tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70062487601311787712024-03-26T04:40:40.293+08:00Views from the PulpitI was born in Selangor, Malaysia in 1963. I completed my priestly education at College General in Penang Seminary, where I studied both Philosophy and Sacred Theology and obtained a baccalaureate. Later, I pursued my studies further and obtained a Master’s degree in Systematic Theology at JDV in Pune, India.
On 12 February 2003, I was ordained as a Catholic Priest. My priestly ordination motto is "TO LIVE A LIFE OF LOVE" (2 Jn 6). Since then, I have been serving as a minister in the ArchdioceseRev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.comBlogger889125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-8307886453407317462024-03-23T13:15:00.000+08:002024-03-23T13:15:53.417+08:00SEEK HIS GRACE<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD72S_eUUyK9rdtn0Grvdf7vqK5kdB3wL_TETBCdtyykdyaai5ce27xlv8m21wZlThQzDyHrURYUf78n8LVCrCxHV413m9-u0-iKVKrX2su_W80thG8CJr8eBgh2BQVl1sTaAE2ayK8iLKdHRFn5_5DTL82HpCGNZh1sPHQyk0yyg5Bu7X9VdkkNsm_HAB/s2945/1FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2498" data-original-width="2945" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD72S_eUUyK9rdtn0Grvdf7vqK5kdB3wL_TETBCdtyykdyaai5ce27xlv8m21wZlThQzDyHrURYUf78n8LVCrCxHV413m9-u0-iKVKrX2su_W80thG8CJr8eBgh2BQVl1sTaAE2ayK8iLKdHRFn5_5DTL82HpCGNZh1sPHQyk0yyg5Bu7X9VdkkNsm_HAB/s320/1FB.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background: white;">Holy Week is the most sacred week of the year and an important event in the Church’s liturgical calendar. It is observed in the Catholic Church as a time to commemorate the Paschal Mystery - the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Out of all the 52 weeks in a year, Holy Week is considered the most significant for us. During this week-long period, we prepare our hearts for the upcoming Easter celebrations. Holy Week may not a busy time like some other festivities, however, it is a very sacred time. The Church encourages us to solemnly enter Holy Week, and take a simple retreat within ourselves to discover our faith, and the richness, fullness and significance of our Liturgy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;">Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, which is also known as Passion Sunday. We walk in Jesus’ footsteps on His final days on Earth during this time. During Holy Week, we are guided to enter into the solemn liturgy of the Church - the Easter Triduum - which is an essential part of our faith. As we enter Holy Week, let us take this time to reflect on the events of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, which is documented in all four gospels. It is a time for spiritual recollection and contemplation of these profound events. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XLndXh8DF5q5qNOJgDgak_gWi06scV89MPHLVW6WSbCzwDPvoJ9vlKWUX5aKyPQhGd_5ZbzRZwCpdl1ltv11ZTeZwPO8RGlhvWjIgw5YG3ziLGidH-W_xP2FgADQSKq1SQn1bAK6DXjfO1HJ4mwor-Qfypabxb-e_2PzrdwHe7qK_fGTRQZ4wb7A9eqj/s3462/2FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3462" data-original-width="2882" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XLndXh8DF5q5qNOJgDgak_gWi06scV89MPHLVW6WSbCzwDPvoJ9vlKWUX5aKyPQhGd_5ZbzRZwCpdl1ltv11ZTeZwPO8RGlhvWjIgw5YG3ziLGidH-W_xP2FgADQSKq1SQn1bAK6DXjfO1HJ4mwor-Qfypabxb-e_2PzrdwHe7qK_fGTRQZ4wb7A9eqj/s320/2FB.jpg" width="266" /></a><span style="background: white;">The Holy Week liturgy invites us to meditate on the suffering endured by Jesus, including his humiliation, insults and cruel death on the cross. We must not reduce the Paschal Mystery celebrations to mere events, ideas, stories, or narrations. Instead, we should live it as a process of dying and rising - where we witness death giving way to new life. This process of dying and rising is something we experience every day, like the leaves falling from trees in autumn and then new life sprouting in spring. Our faith experience gives growth and vitality to our spiritual life. As we journey through Holy Week, may it bring new life, courage, and hope to each of us, our families and our community.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;">During Lent, many of us might have participated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. However, we may still feel that we are not good enough, worthy enough, or holy enough. Holy Week is a blessed time for us to renew and revive our spiritual life. It is the perfect moment for us to repent for our sins and weaknesses. We should not let the distractions of the digital world and the busyness of life take away our time with the Lord. We must reflect on His last journey towards Mount Calvary and His last destination.