MAKING CHRISTMAS TRULY UNFORGETTABLE

The season of Advent is coming to a close. These special days are just flying by. Soon, we will be celebrating Christmas together. The excitement of Christmas fills our hearts with joy and hope. Amidst all the hustle and bustle of the season, let’s focus on the true spirit of Christmas – the gift of God’s love made manifest in Jesus.

Over the past three weeks of Advent, I pondered how profoundly God’s presence has shaped me. It is amazing recalling those moments when I have truly seen His hand at work in my ministry. At times, it is easy to overlook the little things – the laughter shared with my Parishioners and friends, the opportunities to show kindness to migrants and strangers, or the simple beauty of nature around me. God’s presence is all around us in so many ways! Advent reminds us to become more aware and truly see and feel how God reveals Himself to us daily.

Small actions can powerfully convey the profound messages of Advent: hope, peace, joy, and love. Simple gestures such as sharing a meal, actively listening to someone in need, or making donations create a ripple effect that spreads Christ’s light. Sharing a meal fosters genuine connections while listening demonstrates true compassion, reminding others that they are not alone. Additionally, no matter the size, donations clearly reflect our commitment to supporting those in need, echoing Christ’s generosity. Let’s take the initiative to spread that love and kindness with purpose!

Christmas is not just about the festivities; it is a special time to recognise how God is at work in our lives today! He desires to fill our hearts with peace, renew our hope, and integrate Him into our daily lives. 

Our Parish looks so festive with all the decorations, and many of you have also been busy decorating your homes and wrapping gifts. Whether you have ticked off everything on your shopping list or are still racing against time for those last-minute items, the excitement of getting together with loved ones is definitely in the air! As we gear up for these celebrations, let’s take a moment to prepare our hearts. This season is a call to welcome Jesus into our lives and to reconnect with those we may have distanced ourselves from. Christmas encourages us to open our hearts to Christ and everyone around us, especially those we have struggled to embrace. Remember, Christ comes to us as Emmanuel, God with us, wanting to share in our joys and challenges, bringing peace and healing to us all. Let’s embrace this beautiful time together!

Wishing all the dear and near ones a joyful Christmas filled with love and togetherness! May this special time bring you and your loved ones closer to Jesus and to one another. Let’s wholeheartedly welcome Him into our hearts through our actions and kindness – together, we will make this Christmas unforgettable!

OPEN OUR HEARTS TO CHRIST’S GENTLE INVITATION

Seventeen Clergy members from the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, together with forty dedicated volunteers from the Archdiocesan Catholic Prison Ministry, set aside five days from their hectic schedules to visit seven prisons in the states of Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang and Terengganu. During their visits, they celebrated the Sacraments of Confession and Eucharist, and shared the Word of God with imprisoned Catholic and Christian friends. 

It was a profoundly moving experience that beautifully reminded us of Christ’s invitation to “visit those in prison” (Matthew 25:36). For many of these men and women, life behind bars can be isolating and despairing. However, during our visit, we brought a spark of hope into their lives. We sang, prayed and attentively listened - joyfully celebrating God’s presence among us. After this wonderful shared experience and the joyous celebration of the Sacraments, we gathered for a meal - fostering a strong sense of community.

The generosity of the prison authorities in welcoming us and creating a warm environment was indeed a blessing. Their kindness enabled us to support the prisoners spiritually and through fellowship with all those who attended our sessions. This lovely gesture of hospitality reflected the love and abundance that Christ extended to all His people. In serving those incarcerated, we witnessed firsthand how the light of Christ can shine even in the darkest places, transforming lives and bringing hope. Jesus entered into the margins of society, bringing light to those in darkness.

Ministering with prisoners is an essential outreach effort to foster spiritual growth and provide heartfelt emotional support. Their stories can inspire us to extend our hands to those who feel isolated in our communities - whether in prisons, hospitals, or even in our neighbourhoods. This week, our Parish Flood Relief Team achieved something heartwarming by reaching out to 100 families affected by the first monsoon rains in Muadzam Shah, Pahang. With generous support from NGO partners - Yayasan Hasanah and HARAP, we provided much needed food items such as rice, canned foods, cooking oil and dried foods.

