CONVERSION THROUGH LISTENING AND FASTING

In his first Lenten message for 2026, Pope Leo XIV encourages the entire Church to rediscover Lent as a time to refocus on God at the centre of our lives. When God is at the centre, our hearts are renewed and freed from anxiety and distraction. He reminds us that Lent is a motherly gift from the Church – a sacred season that calls us back to God and to a deeper relationship with Christ.

The Holy Father emphasises two key aspects of conversion: listening and fasting. 

First, listening. Every conversion begins when the Word of God touches our hearts, inspiring us to a deeper connection with God and with each other. Pope Leo reminds us that God Himself listens: He hears the cry of His people and responds with love and a desire to free us. When we listen to Scripture, we also become more attuned to the cries of the poor, the suffering, and those who are wounded in our world. True listening opens our hearts, deepens our compassion and leads us closer to Christ.

Second, fasting. Fasting is more than abstaining from food. It prepares our hearts to receive God’s Word, recognises what we truly hunger for, purifies our desires, and directs us towards God and goodness. Drawing on Saint Augustine, Pope Leo reminds us that our earthly life is a time of holy hunger – a longing for justice, holiness and God Himself. Fasting expands the soul and strengthens our commitment to live responsibly and lovingly for others.

The Holy Father suggests a practical form of fasting: abstaining from hurtful words. He urges us to avoid harsh words, gossip, and rash judgment, and instead to cultivate kindness, respect, and encouragement – in our homes, workplaces, on social media, and in our communities. By doing so, words driven by anger can be replaced with those of hope and peace.

How can we live this message in our Parish community, this Lent?

1.     Listen daily to God’s Word. Spend at least a few minutes each day reading the Scripture. Let God speak to your heart in silence.

2.     Practice meaningful fasting. Besides fasting from food, fast from negative habits – excessive screen time, impatience, complaining or gossip.

3.     Fast from hurtful words. Make a conscious effort to speak kindly. Choose encouragement over criticism.

4.     Care for the needy. Let your fasting lead to charity. Share your time, food and resources with the poor and the lonely.

5.     Walk together as a Parish community. Attend Mass, Stations of the Cross and Parish devotions. Pray and journey together as one family of faith.

May this Lent be a grace-filled time for all of us — a time to listen more deeply, fast more sincerely and love more generously. Let us journey together towards Easter with renewed hearts and a stronger commitment to Christ.

    

WALK IN PEACE EVERYDAY

On 26 October 2025, nineteen Buddhist monks, led by Venerable Bhikkhu Panakkara, began a “Walk for Peace” from Fort Worth, Texas. Barefoot and prayerful, they embarked on a pilgrimage across the U.S., carrying a simple message: Peace starts within each person. Their destination was Washington, D.C., where they completed their mission of faith, endurance, and peace after 109 days, bringing this remarkable spiritual journey to its fulfilment on 11 February 2026.

From the beginning, this walk was never just about the 3,700 km distance. It was a walking prayer for peace. Each barefoot step on hot roads and cold pavements became a silent prayer for peace in the world. If we could have seen their feet – torn, blistered, and bleeding – we would have understood the depth of their offering. They walked not for personal gain but for all humanity. 

Along their journey, they faced trials, including a tragic accident that injured several monks. Venerable Maha Dam was severely injured and had part of his leg amputated in Houston. Despite this heartbreaking moment, he turned his suffering into a sacred offering for peace, dedicating his loss to their cause. After recovery, with motorised assistance, he rejoined the final stretch, showing courage and spiritual strength that teach us peace often requires sacrifice.

Walking faithfully beside them was a special companion – Aloka, whose name means “light” in Sanskrit. Aloka was once a stray dog in Kolkata, India. In 2022, he began following a group of Vietnamese–American Buddhist monks across India for 100 days. He was later adopted and brought to the U.S., he became part of their spiritual community and walked with them until the very end.

Aloka is an ordinary mongrel, not a pure breed or high-class dog. This stray dog became a symbol of loyalty, peace, friendship, and faithfulness. Even after being injured and needing surgery, Aloka remained devoted to the monks and their mission. During recovery, he travelled in a support vehicle and was cared for by veterinarians and well-wishers, who treated, groomed, and comforted him free of charge. Everywhere he went, he touched hearts.

