A SPIRITUAL COMMISSION TO WITNESS CHRIST

This weekend, we celebrate the great feast of Pentecost, the birthday of the Universal Church and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost arrives fifty days after Easter and ten days after the Ascension of the Lord. As we celebrate Pentecost, it is good to once again renew our commitment as disciples of Christ, preaching the good news of Christ to all people, and to witness Jesus who will come again “to judge the living and the dead, and to establish God’s Kingdom.”

On Easter Sunday, we became “Resurrected People” and on Pentecost we will be anointed with the Holy Spirit, to carry out the essential mission of the Church, proclaiming to the world that “Jesus is alive” and that He is “the Way, the Truth and the Life,” (Jn 14: 6). This mission of the Church has to be carried out without fail, and with great joy and courage. The twelve Apostles carried out the mission of Christ so boldly and strongly after the empowerment of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Day and that has become the source of lasting joy and peace to the world. As we participate in the online Pentecost celebration this Sunday, let us be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and receive a spiritual commission to witness Christ in our family, our community, our nation and to the ends of the world.

On Ascension Day, Jesus said that He is going to the Father and He will come again in a new form of closeness and continued presence in us. Pentecost Day is “a gift and a task” for us. It is a GIFT because it is the day that we have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit, a Paraclete to be our Advocate. It is a TASK because it is a day that we are sent forth to continue the task of the Apostles – evangelising the message of Christ to the world and to bear witness to Him.

During this whole month of May – the Month of Rosary, we have prayed the Rosary either individually or as a family and /or probably via social media. After the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord (21 May 2020) many of our parishioners started a nine-day Novena Prayer to the Holy Spirit, praying vigorously along with their Rosary recitation. Some of you would have spent time reading articles and books or listening to videos and audios pertaining to the Holy Spirit. Adding these insights on the Holy Spirit will definitely assist us in having a personal Pentecost experience “to repent, forgive and believe in Jesus.” The promoting of the Holy Spirit - the Third Person of the Holy Trinity, is a “gift of gifts” inspiring us to experience a spiritual transformation and to grow in holiness.

Mass with Myanmar Community
(Photo: 16 April 2017)

This weekend we will continue to sing – “Come Holy Spirit, Creator, Come!” or “Veni Sancte Spiritus.” It is time for us to once again recall the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit – Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Piety and Fear of the Lord (Is 11:2-3) – which we received during the Sacrament of Confirmation. Together with these Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, we should take time to reflect on the Fruits of the Holy Spirit – ‘Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control” (Gal 5:22-23). Let us get in touch and get to know these Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit and how they constantly move us, mould us and reshape our lives.

Let’s be aware of the evil fruit of spirits too – sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, rivalries, quarrels, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies and all these things (Gal 5:19-21) – which can sometimes dominate lives. These evil fruits are a natural part of human life as we battle with the acts of the flesh, but it can lead us far away from God and we find ourselves in a state of exhaustion trying to return the Lord. Let us always remember to put forward the fruits of the Holy Spirit and to give life to our own spirit and to remember always “to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with the Lord,” (Micah 6:8).

As we conclude the Month of Rosary and the Novena to the Holy Spirit, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we pray that she brings strength from the Lord to “Committing Ourselves into New Evangelisation” by embracing the 5Ls (the Lost, Last, Least, Little and Lonely) throughout this year.

GOD WILL POUR FORTH HIS SPIRIT

Photo: Pentecost Vigil Adoration
(2017)

On the Day of Pentecost, the Apostles were energised with the power of the Holy Spirit. On this Pentecost Sunday, the Church promises to pour upon us the Holy Spirit so that we may become faithful witnesses to the world.

God gives us His Spirit to assist us, to empower us and to enable us to continue growing in the life of the Spirit. Today we are sanctified once again with the power of the Holy Spirit to confer rebirth into the life of God and to carry out the mission of the Church to the ends of the earth.

God has given us various Spiritual Gifts which in turn empower us to build the Church, the Body of Christ and to make ourselves effective ministers in the life of the Church. 

As we celebrate the birthday of the Church, let us set ourselves free from the poison of sin – turn the hatred into love, sorrow into joy, and doubt into hope. Let us truly desire to repent, to forgive, to be followers of Christ to live a holy life and to grow, glow and go in the Spirit. 

