ONE IN CHRIST, UNITED IN MISSION

This year, the Church celebrates the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday, established by Pope Pius XI in 1926. It reminds us that the Church is missionary by nature and that every baptised Christian has a role in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Pope Leo XIV has chosen the theme “One in Christ, United in Mission” (In Illo uno unum). In his message, the Holy Father reminds us that our mission begins with our personal relationship with Jesus. As we remain united with Christ, we grow in love for one another and become stronger witnesses to the Gospel.

Throughout the years, our Holy Fathers have continually reminded us of our missionary responsibility. Pope Benedict XVI emphasised the importance of Christian charity and our commitment to proclaiming the Gospel to all peoples. Pope Francis reminded us that every baptised person is called to be a missionary, bringing hope, reconciliation, and God's love to others.

Pope Leo XIV continues this call, reminding us to remain united in Christ and to work together in our mission. Our differences in culture, language, and gifts should not divide us. Instead, they should enrich the Church as we pursue one common purpose: making Jesus' love known to the world.

Mission is not only the responsibility of priests, religious, and those sent to distant lands. Every baptised person shares this responsibility according to his or her vocation and circumstances. Missionaries who leave their homes and families to serve others deserve our prayers, encouragement, and generous support.

We do not need to travel to distant countries to become missionaries. We can begin in our own homes, families, workplaces, and communities. We proclaim Christ when we forgive those who have hurt us, care for the poor, comfort the lonely, welcome strangers, and bring peace where there is division.

As we celebrate World Mission Sunday, let us remember that we are more than members of our parish or local Church. We belong to one universal Church, united in Jesus Christ and sent to share His love with everyone. Our Christian witness grows stronger when our lives reflect what we believe: that we are one Church, one mission, and one love.

Let us be united in Christ, generous in service, and joyful in our mission. May we never think that our contribution is too small or our effort insignificant. A kind word, a sincere prayer, an act of forgiveness, or a generous gift can become a powerful expression of God's love. As we live the Gospel, we are also called to pray for missionaries and support their work. 

Together, let us bring the light of Christ to those around us so that the world may believe in Him. May Mary, Queen of Missions, accompany us on this journey, and may the Lord bless all missionaries who courageously proclaim His Gospel throughout the world.

 

A PRECIOUS GIFT TO OUR PARISH ON ITS 120th ANNIVERSARY: FIRST-CLASS RELIC OF SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE

On 11 October 2026, the 9.00 am Mass at the Church of St Thomas the Apostle, Kuantan, was celebrated by Most Rev. Archbishop George Anthonysamy, Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore, India, and concelebrated by our Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Philip Asirwalam.

During the Mass, Archbishop George personally handed over the first-class relic of St Thomas the Apostle to our Parish. After a special liturgy of veneration, we solemnly placed the relic in our Adoration Room, where it will remain permanently for veneration by our Parishioners and pilgrims.

After the Mass, the Parishioners gathered for a fellowship. It was a joyful occasion that gave everyone the opportunity to meet Archbishop George, express our gratitude, and share in the joy of receiving this precious relic.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to Archbishop George Anthonysamy for personally bringing this precious relic from Mylapore, India, to our parish in Kuantan. We also sincerely thank Rev. Fr. Clarence Dass for his invaluable assistance in arranging this sacred gift from the Basilica of St Thomas the Apostle in Mylapore.

This first-class relic is a precious gift and a great blessing for our parish community. May this precious relic continue to deepen the faith of our parish community for generations to come.

Saint Thomas the Apostle, pray for us!

 

A JOURNEY OF GRACE: WALKING WITH MARY

From 28 September to 11 October 2026, 23 pilgrims embarked on a Marian pilgrimage through France, Spain and Portugal, organised by TOPAZ Travels. Our journey helped us deepen our faith, renew our relationship with God and grow closer to Jesus and Mother Mary through prayer, the Eucharist and the witness of the saints.

We visited Paris, Nevers, Lourdes, the shrines of St Ignatius of Loyola and St James the Apostle in Spain, Nazaré, Fatima and Lisbon. We extended our two-day journey to the magnificent Sagrada Família in Barcelona, and we truly give thanks for the spiritual blessings received along the way.

