SHINING WITNESSES OF HIS PRESENCE

Now is a good time for each of us to take a moment to honestly ask: how far have I prepared my heart? Have I drawn closer to the Lord, or am I still the same? As we enter the Fifth Week of Lent, the Church gently encourages us to look more deeply at Jesus – His passion, His suffering, and His death. Lent is not just a season to pass quickly; it is a special journey that invites us to reflect and grow in faith.

This Wednesday, 25 March 2026, our Parish – the Church of St. Thomas the Apostle – marks a remarkable milestone: the 120th anniversary of its establishment. This meaningful date coincides with the Solemnity of the Annunciation, a beautiful feast when we honour Mary’s “Yes” to God, a moment that forever changed salvation history.

On 25 March 1906, the roots of our Parish were planted with the first three baptisms: Joseph Liao Ah Gni, Andrew Teu Ah Mau, and Lazarus Voun Sui Tso. Interestingly, these baptisms did not take place in Kuantan itself, but in Sungai Belat, about 20 kilometres away, by Rev. Fr. Vincent Gazeau, MEP. From these humble beginnings, our early missionaries and faithful community members worked tirelessly to establish a permanent home for the church.

By the early 1930s, they found an ideal site and built a small chapel. In the 1940s and 1950s, the chapel was expanded under Rev. Fr. Louis Guittat, MEP, to accommodate the growing number of parishioners. Later, in 1966, Rev. Fr. Antoine Henriot, MEP, constructed a new church building, which still stands today as the heart of our beloved Parish.

As we celebrate this anniversary, we recognise God’s unwavering faithfulness. We honour the courage of those early faithful who paved the way, and we treasure the gift of faith handed down through generations – a vibrant, living faith that we are now called to carry forward with our own hearts and actions.

This celebration is deeply connected to our Lenten journey. Just as Mary’s “Yes” to God and our Parish founders’ brave embrace of faith shaped our history, Lent calls us to renew our commitment to the Lord with open hearts. Our history is not only about remembering the past; it is about living that faith daily.

As we prepare for Easter, let us see this anniversary as more than a commemoration of history. It is also a reminder to renew our spirits. Together, let us gather on Wednesday, 25 March, for a special evening Mass at 7.30 pm, to mark the establishment of our Parish on the East Coast.

May this 120th anniversary inspire us to remain deeply rooted in Christ’s love and to become shining witnesses of His presence for generations to come.

          

 

LENT: A JOURNEY OF MERCY, PATIENCE AND HOPE

As we arrive at the Fourth Sunday of Lent – Laetare Sunday, which means “Rejoice” – we find ourselves at the midpoint of our Lenten journey. The Church gently reminds us that the joy of Easter is drawing nearer. Even within this penitential season, a quiet note of hope begins to emerge, inviting us to continue our Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving with renewed spirit.

During this Lenten season, the Lord invites us to do two important things. First, to come before Him with humility, trusting in His mercy. Second, to allow that mercy to flow through us by forgiving others. When we truly experience God’s forgiveness, our hearts begin to soften. We become more compassionate, more understanding, and more willing to reconcile with those around us. In this way, we begin to reflect the very mercy of God in our daily lives.

Lent also teaches us another important virtue: patience. Our Muslim brothers and sisters often refer to Ramadan as a month of patience. In a similar way, Lent can also become a school of patience for us as Catholics. Through prayer, fasting, and small acts of sacrifice, we slowly learn to control our impulses, to step back from anger, arguments and quarrels, and to respond with greater calm and understanding.

Patience is truly a fruit of the Spirit. When we lose patience, we sometimes weaken our witness as followers of Christ. But when we practise patience – especially in difficult times – we grow stronger in faith. Lent is not about an easy journey; rather, it is about allowing God to strengthen us. Instead of praying for an easier path, perhaps we can pray for stronger hearts and steadier steps as we walk through these forty days.

Lent, therefore, is not meant to be a heavy burden but a journey of grace. Every prayer we offer, every small sacrifice we make, and every act of kindness we show, brings us closer to God. Even when we feel weak or imperfect, the Lord receives us with tenderness. Like a loving Father, He never grows tired of welcoming His children back with open arms.

In his Lenten message, Pope Leo XIV reminds us that Lent is a time to renew our hearts through prayer, reconciliation, and acts of charity. It is a season where hope is rediscovered and faith is strengthened.

From the very beginning of Lent, the words of the prophet Joel (2:12-13) have been echoing in our hearts: “Come back to me with all your heart...” These words continue to guide us back to the heart of God and invite us to a deeper conversion of heart. May we keep listening and responding to the gentle invitation of the Lord calling each one of us.