Ps. Do discover and rediscover the spiritual gifts that you have –  (references: Rom 12, 1 Cor 12, Eph 4, 1 Peter 4)

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Amen.

https://www.stjosephsentul.org/a-spiritual-commission-to-witness-christ-1/

Photo: Pentecost Vigil Mass (2017)

REMAINING STRONG IN FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE

When the Coronavirus started to spread throughout the world, we never expected our Churches and other houses of worship to be affected to such a degree, where houses of worship were forced to close, and that too, for such a long period of time. It has been a trying time for many of us, having to stay away from Church. However, earlier this week many Churches in Europe started to reopen after three months of lockdown. In Malaysia, the announcement has been made that the houses of worship will be reopened gradually, depending on the situation of the respective zones.

Church Cleaning Team (Photo: 14 March 2020)

When the government announced that mosques and suraus in the green zone areas would reopen starting Friday, 15 May 2020, the non-Muslims were expecting their houses of worship to reopen too. On Monday, 18 May 2020, the representatives of Spiritual Leaders of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) met with the Ministry of National Unity (Kementerian Perpaduan) to discuss the reopening of their respective houses of worship. MCCBCHST submitted their Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for their religious gatherings, after which it was officially announced that the Non-Muslim houses of worship would reopen under the strict SOP in green zone areas, with a maximum of 30 persons only in attendance for each session, starting 10 June 2020, after the completion of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) Phase 5.

A few of our Parishioners have already sent text messages enquiring about the reopening of our Church. Of course, many of our Parishioners are eager to find out who will be selected to participate in the Eucharistic celebration when the Church reopens on 10 June 2020. Unfortunately, our Parish of St Joseph, Sentul is not eligible to reopen so soon. Among the 16 yellow zone districts in Kuala Lumpur, Sentul has the highest number of COVID-19 cases, with a total of 8 cases reported thus far. There is always a possibility that Sentul District might escalate into a red zone area. Even if the number of cases drop, and Sentul is categorised as a green zone, I am not prepared to reopen our Church so soon. Right now, I have managed to postpone all weddings which were supposed to have taken place between April and August 2020, to September onwards. Some couples have even agreed to postpone their wedding to next year.

Parish Family Day: (November 2019)

After studying the SOPs and the guidelines for the celebration of Sacraments under the CMCO, I personally find that it is not easy for our Parishioners to strictly adhere to these. It is good for us to wait patiently in prayer before reopening our Church for the Eucharistic celebration and other sacraments as well. In the meantime, we will set up a new committee – Parish Response Team (PRT), which will study the SOP before implementing the same. We need more time to study the SOP and adequately train our PRT to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone. 

Since the first phase of the MCO (18 March 2020), I observed that our Parishioners have been quite comfortable participating in online Masses and obtaining other spiritual resources, videos or audios from various forms of media. I realise that many spend more time listening, viewing, praying and sharing spiritual insights as compared to before the MCO. I strongly encourage you to continue to spend more time increasing your knowledge of God through various social media, and deepening your faith, during this difficult time.

We have been hearing and reading about the rising number of infections and deaths throughout the world, in the first two quarters of this year. Initially, we were unprepared and felt disorientated in facing this global crisis. We have experienced the peak and now the curve is gradually going down in terms of the number of infections and deaths. However, many are still bracing themselves as they predict a second wave, but I believe that we are now more informed and prepared to undertake this new norm and way of life. We are aware of how to protect ourselves from getting infected. Above all, let us remember, in the midst of this pandemic - which affects everyone, irrespective of race or religion – to keep ourselves close to God with sincere prayer and to remain strong in faith, hope and love. “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of power, and love and self-control,” (2 Tim 1:7).

Stay Safe, Continue Trusting in the Lord and Keep the Faith.

GLORIFY GOD IN ALL THINGS

When all the apostles were present, Jesus prayed as follows,  “Father, the hour has come: Glorify Your Son, so that Your Son may glorify You,” (John 17:1-2). 

This priestly prayer was prayed by Jesus just before His death.

Jesus asked the Father for courage and strength to persevere and endure the suffering He was about to face, so as to glorify God. 

We too need courage and strength to get through trials and tribulation, especially so, during this trying time. 

When we face difficult times, through prayers and our efforts,  we can accomplish the challenging tasks.

