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.

A JOURNEY THROUGH DIFFERENT NAZARETHS

From 13 to 18 September 2026, I made a five-day self-directed retreat at the MAJODI Centre, Plentong, under the guidance of the Right Reverend Bishop Bernard Paul of the Diocese of Johor-Melaka as my retreat master. I arrived with many questions, inner struggles, and a troubled heart. Through Scripture, prayer, silence, and reflection, the Lord gradually helped me to look at my life and priesthood with a renewed heart.

The retreat began with the question God asked Elijah: “Why are you here?” (1 Kings 19:1-18). Elijah had become exhausted, discouraged, and afraid. Yet God did not condemn him. Instead, He allowed him to rest and be nourished before inviting him to listen. This spoke deeply to me. I realised that I had not come to the retreat simply to find answers, but to place myself honestly before God. I needed to acknowledge my mistakes, let go of what I could not change, and trust that God was still walking with me.

As I continued to pray with the Book of Revelation, particularly chapters 1-3, I was reminded of who Jesus is: the Alpha and the Omega, the One who is, who was, and who is to come. Then St John's message to the seven churches struck me: “You have less love than you used to.” It prompted me to ask whether, after many years of priesthood, my first love for Jesus remains as alive as it was in the beginning.

Once again, I was reminded that before I am a priest, I am first a disciple loved by Christ. He is my Love and my Key, opening doors to forgiveness, hope, reconciliation, and new beginnings. He also stands at the door of my heart, inviting me to open it more fully to Him and to embrace His love and grace.

The Child Jesus grew up “in wisdom and stature” in Nazareth (Luke 2:39-52), leading me to reflect on “The School of Nazareth” and to see my life as a journey through different Nazareths. My childhood, working years, seminary formation, and the various parishes and ministries where I have served have all been places where God has formed me. Every challenge has become an opportunity for growth, gradually shaping me into more than I once was.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me...” (Luke 4:16-20) invited me to place myself once again in His hands for the renewal of my priesthood and mission. I realised that priesthood is not my possession. The mission belongs to Christ, the people are His, and my life is entirely His.

As I conclude this retreat, I return with a renewed desire to listen, grow, forgive, serve, and love. I am deeply grateful for Bishop Bernard's accompaniment and for the gift of silence and prayer. May the Holy Spirit continue to renew my vocation and mission, so that I may lovingly bring the Good News, healing, freedom, and hope to God's people.

A TIME OF RENEWAL, LISTENING AND WALKING TOGETHER

September is a significant month for our Church in Malaysia, prompting us to pray, renew our spirit, serve others, and care for the world God has entrusted to us. As a living community, we embrace moments to pause, listen, reflect, and reaffirm our commitment to God. Let’s remember an essential truth that the Malaysian Church invites us to celebrate, listen, and walk together in unity.

The Clergy in Peninsular Malaysia have started attending their annual retreat, held in four separate sessions throughout September, at different locations – two sessions in Cameron Highlands, one at the MAJODI Centre in Johor, and another at Stella Maris in Penang. A retreat is an important time for every priest. In the midst of busy parish schedules, meetings, celebrations of the Sacraments and numerous pastoral responsibilities, the clergy must also find time to pause, be silent and spend time in prayer. A retreat allows us to be in the presence of God, listen to His voice, energise our pastoral zeal and priestly vocation, and gain fresh courage to continue serving God’s people with faithfulness and joy.

Meanwhile, the Malaysia Pastoral Convention 2026 (MPC2026) is currently taking place in Sibu, Sarawak, which commenced on 9 September and will conclude this Sunday, 13 September. This event is a significant opportunity for the Church in Malaysia to celebrate its faith, listen to each other, share insights, and collaboratively discern the future.

The Convention looks ahead to the Church’s future mission over the next decade, focusing on four key pastoral concerns. First, the Church aims to strengthen pastoral care and support families through today’s challenges. Second, the Church goes forth to bring the light of the Gospel more meaningfully and effectively to everyone. Third, the Church recognises the need to heal divisions in society and foster greater fraternity, healthy dialogue and unity. Lastly, the Church emphasises the importance of caring for our common home and taking responsibility for the future of our planet. Through prayer, sharing, and “Conversation in the Spirit”, the Malaysian Church shares its hopeful vision for growth and finding meaningful ways to evangelise Christ to the people of our country.

The haze affecting parts of Malaysia in recent weeks reminds us of our duty to protect creation and support each other. Meanwhile, people in different parts of the world continue to suffer from floods, fires, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other calamities. Behind every disaster, there are families and communities whose lives are deeply affected. We are urged to pray for them and, whenever possible, to offer practical aid and show solidarity with them.

May the coming week and month be a time of renewal for everyone. As we celebrate, listen and walk hand in hand as the Malaysian Church, let us strive to become a true family of God, living our faith through prayer, compassion, service, and love.

Photo Credited to Borneo Post