MIGRANTS, REFUGEES AND THE DIGNITY OF EVERY CHILD

This year, Pope Leo XIV invites us to focus especially on migrant and refugee children. His theme, “Even Just One of These Children”, comes from the words of Jesus: “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me” (Mt 18:5).

 

Behind the words migrant and refugee is a real person with a name, a family, a story, fears, and dreams. Among them are children forced to leave their homes because of war, poverty, violence, persecution, natural disasters, and other tragedies. Some have lost their parents or loved ones, while others have been separated from their families. Many have experienced violence, exploitation, trafficking, or terrible hardships during their journeys.

 

Pope Leo reminds us not to allow these children to become mere numbers or statistics. Even one child matters. Every child is created in the image and likeness of God and possesses a dignity that can never be taken away. When we welcome one child, we are not simply helping a stranger; we are welcoming Christ Himself.

 

The Pope calls the whole Church to make welcome more than just a good intention. Migrant and refugee children should never feel like outsiders. Rather, they should experience the Church as a family where they are accepted, protected, loved, and given opportunities to learn, grow, and participate. We are called not only to provide assistance but also to foster friendship, belonging, and hope.

 

Pope Leo also reminds us that this responsibility belongs to everyone, including families, parishes, schools, governments, civil society organisations, and people of different faiths. Protecting a vulnerable child is both a shared human responsibility and a Christian duty.

 

(Adapted from the Message of Pope Leo XIV for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees)

 

What Can We Do as a Parish Family?

 

As the Parish Family of St Thomas, Kuantan, we may not be able to solve the entire problem of migration, but we can make a difference in the life of even one child.

 

We can begin by noticing the children among migrant and refugee families in our neighbourhoods and parish. We can help provide school supplies, uniforms, books, food, and educational support. We can also offer friendship and create opportunities for migrant children to participate in parish activities, children's programmes, and celebrations.

 

Most importantly, we can help them feel that they truly belong in our community. We can listen to their stories, welcome their families, and teach our own children to respect and befriend them. When necessary, our PIHDM ministry can work together with NGOs to provide pastoral assistance and outreach to migrants and refugees, enabling them to receive professional medical care either in their settlements or through services available in our parish.

Perhaps we cannot help many, but Jesus asks us to begin with one child, one family, and one act of kindness at a time. Even a small gesture can make a meaningful difference.

 

Let us ask Mary, who knew the pain of fleeing to Egypt with the Child Jesus, to help us become a parish that protects, welcomes, and cares for every child placed in our path.

A JOURNEY THROUGH DIFFERENT NAZARETHS

From 13 to 18 September 2026, I made a five-day self-directed retreat at the MAJODI Centre, Plentong, under the guidance of the Right Reverend Bishop Bernard Paul of the Diocese of Johor-Melaka as my retreat master. I arrived with many questions, inner struggles, and a troubled heart. Through Scripture, prayer, silence, and reflection, the Lord gradually helped me to look at my life and priesthood with a renewed heart.

The retreat began with the question God asked Elijah: “Why are you here?” (1 Kings 19:1-18). Elijah had become exhausted, discouraged, and afraid. Yet God did not condemn him. Instead, He allowed him to rest and be nourished before inviting him to listen. This spoke deeply to me. I realised that I had not come to the retreat simply to find answers, but to place myself honestly before God. I needed to acknowledge my mistakes, let go of what I could not change, and trust that God was still walking with me.

As I continued to pray with the Book of Revelation, particularly chapters 1-3, I was reminded of who Jesus is: the Alpha and the Omega, the One who is, who was, and who is to come. Then St John's message to the seven churches struck me: “You have less love than you used to.” It prompted me to ask whether, after many years of priesthood, my first love for Jesus remains as alive as it was in the beginning.

Once again, I was reminded that before I am a priest, I am first a disciple loved by Christ. He is my Love and my Key, opening doors to forgiveness, hope, reconciliation, and new beginnings. He also stands at the door of my heart, inviting me to open it more fully to Him and to embrace His love and grace.