As we prepare for Pentecost next Sunday (31/5), may the outpouring of the Holy Spirit empower us in all our weaknesses and rekindle our hearts with love and peace. 

This Sunday is World Communication Day. We pray the Lord fills us with His Holy Spirit so that we can proclaim the Good News courageously to the whole world.

https://www.stjosephsentul.org/remaining-strong-in-faith-hope-and-love13/

CONNECTED AS A CHURCH IN ONE DIRECTION

The 21st century is seeing modern technology becoming the new way of life for many sectors, including the Church. Many churches throughout the world utilise various forms of social media platforms to stay connected with their parishioners and community due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In Malaysia, although we have been physically separated from the Church since 14 March 2020, we truly appreciate and are grateful for the availability of social media in order to receive up-to-date information that can be shared with others instantly.

Since being physically separated from the Church, our Parish’s Catechetical Ministry has met with their respective students through video conferencing, as a way to teach catechism. They have adapted their teaching strategies, syllabus and activities for online lessons, and every Sunday teachers spend an hour with their students, sharing their knowledge of faith with them. Besides their catechism text books, some teachers have also utilised lessons prepared by the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur Catechetical team.

I really appreciate our Catechetical team for making the effort to stay connected with our students, sharing their knowledge of God. I admire their great diligence and commitment in preparing and presenting their weekend lessons to the students. I would like to thank them for playing their role as devoted teachers and being effective in reaching out to students through the various platforms. I hope once we come back to Church, we may be able to continue lessons with our students and complete the syllabus before the year ends.

Our Parish Youth Ministry is also connected to each other through social media. They share their experiences, knowledge, activities and post updates about their lives via social media to build their relationships and friendship. I know that many of you are busy with college assignments, personal responsibilities, working from home and other activities, but I urge you not to neglect your relationship with your Church friends. I also hope that you take special interest in being spiritually in communion with the Church through online Mass especially the weekend Mass to pray together as a family. Just remember that there is no social distancing when it comes to Church and God. There are so many ways to obtain information and good news about the Church, through the internet, for your personal spiritual growth. I strongly urge you and your chat groups to pray the Rosary as a group or as individuals during this second half of the month of Rosary. My best wishes to you, as you stay connected with one another to keep your faith growing and glowing in the Spirit, and to make Christ and His Church alive in you during this time.

Our Parish Ministry of the Poor (MOP) under the Parish Integral Human Development (PIHD) organisation, has been continuously reaching out to the poor and the needy. On Saturdays, they go out to distribute provision of groceries and other essential items to the poor around our vicinity. I am proud and amazed at their hard work, concern and care for our adoptees and poor families. Other Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) are taking their own initiative in reaching out to the needy in their respective areas. However, it would be good for BECs to communicate and work together with the MOP team, as we move ahead as a Church in one direction.

There are other ministries, BECs and individuals too who gather through social media praying the Rosary, sharing their experiences and faith with one another. I too make an effort by sending Morning and Evening Prayers (the Church Prayer) and daily intention for Rosary related to COVID-19, to the various ministries and individuals, inviting them to join the Church in prayer. It is my way of staying connected with my beloved parishioners and friends.

Of course, social media has its negatives and positives but it is a blessing for us to stay connected with one another. It is a powerful tool for evangelisation, especially when we share our faith with one another by living out the Good News daily.

THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS US

“If you love Me, keep My commandments,” (Jn 14:15).

Jesus has promised of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit who is the Third Person of the Godhead, is the most mysterious part of our lives. He will only be given to us if we keeps Jesus’ commandments – love God and our neighbours. The Holy Spirit will teach us more about God and help us to understand more about God’s Word and His Mystery. The Holy Spirit is always with us, walking with us, leading, guiding us on our faith journey. 

The Holy Spirit may come in the form of a Person or Spirit. When we are at the lowest point, He speaks to us in our quiet times. He will walk with us and support us.

Soon we will be celebrating two great feasts - Ascension and Pentecost. The coming of the Holy Spirit will teach us to grow in holiness and give us courage to carry out the mission of the Church. Let us pray and listen during this time to the voice of God calling us to love and serve His people in the face of difficult times.

