GROW SPIRITUALLY AND EMBRACE GOD’S LOVE

As we step into February, we reflect on the meaningful celebrations we had in January. Many important events and festivals - Christmas, New Year, Ponggal, and Chinese New Year -  all fell on Wednesdays. These celebrations are part of our Jubilee Year, which continues with other significant events, including the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

We are delighted to share that we have received an important message from Patrizia Mesoraca - the Secretariat of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network - regarding the Gift of Plenary Indulgences granted to all Jubilee Churches worldwide, including our Parish of St Thomas, Kuantan. In her email, she conveys the remarkable opportunity these churches have to assist pilgrims in experiencing God’s mercy, forgiveness and spiritual renewal this Jubilee Year.

During this Jubilee Year, plenary indulgences are available for pilgrims visiting designated Jubilee Churches worldwide while fulfilling specific conditions. Indulgences help cleanse our sins and draw us closer to holiness - offering a chance for God's mercy and soul renewal.

An indulgence is a gift from God through the Catholic Church that removes temporal punishment for forgiven sins. Even after confession, we may still face consequences or attachments to sin that require purification. A plenary indulgence grants full remission of temporal punishment, helping us grow spiritually and embrace God’s love. Pilgrims can receive a plenary indulgence - provided they fulfil the necessary conditions - which include:

•        Praying for the Holy Father’s intentions
•        Receiving the Sacrament of Confession 
•        Participating in the Eucharistic celebration
•        Performing an act of devotion (such as visiting a Jubilee Church, prayer, or charitable work)
•         Having a sincere heart, genuinely repentant, and detached from all sin (both mortal and venial)

A QR code (Click to Pray – popesprayer.va) has been provided to encourage pilgrims or parishioners to visit the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network website. This platform allows us to join the Pope’s monthly prayer intentions, uniting with the Church in intercession for the world.

February Prayer Intention of the Holy Father: Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life:

Each month, Pope Francis highlights a specific prayer intention for the Church and the world. For February 2025, he invites us to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life: “Let us pray that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ’s mission in the priesthood and religious life.”

This intention highlights the need to encourage and accompany young people who sense a calling to serve God. Many struggle with doubts, societal pressures, or uncertainty about their vocation. Pope Francis encourages us to foster a welcoming environment that helps young people discern God’s will with faith and confidence.

As we journey through this Jubilee Year, let us support young people in their discernment by offering prayers, encouragement, and guidance. May this Jubilee Year inspire more people to answer God’s call with courage, faith, and joy!