LIVING THE HEART OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Every year on 4 August, the Church celebrates the memorial of St. Jean-Marie Vianney. His life reminds every priest that the heart of the priesthood lies not in success or recognition, but in faithful service to God and His people. Through his deep love for the Eucharist, countless hours hearing confessions, and his compassion for those entrusted to him, he has become a model of a true shepherd after the heart of Christ.

The life of a priest today is both joyful and challenging. Priests are called to celebrate the sacraments, preach the Gospel, accompany families, visit the sick, and bring hope to those in need. In our Malaysian Church, with its rich diversity of cultures and languages, this mission often requires sacrifice, perseverance and a generous heart. Every priest is called to remain faithful, trusting that God works through our weaknesses.

St. Jean-Marie Vianney has been one of my favourite saints since my seminary days in 1995. His life has always inspired me to be a humble priest, close to the people, available to those in need, and faithful in prayer. Whenever the demands of ministry become heavy, I often look to his example and draw strength from his quiet perseverance. He reminds me that a priest does not have to do extraordinary things but simply needs to love God wholeheartedly and serve His people faithfully.

Fr. Philip Asirwalam and I travelled from Kuantan to the Church of St. Jean-Marie Vianney, Tampin, to celebrate the feast with Parish Priest Fr. Albert Arockiasamy and 30 other priests. Nearly 500 of the faithful gathered together for the Holy Hour, Vespers, the Rosary and the Eucharistic Celebration. It was a beautiful witness of priestly fraternity and a moment to renew our commitment to serve with greater pastoral zeal.

Our Parish warmly welcomes Rev Fr Philip Asirwalam, Assistant Priest of St. Thomas the Apostle, Kuantan. He previously served at the Church of Divine Mercy in Shah Alam during his diaconate and the first two months of his priesthood. His appointment is a great blessing, especially as our Parish once again receives an assistant priest after almost 23 years.

His presence will enhance our pastoral ministry, especially as we serve communities far beyond Kuantan city. Our mission reaches chapels and Mass centres, including Orang Asli villages, Indonesian migrant workers in sawmills and oil palm plantations, and families from Sabah and Sarawak serving in the Armed Forces and the Police. Now, we will be able to reach more people with the Gospel and the Eucharist, especially those on the outskirts of our Parish.

As we thank God for the gift of our priests, let us continue to pray for them, walk with them, and support them in their mission. The work of evangelisation belongs to all of us. Together, let us bring His love to every family, every village, every workplace and every heart, so all may know the joy and hope in Jesus Christ.

OUR MISSION TO EVANGELISE

Pope Leo XIV’s Prayer Intention for August 2026: “Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.”

Our East Coast cities – Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu – continue to grow and develop rapidly. The expansion of new housing areas, businesses, roads and tourist attractions has created many opportunities. Life has become faster and busier, with families balancing work life, school and many other commitments, while technology keeps us constantly connected. Yet, despite all this progress, many people quietly experience loneliness. Neighbours often live side by side without really knowing one another, and meaningful relationships are increasingly replaced by digital interactions.

Pope Leo XIV reminds us that this quiet loneliness is not only a social challenge but also a spiritual one. Many hearts long to be seen, welcomed and loved. As followers of Christ, we are called to respond with the warmth, compassion and hope of the Gospel.

The Church has always grown because Christians lived as one family. They welcomed strangers, cared for those in need, prayed together and shared their lives with one another. Their love became a living witness to Christ. That same mission continues today. Evangelisation is not only about preaching from the pulpit or hosting large events. It begins in our daily encounters – with a smile, a listening ear, a visit to someone who is alone, an invitation to the Eucharistic celebration, or a simple act of kindness. Often, the Gospel is first experienced through genuine friendship before it is proclaimed in words.

We see this mission bearing fruit in our own Parish. This year, 16 adults – 4 in the English-speaking group, 2 in the Mandarin-speaking group, and 10 in the Bahasa Malaysia-speaking group – have begun their journey in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Each of them has responded to God’s invitation to know Jesus more deeply. Their presence reminds us that someone prayed for them, someone welcomed them, and someone encouraged them to take that first step of faith. 