 

THE PATH OF LOVE, FORGIVENESS, AND PEACE

For the month of March, the prayer intention of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, invites us to pray that nations may move towards effective disarmament, especially nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders may choose dialogue and diplomacy over violence.

We continue to witness ongoing tensions and violence in the Middle East. For more than a week, conflicts have escalated, drawing the world’s attention. The Pope urges us to pursue peace, promote dialogue, and seek solutions without weapons. Innocent lives are affected, many are forced to flee their homes, economies are disrupted, flights are cancelled, and daily life is thrown into uncertainty. People are anxious and weary, wondering what the future may hold.

In moments like this, many questions arise. Why does violence continue to repeat itself throughout human history? Why do political interests sometimes take precedence over human dignity? Who truly gains from war? Certainly not the ordinary people who suffer its consequences!

War leaves scars that last for generations. It destroys homes, divides families, and sows seeds of hatred that take years to heal, if at all. Buildings may be rebuilt with time, but peace requires patience, humility, courage, and—most importantly—the willingness to listen to one another.

This is why disarmament is crucial. When nations spend vast resources on weapons, especially nuclear ones capable of destroying humanity repeatedly, we must ask: does this truly secure our future, or does it only fuel fear? Real security comes not from destructive power, but from protecting human life and dignity.

At this time, Christians are observing the holy season of Lent, while our Muslim brothers and sisters are observing Ramadan. Both seasons invite us to open our hearts more fully to God and to one another. For Christians, Lent is a time of repentance, healing, and reconciliation. It reminds us that hatred and violence should never define us. The way of Christ remains the path of love, forgiveness, and peace.

At times, we may feel powerless in the face of global conflicts. Yet prayer is never powerless. When we pray, we unite our hearts with God’s desire for peace. Our prayers become a heartfelt call for justice, compassion, and wisdom for those in leadership.

Let us keep praying sincerely for peace in the Middle East and in all places affected by conflict. Pray, for the protection of innocent civilians, for comfort for those who mourn, for healing for the wounded, and for courage among world leaders to choose dialogue rather than destruction.

May God soften hardened hearts, guide world leaders with wisdom, and help humanity rediscover that we are not enemies, but instead brothers and sisters who should be united on this fragile earth we share.

Peace is not only a dream—it is a shared responsibility. Together, let us build a more peaceful world where everyone feels safe and cared for.

AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS

As we journey through this sacred season of Lent, the Youth of St. Thomas have created a special “Lenten Reflection Corner” at the main entrance of our church. This corner is more than just a display - it is an invitation to pause, reflect, and enter more deeply into the mystery of Jesus’ passion and death.

In this corner, you will find several powerful symbols, objects and instruments that profoundly express His suffering, sacrifice, and love:

·       The 9-foot cross stands tall as the greatest sign of His love for the salvation of humanity. 

·       The crown of thorns speaks of suffering and humiliation, yet proclaims Christ as King, reigning from the throne of sacrifice.

·       The nails remind us of His wounds and of the weight of our sins, which He bore out of love. 

·       The dice symbolise the soldiers casting lots for His garments, warning us how easily we can become indifferent to what is sacred.

·       The lance points to the moment His side was pierced, from which flowed blood and water - signs of mercy and new life.

·       The garments and cloth remind us that He was stripped of dignity, teaching us humility and detachment from worldly pride.

Each symbol tells a story. Each item asks us: What does this mean for me? How do I respond to such love this Lent?

This project especially encourages our catechism students and young people to come forward, observe, ask questions, and contribute meaningful items that reflect their Lenten journey. Lent is not simply something we hear about -it is something we live, experience, and grow through together as a parish family.

Lent prepares our hearts for the joy of Easter. We reflect on Christ’s suffering not to remain in sorrow, but to grasp the depth of His love. We walk with Him through Lent so that we may arrive at the empty tomb, which points us toward the resurrection - a doorway to hope and new life.

This idea was inspired by what I saw at the Herald Publication Office in Kuala Lumpur, where simple elements proclaimed the final earthly journey of Jesus. My hope is that our corner will gradually grow throughout Lent, becoming richer in meaning and deeper in reflection for all parishioners.

I warmly invite everyone - young and old - to spend a few quiet moments at this corner before or after Mass. Bring your children. Reflect prayerfully. Ask yourself: What can I place at the foot of the cross this Lent? A bad habit? A hurt? A prayer intention? An act of charity? You are encouraged to write it down and place it in the designated space.

May this small corner at our church entrance open a greater space in our hearts, so that when Easter dawns, we may rejoice with renewed faith, hope, and love.

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.