PEACEFUL WORLD FOR GENERATIONS TO FOLLOW

On 1 January 2024, the Church celebrates the 57th World Day of Peace with a theme entitled “Artificial Intelligence and Peace." The Holy Father, Pope Francis, highlights the role of science and technology in achieving peace and discusses the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Pope addresses the ethical concerns surrounding (AI), including “privacy, prejudice, and their impact on human dignity.” He suggests that these issues should be addressed in the education system and the development of international laws.

The Holy Father has raised concerns regarding the potential risks of AI, such as misinformation and social control. He emphasises the importance of regulating and monitoring the development of AI technologies to ensure that they serve humanity and protect our planet. According to the Pope, if AI promotes integral human development, it could bring about significant agriculture, education, and cultural advancements. However, the true measure of our humanity lies in how we use AI to help those who are most vulnerable and in need.

Pope Francis urges world leaders to exercise co-responsibility to shape a better world for future generations. He emphasises that everyone should “pay attention and choose well if we are to hand down a better, more peaceful world to generations to follow.” AI should enhance our “greatest human potential and support our highest aspirations, rather than compete with them.” He emphasised strengthening the ethical issues that arise in this field and also protecting the rights of those who use AI or are affected by its use.

The Pope emphasised that achieving positive outcomes in the field of new information technologies is only possible if we act responsibly and respect fundamental human values. He pointed out that while these technologies offer exciting opportunities, they also pose “serious risks that have significant implications for justice and harmony among different people.” AI is acceptable when “it serves the common good, protects the inalienable value of human beings, and promotes fundamental rights” for a world of greater solidarity, justice and peace.

(AN EXTRACT OF POPE FRANCIS’ MESSAGE FOR THE WORLD DAY OF PEACE 2024)

ENCOMPASS THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

We have come to the end of the Advent season - a time of preparation for the coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Advent now gives way to the celebration of His first coming as Baby Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem, and for the next three weeks, we will read, hear, and reflect on Christmas stories again. These stories tell of the long-awaited Messiah entering human history, including his birth and his childhood narrative, before his public ministry.

Since the First Week of Advent, the front view of our church compound has been decorated with lights, Christmas trees, a crib and other decorations. Inside the church, the red and gold-coloured linen cloths hang ceremoniously. Our Church looks simply majestic with more decorations this year. For this, we must thank Ah Lek, La Seng, Melisa, Francis Loh, Peter Tan, Anthony Dass, Maria and a few others for working together to make our Church even more beautiful.

The Parish Christmas Carollers have been rehearsing for several weeks now, and they will come together to perform for 30 minutes at the altar just before the Christmas Eve Mass. The performance will take place in front of the entire congregation. This year, we are proud to have university students from East Malaysia join the choir and carolling group, making it even more special. The Carollers have also been invited to perform at the Swiss Garden Hotel in Kuantan on December 24th. The Mandarin Carollers have performed at the old folks’ home, orphanage, and in several residential homes. After the Mandarin Mass last weekend, they also sang carols at the Church’s main entrance.

During the Advent season, we had the opportunity to administer the Sacrament of Holy Anointing and Holy Communion to 15 homebound individuals. These are old folks and elderly who live alone and long to experience the presence of Jesus.

Advent is also a time of reconciliation and being at peace with one another, and it is a time to experience the mercy of God by forgiving someone who has hurt us. On Tuesday, 19th December, eight priests were available for the Penitential Service at our Church, and about 200 Parishioners made a good confession to prepare themselves for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Christmas is a time of excitement, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas music is always enjoyable, and we all like to hum and sing along to classic songs such as “O Holy Night”, “Silent Night”, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”, “Joy to the World”, “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, etc. Christmas is indeed a time for happiness and joy, as we remember and celebrate the birth of Our Lord and Saviour.