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;">We must acknowledge our sinful and broken nature, confess our wrongdoings from our hearts, and seek a deep connection with God as a sign of our commitment to the Gospel. As Jesus said, “Repent and believe in the Gospel” (Mark 1:14); this is a time to start anew, leave behind but learn from our past mistakes, and seek His grace to follow His way faithfully. We should joyfully walk with the Lord through both the happy and difficult moments of our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 7.5pt;"><b><span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">WISHING YOU A VERY BLESSED AND FAITHFUL HOLY WEEK!</span></b></p><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsbZuMVf_t0sfGKTTSSXurjnZGXvO8-Gv3t8X5v3KvReHRFmwnuRMMLkUO1BrAFevFRemg2CQvnJChF8hDiI77S2SkSrV4lDd7RKYBI6qJ8Kf35q1ouX7M-l8FD5FMYIdFz5omJQDP9BVoAE6N4D9meBj6Z31ChI790G-_TYp16HKjlSOEa8om3sD4aS7/s3376/3aFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3376" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsbZuMVf_t0sfGKTTSSXurjnZGXvO8-Gv3t8X5v3KvReHRFmwnuRMMLkUO1BrAFevFRemg2CQvnJChF8hDiI77S2SkSrV4lDd7RKYBI6qJ8Kf35q1ouX7M-l8FD5FMYIdFz5omJQDP9BVoAE6N4D9meBj6Z31ChI790G-_TYp16HKjlSOEa8om3sD4aS7/w359-h400/3aFB.jpg" width="359" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16vTNrycoTY_NXZ2Ugr6kQ54tSa9ek5aZE8vGYEqZM2A0JMWbDT-OzP-WkltprVu_3fBM_Qt2p2rY_QjKWMAVhOSbapISnGgojNcdq1yG1QmE-LC-DnI9S8Q9MYapqJsNLou07-F26PhE7uPwMj3ClLQbwCECun3gSXkkCTkZc5k0TGXfUXTZMjmrW6UI/s4030/4aFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16vTNrycoTY_NXZ2Ugr6kQ54tSa9ek5aZE8vGYEqZM2A0JMWbDT-OzP-WkltprVu_3fBM_Qt2p2rY_QjKWMAVhOSbapISnGgojNcdq1yG1QmE-LC-DnI9S8Q9MYapqJsNLou07-F26PhE7uPwMj3ClLQbwCECun3gSXkkCTkZc5k0TGXfUXTZMjmrW6UI/s4030/4aFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaa3aPdHPNGI-_AcjURgku3KmEPmXVpL642N41F48cI08B8H-jSFiOYI_75o0htcn4FSGPbHT_4IGQJ5u7vgihRrI7KoLxcqLUu3Y-x6cGAHXpWSE58zzIAWXSzHR7iGXCcZ7ly070EIDFqqabUWPG61rnEviyn9TTPVSTOTWK85jF03_WxJFfNy7xvJ0/s3019/4FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2481" data-original-width="3019" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaa3aPdHPNGI-_AcjURgku3KmEPmXVpL642N41F48cI08B8H-jSFiOYI_75o0htcn4FSGPbHT_4IGQJ5u7vgihRrI7KoLxcqLUu3Y-x6cGAHXpWSE58zzIAWXSzHR7iGXCcZ7ly070EIDFqqabUWPG61rnEviyn9TTPVSTOTWK85jF03_WxJFfNy7xvJ0/w400-h329/4FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><img border="0" data-original-height="2135" data-original-width="4030" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16vTNrycoTY_NXZ2Ugr6kQ54tSa9ek5aZE8vGYEqZM2A0JMWbDT-OzP-WkltprVu_3fBM_Qt2p2rY_QjKWMAVhOSbapISnGgojNcdq1yG1QmE-LC-DnI9S8Q9MYapqJsNLou07-F26PhE7uPwMj3ClLQbwCECun3gSXkkCTkZc5k0TGXfUXTZMjmrW6UI/w400-h213/4aFB.jpg" width="400" /></div><br /><br /><span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><p></p>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-51992972782380097462024-03-16T14:48:00.001+08:002024-03-16T14:52:05.213+08:00EQUIP YOURSELVES TO CELEBRATE EASTER<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTuBSKCWeeqZRNh6plt_fJAzrhqpkbpd8Wyc1vB0ykttF01VahZ8CF6gYT0BaYOXDh3sJKs-fPfwhmUzD0f3Csavb12B09eEaCaAgLspDVut9_aMPJ427FaGHTX9AretrShM17CnPDs45wtncbNybvvNLWcNQuw9lrvomEKx2oRxEsf8X0DJCVretKO69/s2532/1FB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1899" data-original-width="2532" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTuBSKCWeeqZRNh6plt_fJAzrhqpkbpd8Wyc1vB0ykttF01VahZ8CF6gYT0BaYOXDh3sJKs-fPfwhmUzD0f3Csavb12B09eEaCaAgLspDVut9_aMPJ427FaGHTX9AretrShM17CnPDs45wtncbNybvvNLWcNQuw9lrvomEKx2oRxEsf8X0DJCVretKO69/w320-h240/1FB.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;">A group of seven students, led by Professor Mohamad Hasmimie from Universiti Islam Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah, visited our Church a week before Ramadhan for an exposure-based study program. We briefed them about the history and establishment of St. Thomas Church Kuantan and discussed the Catholic Church’s understanding of fasting and community service programmes. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;">Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, and this year, Ramadan began on 12 March. It is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered a time for fasting, worship, charity, good deeds, communal gatherings, and spiritual development in order to purify and cleanse oneself. Fasting during Ramadan is mandatory, and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. If observed diligently and steadfastly, it is considered a blessing. May Allah give all Muslims during this Ramadhan the strength and grace to observe fasting with full determination, and grow with Ramadan values such as forgiveness, kindness, compassion and generosity.