May the Holy Spirit be with me today and forever. Be our Teacher, our Guide, our Counsellor and our Friend.

https://www.stjosephsentul.org/connected-as-a-church-in-one-direction/

REMEMBERING MOTHERS THIS MAY

The Movement Control Order (MCO) was nullified and a Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) was implemented effective 1 May 2020. A few friends of mine shared that through the nine-day Novena Prayers and intercessions of St Joseph the Worker, the Government relaxed the restriction order which paved the way for the re-opening of the economy and allowed certain sectors to recommence business, in compliance with a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). There were also some who were of the view that the Government should have waited until the completion of Phase Four of the MCO which was to end on 12 May 2020, before any relaxation was allowed. Now that it’s been almost a week since the implementation of the CMCO, we have begun to adapt to the new norm as a way of life and that too with a renewed spirit!

The month of May, the month of the Rosary, began with the feast of St Joseph the Worker, our Patron Saint, on Friday, 1 May 2020. During this Marian month, we express our love and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary as we devotedly pray the Rosary. On the feast of Saint Mark, the Evangelist, which was on 25 April, the Holy Father Pope Francis, invited the faithful to pray the Rosary at home and to include two other prayers as its conclusion, as well as the Litany of Our Lady, if possible. (I will provide the two suggested prayers of the Holy Father at the end of this article. You can always print them out and leave them on your Holy Altar at home and pray). During this month of the Rosary, we should continue to make the Rosary recitation an effective weapon to attain inner peace within ourselves and to combat the Coronavirus pandemic.

This weekend (9 and 10 May 2020), we celebrate Mother’s Day. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many of us are prevented from celebrating this event with our mothers, and many will celebrate this day with heavy hearts, in the midst of an increasing number of infections – affecting more than 3.83 million people worldwide, with more than 265,000++ deaths, and the numbers look to be rising.

We may find it difficult to grab a bouquet of flowers for our mothers this year, and we may not be able to take them out to lunch or dinner. Many may be wondering how to keep everyone safe and healthy while making Mothers’ Day more significant and meaningful. Instead of spending money on flowers or an expensive meal, may I suggest putting together a short video clip or creating a montage of old and new photographs of your respective mothers, siblings, children and the entire family. Invite your mothers and others to spend virtual time together and for those who are away from home, you could always have an online video meeting via Zoom, Google Hangout, Facetime, Skype, etc. 

I am sure you may have many more great ideas for celebrating Mothers’ Day this year. Just remember that all you need is to spend quality time with your mother and get your blessings from her, even if it is just online. Although we may postpone celebrations this year by staying at home and limiting our contact with people outside our own homes, we can still show our appreciation, gratitude, love and care for our mums.

Let us not forget to show our gestures of love to mothers who have no one to celebrate with, or are unable to celebrate the day due to the pandemic or financial strains. We remember mothers who are infected by the Coronavirus and those who have died from it. Remember to say a decade of the Rosary for them as a sign of care and love, to unite us all. 

To ALL mothers – “Wishing you a Blessed Mothers’ Day!” God bless you with good health and a good life. May the Lord’s Love, Compassion, Strength and Grace be with you always. 

PS. Photographs are taken during Mother's Day celebration 2019.

FIRST PRAYER TO OUR LADY

O Mary,
You shine continuously on our journey
as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who, at the foot of the cross,
were united with Jesus’ suffering,
and persevered in your faith.

“Protectress of “ALL PEOPLE”, 
you know our needs,
and we know that you will provide, 
so that, as at Cana in Galilee,
joy and celebration may return
after this time of trial.

Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform ourselves to the will of the Father
and to do what Jesus tells us.

For he took upon himself our suffering,
and burdened himself with our sorrows
to bring us, through the cross,
to the joy of the Resurrection. 
Amen.

We fly to your protection,
O Holy Mother of God;
Do not despise our petitions
in our necessities,
but deliver us always
from every danger,
O Glorious and Blessed Virgin. 

THE SECOND PRAYER

“We fly to your protection, O Holy Mother of God”.

In the present tragic situation, when the whole world is prey to suffering and anxiety, we fly to you, Mother of God and our Mother, and seek refuge under your protection.

Virgin Mary, turn your merciful eyes towards us amid this coronavirus pandemic. Comfort those who are distraught and mourn their loved ones who have died, and at times are buried in a way that grieves them deeply. Be close to those who are concerned for their loved ones who are sick and who, in order to prevent the spread of the disease, cannot be close to them. Fill with hope those who are troubled by the uncertainty of the future and the consequences for the economy and employment.