Soon, they will become members of our Parish family, and all of us share the responsibility of accompanying them with our prayers, friendship and encouragement. Let us help them discover that the Church is truly a place where they belong.

Here in the East Coast, where we live respectfully alongside people of many faiths, sharing the Gospel often calls for patience, wisdom and sensitivity. We proclaim Christ not only through our words but also through lives marked by integrity, kindness, hospitality and joyful faith. Every act of love, every gesture of compassion and every faithful Christian life quietly proclaims the Gospel.

As we begin the month of August, let us make the Holy Father’s intention our own. May our homes become welcoming places, our Parish a true community of faith and love, and each of us a joyful missionary disciple, bringing the hope and peace of Christ to everyone we meet.

HONOURING OUR GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY

This year, the Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly (WDGE) will be observed on 26 July 2026 (Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne), calling us to honour seniors and acknowledge their vital role in our families, parishes, and society. In his first message for this annual celebration, Pope Leo XIV emphasises that every elderly person is precious in God's sight and should never feel forgotten or abandoned. The Holy Father invites us to become a Church that listens, accompanies, and cares for our elderly with love, respect, and compassion.

The theme, “I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15), comes from God's comforting words to His people in times of abandonment and despair. Through the prophet Isaiah, God assures us that His love surpasses even a mother’s love for her child. While a mother may forget, God never will. He has engraved His people on the palms of His hands – a powerful image of enduring love and unfailing faithfulness. This promise provides hope to those who feel lonely, neglected, or invisible, especially the elderly. It reminds us that every human life possesses lasting dignity because each person is deeply loved and forever remembered by God.

Pope Leo XIV recognises that many elderly people today experience loneliness, neglect, and isolation. Some live alone, while others are forgotten even in care homes, where they may be treated as numbers rather than persons with unique stories and gifts. In a society that often values productivity, speed, and efficiency, older people can mistakenly be seen as a burden instead of a blessing. The Holy Father therefore encourages families, especially the younger generation, to revive the beautiful tradition of visiting grandparents and elderly neighbours, bringing them companionship, affection, and hope through the simple gift of presence.

The Pope emphasises to older adults that old age is a meaningful and fruitful stage of life. Despite physical frailty, they remain beloved children of God. Through prayer, wisdom, and their lifelong faith, they continue to enrich the Church. In a world filled with conflict, fear, and division, the elderly have a special vocation to be witnesses of hope, reconciliation, and enduring faith for the younger generations.

(Abstract of the Message of Pope Leo XIV for the Sixth World Day for the Grandparents and the Elderly 2026)

As a Church, we must turn God’s promise into concrete acts of love. Let us reach out intentionally to our elderly through regular home visits, Holy Communion to the homebound, praying and reflecting on Scripture with them, arranging opportunities for Confession and the Anointing of the Sick, listening attentively to their stories, and welcoming them to participate actively in parish life whenever possible. Such simple yet meaningful gestures assure them that they remain valued members of God's family.

When we honour and care for our grandparents and the elderly, we become living witnesses of God’s promise: “I will never forget you.” May our Parish always be a community where every person, regardless of age or ability, is welcomed, cherished, and remembered with love.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU

On Sunday, 26 July 2026, the universal Church observes the 6^th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which falls on the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. This meaningful celebration, established to overcome loneliness among the elderly and to recognise their priceless role in families and in the life of the Church, carries the comforting theme: “I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49: 15).

As a Parish family, we also remember with gratitude the many grandparents and elderly who have sown the seeds of faith in our lives. They taught us our first prayers, brought us to church, encouraged us during difficult times, and witnessed to God’s faithfulness through their own lives. Today, the Church of St Thomas the Apostle, Kuantan, continues to grow because of the sacrifices, prayers and quiet dedication of those who led the way. Their legacy lives on in every family and every ministry.