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we enter the Fifth Week of Lent, leading up to Holy Week, we are invited to reflect on how our Lenten penances and good works have helped us in our personal conversion and built upon our relationships with one another. For the past five weeks, we have been practising the three pillars of Lenten observance: prayer, penance, and almsgiving. These pillars help purify and strengthen our love for God and our neighbours. The season of Lent encourages us to live with simplicity and humility.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2B0d2xtevn4Ba0rwzQvsIwREmD7IoiQyCfOUYqVI7DLI2i8w6rSkNAwKtp5Dtmqr2KrNliFHFaOc9OgZfY0GMA-GGdc9xZl0RRSWBgkYakW7T6RsOlDIunNsHuh_a_TnaGwTkaJeS3TTfizSqbxiVUwgNJjXgYiTLg6bfkU5x1Js4lRH6GUavdkMGOX92/s3024/2FB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2107" data-original-width="3024" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2B0d2xtevn4Ba0rwzQvsIwREmD7IoiQyCfOUYqVI7DLI2i8w6rSkNAwKtp5Dtmqr2KrNliFHFaOc9OgZfY0GMA-GGdc9xZl0RRSWBgkYakW7T6RsOlDIunNsHuh_a_TnaGwTkaJeS3TTfizSqbxiVUwgNJjXgYiTLg6bfkU5x1Js4lRH6GUavdkMGOX92/s320/2FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Do we love each other as deeply as we did at the beginning of our relationship? In our relationships, we all make mistakes and fail to reconcile, which is why we must be patient. Without patience, we may face friction and division in our relationships. Therefore, we should strive to be patient - constantly loving one another, and cultivate a forgiving attitude in the same way God forgives us. Remember, “All of us often make mistakes” (James 3: 2), so let’s be patient with each other and work together to build strong and loving relationships. Making simple and ordinary changes for the sake of our relationship can bring us closer together.</div></span><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;">During Lent, remember to be charitable and merciful to those in need, especially the poor. Reach out and find a way to help them. We must persevere and remember the value of prayer in building ourselves up spiritually and mentally. Although failing to meet our Lenten aspirations may feel like a loss, we must not give up. We must remain determined to stay strong and focused, even when obstacles arise. By doing so, we can be confident that we will experience the transformation and renewal that we seek during this holy season. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;">This weekend, we are reminded of the psalmist’s plea to God for a pure heart - <i>“A pure heart create for me, Oh God!” (Ps 51: 12)</i>. This should be our ultimate goal during this holy season, so that we may be better equipped to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord at Easter.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NzPfDiEMBjrWQcWk9mIIb0Ob3ZMadJkFzeSYUDcAYFaI19dSHEumfCB5Pv9OcPoEzkbOfQA6VpSjj14B9xcSYLM9hBdHQVAevfxArpaLco7o2FlGa2FhezEnQqjXu1OwBEAeFU53qsnWYLkYTiKoGBQ4QpDJ3EpzU4IZQuhQ94B5v5k0sMR5bW1lwbtY/s3497/3FB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="3497" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NzPfDiEMBjrWQcWk9mIIb0Ob3ZMadJkFzeSYUDcAYFaI19dSHEumfCB5Pv9OcPoEzkbOfQA6VpSjj14B9xcSYLM9hBdHQVAevfxArpaLco7o2FlGa2FhezEnQqjXu1OwBEAeFU53qsnWYLkYTiKoGBQ4QpDJ3EpzU4IZQuhQ94B5v5k0sMR5bW1lwbtY/w400-h316/3FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background: repeat white;"><br /></span><p></p></div>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-33856029824286554082024-03-09T14:59:00.001+08:002024-03-09T15:01:46.401+08:00KEEP PUSHING FORWARD AND NEVER GIVE UP<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2XX9SbsmyRh6Ji355RNWT0QEl7uWt7OpVL9NzKctvRKmFgK4Acmk7uFFtcp0Y_U8FvRDWw5DT09B7jpsYB_-Av0AkGaRJ-p95JQLJ17Vw2kICXXbbwSLwRpTp3OEz-UZ2Px4_NQp1QrfIvNBfEYR1DHb0vqKD-0EqoJkQDnosrJpvH1q74HUxNk3UIe_/s3004/1FB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2439" data-original-width="3004" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2XX9SbsmyRh6Ji355RNWT0QEl7uWt7OpVL9NzKctvRKmFgK4Acmk7uFFtcp0Y_U8FvRDWw5DT09B7jpsYB_-Av0AkGaRJ-p95JQLJ17Vw2kICXXbbwSLwRpTp3OEz-UZ2Px4_NQp1QrfIvNBfEYR1DHb0vqKD-0EqoJkQDnosrJpvH1q74HUxNk3UIe_/s320/1FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are now in the fourth week of the Lent season (<i>Laetare </i>Sunday), and many of us are actively observing the three pillars of Lent: almsgiving (work of charity), fasting (self-denial), and prayer. However, some of us may have lost sight of the spirit of Lent. It is important to remember that Lent is a time of spiritual exercise and self-discipline. We should avoid becoming complacent, and resist slipping back into old habits and behaviours.