We have celebrated many Christmases before, but how can we make this Christmas special for ourselves and our family? Let’s embrace the true spirit of Christmas by spreading kindness, generosity, love, and peace. This year, let’s make an effort to reach out to those who are lonely and in need. And if you are alone this holiday season, seek good company to spend it with!

Merry Christmas to you and your family! 

                       May your Christmas be filled with peace, love and happiness.

A HEART FILLED WITH LOVE

The Health Ministry has reported over 20,000 active COVID-19 cases as of 11 December 2023. With the spike in the number of Covid-19 cases recently, it is important for the public to practice self-care measures, such as following personal hygiene, wearing a face mask in public areas, washing hands, and using sanitisers regularly. It is crucial for individuals to realise that it is time to act before the government implements guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Although COVID-19 cases are on the rise, this doesn’t mean that the Church will be limiting the seating capacity, implementing a requirement to wear masks, pre-registering, limiting the number of hymns, etc. However, if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, we kindly ask that you wear a mask when attending Mass, even if masking is not mandatory. This will help prevent the spread of the virus, especially to those with a weakened immune system. If you have already contracted COVID-19, we advise you not to attend Masses. We must prioritise the safety of our senior citizens, who are more vulnerable to the virus. Together, we can keep our community safe and healthy.

The weather forecast for the East Coast indicates that it will rain continuously for the next few days. Most days this week, the sky was cloudy, and when it did rain, the heavy downpours reduced the heat and humidity, resulting in cooler nights. Although this respite from the heat is somewhat pleasant, there is also a concern that the heavy rains could lead to flooding in Kuantan and the rest of the East Coast.

Last year, we formed the Parish Flood Relief Task Force (PFRTF) to prepare for any possibility of floods in Kuantan and its surrounding areas. Should the forecast trigger flood incidents, the task force comes together and works as a team. The PFRTF is responsible for providing information on the current and predicted weather situations - continuously monitoring the weather conditions, and issuing warnings to the committee members through our WhatsApp group.

We have arrived at the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, to express the joy of anticipation for Christmas. While we may be busy with holiday preparations and celebrations, it’s important to bear in mind that COVID-19 infections continue to spread, and there is also a risk of flooding in the East Coast due to the monsoon rains. Therefore, let’s work together to keep our community safe and healthy by adhering to the protocols and taking all the necessary precautions to slow the spread of infections. It is important not only to offer prayers but also to reach out and assist flood victims in any way possible.

Since the beginning of the Advent season, we have been reminded to be watchful and remain constantly awake for the coming of Our Lord Jesus. It is a time to deepen our faith and live in His presence, regardless of what is happening around us. With a heart filled with love, we transform every moment into something precious and meaningful, as we wait in joyful anticipation.

DAYS OF SIGNIFICANCE AND OBLIGATION

Our annual monsoon season usually starts around late October and goes on until early January. It tends to affect the East Coast states the most, and it has been raining on and off for the past few weeks here in Kuantan, Pahang. Currently, the weather in Pahang hasn’t been too hot or humid, and most days are sunny. At night, temperatures range between 24-25^oC and during the day it’s between 28-32^oC. Even though we have not had severe weather here in Pahang, the same cannot be said for our neighbours in Kelantan and Terengganu who have experienced flooding in early November. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue in the region till the end of December and into early January.

 

The last two long-weekends of December are usually busy and exciting! The liturgy of the year brings back-to-back celebrations starting with Final Advent, Christmas, Holy Family and New Year. This year, Advent ends earlier because we celebrate Christmas Eve Mass right after the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The same thing happened back in 2018.

 

As Catholics, we have two important days of obligation to fulfil during this year-end and Christmas festivities: the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas. It is important to note that attending one single Mass on Sunday morning will only fulfil one obligation. To fulfil both days, we must attend two separate Masses, one on Sunday (the Final Advent) and another on Monday (the Midnight Mass or the Christmas Day Mass). Some people may choose to attend a Sunset Mass on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, followed by a morning Mass on Christmas Day, giving themselves a day’s break between the two celebrations. However, it is important not to miss out on both these days of obligation.