Sadly, the fast pace of modern life often leaves our elderly feeling isolated. Busy schedules, changing lifestyles and technology sometimes create distance between generations. Pope Leo XIV reminds us that older persons should never be forgotten or pushed aside. They are not a burden but instead, a blessing. Their wisdom, experience and steadfast faith are valuable gifts that enrich both our families and our Parish.

Our Parish Family Life Ministry, led by Sheila Fernandez, Anna Thong, and Mary Tan, warmly invites all Parishioners, especially our grandparents and the elderly, to join the celebration on Sunday, 26 July 2026, from 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm in the St Giles Room. The event will feature fellowship, a family-friendly movie, and activities to strengthen the connections among grandparents, the elderly, children, and grandchildren. Additionally, during the weekend Masses, we will hold special prayers and distribute prayer cards as tokens of our love and gratitude. 

As the FIFA World Cup approaches its exciting conclusion, the final will be played between Spain and Argentina. Many football fans – myself included – have enjoyed weeks of thrilling matches. I followed the tournament almost every night, and I know that when the final whistle blows, many of us will surely miss this wonderful celebration of the beautiful game.

While we remember great goals, incredible saves, and champions, it is important to also honour the true heroes in our lives – our grandparents and the elderly. Like a football team, families are built on sacrifice, discipline, love, prayer, wisdom, and guidance. Their greatest victory is in the generations they nurture and inspire in faith; just as this year’s World Day theme states, “I will never forget you.”

On this upcoming World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, take a moment to visit, call, or spend time with our grandparents and the elderly. A listening ear, a warm hug, or just sharing a meal together can serve as a meaningful reminder that they are loved, valued, and always remembered.

VICTORY THAT TRULY LASTS

As the FIFA World Cup reaches its thrilling semi-final stage, millions around the world are eagerly watching their favourite teams, inspired by their discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and determination. Watching this excitement unfold, I cannot help but reflect on our own Parish community.

For nine grace-filled days, we gathered as one family to celebrate our Novena and Thanksgiving in honour of St. Thomas the Apostle. No medals or trophies were won, yet something far more precious was achieved: hearts were renewed, faith was strengthened, our young people received the gifts of the Holy Spirit through Confirmation, and our Parish family grew stronger in communion. That is the kind of victory that truly lasts.

With gratitude, we thank God for the successful Novena and Thanksgiving celebrations for St. Thomas the Apostle and our 120th Parish Anniversary. The nine days were deeply moving, with many Parishioners attending every Novena Mass. The final events - including the Eucharistic Procession, Thanksgiving Mass, and Confirmation – saw outstanding participation from Parishioners, families, and friends. This was a beautiful witness to our Parish’s vitality and unity in faith.

I was especially delighted to witness 30 of our young parishioners receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. May the Holy Spirit continue to strengthen them with His gifts so that they may become courageous disciples and joyful witnesses of Christ in today’s world. Please keep them in your prayers as they begin this new chapter in their faith journey.

I extend my sincere appreciation to our Parish Pastoral Councils, Finance Committee, Catechetical ministry, Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC), liturgical ministries, choir members, altar servers, readers, commentators, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, Women’s Ministry, flower decorators, hospitality teams, traffic wardens, volunteers, benefactors, and every ministry that worked tirelessly before, during, and after the celebrations. Much of your service was carried out quietly behind the scenes, but God sees every sacrifice made with love. Thank you for your generous commitment, teamwork, and dedication, which ensured every celebration was prayerful, meaningful, and well organised.

To every Parishioner who attended, prayed, sang, served, and journeyed with us throughout these nine days - thank you. Your presence turned our celebrations into a beautiful witness of a vibrant Parish family. Together we demonstrated that the Church is not merely a building, but a community of believers walking together in faith.

As we give thanks for the blessings of the past 120 years, let us move forward together with renewed hope, trusting that the Lord who has faithfully guided our Parish will continue to lead us for generations to come. May we continue to build a Parish that prays together, serves with humility, welcomes with love, and witnesses to Christ with courage.

May St. Thomas continue to intercede for each of us, leading us from doubt to faith, from faith to hope, and from hope to lives of joyful missionary discipleship.

St. Thomas the Apostle, pray for us!