</span><div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;">During this second half of Lent - which leads us closer to Pascha (Easter) - we focus on purifying our spiritual life. It is a time to engage in spiritual warfare against the forces of evil and “stand firm against the devil, and he will run away from you; come close to God, and He will come close to you,” (James 4: 7-8). As we experience Lent, we remain open to the voice of the Lord and avoid becoming hardened in our hearts, (cf. Ps 95: 8). God will guide us and reveal His presence to us in various ways.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;">Lent is a time when people often think of giving up something as a form of sacrifice. However, it is important to remember that it is not only about self-denial but also about giving up certain things to benefit others. For instance, we can save money from our meals or beverages and use it to support those in need. While it is beneficial to fast from negative habits such as gossiping, selfishness, anger, arguing, revenge, and using hurtful words, we should also strive to be kind, forgiving, compassionate, and patient towards others. By doing so, we can cultivate positive habits that can have a lasting impact on ourselves and those around us.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9fXDYAfwDv8MIKj5i8t-cNiZ1eegr-pcgNwbHZAVMyqg51bj2c8M5dc6BQX6DYQdd2A4Gv6BSNSq0BqBc-L_ky_wYYmqxyxBF7Lp4fHvrMnoEKT6gHqdB46nXwPF2Usag20Nvu7FT3A97cT_ypkbGBqQ7r1-AQntQgynwCzGJf7yvglKwxCl7DbPwtH7/s1080/2aFB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9fXDYAfwDv8MIKj5i8t-cNiZ1eegr-pcgNwbHZAVMyqg51bj2c8M5dc6BQX6DYQdd2A4Gv6BSNSq0BqBc-L_ky_wYYmqxyxBF7Lp4fHvrMnoEKT6gHqdB46nXwPF2Usag20Nvu7FT3A97cT_ypkbGBqQ7r1-AQntQgynwCzGJf7yvglKwxCl7DbPwtH7/w320-h240/2aFB.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The excessive use of electronic devices has become a common issue in today’s world. On average, approximately 30% of adults are constantly online with their gadgets. Studies have also shown that spending 4.5 to 6 hours a day playing video games or watching immoral content on TikTok/YouTube/Facebook can increase the risk of depression, and contribute to other health issues.</span></div><div><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;">Therefore, being more disciplined during Lent and reducing screen time is important. Instead of spending time on devices, it would be better to spend more time on spiritual pursuits such as meditation or daily prayers, and other beneficial activities like getting involved in charitable work. Remember, your time is your most valuable asset, and God would appreciate you using it wisely.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;">It is common practice during Lent, to give up unpleasant addictions or attitudes as a way of responding to Jesus’ invitation to deny ourselves and be one with His passion. However, it is imperative to continue being disciplined in our daily lives - both spiritually and physically - even after Lent is over. This will help us grow closer to Jesus Christ, become more worthy disciples, and prevent us from slipping back into our old ways of life. Let us strive to live a life of holiness, and remain committed to our spiritual and physical well-being.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IReYUMBRIWk3dQtsyaHoljPhTBOP9KbaVIRs4xtPIkPGlCw75pjnenCPiYPbvzMxuJgksWQQRMTd3nIoP5lFsgNj6CIvWS67IlJ7bTrytSvIXy_1DRatfOtih5qo74IUMiB8XIIxTYX9bwW40p-m1sq31Y3jF9Y3LRwFIBQJSgyPDLJwWFFrqpAwj47e/s1080/2FB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IReYUMBRIWk3dQtsyaHoljPhTBOP9KbaVIRs4xtPIkPGlCw75pjnenCPiYPbvzMxuJgksWQQRMTd3nIoP5lFsgNj6CIvWS67IlJ7bTrytSvIXy_1DRatfOtih5qo74IUMiB8XIIxTYX9bwW40p-m1sq31Y3jF9Y3LRwFIBQJSgyPDLJwWFFrqpAwj47e/w400-h300/2FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background: repeat white;"><br /></span><p></p></div>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-44115417405235283102024-03-02T13:17:00.000+08:002024-03-02T13:17:20.325+08:00EXPERIENCE GOD’S LOVING MERCY<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85i2uqDGp86PGpxWId8VGd80rgT1SZ-x4NABROJUq8fbIcsDFEGqclh2kdG0kSQ62I2VdsX67aAjT5EB-sanu5U4KQUNUsi0YTYn4hdvYci6aFgri8JoMfWGuiT5Cpr3hBZzzMQ07oUv7_pQwwIMG8qSsnkfZpJ5SR6Yd8m4bc4rbOnxPosefhHa_wbqu/s3668/1FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3668" data-original-width="2783" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85i2uqDGp86PGpxWId8VGd80rgT1SZ-x4NABROJUq8fbIcsDFEGqclh2kdG0kSQ62I2VdsX67aAjT5EB-sanu5U4KQUNUsi0YTYn4hdvYci6aFgri8JoMfWGuiT5Cpr3hBZzzMQ07oUv7_pQwwIMG8qSsnkfZpJ5SR6Yd8m4bc4rbOnxPosefhHa_wbqu/s320/1FB.jpg" width="243" /></a><span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The Psalms have always played a vital role in the prayer of the Church (Breviary) and the Lectionary (Readings for the celebration of Mass), inviting us to reflect daily. Last week, we explored the Psalms that occur in the Lectionary from Ash Wednesday, 1st and 2nd Sunday of Lent in Year B. This weekend, we will take a look at the Psalms that occur from the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and Palm Sunday in Year B.