INSTRUMENTS OF CHRIST'S PEACE

Throughout February, our Parish community has been earnestly praying together for vocations to the priesthood and religious life - asking the Lord to inspire our young men and women to embrace His calling to serve in His vineyard. As we enter the month of March, we focus on another important intention of the Holy Father - supporting families in crisis. Pope Francis encourages us to pray that families can find healing through forgiveness, and learn to appreciate each other’s unique gifts, especially in times of challenges. Let’s join together in this spirit of prayer and solidarity!

At this moment, Pope Francis is facing some physical challenges. He has been in and out of hospital due to various medical conditions. Recently, he has been struggling with pneumonia, bronchiectasis, and asthmatic bronchitis, which has led to these hospitalisations, and careful medical treatment. Despite these difficult times, his heart remains with those who are suffering. Even when he does not feel his best, he prioritises reaching out to those in need - particularly Catholics in war-torn Gaza, - offering them comfort and support. His enduring spirit, and commitment to spreading love - even while confronting his own struggles - inspire us all.

Pope Francis has expressed his feelings about his health challenges, mentioning that he might not “make it this time.” His words resonate with our own vulnerabilities, and urge us to rely on God’s providence. We must continue to pray fervently for him, and for all those battling illnesses. At the same time, let us not forget to support families struggling to make ends meet, and families seeking reconciliation.May our prayers bring healing, reconciliation and a renewed sense of love and understanding, especially among couples and families impacted by division.

The family is truly the heart of both the Church and our vibrant communities. In times of brokenness, we are called to embrace our role as instruments of Christ's peace, extending warmth and understanding to those around us. We can start by nurturing forgiveness within our own families, listening with open hearts, and offering mercy where it is most needed. Just as Pope Francis shows his care for others even through his own suffering, may we be inspired to reach out, and bring healing into our relationships. Let’s stand together, supporting one another with kindness and compassion.

 

As a Parish, let us unite in prayer for Pope Francis, asking God to grant him strength and healing. God continually calls us to unity - especially within our families - making this a wonderful opportunity for us to respond! As we celebrate this Jubilee Year of Hope, let’s take some time to rediscover the beautiful gifts of love, healing and forgiveness. Always remember that hope does not disappoint us!

CULTIVATING VOCATIONS IN THE JUBILEE YEAR

Since the establishment of our Parish, we have been blessed by the vocation of the late Monsignor Anthony Thomas - the only priest from our community. His unwavering dedication and service have left a profound legacy that inspires us all. In the 1990s, our community also celebrated the vocation of Sr. Angeline Gnapargasam, FMDM, who courageously answered God’s call to religious life. However, since then, we have not witnessed any young men or women from our Parish coming forward to embrace the priesthood or religious life.

Yet, there is hope! Today, we have so many young boys and girls serving at the altar. I can truly sense the seeds of potential vocation in these young hearts - that they may hear God’s whisper about their own future vocation!

However, these seeds of faith need some loving care. As a parish community, we all have an important part to play in nurturing and encouraging vocations. Parents, especially, hold a unique position in this journey. Your support, encouragement, and prayer can truly make a big difference. The idea of a son becoming a priest, or a daughter entering religious life can seem daunting - but it is a profound blessing. The Church needs caring shepherds, and the world needs more witnesses of God’s love and mercy. 

The journey to priesthood or religious life does not happen overnight; it requires discernment, encouragement, guidance, and the witness of faith-filled role models. As I reflect on my own 22-year journey in the priesthood, I am filled with deep gratitude to God for this precious gift. Like any vocation, it has been a path marked by countless blessings, challenges, and opportunities for growth. Throughout these years, I have been sustained by my commitment to live out my motto: “To Live A Life of Love” (2 John 6). This love - rooted in Christ - strengthens me each day, and I pray that the young people of our Parish will one day experience the same joy in responding to God’s call. 

That is why, as a parish, we must nurture and encourage vocations with hope and trust. Let us be a community that prays, supports, and accompanies those who are discerning their vocation so that they, too, may experience the beauty of a life dedicated to God.