As the monsoon season continues, our team remains vigilant and ready to align with the humanitarian relief of being Christ’s hands and feet in the world. We urge Parishioners to continue supporting these efforts through your prayers, contributions, and volunteering your time. Together, we can bring light to those in darkness.

As we enter the third week of Advent and prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, we pause to reflect on the gift of Emmanuel - God with us. This Advent, let us open our hearts to Christ’s gentle invitation. Every act of kindness toward the least among us is a way of serving Him. We pray that these men and women continue to feel God’s mercy and find strength in their faith. Let’s make space for His love to be reborn in our hearts and world.

DISPEL THE DARKNESS AND RESPOND TO HIS INVITATION

The monsoon weather along the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia has improved, with rainfall decreasing these past few days. As a result, floodwaters in many affected areas have started to subside. However, moderate rainfall is still expected in the coming days, particularly in flood-prone areas. It is crucial to stay updated with local weather reports and take necessary precautions, especially in areas vulnerable to flooding. We encourage everyone to remain vigilant, as keeping safe is our top priority during this rainy season.

With Christmas drawing near, I once again had the privilege of visiting prisons in Marang and Kuala Dungun, Terengganu as well as the Penor Prison in Kuantan earlier this week. Together with three dedicated volunteers from the Prison Ministry - Stanislaus Emmanuel, Peter Chia and Robert Muthu, our visit to the prisons held special significance – bringing hope, joy, and God’s abiding presence to incarcerated people. We joyfully shared the profound message of Christmas: Emmanuel - God is with us - reminding our Christian prisoners that no matter the circumstances, God’s love reaches all, and His grace is ever-present.

As part of our outreach efforts, we humbly requested the Prison Authorities to provide a festive meal and some essential items - like soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste - for our Christian prisoners. This small gesture is all about reminding them of their dignity and the hope that comes with this season. Let’s keep them in our thoughts and prayers, wishing them peace, strength and a renewed sense of purpose during this special time of love and forgiveness.

Advent begins in the darkness of the world’s brokenness, reminding us of our need for the light of Christ.This week, we will light the second candle on our Advent wreaths, expecting the light of Christ to dispel the darkness in our lives. Advent teaches us to prepare and anticipate during this time of waiting, aligning our hearts and minds with God’s will and responding to His invitation to encounter Him deeply.

Advent is more than a “countdown to Christmas!” It is a beautiful spiritual journey that draws us closer to Christ - His birth in Bethlehem and His glorious return. This season offers opportunities for spiritual renewal and inspires us to live our faith, fully, as we contemplate God’s promises and His faithfulness. His Holiness Pope Francis emphasises the significance of “Spiritual Vigilance” amidst global anxieties and conflicts. He encourages us to “raise our heads” and awaken spiritually, placing our trust in God’s salvation plan even during challenging times.

Let’s make this season a truly joyful time for everyone, by sharing the warmth of Christmas cheer with those who may feel forgotten. May this Advent bring renewal and transformation for you and your loved ones, guiding you towards a delightful Christmas celebration and a life that reflects the essence of love.

 

SHARE KINDNESS AND JOY

The Season of Advent is here again, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for Catholics to participate in meaningful practices and reflections that help us connect more deeply with the birth of Jesus. This particular time in our liturgical calendar leads us right up to Christmas. A beautiful journey through Advent can ultimately prepare our hearts and minds for the joyful celebration of Christmas and the anticipation of His Second Coming. Let's embrace this season together!

Advent is an excellent opportunity to cultivate an attitude of hopeful expectation that can really enrich our faith. During this special season, many people join in spiritual activities such as prayer, scripture reading, devotion, etc. These practices help us feel more connected to the significance of the season and remind us of God’s constant presence in His Word, Sacrament and all events in our lives. By taking time for reflection and worship, we grow personally and gain a deeper understanding of our beliefs - we feel inspired to live out our faith daily.

This season brings hope, encouraging us to look forward to fulfilling God’s promises and the arrival of Christ. Spiritual Advent radiates through its power to cultivate a space for reflection and transformation. It’s a beautiful opportunity to examine our spiritual journey closely, fostering humility and a genuine desire for renewal. By engaging in this reflective practice, we prepare for the joyful celebration of Christmas and the exciting journey of faith that continues well beyond this time of year.