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Psalm 19 is a wisdom hymn that is read on the Third Sunday of Lent. It enlightens us about the purity and holiness of the commandments of the Lord, which brings gladness to our hearts. His precepts will never lead us to impurity; instead, they bring happiness, confidence, knowledge, and light to our paths even when we live in darkness. During Lent, we are reminded to keep the Word of God and obey His commandments, which will bring us peace and great reward. As it says in the responsorial psalm, <i>“You, Lord, have the message of eternal life,” </i>(Psalm 19).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">On the fourth Sunday of Lent, also known as <i>Laetare </i>Sunday, Psalm 137:1-6 is read. It is a communal lament hymn expressing the sorrows of the Jewish people exiled in Babylon during the 6th century. The Holy City of Jerusalem was destroyed, and the magnificent temple built by King Solomon was left in ruins. Many people lost their loved ones in battle, and homes and homelands were destroyed, making it the lowest point in Israel’s rich history. It is important to remember the good times, even when we feel sad. We should hold onto the many joys and wonderful experiences we have had in the past, as the Psalm says, <i>“Sing to us one of the songs of Zion.”</i> When we read Psalm 137, we are reminded of the song “By the Rivers of Babylon,” which was famously sung by Boney M.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2ZPv0kgHrLlTPQFxyRnLfiDPCAC0K6GbWNbOa9e9YEFS3NVRriPwEaNPRZPiLocwbUgemx5oHBg9M-nSSafn6bkt4lwtzt0nUGwQMVUD0nRRZ_5_TxJcAwvny40QcSaemxChtqez2crMtjYXxNQOw3EJy8FAUE0QenHBIMrhs-Guq8S_or3ihZu-cgnP/s3997/2FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2829" data-original-width="3997" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2ZPv0kgHrLlTPQFxyRnLfiDPCAC0K6GbWNbOa9e9YEFS3NVRriPwEaNPRZPiLocwbUgemx5oHBg9M-nSSafn6bkt4lwtzt0nUGwQMVUD0nRRZ_5_TxJcAwvny40QcSaemxChtqez2crMtjYXxNQOw3EJy8FAUE0QenHBIMrhs-Guq8S_or3ihZu-cgnP/w400-h283/2FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">On the Fifth Sunday of Lent, we will read Psalm 51, a penitential psalm that echoes, <i>“O God, wash me more and more from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin.”</i> The psalmist implores God to wash away our guilt and cleanse us from our sins. Our sins weigh heavily on us and can crush us, but we can be lifted up through God’s mercy. When we ask for forgiveness and repentance from our sins, we shall be granted the joy of salvation through His goodness and grace.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">On Palm Sunday, as we begin Holy Week, we hear Jesus’ cry from the Cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Ps 22). Jesus experienced a moment of terrible despair, as God placed the sins of the world on His Son, Jesus Christ, who suffered on the Cross for our salvation. During Holy Week, let us ponder on those whom we may have abandoned, rejected or despised, and consider how we can be reunited with them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">“If you kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand their ground?” (Ps 130: 3).</span></i><span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> Let’s walk humbly and meditatively, praying the seven Psalms during Lent because they make us appropriate for repentance of sinners, to experience God’s loving mercy and to draw us closer to Christ Jesus.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Qp88fbIAEw4lGVa0770OtZ1TLNhKF5-m09XdeJQK3PtNNNNPzxAX5TmEJv4ChPedgVM1d1bmX5SiOtgcR8QmIK2_LJ-5ajb9Z0pBkPc-08b2DnXqCBKSKBGiWpcdHw568Zw7pqsXIJVKMRR3aglEHIVuhgF4E9ys3b2HIEiBSxnE9vPtKfQ3YD4GlMGx/s3871/3FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2019" data-original-width="3871" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Qp88fbIAEw4lGVa0770OtZ1TLNhKF5-m09XdeJQK3PtNNNNPzxAX5TmEJv4ChPedgVM1d1bmX5SiOtgcR8QmIK2_LJ-5ajb9Z0pBkPc-08b2DnXqCBKSKBGiWpcdHw568Zw7pqsXIJVKMRR3aglEHIVuhgF4E9ys3b2HIEiBSxnE9vPtKfQ3YD4GlMGx/w400-h209/3FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4w_HrlY0mjPry03pSFX991sJxEWr_oehbia1nF1pmcUfVZgXh-4nTpZI-aXjorDc0SjfwbtnUstVPvlG4wXJ1bPloBB8SaYk3NdyhbhjkC3eQYHsikJ7l_MEDuOH6EdbXGo-YQchhCOmf-ZpFxs5ZEp5DoClGqVpKfGEFYbePjmrSDw65Jw-CI4_N9vI/s4030/5FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2082" data-original-width="4030" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4w_HrlY0mjPry03pSFX991sJxEWr_oehbia1nF1pmcUfVZgXh-4nTpZI-aXjorDc0SjfwbtnUstVPvlG4wXJ1bPloBB8SaYk3NdyhbhjkC3eQYHsikJ7l_MEDuOH6EdbXGo-YQchhCOmf-ZpFxs5ZEp5DoClGqVpKfGEFYbePjmrSDw65Jw-CI4_N9vI/w400-h206/5FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><p></p>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-27856364325514930052024-02-24T14:21:00.001+08:002024-02-24T14:24:57.965+08:00LIVE, SERVE