A TIME FOR GRACE AND HOPE

This year’s Christmas celebration at our Parish of St. Thomas in Kuantan was absolutely fantastic! It was heartwarming to see such a huge crowd coming together from various parts of Malaysia and even from abroad. We were thrilled to invite our Migrant friends and the Orang Asli community, and provided transportation for them, so they could join in the festive fun. The church was packed with many standing inside and lots more gathering outside the Church building, celebrating the spirit of community and togetherness. It was indeed a beautiful sight!

Approximately thirty children participated in the Nativity Story this year, showcasing their incredible talent in the Christmas pageant before the Christmas Eve Mass. These wonderful kids committed themselves to practice over the past two months, supported by our dedicated catechism teachers. Through this play, they not only had a great time but also gained a deep understanding of the Christmas story and the special characters that make it so memorable. Participating in the nativity play brought to life their imagination as they embraced their roles – whether as sheep, shepherds, angels, wise men, Mary, or Joseph. It was like the story was living inside them!

The Universal Church officially launched the Jubilee Year on Christmas Eve with the uplifting theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” To commemorate this significant occasion, the Holy Father opened the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, which will remain open throughout the entire year until 6 January 2026. This longstanding tradition of Jubilee Year, originating in 1300, which the Church has celebrated every 50 years and, more recently, every 25 years, serves as a special time of reflection, grace, forgiveness, and hope.

In the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, the Jubilee Year will be inaugurated on December 29 with a special Mass at St. John’s Cathedral. At our Parish of St. Thomas, we held a soft launch on Christmas Eve and are eagerly preparing for the official launch on 19 January 2025 during Archbishop Julian Leow’s visit when he will officially declare our Parish as a designated Pilgrim centre. We have an exciting lineup of events planned throughout the Jubilee Year that offer a beautiful opportunity for all of us to embark on a heartfelt pilgrimage, embrace indulgences, and experience the power of forgiveness and grace. We warmly invite every Parishioner of St Thomas to fully engage in the fun and festivities, and together, we will warmly welcome all pilgrims who visit our Church.

As we gear up for this extraordinary Jubilee Year, remember what Christmas truly means: Emmanuel, God with us! This is a time to rediscover how God walks with us, lights our path, and renews our hope as we journey together as pilgrims of hope. Let’s celebrate the Jubilee Year and experience Grace and forgiveness with our families, friends, and everyone we meet. Let’s come together on this inspiring journey!

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.