During this season, we engage ourselves in meaningful acts of kindness, charity, or service that reflect the profound love of Christ. Let’s find ways to show love and support to those around us, reflecting the spirit of Christ. It could be as simple as a warm smile, lending a hand to someone in need, or sharing an uplifting word with someone who’s feeling down. Why not volunteer in one of our Church ministries? Whether it is helping out in the soup kitchen or supporting the flood relief task force, there are many ways to get involved in our Parish and local community. By coming together for a cause, we help others and build a fantastic, hopeful community filled with generosity and shared humanity. Whether you volunteer, donate or just spread a little kindness, you will find that sharing Christ’s love brings happiness to everyone involved!

As we get ready to celebrate the joyful season of Christ’s birth and look forward to the Jubilee Year 2025, let’s make it a point to share kindness and joy with everyone we meet. This is a perfect chance for all of us to focus on personal spiritual renewal and foster growth within our Parish community!

NURTURING A CHRIST-CENTRED COMMUNITY

As we approach the end of this liturgical year, we are grateful for all the wonderful blessings our Parish community has received. This moment calls us to reflect on the significance of the end of the liturgical year - and how it has bestowed upon us the graces to achieve our many successful programmes, formations, activities and events throughout the past year. We acknowledge that our faith-shared journey and growth in holiness comes from our collective commitment and dedication to nurturing a vibrant, Christ-centred community.

This year, our Parish has offered diverse faith formation programmes in four languages - bi-weekly and monthly. These initiatives were designed to enhance our community’s spiritual journey and to foster deep bonds with one another. The Advent and Lenten outreach, and weekly ongoing activities as well as study groups have inspired many with renewed faith. Our youth ministry - particularly among university and college students – has flourished through various gatherings, fellowships and service outreach programmes that brought young hearts closer to Christ. Furthermore, the weekly catechism classes have helped strengthen bonds among children, teachers and parents.

Through the relentless efforts of the various ministries under the PIHDM, we have made wonderful progress in our mission of love, service and charity for the Orang Asli, Migrant Indonesians, Myanmarese, Vietnamese and local communities in need. We are excited to share that our Flood Relief Task Force is all set for the upcoming monsoon rains in Pahang! Thanks to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the PIHDM, where we are able to provide essential support to those who need it most. These ministry leaders, members and volunteers, inspired by Christ’s call to serve, demonstrate unwavering dedication and commitment - ensuring the success of our initiatives. Thank you all for being part of this important work!

With hearts full of gratitude and hope, we eagerly anticipate another wonderful year of growing together in faith, love and service as one big Parish Family of St Thomas, Kuantan! This is a very special for us, as our Parish has been chosen as a Pilgrim Centre in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with the Jubilee Year 2025. We have already planned a variety of events and activities for both Parishioners and pilgrims from across the country, aimed at welcoming everyone to various formations, gatherings and activities.

During this Jubilee Year, we hope to have fruitful reflection, discernment, listening, celebration and encouragement to uplift the progress of our Parish community. We will form a Jubilee Year Coordinating Team soon, to provide an active opportunity for us all to grow and shine in our faith, throughout this special year. May we remain steadfast in our faith, grow in love for one another and share Christ’s light with the world around us. Let’s make this Jubilee Year - Pilgrims of Hope, truly memorable!

CONNECT WITH THOSE IN POVERTY

This year, we celebrate the 8th World Day of the Poor (WDP) with the theme “The prayer of the poor rises up to God” (cf. Ecclesiasticus / Sirach 21:5), as chosen by Pope Francis. This verse highlights the special relationship between the poor and God, emphasising His attentiveness to their prayers and His quick response to their needs. The poor have always held a special place in His heart, and as they seek strength, hope and justice from Him, He reassures them with closeness - promising help and justice. He then calls us to embrace humility and empathy, encouraging us to care for the poor.

The WDP has become essential for every Christian community. It presents a pastoral opportunity to listen to the prayers of the poor and recognise their needs. We must thank the Lord for those who support the most vulnerable through their actions, and respond to the prayers of the needy. The poor teaches us valuable lessons, challenging a culture that prioritises wealth and often undermines human dignity. They remind us that the true essentials for life lie elsewhere.

