect their spiritual well-being. True love for God must always lead to love for our neighbour. Without charity, hope fades and faith becomes empty.

Pope Leo XIV states that hope is the anchor of our Christian life, anchoring us through life’s storms and guiding us towards our true homeland in heaven. Hope must be expressed practically through acts of charity. Charity sustains hope and transforms faith into action. Each of us is encouraged to nurture hope through service to the poor, caring for those in care homes, promoting education, improving health, and performing acts of kindness to heal society.

The Pope highlights that poverty has deep structural causes that require justice. Helping the poor is not only charity – it is a matter of fairness and shared responsibility. He urges governments, institutions, and communities to create policies that promote decent work, housing, education, and healthcare for all, asserting that true peace comes from justice and compassion, not weapons.

Finally, Pope Leo XIV invites us, as we conclude this Jubilee Year of Hope, to open our hearts to the poor not as passive recipients but as teachers of faith and hope. In their eyes, we see the face of Christ.

(Abstract of the Holy Father’s Message for the World Day of the Poor 2025)

Since 2017, I have joyfully celebrated the WDP each year with my parish communities. Sometimes it has been in large gatherings, and other times in simple, heartfelt moments. The preference for the poor has become part of my heart and ministry: to reach out with charity, prayer, and pastoral care to those who struggle, suffer, and hope. Every encounter with the poor renews my faith and reminds me that love is the most important measure of our journey as disciples. 

As we observe this year’s celebration, may our hearts remain anchored in Christ, our hope, and our hands continue to serve with compassion, tenderness, and faith. In serving the poor, we truly touch the living heart of Jesus.

A SEED OF HOPE IN GOD’S KINGDOM

As the Church of St. Thomas, the Apostle, Kuantan prepares to celebrate the 9^th World Day of the Poor (WDP) on Sunday, 16 November 2025 during the 10.30 am Mass, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the journey we have shared over the past four years (2022–2025). Each year, this celebration reminds us that faith finds its deepest meaning when it reaches out in love to those in need every day. 

In 2022 and 2023, our Parish joyfully celebrated the WDP on a grand scale, with carnivals of joy - filled with games, food and community spirit. Parishioners from every ministry, including the BECs, came together to serve with open hearts and willing hands. The laughter of children, the smiles of migrants, and the gratitude of families in need, reminded us that the hope we bring to others reflects the living heart of Christ’s Gospel.

In 2024, we continued our WDP celebration on a more personal and heartfelt manner, focusing on meaningful encounters and shared fellowship. This year too, we will, on 16 November, we will gather our brothers and sisters from the Orang Asli communities, migrants from Indonesia, Myanmar and Vietnam, and also our local families who face financial and social challenges, to share moments of friendship and encouragement that serve as a reminder that God’s love remains alive among His people. 

After the morning Mass, all Parishioners are invited to the breakfast corner for fellowship with our guests, as we share a simple meal, accompanied with a variety of entertainment. As we approach this special day, let us acknowledge the dedication and generosity of our organising committee and all Parishioners who are working tirelessly to ensure the success of this event. May our efforts remind us that every smile we bring, every hand we hold, and every meal we share is a seed of hope in God’s Kingdom.

As that day draws to a close, we will gather as one parish-family for our Thanksgiving Dinner Fellowship, a joyful expression of gratitude and solidarity as we near the end of the liturgical year. As we did last year, we have been fortunate once again this year, to be able to engage the services of a caterer from Sekinchan in Selangor, to prepare an eight-course Chinese dinner for us. We have successfully sold all 50 tables - thanks to the generous support of our Parishioners. Several tables have been lovingly sponsored for the elderly, university students, Sabahan and Sarawakian families, and our faithful altar servers - ensuring that everyone shares in the joy of the evening. This is not a fundraising event, but a Thanksgiving Celebration!

Together, let us continue to live out our calling – to love, to serve, and to lift one another, so that through us, the light of Christ’s hope may shine ever brighter in our community.

MISSIONARIES OF HOPE AMONG ALL PEOPLES

We celebrated World Mission Day 2025 on 19 October. In his message, written on the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle (January 25th), Pope Francis invites all Christians to become “Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples,” echoing the Jubilee Year theme: “Hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5). He reminds us that every baptised person is part of the mission of the Church to share the hope of Christ with everyone, ensuring that the name of Jesus resonates in every part of the world.

1. In the Footsteps of Christ, Our Hope

As we mark the first Ordinary Jubilee of the Third Millennium, the Holy Father encourages us to keep our gaze fixed on Christ, the heart of history. He came to share the Good News and to initiate “the year of the Lord’s favour” (Luke 4:19). Through His life, passion, death, and resurrection, Jesus shines as the Divine Missionary of Hope – bringing healing, forgiveness, and renewed trust in the Father’s limitless love.

Even in His suffering, Jesus remained faithful to the Father’s saving plan, offering us hope for the future. Today, through His disciples, Christ sustains this mission – reaching out to the poor, the afflicted, and those in despair. The Church, despite its imperfections, is called to be a vibrant and missionary community, walking with Christ through the world to bring light, comfort, and renewal.

2. Christians as Bearers and Builders of Hope

Following Christ involves sharing in the joys and sorrows of everyone around us. Pope Francis lovingly reflects on the Constitution of the Church in the Modern World, reminding us that the hopes and pains of others should always touch our hearts. Whether we are serving abroad or right in our local community, every missionary helps to make Christ’s love visible through kind and compassionate actions.

The Holy Father warns us about the increase in loneliness and indifference in today’s world. Even though we are more connected than ever before, many people still feel lonely and unloved. As Christians, we are encouraged to build authentic relationships based on warmth, kindness, and compassion. By being present with love and care, we share the hope and consolation that God has poured into our hearts.

3. Renewing the Mission of Hope

Pope Francis encourages all the faithful to become “artisans of hope,” renewed through prayer and the Eucharist. He reminds us that genuine missionary zeal begins in prayer, which sustains hope and inspires action. By praying with Scripture – especially the Psalms – we learn to recognise God’s signs of hope, even in darkness.

Evangelisation, as the Pope highlights, is a heartfelt journey of faith, witness, and service that unites us all. Everyone – kids, teenagers, adults, and seniors – is warmly invited to take part in this meaningful mission of sharing Christ’s love with the world.

Finally, Pope Francis entrusts this important mission to Mary, our Mother of Hope, praying that the Church will continue to shine brightly as a guiding light of God’s love and hope for all people.

(Abstracted from the Message of Pope Francis for World Mission Sunday 2025)

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.