SPORT: SCHOOL OF FRATERNITY

As the world turns its attention to the FIFA World Cup, billions of people from every continent will come together to share in the excitement of football. For a few weeks, differences of language, culture, nationality, and social status would seem to fade as people unite in support of their teams.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will commence on 11 June and conclude on 19 July 2026, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It will be the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 national teams and 104 matches across three countries.

Pope Leo XIV urged Catholics around the world to reflect on the values that sports can teach us. In his monthly prayer intention for June 2026, he invites everyone to pray that sports may be instruments of peace, encounter, and dialogue among cultures and nations worldwide. He acknowledged both the joys and challenges that come with sports, and he prayed that sporting events would promote the values of mutual respect, peace, solidarity, fraternity, and personal growth.

For Christians, these values reflect the Gospel itself. Pope Leo XIV said that sport can be a “path of peace, encounter, and dialogue” and a “school of fraternity.” On the field, players learn teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and respect for others. Success is never achieved alone. Every player contributes, and victory comes through cooperation. After a game, opponents frequently shake hands as a sign of respect.

These experiences remind us that, despite our differences, we share a common humanity, making the world a warmer place. These are values our society needs today. In a world often marked by division, conflict, and individualism, sport teaches us to work together, appreciate one another’s gifts, and celebrate victories together.

Among the many sports played around the world, football is the one I enjoy the most. I always look forward to the FIFA World Cup because it brings together nations, cultures, and people from every corner of the globe. The excitement, passion, and unity that the tournament creates make it truly special. The World Cup reminds me that sport has the power to unite people despite their differences.

As a football fan, I naturally have my favourite teams, and I hope Brazil, Argentina, Germany, France, Portugal, and the Republic of Korea will go far in the tournament and stand out among the top contenders. Each of these teams has a rich football tradition, talented players, and a history of inspiring millions of supporters.

Yet, regardless of who eventually lifts the trophy, the true beauty of the World Cup lies in the spirit of sportsmanship, respect, and unity that it brings to the world. In the end, football reminds us that we are all part of one human family, celebrating together the joy of the beautiful game.

Note: Images Obtained from the Internet

CLOSER TO CHRIST THROUGH THE ROSARY

As May, the Month of the Rosary, comes to an end, our hearts are filled with gratitude to God and to our Blessed Virgin Mary for the wonderful spiritual blessings we have received throughout this lovely month.

From the very beginning of the month until its conclusion, many Catholics faithfully gathered to pray the Rosary – individually, as families, and as prayer groups. It was truly a month filled with prayer, reflection, and devotion to Mother Mary. As a Parish community, we came together during Holy Hour on the First Friday, 1 May 2026, to pray the Rosary before the Blessed Sacrament, entrusting our lives, families, and intentions to the loving intercession of Mother Mary.

The closing celebration of the Month of the Rosary on Sunday, 31 May 2026, beautifully coincides with the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (In her visit to Elizabeth, bringing with her the presence, joy, and blessing of Jesus). In the same spirit, throughout this month, Our Lady continued to “visit” our homes and families through the Rosary prayers and gatherings held in different parts of our Parish.

We would especially like to thank our Parish Legion of Mary for their tireless dedication and love for Mother Mary. Throughout the month, they went faithfully from house to house, bringing the statue of Our Lady and praying the Rosary with families in different languages. More than 30 homes were visited, creating moments of prayer, unity, and grace within our Parish community. Their missionary spirit reminds us that Mary is always close to her children and continues to bring families together in prayer, strengthening our bonds and faith.

We also wish to thank our Kumpulan Umat Bahasa Malaysia (KUBM), particularly our Sabahan and Sarawakian families, for arranging Rosary gatherings among Bahasa-speaking families. Their enthusiastic involvement and strong faith greatly enhanced the spirit of this Marian month.