Mother of God and our Mother, pray for us to God, the Father of mercies, that this great suffering may end and that hope and peace may dawn anew. Plead with your divine Son, as you did at Cana, so that the families of the sick and the victims be comforted, and their hearts be opened to confidence and trust.

Protect those doctors, nurses, health workers and volunteers who are on the frontline of this emergency, and are risking their lives to save others. Support their heroic effort and grant them strength, generosity and continued health.

Be close to those who assist the sick night and day, and to priests who, in their pastoral concern and fidelity to the Gospel, are trying to help and support everyone.

Blessed Virgin, illumine the minds of men and women engaged in scientific research, that they may find effective solutions to overcome this virus.

Support national leaders, that with wisdom, solicitude and generosity they may come to the aid of those lacking the basic necessities of life and may devise social and economic solutions inspired by farsightedness and solidarity.

Mary Most Holy, stir our consciences, so that the enormous funds invested in developing and stockpiling arms will instead be spent on promoting effective research on how to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Beloved Mother, help us realize that we are all members of one great family and to recognize the bond that unites us, so that, in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity, we can help to alleviate countless situations of poverty and need. Make us strong in faith, persevering in service, constant in prayer.

Mary, Consolation of the afflicted, embrace all your children in distress and pray that God will stretch out his all-powerful hand and free us from this terrible pandemic, so that life can serenely resume its normal course.

To you, who shine on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope, do we entrust ourselves, O Clement, O Loving, O Sweet Virgin Mary. Amen.

TO KNOW THE WAY

Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). These words should be inscribed in the hearts of Christians.

Jesus teaches us that He is the only Way to the Father, because Jesus and the Father are One. By knowing Him, we will know God, the Father.

Jesus teaches us that He is the Truth. The Truth is more important than what the world offers us, and only Jesus offers that Truth which can set us free – free from sin.

Jesus is the Life and life eternal. When we believe in Him and that He is the Way and the Truth, we will have life to the fullest.

Thomas à Kempis (a spiritual writer 1380-1471) said: “Without the Way there is no going; without the Truth there is no knowing; without the Life there is no living.”

During this present pandemic, let’s lead our families in the Way of Truth and celebrate the Life of Jesus in our homes.

 It is  Mother’s Day  and we pray that God blesses all our mothers with good health and peace in their hearts.

“LORD, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.” (PS 33)

GIVE SUCCESS TO THE WORK OF OUR HANDS

In early January 2020, the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) and the Parish Coordinating Council (PCC) came together to prepare the Year 2020 Planner. For the past three years (2018-2020) our Parish Vision has been “Committing Ourselves into New Evangelisation”. In addition to this, we set a mission statement each year, as our pastoral priority. Our Vision’s third-year mission is – “We, as Parishioners of St Joseph, are sent forth joyfully to embrace, care for and to heal the Lost, the Last, the Least, the Little and the Lonely – 5Ls.”

While preparing the 2020 Planner, I mentioned to our committee members and to Parishioners that we would not have any major activities or events on a large scale like in previous years, but instead, I highlighted that our focus would be more on spiritual formation. I started my ministry here at this Parish in the middle of 2014 and I can proudly say that I have done my very best and that I have taken our Parish to new heights. I don’t have any regrets working with all of you thus far, and I am still going strong, serving this Parish with a lively and cheerful spirit.

Initially, when we started planning for our Parish feast day for this year– the Feast of St Joseph, the Worker, some of you suggested that we should have a low-key celebration, ie; just a 3-day Novena and Thanksgiving Mass, without the usual procession along the streets in the surrounding neighbourhood of our Parish, as we did in the past few years. As fate would have it, the Coronavirus Pandemic and the Movement Control Order (MCO) – (phase one, two, three and now four) – have prevented us from gathering in Church for worship and other pastoral activities. As a result, we decided to carry out the Novena online, and on 1 May 2020, being the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, we celebrated the Thanksgiving Mass which was live streamed so the faithful could follow Mass from the confines of their homes. Initially, I just wanted to have an online Thanksgiving Mass on 1st May, but eventually I decided to include the nine-day Novena to St Joseph as well, which started on Wednesday, 22 April 2020.