 

If you choose to attend the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, you will be treated to carols being sung by the choir, as well as a nativity play. This year, Christmas carols with the theme – The Gift of Christmas – will be sung in four different languages and will last for 45 minutes. The choir has been practising for the past two weekends. So, let’s not forget the significance of both days and ensure we attend Mass on both the Fourth Sunday of Advent and as well as the Christmas Mass.

 

On Sunday, 31 December 2023 (The Holy Family Day), the same thing happens. On New Year's Eve at midnight, we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God and the New Year. Please note that Sunday is a day of obligation. Celebrating the New Year on Monday is an excellent way to start 2024!

 

We should take some time out of our busy schedule to reflect on these matters, especially on days of obligation. Let us sincerely make an effort to prioritise our spiritual well-being and truly grasp the significance of these important religious events that revolve around the birth of Jesus Christ. Let us start the new year through the Holy Mother of God.

FUTURE GROWTH WITH VISION AND MISSION

Our Parish Pastoral Assembly (PPA) was held on Saturday, 25 November 2023. This was an important assembly, where we reviewed our one-year journey and plan before the end of the liturgical calendar 2022/2023. The assembly brought together members of our Parish community, including the PPC and PCC councils, BEC leaders, ministry heads and core team leaders. Approximately 50 people attended the three-hour fruitful assembly.

Over the past year, we have deepened our fraternal spirit and strengthened our Parish community through various formations, activities, and events. We embarked on a synodal journey with humility - listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit and discerning every moment of our lives, so that we may live Christian values of love, courage, respect, endurance, compassion, charity, and peace. As St. Paul said, “Keep doing everything you learnt from me and were told by me and have heard or seen me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you,” (Phil 4:9). We worked together as a community and put together our thoughts, words and actions in order to build a faithful community.

 

At this PPA, we resolved to renew, review, restore and rebuild ourselves spiritually, especially in areas that we may have previously lacked. Our goal is to continue journeying together as true companions - through participation, communion and mission. We believe that we can strengthen our faith community by rooting ourselves in the Word of God, faith in the Catholic Church and increasing our values in family and community living. We are committed to being gifts that inspire the building of our Church together, spiritually. 

 

God is persistent and never gives up on us. He continuously draws us closer to Him, and all we need to do is respond in obedience, even if it is a delayed response. Seeking God’s direction and prayerfully doing what He is calling us to do is important, and we should strive to do it well. We understand that we cannot do everything on our own – that is why it is crucial to seek God’s will, to find direction and purpose in our lives.

 

As we begin the new liturgical year of 2023/24, may the Holy Spirit continue to guide us through our planning process, so that everything we do now and in the future, is a continued contribution of our gifts and talents to the greater glory of God and for the salvation of our souls. We look forward to the future growth of our Parish, with vision and mission.

 

Vision: Being A Community Rooted in the Word, Faith and Values.

 

Mission: As a spirit-filled community, we commit ourselves through proclaiming the Gospel, celebrating Jesus in the Word and Sacraments, and living the Christian values in prayers, services and outreach.

 

May our patron Saint Thomas the Apostle, intercede for us, and the Blessed Virgin Mary accompany us in living our lives obediently and faithfully.

JOURNEYING TOWARDS A HEALTHY SPIRITUALITY

The Season of Advent will commence on 3 December 2023, which marks the beginning of the New Liturgical year 2023/2024. The new Church liturgical Calendar starts with Advent, followed by Christmas. Then comes Ordinary Time from the 1st to the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Week. After that, we have Lent and Easter, followed by the remaining weeks of Ordinary Time (7th to 34th Sunday in Ordinary Week), and finally, the Solemnity of Christ the King. The liturgical calendar will be enriched throughout the year with various memorials, feasts, and solemnities. Each liturgical season – week after week, Sunday after Sunday – invites us to reflect on how God is present in our daily lives.