AND WITNESS HIM<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ2IMSQOKMolY8TchjfJGgSimPtW0bRipnUCGqvuQMqdg__rIrYItAfCBQ62tISTt4qx8NiTifIENCCuT644bR-JnceHsdZw4wYcqaRLYyVtdleDB2sSKNcKy6_4Vp03d8_xmJUpRfGlJhxkqTKomL6TzLbut7yPOanVw3kjyprjKUowisEAXY5yCcEL4/s4032/1FB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ2IMSQOKMolY8TchjfJGgSimPtW0bRipnUCGqvuQMqdg__rIrYItAfCBQ62tISTt4qx8NiTifIENCCuT644bR-JnceHsdZw4wYcqaRLYyVtdleDB2sSKNcKy6_4Vp03d8_xmJUpRfGlJhxkqTKomL6TzLbut7yPOanVw3kjyprjKUowisEAXY5yCcEL4/s320/1FB.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="background: repeat white;">Many Catholics struggle to maintain their daily prayer routine. They tend to feel more comfortable with devotional prayers like the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and other prayers. Of course, one can continue with one’s preferred prayer methods, as they play a crucial role in one’s personal relationship with God. However, it is also vital to allocate sufficient time to focus on God, particularly through meditation on Scripture, such as daily Mass readings and the Liturgy of the Hours (Praying the Psalms). </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;">The Psalms are an excellent way to connect with God through prayer. They reflect the deepest emotions of the heart. Particularly during the Lenten season - the six weekends leading up to Easter - certain Psalms are read. These Psalms provide a beautiful way to connect with God through prayer, inspiring us to express our love for Him and ask for forgiveness. For instance, Psalms 51, 25, and 116 are great examples to look at.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;">On Ash Wednesday - which marks the beginning of the Lenten season - Psalm 51 is recited as a lamentation psalm. David expresses his deep sorrow and regret for his sins in this psalm. It serves as a heartfelt example of repentance, where David acknowledges the weight of his wrongdoings. Through this prayer, we cry out to God to wash away our guilt and sins, and to cleanse us once again. The central prayer of the Psalm is, <i>“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a steadfast spirit within me”</i> (Psalm 51:10) as we usher into the season of Lent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcU_if19P-z0MQvRon_dKGBiP9ZHQTWuWiOSskp94-IFh38M6Cd2IIULQ0oDyAPVAkA3LuWveF5nnKcjzzGrgIEoU_8qIjmJoDBr_zy9kR5W9-ZUTSRLzjT5zlu4WW_-z1Ac81sF6WqDL2hvOy2w4WGHZvahKASBcy9eBHKVhVTprsq7nZhcB86Ky2c89Y/s3037/2FB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3037" data-original-width="2943" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcU_if19P-z0MQvRon_dKGBiP9ZHQTWuWiOSskp94-IFh38M6Cd2IIULQ0oDyAPVAkA3LuWveF5nnKcjzzGrgIEoU_8qIjmJoDBr_zy9kR5W9-ZUTSRLzjT5zlu4WW_-z1Ac81sF6WqDL2hvOy2w4WGHZvahKASBcy9eBHKVhVTprsq7nZhcB86Ky2c89Y/s320/2FB.jpg" width="310" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div style="text-align: justify;">On the first Sunday of Lent, the psalmist - in Psalm 25:4 - asks for God’s guidance and teaching, saying, <i>“Make me know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.”</i> This Psalm was written by David, who had sinned by committing adultery with Bathsheba. David sought repentance and desired to follow God’s wisdom and direction in life, rather than relying on his own understanding. As we continue our Lenten journey, we, too, need repentance and God’s guidance and seek to help us faithfully observe Lenten traditions of almsgiving, prayer and penance, and keep His commandments.</div></span><div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;">Psalm 116 is a reminder to put our trust in God, to seek refuge in Him, and to rely on His goodness. As we journey through the Second Sunday of Lent, let us pledge our faithfulness to God, depend on Him, and focus on His goodness. Despite feelings of heaviness and being afflicted in every situation, we must continue to trust Him. Let us be grateful to the living God who delivers us from all distress and gives us strength to walk confidently with Him. As the psalmist says, <i>“I am sorely afflicted,” </i>but we can still<i> “walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living,”</i> (Psalm 116: 9-10).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;">As we continue our Lenten journey, let us pray the Psalms as a way to express our guilt, distress, struggles, frustrations and anger. Praying the Psalms can be a useful tool to help us release our emotions. When we call upon Jesus, He will respond with, “Here, I am!” and as we pray, we open our hearts and respond to God’s calling to live, serve and witness Him.