The Rosary is not merely a repetitive prayer. It is a meditation on the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. In every mystery we pray, Mary teaches us to trust in Jesus, to persevere in faith, and to remain faithful even during life’s challenges. As a priest, I personally experience the loving presence and protection of Mother Mary in my own journey of life and ministry. She constantly accompanies me, prays for me, and leads me closer to Christ. Indeed, she continues to pray for our Church and for each one of us.

May we be inspired to continue this beautiful devotion of praying the Rosary together throughout the year, instead of just limiting this prayer gathering to the months of May and October. Let us continue to love and honour Mother Mary in our lives, knowing that through her intercession, we will receive abundant blessings and grace from her Son, Jesus.

OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY, PRAY FOR US!

A FRESH ENCOUNTER WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

We have reached the end of the Easter season after seven weeks of reflection on the mysteries and encounters with the Risen Lord. This weekend, the Church prepares for Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost is not just the conclusion of Easter but also a continuation of our spiritual journey with the Risen Lord, guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit who filled the apostles, continues to strengthen and guide the Church today.

Before Pentecost, the disciples were afraid, uncertain, and hid behind locked doors. However, when the Holy Spirit descended upon them, they became courageous witnesses of the Gospel. Their fear turned into faith, their confusion into understanding, and their weakness into mission. Pentecost shows that opening our hearts to God enables the Holy Spirit to renew and transform us.

Today, we continue to struggle with fear, anger, division, temptation, hurt, and exhaustion. The pressures of daily life are real. Families face challenges, relationships become wounded, communities experience misunderstandings, and many hearts grow weary. Yet, the Holy Spirit comes, not to bring fear or division, but peace, healing, wisdom, unity, and hope. The Spirit helps us forgive, reconcile, and start anew.

As a parish community, we are encouraged to deepen our spiritual lives through prayer, participation in Mass, reading the Word of God, and seeking reconciliation with one another. Pentecost comes alive when we let the Spirit guide our families, ministries, workplaces, and daily choices. The Church becomes vibrant when her people are filled with the Spirit of Christ.

The Holy Spirit is not distant or abstract. The Spirit is present in our everyday lives. God has given us the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit – wisdom, knowledge, understanding, counsel, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord – yet we often forget to call upon them. These gifts are practical and meant for daily living.

In a hectic, self-centred world, we can easily overlook the beauty and blessings around us. These gifts teach us to look beyond ourselves and discover God’s love reflected in nature, relationships, and everyday moments.

This Pentecost, let us learn to turn to the Holy Spirit in every situation:

·      When we are afraid — ask for courage.

·      When confused — ask for wisdom.

·      When hurt — ask for healing.

·      When tired — ask for strength.

·      When divided — ask for peace and unity.

May this Pentecost lead our Parish into a fresh encounter with the Holy Spirit. Let us not remain behind locked doors of fear, anger, or disappointment; let us instead open our hearts to the fire of God’s love. Let the Holy Spirit help us grow in wonder, gratitude, and deeper awareness of God.

On this Pentecost, the Holy Spirit renews our faith, strengthens our hope, and sends us out to share the joy of Christ within our families, parish, and community.

COMMUNICATIONS MUST ALWAYS REMAIN DEEPLY HUMAN

In his message for the 60th World Communications Day, written on the Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists and writers, Pope Leo XIV reflects deeply on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital communication on human life and relationships.

The Holy Father reminds us that every human being is unique, with faces and voices that reveal identity, dignity, and relationships. Each person is called to communicate truth, love, and compassion. Communication is therefore sacred, as it reflects God Himself, who speaks to humanity through His Word and through Jesus Christ.

Pope Leo XIV warns about artificial intelligence and digital technologies. He notes that, although these innovations are incredibly useful and powerful, they could gradually weaken our core human values. Algorithms often prompt immediate emotional reactions rather than allow time for thoughtful reflection, which can lead to division, anger, and polarisation in society.