The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has designated the year 2024 as the Year of Prayer in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year: “Pilgrims of Hope.” The Year of Prayer will begin this Advent with a special focus on the “Our Father” prayer. This presents an excellent opportunity for us to revisit the fundamentals of prayer, deepen our commitment to praying and loving God, and learn how to accompany others in their prayer life throughout the upcoming Year of Prayer.

In the upcoming liturgical year, the Church offers us an opportunity to strengthen our prayer life and deepen our relationship with Christ. We can achieve this by engaging in good spiritual exercises such as praying regularly, reading spiritual books, studying and reflecting on the Word of God, repenting, and practising acts of charity. Taking steps towards spiritual growth will elevate our faith and lead us to a healthier spiritual life, emotional well-being, intellectual growth, and physical health.

Our Church is dedicated to providing faith formation opportunities for people of all ages and stages of life, regardless of the language they speak or the ministry they belong to. We believe that learning and living our faith is a lifelong process that requires continuous growth and sharing with others within and outside our Christian communities. Our goal is to help everyone in our community deepen their faith, find inner peace, and live healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Only a handful of parishioners, especially those who were engaged in various ministries, took an active part in the faith formation and training program aimed at improving their understanding of God. Their involvement demonstrates their dedication to enriching their spiritual lives and taking a meaningful step towards building a closer relationship with God, enabling them to live their faith in a more profound way.

Our Church programs, activities, and formations are designed to help us become effective Church leaders, cultivate Christian values, and share the richness of the Catholic faith and tradition. Above all, by participating, you can identify your gifts and charisms for personal and communal growth in our synodal church.

As Parishioners of St Thomas, the Apostle, embarking on a synodal journey towards Communion, Participation, and Mission is essential. Let us actively participate in the upcoming liturgical year by being involved in ongoing formations and activities to ensure that we are aware of our faith journey and are an integral part of the Church, the Body of Christ. Let us journey together to achieve our Parish Vision and Mission for the coming year.

ALWAYS BE KIND AND COMPASSIONATE

Our Church of St. Thomas, the Apostle in Kuantan, is hosting a Family Day celebration cum 7th World Day of the Poor for the second time, in the East Coast on Sunday, 19 November 2023. This event is a way for us to show respect and welcome the most vulnerable families and friends from our vicinities. This year, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has chosen a theme: “Do Not Turn Your Face Away From Anyone Who Is Poor” (Tobit 4:7). We hope to bring these individuals and families together for a joyful celebration, while also raising awareness about the daily struggles they face.

Observing the World Day of the Poor (WDP) with those less fortunate, can be a powerful way to demonstrate God’s mercy and support for them. Pope Francis encourages us to follow the example of Tobit, who showed kindness to those in need by performing acts of charity (cf. Tobit 4). Tobit's story teaches us to be compassionate towards those who are suffering by offering them assistance and companionship, and in doing so, we gain a deeper understanding of our Christian faith.

 

On the occasion of WDP, it is important to remember that helping those in need requires genuine efforts that can make a real difference in their lives. We should avoid any distractions or obstacles that may prevent us from extending a helping hand to those who require our assistance. Sometimes, even a small gesture, such as a smile or a helping hand, can have a significant impact on the lives of the less fortunate.

 

As human beings, it is important to have a humanitarian spirit and prioritise caring for the marginalised people in our community. Unfortunately, people living in poverty are often neglected or overlooked, making them invisible to us. We should devote our time and effort to helping those who have been affected physically, economically, and financially. It is essential that we look for the true face of Christ in the underprivileged and provide them with the attention and assistance they deserve. We should never forget or ignore them since they are always present in our lives.

 

The underprivileged can teach us many valuable lessons. They are present always and everywhere, providing us with the opportunity to share the gospel of joy with them. The Gospel instructs us to serve Jesus through the poor with love, respect, dignity, and justice. The impoverished are not strangers or outsiders to us. We must strive to make them a part of our lives. We should take every opportunity to alleviate their sufferings and difficulties and work towards restoring their lost dignity so that they can be included in our society.