The Holy Father launched the WDP in 2017. Since then, I have organised various events and activities in the parishes I served in - inviting the less fortunate, both locals and migrants - to celebrate with parishioners on a grand scale through annual fundraising projects. We utilised the funds raised at these events to provide the necessities for the poor as well as natural disaster victims - mainly flood victims – throughout the year.

However, after seven consecutive years of grand celebrations, we decided to observe WDP on a smaller scale this year. We have invited the poor, the Orang Asli and migrants from around our vicinity to our church for dinner after the Sunset Mass on Saturday. To facilitate the celebration, we have arranged buses for the Orang Asli and Indonesian migrants from the interior areas and plantations. 

Approximately 250 people, including parishioners, will sit together for a meal as a parish family to commemorate WDP. Several special dishes will be served, and we hope that it will be a memorable and pleasant fellowship for everyone.

On Sunday, 17 November 2024, we will celebrate our Parish Family Day. Over the past one month, we have made the necessary preparations and have sold 50 tables for the Thanksgiving dinner, celebrating a fruitful year and acknowledging our collective efforts towards the growth of our Parish.

The Holy Father, Pope Francis encourages the Church throughout the world to “step outside” its confines and connect with those experiencing poverty in our world today. As the Jubilee Year approaches, he encourages everyone to become pilgrims of hope, and to establish aspirations for a brighter future in 2025. Let’s cherish “the little details of love” (Gaudete et Exsultate, no. 145): taking moments to pause, offering our attention, sharing a smile, providing gentle touches, or speaking comforting words. Such actions demand a daily commitment fuelled by prayer.

DOING OUR BEST TO PREPARE FOR THE WORST

When November began, people on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia have been monitoring the weather - especially those living in the outskirts of Kuantan City and the interior areas. In some areas of Pahang, we have noticed a change in weather patterns, with consistent nighttime rain followed by clear, bright skies during the day. This is a sign of pre-monsoon weather. Our dedicated Parish Flood Relief Task Force will monitor forecasts and local weather updates while preparing the groundwork for the upcoming monsoon season.

Around this time last year, our Parish Flood Relief Task Force had the opportunity to invite Mr Amala Dass from Port Klang, for an online session. He provided our team with vital guidelines and preparations for flood disasters. This year, Mr Amala Dass will conduct the briefing session in person at our Church on Tuesday, 12 November 2024, from 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm, to assist us in preparing for the approaching monsoon rains. Although everyone may be busy juggling many commitments, I don’t want our Parishioners to miss out on this opportunity. I strongly encourage all Parish Flood Relief Team members and the new recruits to attend this informative program. Together, we can ensure our team is prepared to be mobilised effectively to support those affected by floods.

Over the past two years, we have experienced a few floods in Pahang. Thankfully, they were not severe. We were fortunate not to have many flood-affected areas in Kuantan, Kuala Rompin, Muadzam Shah and Mentakab. Our community always stands ready to help, no matter what! Let’s keep ourselves informed about the flood-season this year and arm ourselves with helpful insights, together.

On 6 November 2024, despite the rainy weather, I had the pleasure of visiting the pre-war Christian cemetery in Sungai Lembing - just 60 kilometers from Kuantan City - along with four parishioners, for a blessing. This was my third visit to this historical cemetery, which contains approximately 50 plots, some adorned with tombstones and some of these with crosses that are broken and in need of repair. Most of those buried here are Chinese, and a few British individuals who worked in the tin mining industry. The tin mine ceased operations in the late 1970s due to the rise of the plastic industry in Malaysia. 

This little town, at the foot of the hills, has existed since the 1930s. It suffers from yearly floods that often reach the roofs of houses. It is truly heartbreaking to see the floodwaters invade their houses and disrupt local businesses. During my trip to this town, I noticed that many residents have already taken precautions before the floods, and some shops have decided to close early as a safety precaution. We pray that there won’t be severe floods in several parts of the East Coast this year.

“God, You are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble”         (Psalm 46:1).

 

JOURNEY TOWARDS COMMUNION

November is significant for the Catholic Church as we remember and pray for departed souls. All Souls Day comes right after the Solemnity of All Saints on November 1, honouring known and unknown saints. We celebrate our deep connection with our loved ones in heaven and in purgatory - bringing our earthly lives together with the spiritual realm through heartfelt prayers and loving memories.