The Pope also cautions against becoming overly dependent on AI systems. When people allow machines to think, create, and decide everything for them, they risk losing creativity, critical thinking, imagination, and authentic human relationships. AI can imitate human emotions and conversations, but it can never replace genuine friendship, love, empathy, or moral responsibility.

To guide the AI and digital world wisely, Pope Leo XIV proposes three key principles:

• Responsibility – technology developers, media professionals, and users must act ethically, truthfully, and transparently.
• Cooperation – governments, educators, families, religious communities, and technology companies must collaborate for the common good.
• Education – young people, in particular, need media and AI literacy to think critically, discern the truth, verify information, and use digital tools responsibly.

The Holy Father concludes that communications must always remain deeply human. Technology should serve humanity, not replace it. We need real faces and real voices that speak truth, hope, kindness, and love.

Today, we live in a digital world where messages travel instantly. Social media can be a powerful tool for spreading encouragement, knowledge, faith, and kindness. However, it can also spread anger, falsehoods, gossip, bullying, and fake news within seconds. Before posting or sharing anything on social media, pause and ask: “Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?”

AI can greatly support students in their education. It can explain lessons, assist with research, improve language skills, and help organise ideas. However, students must not rely entirely on AI to think for them. Wisdom and knowledge come from effort, reading, discussion, prayer, reflection, and human interaction. AI should support, not replace, learning.

Young people must learn to use AI technology wisely, courageously, and responsibly. Verify information before sharing it. Respect the dignity and privacy of others. Never use social media to humiliate or hurt people.

At the end of the day, the most powerful message is not what we post online, but how we live our lives. Our words, posts, and conversations should bring light, truth, and hope instead of darkness, confusion, and division. Let us use this powerful tool to promote positivity and make a difference.

A MOTHER’S LOVE REMAINS FOREVER

As we celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, let’s take a moment to cherish the fact that mothers are among God’s greatest gifts to the world. Just as the Holy Spirit is a divine gift that strengthens, comforts, and guides us, our mothers are also instruments of God’s love, filling our lives with warmth and maternal care.

Through their sacrifices, gentle care, patience, and constant prayers, they bring hope to every family. Many mothers silently carry heavy burdens – juggling work, family, financial worries, concerns for their children, and even their own pain. Yet they continue to give of themselves with courage and love. Truly, they are “super mums” in every sense.

Today, we take a moment to honour mothers who might sometimes feel exhausted, unappreciated, lonely, or weighed down by life’s challenges. We pray they realise that God sees every quiet sacrifice and holds every tear shed in love. The Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Strength, walks closely with them each day.

We truly appreciate all mothers for their endless love and dedication. Our hopes are that God blesses them with good health, peace of mind, renewed strength, and hearts full of joy. May Mother Mary, the caring Mother of the Church, always continue to guide and protect every mother.

For some of us, Mother’s Day is not only a joyful celebration but also an emotional day because our mothers are no longer with us. There is an empty chair at the table, a familiar voice we long to hear again, and memories that quietly return to our hearts. Yet, love never truly dies. A mother’s love lives on in the values she taught, the sacrifices she made, the prayers she whispered, and the countless acts of care that brought meaning to our lives. Even though we cannot see them, their love still accompanies us every day.

To all children who miss their departed beloved mothers today, we hold onto the comforting hope that their mothers are resting peacefully in God’s eternal home. Today, we thank God for the wonderful gift of our mothers and pray sincerely that the Lord grants them eternal peace and happiness.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day this beautiful month of May, let’s also remember that May is dedicated in particular to our Blessed Virgin Mary. She truly understands the heart of every mother and the pain of every child who longs for a mother’s love. Mary stood faithfully at the foot of the Cross and continues to stand beside us in our joys, struggles, and sorrows. 

Let’s entrust all mothers – both living and those who have passed – under the loving care of Mother Mary. May she continue to guide our families closer to her Son, Jesus, and wrap every grieving heart with her tender motherly comfort and peace.

WISHING YOU ALL OUR LOVE TODAY AND ALWAYS – HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!