One profound experience was Lourdes, where Our Lady appeared to St Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. At the Grotto of Massabielle, we prayed, celebrated the Eucharist and entrusted our intentions, families, Parish and loved ones to the Lord Jesus. Lourdes reminded us that Mary always leads us to her Son and invites us to trust in God’s mercy. We were reminded that suffering is part of life, but we never carry our crosses alone. Even when healing does not come as we hope, God’s grace gives us strength, and great renewed hope. We are challenged to show compassion to the sick, lonely and suffering.

Our pilgrimage continued to Fatima, where our visit coincided with the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (7 October). We recalled Mary’s apparitions to Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta in 1917, and her call to prayer, conversion and peace. Having prayed the Rosary daily throughout our journey, we were reminded of its power to bring us closer to Jesus. Through the Rosary, we reflect on Christ’s life with Mary and learn to follow Him in joy, sorrow and sacrifice. The Rosary is for everyone, young and old, and invites families to pray together. Mary’s message remains relevant today: turn towards God, pray faithfully and become instruments of peace.

Our visits to Nevers, Santiago de Compostela and places associated with St Ignatius of Loyola further strengthened our faith. St Bernadette teaches us humility, St James the Apostle inspires us to proclaim the Gospel courageously, and St Ignatius reminds us to seek God’s will. Their lives show us that holiness begins when we faithfully respond to God’s call in our everyday lives. 

In Nazaré and Lisbon, we also encountered Portugal’s rich Christian heritage. These experiences reminded us that genuine faith must be expressed through love, service and compassion, especially towards the poor, the sick and the vulnerable.

As our pilgrimage draws to a close in Barcelona, we thank God for the fellowship, prayers, Eucharistic celebrations and graces shared throughout this journey. We also thank TOPAZ Travels for facilitating our pilgrimage.

We will return home with more than beautiful memories. We carry a renewed commitment to prayer, deeper faith and greater love for one another. May Mary continue to guide our families and parish closer to Jesus, helping us become people of prayer, instruments of peace and witnesses of Christ’s love wherever we go.

WITH MARY, WE PRAY AND WE CARE

The month of October holds a special place in the heart of the Catholic Church. It is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Rosary and to our Blessed Virgin Mary, inviting us to renew our love for this beautiful devotional prayer. The Rosary is more than a repetition of prayers. It is a gentle and profound journey through the life of Jesus, seen through the eyes and heart of Mary.

For centuries, the Rosary has taken deep root in the hearts of Catholics. Its simplicity makes it accessible to everyone, young and old, families and individuals alike. As we move from one Hail Mary to the next, we are gently invited into the mysteries of Christ: His joy, suffering, death, resurrection and ascension. Mary accompanies us, teaching us to listen, to trust, and to say, as she did, “Let it be done to me according to your word.”

The Rosary always leads us to Jesus. Mary does not draw attention to herself but gently brings us closer to her Son. When we pray with Mary, we learn from her faith, her patience, and her willingness to remain close to Jesus, especially in moments of suffering. Through the Rosary, may our prayer life and Marian spirituality deepen, and may we be inspired to serve others, especially the sick, the elderly, the lonely, and those who quietly carry their burdens.

This October, as we pray the Rosary, we are also invited to remember the Holy Father's intention regarding mental health ministry in our parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. Unfortunately, this ministry has not yet been established at St Thomas Church, Kuantan. Pope Leo XIV desires that mental health ministry be established throughout the Church worldwide, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with mental health challenges.

Many people today carry hidden emotional and psychological burdens. Some suffer in silence because they fear judgement or misunderstanding. A caring Christian community can make a significant difference by listening without judgement, offering companionship, encouraging appropriate professional support, and helping people remain connected to their families, the Church, and the wider community.

In the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, we continue to support and pray for the mental health ministry under the supervision of Rev. Fr. Philip Chua, as well as for all those experiencing mental and emotional difficulties.

During this month, let us rediscover the beauty of the Rosary. Whether we pray individually, as a family, or as a parish community, may Mary teach us to be “anxious to see Jesus” (Luke 9:9), while opening our hearts with greater compassion towards those who are suffering. May our prayer become a source of grace, healing, hope, and deeper love for Christ and for one another.

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.