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.