Families from various cultures and religions honour and celebrate their beloved deceased relatives and friends in various ways. As Catholics, we visit cemeteries or columbariums to pray, bring bouquets, light candles or partake in heartfelt ceremonies that beautifully echo our spiritual beliefs. Visiting the resting places of deceased family members deepens our connection to our history and heritage, nurturing a sense of belonging. Many Catholics participate in special Masses and say particular prayers - finding peace or closure after a loss, helping them embrace their grief in a meaningful and thoughtful way.

The Catholic Church assures us of the spiritual bond between the living and the dead. According to Catholic belief, purgatory is a place of purification for those who have passed away in grace, but need a little more time before being fully admitted into the Kingdom of Heaven. Our loving prayers and sacrifices can help these souls in purgatory on their journey toward communion with the saints. It is comforting to know that our Mass offerings, prayers and sacrifices can uplift those in purgatory - assisting them as they prepare to enter the joyful and triumphant embrace of Heaven.

Throughout November, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, encourages us to take a moment to remember and pray for all the parents and others as well who are grieving the loss of their children. May they find comfort and support within their community and experience peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit.

It is a wonderful month for us to honour those we have lost, and it allows us to celebrate their lives as well as the memories they have left in our hearts. It is a beautiful way to keep our love for them alive - showing compassion and grace. It is a heartfelt expression of love that enriches our faith community. 

Remembering those who have passed not only upholds their legacy, but also connects us meaningfully - reflecting our enduring commitment to the well-being of everyone we hold dear - both in this life and beyond. The hope of resurrection and the belief in everlasting life can strengthen our faith in Jesus, who says, “I am the Resurrection and Life, whoever believes in me will have eternal life” (Jn 11: 25). Praying for those who have passed not only deepens our connection to them but also comforts us, reminding us that death is just a transition and a continuity of life.

FOSTERING THE GROWTH OF THE CHURCH

Pope Francis launched the Synod on Synodality in Vatican City, which took place at the end of the Covid 19 pandemic on 9-10 October 2021. The Synod Assembly was supposed to end in October 2023, but the Holy Father extended it until October 2024. All the concrete proposals for the future of the Church will be finalised by the end of this weekend, following the agenda set by the Instrumentum Laboris or Working Documents. This three-year Synod Assembly will officially conclude this Sunday, 27 October 2024, with the release of the final documents of the Synod on Synodality during Mass at St Peter’s Basilica.

Since 2021, we initiated the Synodality process in our parishes, embarking on a shared faith journey. This journey encourages all Church congregations, parishes, dioceses and countries worldwide to engage in meaningful listening, discernment and conversations in the Spirit. It enables collaborative decision-making, to foster the growth of the Church in today’s challenging world. We highlighted critical issues affecting all levels, including faith and moral dilemmas, evangelisation strategies, and social justice concerns. We ensured our voices would be recognised and valued, at the Synod Assembly 2023 and 2024.

The Synod on Synodality addresses critical topics, makes decisions on fundamental issues, and engages in deep theological discussions. Every Church member stays informed about the results of each session at the Synod Assembly. The Synod of Bishops carefully considers all significant issues and key matters that influence the Catholic Church, its governance, teachings and the decisions and actions made by the Church.

The Universal Church has been praying the Synodal prayer at almost every weekend Mass these past three years for a significant and meaningful Synod of Bishops 2024. We will end this Synodal prayer this weekend, and continue with the Jubilee Prayer 2025 – “Pilgrim of Hope”. Pope Francis designated it - inviting us to reflect on our prayer life - examining what we pray, how and why we pray. He wants us to go deeper into our prayer commitments and love for God, and accompany others in prayer during the Jubilee Year of Prayer. 

In the upcoming Jubilee Year, our Parish of St Thomas Kuantan has been selected as a pilgrimage destination within the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. Throughout the Jubilee Year, we, as a vibrant Synodal Church in the East Coast, remain committed to listening, discerning and conversing in the Spirit - faithfully considering the thoughts, insights and recommendations from the Synod of Bishops 2024, to enrich our life of the Church.

Let us embrace the core values of our Synod of Synodality, journeying together as we uplift one another to achieve unity in all diversities. Together, let us renew our dedication to serving our community better, and carry out the mission of the Church during this extraordinary Jubilee Year.