Our commitment to assisting the underprivileged aims to unite people, accept them wholeheartedly, and provide them with the care they deserve. It is our responsibility to safeguard the rights and dignity of the underprivileged by paying attention to their needs and treating them as equals, just like our own brothers and sisters, (cf. Evangelii Gaudium, no. 199)

FINDING JOY IN SMALL ACTS OF KINDNESS

On Sunday, 19 November 2019, the Church will celebrate the Seventh World Day of the Poor with the theme - “Do Not Turn Your Face Away From Anyone Who Is Poor” (Tobit 4:7). Celebrating the World Day of the Poor (WDP) with underprivileged people “is a fruitful sign of the Father’s mercy and support for the lives of our communities.” The Holy Father invites us to follow the example of Tobit with a simple act of charity to foster harmony and fraternity in our community, which will give us meaning to our Christian life. He reflects on the story of Tobit’s practical approach towards the poor by assisting and accompanying them from all afflictions.

Tobit, an old and blind father, embraces his son Tobias before he sets him out on a long journey. He leaves Tobias with his “spiritual testament”, advising him to revere the Lord, avoid sin and live righteously (cf. Tobit 4: 5). Tobit’s words encouraged his son not to turn his face away from anyone who is poor but perform good deeds, practice justice and righteousness and give alms (cf. 4:7). Despite losing everything, Tobit remained devoted to God and shared his meal with the poor, clothing to the needy and burying the dead. Tobit recognised his poverty during his time of trial, enabling him to empathise with others in need. While remaining faithful to God’s teachings, he advises his son Tobias never to turn away from anyone who is poor, as every person is our neighbour and through them, we can truly encounter the face of Jesus.

 

This year marks the 150th anniversary of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus’ birth. In her autobiography, “Story of a Soul,” she says that perfect charity means accepting others’ flaws, finding joy in small acts of kindness, and sharing love with everyone, not just those closest to us. Charity should be like a candle, not hidden but providing light to all.

As we celebrate this WDP, we should be reminded that everyone has the right to experience the light of charity. No one should be denied that light. May the selfless love of Saint Therese inspire us to keep our focus on the face of Jesus Christ and never turn away from those who are in need.

 

(Extract from the message of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, for the Seventh World Day of the Poor)

Since the promulgation of the WDP by Pope Francis in 2017, I have celebrated it with the underprivileged, marginalised, migrants, and refugees in my previous parish in Sentul and now, for the past two years in Kuantan. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, I was still able to celebrate WDP. All profits generated from these events were utilised to fulfil the material and spiritual necessities of the impoverished.

 

This year’s event will be held at the Church of St Thomas, the Apostle, Kuantan, on Sunday, 19 November, from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm. It will be celebrated at Pahang/Terengganu District level, and all proceeds from the event will be utilised to provide aid during the monsoon floods that usually occur towards the end of the year, as well as for education for underprivileged children. We warmly welcome everyone to join us in our celebration.

CREATED BY GOD FOR ETERNAL LIFE

In the Catholic Church, the month of November is specially dedicated to praying for the dearly departed. The month commences by honouring All Saints on 1st November and All Souls on 2nd November. The Church holds a special remembrance Mass every year on All Souls Day to pray for those who have passed away in the last 12 months. During this time, family members come for Masses, pray for the souls of their loved ones and visit the cemetery or columbarium, with prayerful hearts.

Does the human lifespan have a limit? Do you want to live longer?

 

From the Book of Genesis (chapters 5-25), it is said that some Patriarch Fathers lived for up to 900 years. For instance, Methuselah is said to have lived till he was 969 years old (Gn 5: 27). Noah is believed to have lived for 950 years (Gn 9: 26), while Mahalalel died when he was 895 years old. This list goes down until Abraham, who lived to the age of 175 (Gn 25: 7) and Moses, who lived for 120 years (Deut 34: 7). Living up to 100 today is not unheard of, but it is still rare. The average lifespan is 70 years, and with good health and strength, it is possible to live up to 80 years (cf. Psalms 90:10).