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02yUqeDKgpigYlGcLkBuFgPUkwa128sPy2IjbE7835IerpwEbr5oWpp-HjdGs4cidC-VtRhXlHEWQDM2mZCwUFRwEYOKhnMbNmROoJKDE3HtAHguSoz5qqJrI7gpn7fZLdlwXX9GkIMyvGAk1sjAtDX9ELgDhq0kWkPmJG2dVeJjrBI_h69S61voYjSe9/s2970/3FB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2309" data-original-width="2970" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02yUqeDKgpigYlGcLkBuFgPUkwa128sPy2IjbE7835IerpwEbr5oWpp-HjdGs4cidC-VtRhXlHEWQDM2mZCwUFRwEYOKhnMbNmROoJKDE3HtAHguSoz5qqJrI7gpn7fZLdlwXX9GkIMyvGAk1sjAtDX9ELgDhq0kWkPmJG2dVeJjrBI_h69S61voYjSe9/w400-h311/3FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background: repeat white;"><br /></span><p></p></div>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-29851458741519376342024-02-17T13:00:00.000+08:002024-02-17T13:00:45.673+08:00A TIME FOR PERSONAL CONVERSION <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFuT-GINg0WhN8UK9ENvgeXiESy2OSa1uc1XsOdPzSkcqwb8y3gtWP12jwW_llR6bZfLfjSPmz0SqUlJfELMM6EODUkyUPYHReaiW0yTXwzBaOmW6yTEeKaZPbdL-Q2mk1z95twBymibJKintW0zCGg90F94joDTfSXQrnN8Wk4lQ0w6fEbpgpRQDGtpv/s927/3FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="927" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFuT-GINg0WhN8UK9ENvgeXiESy2OSa1uc1XsOdPzSkcqwb8y3gtWP12jwW_llR6bZfLfjSPmz0SqUlJfELMM6EODUkyUPYHReaiW0yTXwzBaOmW6yTEeKaZPbdL-Q2mk1z95twBymibJKintW0zCGg90F94joDTfSXQrnN8Wk4lQ0w6fEbpgpRQDGtpv/s320/3FB.jpg" width="320" /></a>The Pope remarked that Lent is “a season of grace”, “a time of conversion,” and “a time of freedom.” <span style="background: white;">He believes that the desert, as the Prophet Hosea describes, can become a place of our first love (cf. Hos 2: 16-17). The desert can also help us mature in our freedom by making “a personal decision not to fall back into slavery. In addition, it can provide us with “new criteria of justice and a community with which we can press forward on a road not yet taken.”</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Our journey during Lent will be more meaningful if we acknowledge that even today, we are still under the rule of Pharaoh. This rule makes us tired and indifferent to our surroundings, and “the model of growth it offers only divides us, and takes away our future.” However, we must also remember that it is God who takes the first step towards us. Sometimes, we may find ourselves holding onto desires that keep us enslaved, much like “the Israelites were paralysed in the desert.” We must strive to break free from these attachments and embrace the freedom that comes with trusting God.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4X3xVPT_fQ6J3GiguxGSwtD8OQGDgWj7kVfdHqAysWqXcdwyHILz_Vg3iu8id7-VN9KRvnvhaKQmsx3VuYWZnt7dE6KkhymtXNC5BWQAK-lzllS3nE9E0rMzIGv9Tsi0pGnp7BxNmJ23b4U4bs19w7ySctn_ODxIHLjNH0G5m6fTQvWPhWdbG6y1Zgdmr/s4032/3aFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4X3xVPT_fQ6J3GiguxGSwtD8OQGDgWj7kVfdHqAysWqXcdwyHILz_Vg3iu8id7-VN9KRvnvhaKQmsx3VuYWZnt7dE6KkhymtXNC5BWQAK-lzllS3nE9E0rMzIGv9Tsi0pGnp7BxNmJ23b4U4bs19w7ySctn_ODxIHLjNH0G5m6fTQvWPhWdbG6y1Zgdmr/s320/3aFB.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="background: white;">The Pope stated that during the Lenten journey, one has to struggle. </span>However, it is “a time for action and also a time to pause – to pause in prayer to receive the Word of God, and to pause like the Samaritan in the presence of a wounded brother or sister.” He highlighted the importance of “the love of God and the love of neighbour,” which can help us to “cultivate new energies and be more sensitive towards one another.” Instead of perceiving others as a threat or enemy, we “can discover them as companions and fellow travellers.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Pope Francis stated that if we use this Lent as a time for personal conversion, humanity will notice a burst of creativity and a flash of new hope. He called upon the faithful to be ready to take risks and find the courage to see the world as a process of “giving birth”, “giving new hope”, and “new energies”.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;">The synodal form of the Church, which we are rediscovering and cultivating in recent years, indicates that Lent is also “a time of communitarian decisions”. These decisions have the ability to change the daily lives of individuals and entire communities - to change the way we acquire goods, to take better care of the environment, and to strive towards greater inclusion of those who are often overlooked or go unseen.