The Child Jesus grew up “in wisdom and stature” in Nazareth (Luke 2:39-52), leading me to reflect on “The School of Nazareth” and to see my life as a journey through different Nazareths. My childhood, working years, seminary formation, and the various parishes and ministries where I have served have all been places where God has formed me. Every challenge has become an opportunity for growth, gradually shaping me into more than I once was.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me...” (Luke 4:16-20) invited me to place myself once again in His hands for the renewal of my priesthood and mission. I realised that priesthood is not my possession. The mission belongs to Christ, the people are His, and my life is entirely His.

As I conclude this retreat, I return with a renewed desire to listen, grow, forgive, serve, and love. I am deeply grateful for Bishop Bernard's accompaniment and for the gift of silence and prayer. May the Holy Spirit continue to renew my vocation and mission, so that I may lovingly bring the Good News, healing, freedom, and hope to God's people.

A TIME OF RENEWAL, LISTENING AND WALKING TOGETHER

September is a significant month for our Church in Malaysia, prompting us to pray, renew our spirit, serve others, and care for the world God has entrusted to us. As a living community, we embrace moments to pause, listen, reflect, and reaffirm our commitment to God. Let’s remember an essential truth that the Malaysian Church invites us to celebrate, listen, and walk together in unity.

The Clergy in Peninsular Malaysia have started attending their annual retreat, held in four separate sessions throughout September, at different locations – two sessions in Cameron Highlands, one at the MAJODI Centre in Johor, and another at Stella Maris in Penang. A retreat is an important time for every priest. In the midst of busy parish schedules, meetings, celebrations of the Sacraments and numerous pastoral responsibilities, the clergy must also find time to pause, be silent and spend time in prayer. A retreat allows us to be in the presence of God, listen to His voice, energise our pastoral zeal and priestly vocation, and gain fresh courage to continue serving God’s people with faithfulness and joy.

Meanwhile, the Malaysia Pastoral Convention 2026 (MPC2026) is currently taking place in Sibu, Sarawak, which commenced on 9 September and will conclude this Sunday, 13 September. This event is a significant opportunity for the Church in Malaysia to celebrate its faith, listen to each other, share insights, and collaboratively discern the future.

The Convention looks ahead to the Church’s future mission over the next decade, focusing on four key pastoral concerns. First, the Church aims to strengthen pastoral care and support families through today’s challenges. Second, the Church goes forth to bring the light of the Gospel more meaningfully and effectively to everyone. Third, the Church recognises the need to heal divisions in society and foster greater fraternity, healthy dialogue and unity. Lastly, the Church emphasises the importance of caring for our common home and taking responsibility for the future of our planet. Through prayer, sharing, and “Conversation in the Spirit”, the Malaysian Church shares its hopeful vision for growth and finding meaningful ways to evangelise Christ to the people of our country.

The haze affecting parts of Malaysia in recent weeks reminds us of our duty to protect creation and support each other. Meanwhile, people in different parts of the world continue to suffer from floods, fires, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other calamities. Behind every disaster, there are families and communities whose lives are deeply affected. We are urged to pray for them and, whenever possible, to offer practical aid and show solidarity with them.

May the coming week and month be a time of renewal for everyone. As we celebrate, listen and walk hand in hand as the Malaysian Church, let us strive to become a true family of God, living our faith through prayer, compassion, service, and love.

Photo Credited to Borneo Post
 

WALKING TOGETHER AS ONE MALAYSIAN CHURCH

The first significant national-level pastoral convention will take place in Sibu, Sarawak, from 9-13 September 2026, bringing together 850 delegates – clergy, religious and laity –  from all nine dioceses of Malaysia: three in Peninsular Malaysia, three in Sabah and three in Sarawak. 

 

Since Friday, 4 September 2026, the Church in Malaysia has been praying fervently during the Holy Hour in their respective parishes for the life and future of our Malaysian Church.

 

Malaysia Pastoral Convention (MPC) 2026 is not just about discussing future plans, but about listening – listening to one another, to the lived experiences of our people, and most importantly, to the Holy Spirit. Through prayer and “Conversation in the Spirit”, participants will discern where God is leading the Church in Malaysia.

Four areas that will guide this discernment: Family, Church, Creation and Society.

Family reminds us that our homes are the first places where faith is lived. We hope families become places of love, forgiveness, faith and hope –  where children and young people encounter Christ, and those going through challenges find support and guidance.

