COUNTLESS MOMENTS OF GRACE

As we begin the month of July, the Holy Father invites the universal Church to pray for respect for human life. His intention is clear: “Let us pray for the protection and respect for human life at all stages, recognising it as a gift from God.”

In a world where life is often measured by usefulness, productivity, or convenience, we are challenged to see every human person through the eyes of God. From the unborn child to the elderly, from the healthy to the sick, from the successful to the forgotten—every life possesses unchanging dignity because it is created and loved by God. Respect for life is more than a moral principle; it is expressed in our words, our actions, our compassion, and our commitment to uphold the dignity of everyone we encounter.

This month is also a special time of grace for our Parish as we honour our patron, St. Thomas the Apostle. After nine prayerful days of the Novena, we now reach its joyful conclusion with the Feast of St. Thomas this weekend. We are deeply grateful to the priests who celebrated the Novena Masses and nourished us with God’s Words and Sacraments. Their presence and preaching have enriched our spiritual preparation for this great feast. Let us ask St. Thomas to strengthen our faith so that, like him, we may move from doubt to conviction and proclaim with confidence: “Jesus is my Lord and my God.” May our patron continue to intercede for every family in our Parish and lead us ever closer to Christ.

Meanwhile, the excitement of the FIFA World Cup continues to capture the attention of millions across the globe. As the tournament enters the knockout stages, football once again reminds us that rankings and reputations do not always determine the outcome. Several underdog nations have surprised the world with courage, discipline and determination to advance in this ongoing tournament, while some traditional football giants have already been eliminated. Every match begins with equal hope, teamwork, perseverance, and the will to finish well; every team must prove itself on the field.

The same is true of our Christian journey. We are given many opportunities to do good, to forgive, to serve, and to grow in holiness. Yet these opportunities bear fruit only when we respond with faith and action. God grants us countless moments of grace—let us embrace them fully. Rather than settling for a “decent” Christian life, let us strive to live each day with love, faithfulness, and service.

As we celebrate our Parish Feast this weekend, may St. Thomas continue to intercede for us, so that together we may grow as a community that respects every human life and becomes faithful disciples who finish the race with Christ.

WELCOMING THE FIRST-CLASS RELIC OF ST. FAUSTINA TO OUR PARISH

A relic is a sacred object associated with a saint and is treasured by the Church as a tangible connection to those who lived heroic lives of holiness. A first-class relic is a physical part of the saint’s body, such as a bone fragment. Relics remind us that the saints were real people who faithfully followed Christ and now intercede for us before God. Through them, we are encouraged to grow in faith, holiness, and devotion.

After several months of communication and arrangements with the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, Krakow, Poland, we are grateful and blessed to announce that our Parish has obtained a first-class relic of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska (Reliquae ex Ossibus is a Latin phrase that translates to "relic or fragment from the bone). 

 

This precious gift comes at a time when devotion to the Divine Mercy Chaplet is steadily growing among our Parishioners, together with a deeper appreciation of the spirituality of St. Faustina. Therefore, the Parish of St. Thomas the Apostle, Kuantan, is honoured to receive this special relic as a spiritual treasure for our community.

 

As Catholics, our primary devotion after the Holy Eucharist is always our love for Christ through prayer, especially the Holy Rosary. Alongside this devotion, the Church also encourages other devotions that draw us closer to God. The Divine Mercy Chaplet, entrusted by Jesus to St. Faustina, is one such devotion that reminds us of God’s infinite mercy and compassion.

 

We received the first-class relic from Sr. Norberta at the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Kraków, Poland. Sr. Norberta, together with the Mother General, Miriam Janice, and the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, kindly assisted in making all the necessary arrangements. 

St. Maria Faustina Kowalska (1905–1938), a member of this congregation, was chosen by Jesus to proclaim His message of Divine Mercy to the world. Through her diary and witness of faith, millions have come to trust more deeply in the rich mercy of God.

To mark the arrival of the relic, we will have a special Divine Mercy Chaplet, Eucharistic Adoration, and the Eucharistic celebration. This celebration is our way of welcoming St. Faustina into our Parish family. Her presence among us through this relic will inspire us to grow in devotional prayer, practise works of mercy, and trust more completely in God’s unfailing grace.

We warmly invite all Parishioners to join us this Sunday (28 June) as we welcome the relic of St. Faustina and continue our Novena to St. Thomas the Apostle, our patron saint. May St. Faustina and St. Thomas intercede for us and lead us ever closer to Jesus Christ.