Sometimes God sends messengers in unexpected ways. In Aloka, we see how an ordinary creature can teach extraordinary lessons like loyalty, perseverance, and unconditional love. Venerable Bhikkhu Panakkara once shared that perhaps this dog had the spirit of a monk from a previous life, which is why he named him “Aloka” to carry on his path to enlightenment.

The monks returned home to Texas on 14 February 2026, after their historic Walk for Peace, with some possibly nominated for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize as recognition of their sacrifice. Peace is not just spoken; it must be lived and walked. They gave up comfort and safety to remind the world that peace is possible.

We remember Aloka – a humble dog who walked faithfully beside them. Like the faithful Japanese dog Hachiko (early 1900s) and the loyal companion associated with Saint Roch (14^th Century) during his Camino Walk in Spain, Aloka becomes for us another gentle reminder that loyalty and love are powerful witnesses in a restless world.

Peace begins with us. Let this Walk for Peace inspire us to walk our own paths of peace. We may not walk thousands of miles, but we can walk in peace every day through kindness, forgiveness, perseverance, patience, and prayer.

Photo credits: Photos from the internet and social media. With thanks to the original photographers.

   

EMBRACE WITH COMPASSION, RESPECT AND HOPE

On 11 February, the Church celebrates the 34th World Day of the Sick (WDS). Pope Leo XIV encourages the Church to reflect on the theme: “The Compassion of the Samaritan: Loving by Bearing Another’s Pain.” Drawing on the well-known parable of the Good Samaritan (LK 10: 25-37), the Holy Father emphasises that compassion is a way of life – a love that approaches, stops, and shares in suffering.

In our busy world today, we often overlook pain because we are caught up in our routines, distractions, or discomfort with suffering. Like the priest and Levi in the parable, we might see someone hurt, but decide to keep our distance. On the other hand, the Good Samaritan stops, approaches, and dedicates his time. The Pope reminds us that reaching out with kindness is the heart of real compassion. True love starts when we choose to be present, not indifferent.

The Holy Father reminds us that Jesus is the true Good Samaritan, always ready to help wounded humanity. He kneels beside us in our struggles, heals wounds, and carries us with mercy. When we reach out to the sick, the elderly, the lonely, or the forgotten, we reflect Christ’s caring presence. Caring for the sick is not just kind – it is a core mission of the church.

Compassion has a beautiful collective aspect. The Samaritan helped the injured man by entrusting him to the innkeeper. Similarly, caring for the sick involves families, neighbours, healthcare providers, volunteers and pastors working together. “To be one in the one means that we are members of a single body,” and when one suffers, it calls each of us to step in and help. The pain of the sick is not just someone else’s, but it is also ours - reminding us of the importance of compassion.

Pope Leo XIV reminds us that serving the sick is a heartfelt act of worship that truly touches the soul. Real love is shown through a caring presence, listening, patience, prayer, and dedicated service. These actions help us share our faith sincerely.

As a caring parish community, let us take this opportunity on the World Day of the Sick to renew our commitment to walking hand in hand with those who are suffering. Instead of rushing by, let’s embrace them with compassion, respect, and hope, offering our support and warmth.

 

(Abstract of the message of Pope Leo XIV for the World Day of the Sick)

 

Since we are unable to celebrate World Day of the Sick on its actual day due to work commitments (being a weekday), we will instead gather on Saturday, 14 February 2026, at 10.30am for Holy Mass at our Parish. We wish to invite all our elderly and sick Parishioners to attend Mass, where we will have the Anointing of the Sick, asking the Lord to fill them with strength and comfort and to remind them that they are never alone.

         

PRAYERS MOVE OUR HANDS AND HEARTS

For the month of February, the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, invites the whole Church to pray for children suffering from incurable diseases and for their families—that they may receive the medical care, love, and support they need, and that they may never lose strength or hope.

This heartfelt intention reminds us of the deep vulnerability of children battling serious illnesses, and the heavy emotional, physical, and spiritual burdens shouldered by their parents and caregivers. These families often face a long and challenging journey filled with uncertainty, fear, and exhaustion. As a Church, our calling goes beyond prayer—we are called to accompany them, offering support and compassion every step of the way.

