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.