As we pray for vocations this month, let’s invite the Holy Spirit to guide our young ones and our whole community. We can have faith that God is still calling - and with our prayers and support - new vocations will arise right here in our Parish, continuing the legacy of Monsignor Anthony Thomas. Let’s make our Parish a fertile ground for vocations to grow and thrive - especially during this special Jubilee Year!

Let us journey together in faith and hope, believing that the Lord of the harvest will send dedicated labourers to nurture growth in His vineyard.

ENGAGE IN COMFORTING HARMON

This year, we are celebrating the 33rd World Day of the Sick during Jubilee Year 2025! The theme invites us to be “Pilgrims Of Hope” with the uplifting message, “Hope does not disappoint” (Rom 5: 5). Pope Francis reminds us that hope is such a powerful force during tough times. However, it can be especially challenging for those facing illness, financial stress, or the anguish of seeing loved ones suffer. In these moments, we come to truly understand our need for God’s grace, and the comforting strength of the Holy Spirit. 

The Holy Father reflects on three ways God remains close to the suffering:

1.     Encounter: Illness can indeed serve as an opportunity to connect with God. Jesus reassures us, “The kingdom of God has come near to you” (Lk 10: 9). In the midst of our physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges, we experience God’s closeness and kindness. Even in times of pain, His presence offers us unexpected strength and a profound sense of comfort.

2.     Gift of Hope: It is indeed a wonderful gift from God, profoundly connected to Christ’s resurrection. Regardless of the challenges we face in life, we can always find solace in the assurance that God’s love is with us (Romans 8: 38-39). Just as the disciples journeyed to Emmaus, we can express our concerns with Jesus. He listens to us, offers comfort, and reveals Himself to us in the breaking of bread, helping to revive our spirits and strengthen our courage.

3.     Sharing: It is remarkable how difficult experiences can draw us closer together. Whether it involves family, friends, doctors, caregivers, or volunteers, the care and compassion we extend to one another truly make a difference. A warm smile, a kind word, or simply being present for someone can demonstrate God’s love in action. It serves as a reminder of the beautiful lessons in life: love, faith, and connection.

Pope Francis acknowledges the vital role of the sick, and their caregivers within the Church - inviting society to engage in a comforting harmony that brings light and warmth to where it is most needed. During this Jubilee Year, let us support one another as we entrust our hope to Our Lady, Health of the Sick. The Holy Father assures them of his prayers, and requests for ours in return.

(An Extract from the Message of the Holy Father for the 33^rd World Day of the Sick 2025)

Catholic priests are profoundly committed to caring for the sick and the elderly. We frequently visit them, pray with them, hear their confessions, administer the Anointing of the Sick and give Holy Communion. Through these sacraments, the sick and elderly encounter Jesus amid their struggles, and discover a light of hope in their challenges. Our presence brings them comfort, peace of mind, and the assurance that they are not alone. 

Let us engage in actions, prayers, and compassionate outreach to ensure that the sick and elderly can experience support and care which truly reflects Christ's healing presence in their lives.

GROW SPIRITUALLY AND EMBRACE GOD’S LOVE

As we step into February, we reflect on the meaningful celebrations we had in January. Many important events and festivals - Christmas, New Year, Ponggal, and Chinese New Year -  all fell on Wednesdays. These celebrations are part of our Jubilee Year, which continues with other significant events, including the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

We are delighted to share that we have received an important message from Patrizia Mesoraca - the Secretariat of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network - regarding the Gift of Plenary Indulgences granted to all Jubilee Churches worldwide, including our Parish of St Thomas, Kuantan. In her email, she conveys the remarkable opportunity these churches have to assist pilgrims in experiencing God’s mercy, forgiveness and spiritual renewal this Jubilee Year.

During this Jubilee Year, plenary indulgences are available for pilgrims visiting designated Jubilee Churches worldwide while fulfilling specific conditions. Indulgences help cleanse our sins and draw us closer to holiness - offering a chance for God's mercy and soul renewal.