 

A recent study shows that the human lifespan will increase to between 120 and 150 years in the coming decades. We must thank the latest technological advancements, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), which enables people to put on wearable devices that will track their health status. These devices will be connected to doctors and hospitals, who will be able to recommend necessary lifestyle changes at an early stage to improve health, resulting in a longer lifespan. 

 

Quality of life becomes increasingly important as we age. Our priority is not longevity but rather a focus on healthy living, including healthy spiritual life. No one lives on this earth permanently. Life begins with God, and it ends with Him. Life is a journey - a pilgrimage, that leads us to a final encounter with Him. He blesses us with countless gifts and calls us to live a life filled with love and faithfulness to His creative purpose for us.

 

On this All Souls’ Day, we should remind ourselves that our lives are short and, therefore, we should strive to purify our minds and hearts here on earth, before Purgatory. This purification may be tough and painful, yet it is necessary for our growth, and for being fully formed in God. It prepares us for a great destiny, created by God for eternal life - an intimate communion of life with Him, forever.

 

It is never easy to say goodbye to the people we hold near and dear. Although it can bring sadness, it is important to cherish their memories. Remember that departed souls depend on our prayers. So, we offer prayers fervently for them today and through the month of November for those who are now going through their final stages of purification in purgatory, before entering into the Communion of God, seeing Him face to face - Beatific Vision. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

UNITY OF FAITH IN CHRIST

The Synod on Synodality began in the Vatican on 30 September 2023, and it is coming to a conclusion this weekend - until the next plenary assembly which is scheduled to be held in October 2024. Pope Francis began this lengthy process of listening and discerning to “journey together” with the guidance of the Holy Spirit two years ago and we, as missionary disciples, follow Jesus Christ by welcoming everyone as people of God, with no one excluded. 

 

In a recent letter, dated 25 October 2023 addressed to the People of God, Pope Francis called for unity of faith in Christ. He welcomed the open discussion of criticisms of doctrine, traditions and morals in the ongoing synodal assembly. He also highlighted the importance of listening to everyone - especially the poorest - in order for the Church to make progress and continue the synodal discernment.

 

Representatives from different continents, churches and ecclesial communities have gathered together - each with their own unique backgrounds, vocations, and ministries - to attentively listen to the Word of God and share their experiences, as well as the “wealth and poverty of their communities”. Through this process, they aim to discern what the Holy Spirit is communicating to the Church in the present time to build a more just and peaceful society. Day by day, they have sensed strongly the urgent need for “pastoral and missionary conversion”, as well as the Church’s mission to proclaim the Good News.

As the Church progresses, there will be many challenges we’ll have to face and questions will arise. However, the Holy Father has reminded us that synodality should be reflected through the feasibility of communion, participation and mission. He expects all of us to actively engage in these three concepts rather than consider them as abstract ideas.

 

In today’s world, it is essential for the Church to listen to everyone with an open mind and heart, and to commit itself structurally to prevent any abuse and immorality from happening again. It is the duty of the Church to listen to all members - including lay people, catechists, youth and children - who are hopeful for the future and to lead them in a life of holiness. It is important for the Church to hear the concerns of families and their contributions to the Christian witness in the world.

 

The Church should welcome the participation of lay people in discernment and decision-making processes and encourage their involvement in various ministries. Pope Francis reaffirmed the traditional stance of the Catholic Church that women cannot become priests or deacons. Despite being asked if ordaining women could help attract more people to the Church and whether allowing optional priest celibacy would help address priest shortages, he remained firm in his position. However, he did acknowledge the valuable contributions of women to the Church, and based on his personal experience, they possess great ecclesial intuition.