Church calls us to renewal. We aim to build a more synodal Church –  a Church of communion, participation and mission – where clergy, religious and laity walk together, share responsibility and become joyful witnesses of the Gospel.

Creation reminds us that the earth is our common home. We are called to be grateful for God’s creation and to take seriously our responsibility to care for the environment, especially for the benefit of future generations and those most at risk.

Society challenges us to live our faith beyond church walls. As we have just celebrated Merdeka, we pray for a Malaysia where peace and prosperity are genuinely shared. As citizens, we must pursue justice, promote peace and stand in solidarity with the poor, the marginalised and the vulnerable.

Our Malaysian Catholic Church has evolved significantly since the early 1800s, thanks to missionaries. The MEP Fathers (Paris Foreign Missions) laid important foundations in Peninsular Malaysia while missionaries – particularly the Mill Hill Fathers – played a vital role in bringing the Gospel to Sarawak and Sabah. Over the past sixty years, the Malaysian Church has gradually developed local clergy and lay leaders. Today, we have a Church that is truly Malaysian, living its faith in a multi-racial, multilingual and multicultural society.

The pastoral convention has expanded over the years, beginning with the first Peninsular Malaysia Pastoral Convention (PMPC I) in 1986. It continued with PMPC II in 1996, PMPC III in 2006, and PMPC IV in 2016. What began as the PMPC is now proudly known as MPC. The journey was originally called the Pan-Malaysia Pastoral Convention, but in 2023, it was renamed MPC 2026.

Let us pray that MPC 2026 will help our Church discern a clear pastoral direction for the next ten years. May the Holy Spirit guide us to build stronger families, renew our Church, care for creation and become a more just and peaceful nation.

Let us walk together, listen together and discern together, trusting that the Holy Spirit will lead our Malaysian Church into the future.

STANDING WITH THOSE WHO SUFFER

On 15 August 2026, a strong magnitude 7.7 earthquake hit Flores, Indonesia, causing extensive destruction and leaving at least 116 people dead, 1,678 injured, and over 161,000 people displaced. More than 77,900 people were reported to be living in evacuation centres, while homes, schools, places of worship and other facilities were damaged. Many families are now facing the difficult process of rebuilding their lives.

Just two weeks later, on 26 August, another tragedy struck the Himalayan region. A glacial collapse triggered devastating flash floods and mudslides along the Nepal–Tibet border, sweeping through villages, roads and communities. At least 470 people have lost their lives, with hundreds still missing. Rescue and relief efforts are continuing under very difficult conditions.

These tragedies remind us that tragedy or suffering can come suddenly and without warning. Behind every number is a family, a child, an elderly person or someone who has lost a home, a loved one, or the stability of daily life.

As Christians, we cannot remain indifferent to the sufferings of others. Our faith calls us to see, empathise, and act. The spirit of humanitarianism is very much at the heart of the Gospel: to reach out to those in need, to share what we have and to assure people in moments of darkness that they are not forgotten nor are they alone.

In response, the Church of St Thomas the Apostle, Kuantan, is appealing to our Parishioners, as well as the wider community, to support our humanitarian relief efforts. Our immediate focus is to collect essential goods and prepare a container of supplies for families affected by the flash floods in Nepal and Tibet. Our goal right now is to extend our assistance to those affected.

You may contribute essentials such as rice, canned food, biscuits, instant noodles, cooking oil, milk, toiletries, sanitary products, diapers, towels, blankets, sleeping mats, buckets and other practical household necessities. Food items should preferably have a long expiry date, ideally at least 6–12 months. Please ensure all donated items are clean, safe, and in good condition. Thereafter, you may send these to the Church of St Thomas, Kuantan (8.00 am to 9.00 pm), by 6 September 2026.

Those who wish to make cash contributions can inquire at the Parish Office (09-5177106) or email: stthomas@archkl.org

 

This coming week, we will deliver financial aid through the Caritas of the Diocese of Flores, Indonesia, instead of shipping a container of goods due to logistical challenges. Let’s keep those affected families in our prayers and turn our prayers into concrete acts of love and compassion.

We may not be able to rebuild an entire village or replace everything that has been lost. But we can do something. Let us therefore put our faith into action. Together, let us show compassion and become channels of God’s love, mercy and hope.

Note: Photos sourced from the Internet