Although I may appear to be a workaholic, but in actual fact, I am very much with the spirit of St Joseph – “Ora et Labora” – Pray and Work. My spirit is cheered-up whenever I have a task to commit to. I do it whole-heartedly and I would always push Parishioners to get involved in Parish activities, formations, etc. I want everyone to move together with our Parish’s Vision and Mission. That is why during this MCO my heart was prompted to do the Novena in preparation for the Feast of St Joseph and I am glad that, with the help of a committed team, it turned out very well. I am truly grateful to Shaun Paiva and Augustine Sinbad for assisting us in the live streaming of the Novenas and Thanksgiving Mass. Together with their team – which also comprised, Leonard Paiva and Deeveyan Selvakumaran – they worked tirelessly to make the daily live streaming possible, so the faithful could follow these from home.

St Joseph was a carpenter and He did all his carpentry work whole-heartedly, in the presence of God, the Child Jesus “who was growing in wisdom and maturity in age,” (Lk 2: 52). Today, St Joseph teaches us to love our work, and to do everything whole-heartedly and with conviction. God will bring all things to fulfilment and happiness. Do our work with “justice and honesty” - and every task that is done successfully with justice and honesty, is done with “an expression of love for God.” God sees things from above He will bring all the blessings to us.

Today the world celebrates Labour Day. A majority of the workforce is on lockdown and many are just waiting anxiously to get back to work – with the intent of adopting a more efficient work attitude and being more productive, as things slowly turn into a new normal after the MCO. However, a survey has found that following COVID-19 and the Movements Control Order (MCO), 46.6% of all self-employed respondents, as well as workers in the agriculture and services sectors, will see the highest percentage of job losses in Malaysia, (New Straight Times, 9 April 2020). You may find yourselves feeling upset, hurt, anxious, angry and depressed thinking about your future. It may also cause financial strain and stress as this is a challenging time for many.

Today’s Psalm, “Give success to the work of our hands” is one of my favourite Psalms which I often pray, asking the Lord, be it any occasion or in my daily work. In fact, in the second reading today, St Paul says, “Whatever your work is, put your heart into it,” (Col 3:23), knowing that the Lord will repay or reward our work. I realise that the Lord has shown me His way and brought success to the work of my hands, on many occassions. Of course, we trust that our work is in God’s hands and He will make all things beautiful and He promises to reward the work of our hands.

The Holy Father Pope Francis, urges all of us to pray the Rosary as a family or as individuals, during the month of May, for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the Coronavirus started spreading throughout the world, and the MCO implemented, he composed a simple prayer pertaining to Covid-19 which is also for the people who are directly or indirectly affected by the COVID pandemic. I was really amazed when the Holy Father invited every Catholic to pray the Rosary throughout the month of May for “all those who are experiencing the greatest suffering” and to pray to “overcome this time of trial.”

Since the MCO was implemented, I often send prayers pertaining to this global crisis to my daily parish group chats and also to my personal friends chat groups. I shall continue to forward prayers on COVID-19 till the end of the Month of Rosary and you could always include them in your rosary prayers and intercessions, while you pray the Rosary with your family or as an individual. 

We have learnt many valuable lessons and gained many treasured memories through these moments of trial, brought upon by the Coronavirus pandemic. Let us continue to stay at home, stay safe and stay healthy. 

Happy Feast of St Joseph to all of you!

BE COURAGEOUS TO SAY "YES"

Today’s Gospel (John 10:1-10) portrays Christ is our Good Shepherd who recognises the voice of His sheep and their characteristics and their limitations. A Good Shepherd cares for and looks out for the flock. He protects, guides, directs and feeds them personally. May the Good Shepherd speaks to us through His Word, and that we will hear His voice and obey to Him.

Today the Church celebrates the 57^th World Day of Prayer for Vocations. It is a day that we need to promote vocations to the Priesthood and Consecrated Life. On this day the Holy Father invites us to reflect on four key words – “pain, gratitude, encouragement and praise – as a way of thanking priest and supporting their ministry.” 

We pray for the priests and religious that the Good Shepherd will continue to strengthen and bless them in their ministries. We also pray for our young people that they will respond courageously and generously to answer God’s call to the Priesthood and Consecrated Life by saying – “Here, I am Lord, I come to do Your will!”. Mother Mary always accompanies and intercedes for you. 

“The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.”(Ps 23)