 

Pope Francis urges the Church to follow the path of synodality despite the world’s challenges. We should not be afraid to serve and love God and His people, as we strive to grow in holiness. May Mary, the Mother of the Church, accompany us on our journey - showing us her Son, Jesus and inviting us to trust Him. He is our only hope!

SET OUR HEARTS ON FIRE WITH CHRIST’S LOVE

The Catholic Church is commemorating World Mission Sunday on 22 October 2023. Pope Francis has chosen “Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move” as the theme for World Mission Sunday (WMS) 2023. He reflects on the story of the disciples who met Jesus on their way to Emmaus (cf. Luke 24:13-35). World Mission Sunday is an annual celebration that gives us an opportunity to reflect on the significance of mission work in the life of the Church. Despite our differences, we must all be dedicated and committed to continuing Christ’s mission on earth.

The Pope has once again urged us to draw inspiration from our encounter with the Risen Lord and to allow His Spirit to guide us on our journey with passion in our hearts, our eyes open, and our feet moving forward. Our mission is to spread the fire of God’s word in the hearts of others, to discover and rediscover the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, and to invite everyone to join us on the path of peace and salvation that God has gifted to all of humanity through Christ.

As a way of showing our support, we can offer prayers and stand in solidarity with the missionaries who work tirelessly to spread the Good News. Additionally, we can respond to Christ’s call to feed the hungry and clothe the naked by making a donation. All the contributions collected during the Masses worldwide are used to support churches in their evangelisation efforts across the globe, specifically towards hospitals, schools, and vocations in nations where the Church is new, young, or poor. Let’s celebrate World Mission Sunday 2023 by coming together for the Eucharistic celebration and supporting missionaries with enthusiasm.

The Feast of Saint Theresa of Lisieux is celebrated on 1^st October. After joining the Carmelites, she desired to become a missionary and was willing to travel to Vietnam to establish a new monastery there. However, she didn’t get the opportunity to do so during her lifetime. Nevertheless, she took on her task of offering her life in a missionary spirit with joy. Through her small actions and gestures of praying for the missionaries and the Church, she became a universal Patroness of missions without leaving her convent. The missionary spirit is alive in the hearts of every one of us - whether we are young or old, married or single. 

On this World Mission Sunday, let us come together, set our hearts on fire, and move forward with Christ’s love through missionaries in the footsteps of Saint Theresa of Lisieux and become disciples of missionaries, inspiring every individual that we meet every day in our lives. Through the work of missionaries, we can spread Christ’s love and bring hope to those in need.

It is important that we keep the presence of Jesus and His work alive in our nation. We can achieve this by stirring our hearts with small acts of love and prayers and moving forward with that love by befriending people of other faiths and promoting healthcare, education, and spiritual well-being in the hearts of everyone, everywhere. By doing so, we can help fulfil the will of God and bring everyone closer to His Kingdom.

TO GROW AS A SYNODAL CHURCH

Pope Francis started the Synod on Synodality - Journeying Together, in October 2021. The synodal process was finalised in March 2023 after completion at the diocesan, national, and continental levels. Currently, the first level of the synodal process is being discerned and discussed at the Vatican from October 4 to 28, 2023, while the second level is set for October 2024. The main goal of this synod is to encourage collaborative decision-making within the Catholic Church and the People of God. By journeying and reflecting together, the Church can learn from experience and improve living in communion by welcoming all, achieving participation, and becoming a missionary Synodal Church.

The synod comprises 464 participants, consisting of 365 members and 54 women, with the right to vote for the first time. This event is unique because, for the first time, the voting delegates will not be bishops but laypeople, priests, consecrated women, and deacons; some of whom were appointed by the Pope. All the participants attended a four-day retreat from 1 – 4 October 2023 before entering the first level of the synodal process. The retreat, led by Dominican Father Timothy Radcliffe, included moments of prayer, reflection and silence to remind participants of the presence of the Holy Spirit. It helps them to seek guidance and direction in sharing their insights during the synodal assembly. It ensures that they are not self-directed in their approach.