HYDRATION BREAK: FINDING REFRESHMENT IN CHRIST

The weather in Kuantan has been extremely hot and dry over the past few weeks. Day after day, many of us have endured scorching temperatures with very little rain. Whether at work, in school, at home, or attending church activities, the heat takes a toll on our bodies. Medical experts remind us constantly of the importance of staying hydrated, especially during periods of prolonged hot weather. Drinking sufficient water throughout the day helps our bodies function properly and prevents dehydration, fatigue, and heat-related illnesses.

Football fans around the world are enjoying the excitement of the FIFA World Cup. In earlier years, football matches were played continuously for 45 minutes in each half without interruption. However, with rising temperatures and greater awareness of players’ health and safety, FIFA introduced a mandatory three-minute hydration break during the tournament to allow players to replenish fluids and restore energy. It is a simple reminder that even world-class athletes need to pause, refresh themselves, and care for their physical well-being.

Perhaps there is a lesson for all of us here. If professional football players require hydration breaks during a match, how much more should we take care of ourselves in daily life? Let us remember to drink enough water, especially during this hot season. Let us also pay attention to the elderly, young children, and those who may be more vulnerable to the effects of the heat. Sometimes, caring for others begins with small acts of concern and attentiveness.

As we reach mid-year, take a “hydration break” for spiritual reflection. The coming months will present both challenges and opportunities. Before moving forward, pause to evaluate: How has our faith been all this while?

Just as our bodies require water, our souls require spiritual nourishment. Prayer, the Eucharist, Scripture, and the Sacraments are the living waters that sustain our spiritual lives. When we neglect these essential sources of grace, we can easily become spiritually exhausted, discouraged, or distracted by the demands of daily life. The middle of the year offers us an opportunity to renew our commitment to God and to refresh our relationship with Him.

In the coming weeks, we will begin Novena Masses for the Feast of St. Thomas, the Apostle. As we prepare for the 120th Parish Anniversary, let us give thanks for the generations of faithful parishioners who have built and sustained this community of faith. Their sacrifices, prayers, and dedication have become a lasting legacy for us today. May we continue to build on that foundation and pass on the gift of faith to future generations.

Keep in mind the importance of staying hydrated both physically and spiritually. Let us pray that the Lord renews our hearts, strengthens our faith, and leads us with hope, joy, and gratitude.

       

CELEBRATING 120 YEARS OF FAITH

This year, the Parish of Saint Thomas, the Apostle, Kuantan, celebrates a significant milestone – its 120th Anniversary. Over the past twelve decades, countless lives have been touched by the witness of faith, the proclamation of the Gospel, and the grace bestowed through the various sacraments within this Parish community.

The earliest baptism records date back to 25 March 1906, when the first three individuals – Joseph Liao Ah Gni, Andrew Teu Ah Mau, and Lazarus Voun Sui Tso – were baptised by Rev. Fr Vincent Gageau, MEP, in a simple house at Belat near Gambang, about 30 kms from Kuantan city. From these modest beginnings, the Catholic community gradually expanded, eventually establishing a chapel in Kuantan city during the 1930s and 1940s. Rev. Fr. Louis Guitatt, MEP, became the first Parish Priest and Priest-in-Residence and also served as the first Principal of Saint Thomas School. The Parish continued to flourish, and in 1966, under Rev. Fr Antoniette Herriot, MEP, the present church was constructed – a lasting testament to the faith and sacrifices of the early community.

As part of this historic celebration, all Parishioners and friends are warmly invited to participate in the Nine-Day Novena to St Thomas, the Apostle, from Friday, 26 June to Saturday, 4 July 2026, and the Thanksgiving Mass on 5 July 2026, all centred on this year’s inspiring theme: “Saint Thomas, the Greatest Gift of Our Time.”

Each day of the Novena Mass invites us to journey with Saint Thomas and enrich our own faith, which is the heart and soul of our celebration.

The story of Saint Thomas reflects our own journey. He doubted, faced challenges, encountered the Risen Lord, and ultimately made one of the greatest professions of faith among the Apostles: “My Lord and My God.” His experience reminds us that true faith grows through seeking understanding, trusting, and courageously witnessing to Christ in everyday life.

The celebrations will conclude on 5 July 2026, where we will also celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for 20 candidates. Archbishop Julian Leow will be the main Presider of the Mass. The theme of the day encourages us to recognise Saint Thomas as a beacon of faith and truly “The Greatest Gift of Our Time” for the Church in the East Coast since 1906.

We wholeheartedly invite everyone – parishioners, former parishioners, alumni, families, and friends from across Malaysia to join us in this grace-filled celebration. Come together as one Church and one family during the Novena to thank God for 120 years of His abundant blessings. 

For the complete Novena and Mass schedules, please visit our Parish Website: www.stthomaskuantan.org

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