An indulgence is a gift from God through the Catholic Church that removes temporal punishment for forgiven sins. Even after confession, we may still face consequences or attachments to sin that require purification. A plenary indulgence grants full remission of temporal punishment, helping us grow spiritually and embrace God’s love. Pilgrims can receive a plenary indulgence - provided they fulfil the necessary conditions - which include:

•        Praying for the Holy Father’s intentions
•        Receiving the Sacrament of Confession 
•        Participating in the Eucharistic celebration
•        Performing an act of devotion (such as visiting a Jubilee Church, prayer, or charitable work)
•         Having a sincere heart, genuinely repentant, and detached from all sin (both mortal and venial)

A QR code (Click to Pray – popesprayer.va) has been provided to encourage pilgrims or parishioners to visit the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network website. This platform allows us to join the Pope’s monthly prayer intentions, uniting with the Church in intercession for the world.

February Prayer Intention of the Holy Father: Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life:

Each month, Pope Francis highlights a specific prayer intention for the Church and the world. For February 2025, he invites us to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life: “Let us pray that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ’s mission in the priesthood and religious life.”

This intention highlights the need to encourage and accompany young people who sense a calling to serve God. Many struggle with doubts, societal pressures, or uncertainty about their vocation. Pope Francis encourages us to foster a welcoming environment that helps young people discern God’s will with faith and confidence.

As we journey through this Jubilee Year, let us support young people in their discernment by offering prayers, encouragement, and guidance. May this Jubilee Year inspire more people to answer God’s call with courage, faith, and joy!

 

BRING OUR VISION AND MISSION TO LIFE

On the weekend of 19 January 2025, we held our Parish Pastoral Assembly. It was an opportunity to review our progress, acknowledge our challenges, and identify new ways to strengthen our efforts in building our thrust on Family, Church, Society and Ecology. As we journey through this Jubilee Year of Hope and beyond, we should focus on the graces bestowed on us - reconciliation, forgiveness, transformation and renewal.

When I first started my ministry here in Kuantan, many of you gently reminded me to slow down, by saying, “This is not Kuala Lumpur!” Over the past three remarkable years as your Parish Priest here at St. Thomas Church, I sincerely appreciate the collaborative spirit, and cherish our sense of community. It has truly been a joy to walk this journey of faith with you, and I thank each of you for being an integral part of it.

My heartfelt thanks go out to our amazing parish leaders - your dedication and perseverance during tough times truly mean the world to us all. Many of you have considered stepping down, but your choice to keep moving forward to serve our small community is inspiring. Your unwavering commitment and leadership truly make a difference, and your passion and dedication clearly reflect the Holy Spirit working in our community. 

I am truly touched to see so many of you get involved in our Parish events, spiritual programs and activities. Your involvement is a wonderful reminder of how we can celebrate our unique differences, while coming together in unity. Let’s keep spreading hope - encouraging each other to participate and embracing our shared mission! Thank you for all that you do to enrich our community.

This Jubilee Year is an extraordinary blessing for our Parish as we are now a Pilgrim Centre for the East Coast! What a wonderful privilege and responsibility this is for us. Let us open our hearts and extend a warm welcome to all the pilgrims who come to visit. May they find a home here, a place of spiritual renewal and grace, through the intercession of St. Thomas the Apostle. As we look ahead, let us unite in embracing our Parish Vision and Mission for 2025:

Parish Vision: To be a community that inspires faith throughout the Jubilee Year of Hope and beyond.

Parish Mission: We, the Parishioners of St. Thomas the Apostle, are committed to welcoming everyone - actively sharing Gospel values and fostering hope through prayer, service and compassionate outreach.

Let’s bring our vision and mission to life in everything we do! With a spirit of collaboration, let’s spread faith and hope throughout our Parish. May God bless all - our Parishioners and Pilgrims - as we journey together during this Jubilee Year and beyond.

ANCHOR OUR LIVES IN THE PROMISES OF SCRIPTURE

During the weekend of 25-26 January 2025, we will celebrate for the Sixth year, Sunday of the Word of God as a Church. This year’s theme, “I Hope in Your Word” (Psalm 119), resonates completely with our Jubilee Year of Hope. It reminds us that God’s Word is not merely text but the very voice of God - alive, active and ever-present! Through the Word of God, we encounter Christ, who offers us strength in times of uncertainty and joy in moments of grace.