During the opening of the XVI Synod Assembly, the Pope in his homily, highlighted the importance of the Holy Spirit in the Synod. He encouraged the participants to rely on Him throughout the assembly. He emphasised that the Synod is “not a political gathering, but rather a convocation in the spirit.” He reminded the participants that the Synod is “a place of grace and communion,” where the Holy Spirit is the central figure. The Pope invited the participants to “open themselves to the Holy Spirit, the protagonist of the assembly, and to walk with Him in trust and with joy.”

The first session of the Synod Assembly began on 4 October at the Paul VI Hall. The focus is on studying the Instrumentum Laboris (IL), also known as the Working Document, which forms the basis for the discernment and discussion of three main priorities of the Synod – Communion, Participation, and Mission. Topics such as women deacons, priestly celibacy, and outreach to the LGBTQ+ (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgenders, Queer, and more) will be discussed too. Along with these, the synod assembly will also talk about various theological topics, canonical studies, and its pastoral implications. The aim is to prepare a document that provides advice or counsel to the Holy Father for a second assembly in October 2024.

We hope this Synod on Synodality will be a moment of renewal for our Catholic Church, deeply rooted in the doctrine of faith, traditions, and morals. May all the participants of the Synod Assembly be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and respond accordingly. May their discussions, sharing, and reflections help our Church to grow as a Synodal Church, carrying out the mission of Christ in a challenging world.

PRAYER UNITES AND STRENGTHENS US

Credit: Vatican Media

The Synod on Synodality commenced on Wednesday, 4 October 2023, and will end on Saturday, 28 October 2023, at Vatican City. The synodal is a preparation for the celebration of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2024. The Holy Father has called on us to pray for the General Assembly of the Synod on Synodality as we work to strengthen the bond of the Catholic tradition and morality. During the Synod, we pray for the participants to journey together, listening and discerning together and praying together for deeper communion with Christ.

During the Angelus on 16 October 2022, Pope Francis extended the Synod on Synodality until 23 October 2024. He decided to divide the Synod of Bishops into two sessions, which is being held in Rome. The first session is currently underway since 4 October and will go on until 29 October 2023, while the second is scheduled for October 2024. This decision was made “to have a more relaxed period of discernment.” He wants to ensure that the fruits of the synodal process reach full maturity, and it is not something to be rushed, but instead, requires patience. 

 

The first session of Synod comprises 363 voting members, including women. Some attendees will represent Bishops’ Conferences, and some have been personally appointed by Pope Francis. Additionally, some individuals will be present as “fraternal delegates,” “spiritual assistants,” or “experts and facilitators.” The synodal is a preparation for the celebration of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2024.

Pope Francis officially launched a three-year synodal journey with the theme: “For a Synodal Church”, focusing on the three priorities - Communion, Participation, and Mission on 9 October 2021. In September 2021, the Vatican released the preparatory document for this General Assembly. Thousands of Catholics from around the world gathered in their parishes to discuss the questions posed by the Synod. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some faithful participated in the discussions virtually. 

We completed the first phase, the Diocesan / National Phase, between October 2021 – April 2022, and it has been conducted through a process of listening and discernment among the priests and faithful worldwide. The results of these discussions were then sent to the respective Bishops’ Conferences for their review. The Conferences were responsible for gathering all the participants’ voices and bringing them to the table.

The second phase of the process is the Continental Phase (September 2022 - March 2023). During this phase, the Bishops’ conferences reviewed the journey made in the first phase and continued the listening and discernment regarding what emerged. The third phase is the Universal Phase. This phase of the synodal journey aims to encourage deeper reflection for the betterment of the Church.

Let us pray for all those participating in the Synodal Assembly over the next few weeks. May they be guided by the Word of God and listen to the workings of the Holy Spirit as they approach the heart of the Church. Our unity in prayer unites and strengthens the Catholic Church!