Palliative care is one of the most important aspects of care. Even when a cure is not possible, care must never cease. Palliative care focuses on relieving pain, managing symptoms, and providing emotional and spiritual support. For instance, a child receiving palliative care can feel safe and comfortable, while parents are supported by doctors, nurses, counsellors, and chaplains who listen to their worries and pray with them. Care is not only about medicine, but also about dignity, compassion, and love.

Another important aspect is the support and presence of family. Pope Francis often described the Church as a “field hospital” (Evangelii Gaudium, no. 47). This means the Church must be close to those who are wounded—not distant or judgmental. Families with sick children should never feel alone. Our presence, compassion, and tangible assistance can express God’s mercy.

This prayer intention can be integrated into our daily routine in simple ways. First, through a spiritual offering: each morning, we can dedicate our daily work, joys, and sufferings to God for these children and families, saying: “Lord, I offer this day for children who are sick, and for their families. Give them strength and hope.”

Second, being present can speak volumes. A quick call, a heartfelt message, or bringing a meal to a family caring for a sick child are wonderful ways to show love and support.

Finally, we can brighten someone’s day by visiting and offering a listening ear. I know of a boy who has been suffering for over 12 years. He is often admitted to the hospital, and his parents regularly take him there for treatment. Although he has not seen much improvement, his spirit remains strong. He is very determined and maintains a positive outlook. He prays fervently and even goes to church in a wheelchair—as attending Mass adds richness and meaning to his life.

As we pray throughout this month, may our prayers move our hands and hearts, making us signs of God’s compassion for the smallest and most vulnerable among us. Lord Jesus, be close to every suffering child and every weary parent. Hold them in your gentle love, give them strength for each day, and keep their hearts filled with hope.

A PRAYER FOR OUR PARISH JOURNEY 2026

Lord God, 

You have gathered us as the Parish of St. Thomas the Apostle — 

a pilgrim people rooted in Your Word, 

nourished by the Eucharist, and united in love.

 

Renew our vision to become a welcoming, prayerful, 

and compassionate community, faithful in our witness 

and generous in service.

 

As we move forward, may we truly live what we celebrate, 

love everyone we meet, and courageously proclaim Jesus, 

Our Lord and Our God, in our homes, in our Parish, and in the world today.

 

Mother Mary, accompany us at every moment 

and obtain for us the blessing from Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Our Parish Prayer reflects our true identity and the person we are meant to become. It reminds us that our identity is established by God’s grace, not by our efforts. We acknowledge that our Parish exists because God Himself gathers us week after week. We are called, formed, and sustained by the Lord.

We see ourselves as a pilgrim people - a community on a journey - still growing, learning, and being shaped by God. We continue to grow in faith, trusting that God is leading us step by step. Our pilgrimage implies movement, hope, and perseverance - even when the journey becomes challenging.

To say that we are rooted in God’s Word affirms that Scripture is not just read or heard, but lived every day. His Word guides our decisions, shapes our values, challenges our views, and gives our lives direction. As a Parish, we listen attentively so that it shapes our conscience and lifestyle.

Christ Himself is the source of our strength, nourishing us through the Eucharist. The Eucharist heals, renews, and unites us as one Body. Without the Eucharist, our efforts become empty. With the Eucharist, our services become life-giving.

When we say we are united in love, we recognise that unity does not mean everyone is the same or thinks alike. It signifies a deliberate commitment to journey together with patience, humility, forgiveness, and care for one another. Our unity is sustained not by convenience, but by our love anchored in Christ.

The second part of the prayer asks God to renew our vision. This is essential because Parish ministries can easily become routine or dependent on the same few people. We pray to remain a welcoming community, where everyone feels recognised and appreciated; a prayerful community; and a compassionate community attentive to the vulnerable, the poor, and the wounded. Our faith must be visible – expressed through witness and generous service.

Finally, the prayer sends us forth. What we celebrate and experience in the church must be carried into daily life – into our homes, workplaces, schools, and society at large. Every Mass ends with a mission –  to love those we meet, and to proclaim Jesus through our words and actions.

We entrust our Parish to Mother Mary, asking her to accompany us and to obtain for us the blessing of her Son, Jesus Christ. Like her, may we listen, trust and respond generously to God’s call.