This celebration of the Sunday of the Word of God coincides with the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (WPCU) - traditionally observed by the Universal Church every year - beginning on 18 January with the Feast of the Chair of St Peter the Apostle and concluding with the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul the Apostle, on 25 January. This year, the theme “Do you believe this?” (John 11: 17-27) centres on Jesus’ profound dialogue with Martha following the death of her brother, Lazarus. This is when Jesus declares, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even if he dies. Do you believe this?”

The Council of Nicaea (325 AD) established the Nicene Creed (We Believe, later replaced by I Believe) as a vital component of the Church’s profession of faith. Today, we continue to profess “I Believe” – the creed encompassing twelve essential truths that we proudly proclaim in Jesus Christ, as the foundation of our faith.

In 2019, Pope Francis instituted the annual observance of the 3^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, as the Sunday of the Word of God. In his Apostolic Letter, Aperuit Illis, the Holy Father emphasises the significance of deepening our focus on the living Word of God, which shapes our lives, strengthens our faith, and guides us through every moment. In Aperuit Illis, he writes, “The Scriptures point out, for those who listen, the path to authentic and firm unity.” This reminds us that we must recognise the Word of God - not just as a source of personal faith - but as a crucial bridge to strengthen our relationships with our Christian brothers and sisters. We must embrace this calling to foster genuine unity among us.

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, the Sunday of the Word of God and WPCU offer us a renewed opportunity to anchor our lives in the promises of Scripture and to be a people of faith and action - sharing Christ’s message of love, hope and eternal life with all those we encounter. As we journey together in this Jubilee, let us become a community united by faith, strengthened by hope, and inspired to bring the light of Christ into our world.

May this Jubilee be a time to reaffirm our trust in the Word of God, strengthen our unity with ecumenical churches as one body in Christ, and confidently proclaim that we find the fullness of life and hope in Him!

GRACE TO RENEW OURSELVES

Last weekend, we celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, which left me completely immersed in the profound messages of the Responsorial Psalms, the readings of the day, and Church Prayers. They say, "All nations shall prostrate before the Lord; all the kings will adore Him; all nations will praise Him; every knee shall bow before Him; every tongue shall confess His name; and all the peoples will serve Him.”

These sacred verses resonate with the Lord Jesus’ manifestation and a wonderful vision of everyone coming together to honour Him! They highlight how everyone, regardless of status and race, culture and language, will acknowledge His sovereignty and greatness, and every nation will raise its voice in praise of Him. It also illustrates that every knee shall bend in submission and humility, every tongue will openly confess His name, and all peoples will commit themselves to His service. It is a powerful reminder to live out our mission to make Him known and glorified among all people.

As we conclude the Christmas season with the Baptism of the Lord, we transit into Ordinary Time from 13 January to 4 March 2025. This season invites us to live our faith and reflect on Jesus’ teachings. Over the next eight weeks, we will live our faith as we reflect deeply on the daily readings, celebrate Jesus in the Eucharist, and embrace our discipleship with renewed commitment and joy.

This month of January, we will unite as a Parish to make the first three Jubilee-themed events a vibrant start to this special year:

• The wonderful Tamil-speaking community of St. Thomas Kuantan is all geared up and excited to celebrate the cultural festival of the Jubilee of Pongal! Join us for Mass on Saturday, 18 January 2025, at 5.30 pm, as we express our gratitude to God. At the same time, let us not forget our Chinese-speaking community, who will welcome the Chinese New Year on Wednesday, 29 January, with a Eucharistic celebration at 9.00 am. It is a lovely time for everyone to come together and celebrate!
• On 19 January 2025, during the 8.30 am Mass, Archbishop Julian Leow will officially announce and appoint our Parish as a Pilgrim Centre for the Jubilee Year of Hope for the East Coast Churches. We will also hold our Parish Pastoral Assembly (PPA) on the same day. We warmly invite everyone to come together for this gathering.
• We will celebrate the Jubilee of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on 25 January. This special occasion encourages us to come together and strengthen our connections with all Christian Churches in Kuantan. Let us come together in prayer, fostering unity and love as we work towards the common goal of living as one Body of Christ!

The Jubilee Year of Hope offers us a profound grace to renew ourselves, forgive one another, and courageously live as people of hope. Let us open our hearts to the blessings of this year, allowing them to inspire us to grow in faith, unity and service.