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">(An abstract of the message of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, for Lent 2024)</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;">On Ash Wednesday, we receive ashes on our foreheads to mark the beginning of the Lenten season. This is a time of preparation leading up to the Easter celebration, which falls on March 31st this year. During Lent - with the help of God’s grace and steadfast spirit - we strive to let go of the attachments that imprison us and break free from our slavery to sin. This allows us to prepare ourselves to experience the Passover from death to life that Easter represents.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnd6aATWwg6rPMG9K8XOrrJCJ3tGNDoCClgRUv01AVb4kXcsQs3XX2yAGwE7etChfmvEIn3iVCti4cniDaA7CSvg_F4FmtySY3PIFWUHUiriS_yTyLbIdXJ1MqsfcGz9RPZhcyGHldykoFZBtiZx7BqlFlfCW3bjMzmcOaENx1EKJhf1IwX7hDCs8ApkwS/s3977/1FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2449" data-original-width="3977" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnd6aATWwg6rPMG9K8XOrrJCJ3tGNDoCClgRUv01AVb4kXcsQs3XX2yAGwE7etChfmvEIn3iVCti4cniDaA7CSvg_F4FmtySY3PIFWUHUiriS_yTyLbIdXJ1MqsfcGz9RPZhcyGHldykoFZBtiZx7BqlFlfCW3bjMzmcOaENx1EKJhf1IwX7hDCs8ApkwS/w400-h246/1FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sv67oWuwzAMlb1T8hPWYAG1c4_IvA6Z7Rah6cbUyHIfvqtEXWfVVz-zhrE6fB1Slb08Hb6Xuv_TTC-hlO_fVLFWSpHM-2E6UGM71BvV0-WcgSRkf5mB-oV6PQr5fwIL_ynkdEc20h0cXrdY4Ed2D3hLJ2wDWYG2VvqOhq30k7s21UnFUYUoIuGC33qfp/s927/2aFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="927" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sv67oWuwzAMlb1T8hPWYAG1c4_IvA6Z7Rah6cbUyHIfvqtEXWfVVz-zhrE6fB1Slb08Hb6Xuv_TTC-hlO_fVLFWSpHM-2E6UGM71BvV0-WcgSRkf5mB-oV6PQr5fwIL_ynkdEc20h0cXrdY4Ed2D3hLJ2wDWYG2VvqOhq30k7s21UnFUYUoIuGC33qfp/s320/2aFB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dVNAZl4vn_ZblsPjYNsxpuq3hKt0Dvm9bB7TNkYRoS94ClSHB_lsbN2j50L1WDLgyVdLQnkulB1DrPzG_bBLSJIBxrv2qivOhk1fHzqXIstPtzkkOh0OcgbH83ZYuVcrSAx0ebmy_73sPbvKhOF507cg1AVvdeGd8ToF0qjtfnamKQKG9oX6qcT-BMOY/s1103/1abFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1103" data-original-width="740" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dVNAZl4vn_ZblsPjYNsxpuq3hKt0Dvm9bB7TNkYRoS94ClSHB_lsbN2j50L1WDLgyVdLQnkulB1DrPzG_bBLSJIBxrv2qivOhk1fHzqXIstPtzkkOh0OcgbH83ZYuVcrSAx0ebmy_73sPbvKhOF507cg1AVvdeGd8ToF0qjtfnamKQKG9oX6qcT-BMOY/s320/1abFB.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="background: white;"><br /></span><p></p>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-57831793379133640822024-02-10T16:36:00.000+08:002024-02-10T16:36:47.337+08:00COMPASSION AND TENDER LOVE TOWARDS THE SICK<p style="margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZ-YgpeCpWwbQK0RQ9VyB-e9vv3qxDT0FDJjRFDMDsDHnyZrvV8BltGyHFe82lZXaHJ2p-1qwZsJ8irQY0Dfg8gmvRyooCVIdG2MxhVEt0XW2qzPCoP3qutJ5lQupmAuoc-RJEAIuP4O6P_qvLse0eF76iUzB984T92AyDNf-5WSKkd8Mm7NB8qFstEmD/s943/1aFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="943" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZ-YgpeCpWwbQK0RQ9VyB-e9vv3qxDT0FDJjRFDMDsDHnyZrvV8BltGyHFe82lZXaHJ2p-1qwZsJ8irQY0Dfg8gmvRyooCVIdG2MxhVEt0XW2qzPCoP3qutJ5lQupmAuoc-RJEAIuP4O6P_qvLse0eF76iUzB984T92AyDNf-5WSKkd8Mm7NB8qFstEmD/w320-h275/1aFB.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Church observes <b><i>World Day of the Sick (WDS)</i></b> annually on 11 February, as it coincides with the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. WDS was established by Saint John Paul II in 1992. This year marks the 32nd WDS, and the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has chosen the theme of <i>“It is not good that man should be alone” (cf. Genesis 2: 18).</i> He emphasises the importance of human relationships and caring for the sick in the process of healing and comforting them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Holy Father highlights the significance of relationships and how loneliness can lead to suffering and isolation. He believes that we need to show compassion and tender love towards the sick and the dying. They should be at the centre of our human heart and the heart of the Church, making them our top priority. It is inhumane and painful to see terminally ill and sick people abandoned and ostracised by families and society. Therefore, they should be our pastoral concern, and we must treat them with care and respect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_XOBLzck8OGmr-TGj2rWsg9ZfeDKmF-tVbzGQ2IiSxP9r83WtaUyLi09O6Mn4R1DNu7K08PO8nxV9uY8Q3-OiyCrwGLq-PMGlAQEzXjPTS7vgBHScfdpincJga3yjwa_sYSTZLA3FGC9f4NH8AlO5kMsiVOxuUlNf5gHPXmiGwmMtkIMy2K8PdPLAEEa/s1280/7FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_XOBLzck8OGmr-TGj2rWsg9ZfeDKmF-tVbzGQ2IiSxP9r83WtaUyLi09O6Mn4R1DNu7K08PO8nxV9uY8Q3-OiyCrwGLq-PMGlAQEzXjPTS7vgBHScfdpincJga3yjwa_sYSTZLA3FGC9f4NH8AlO5kMsiVOxuUlNf5gHPXmiGwmMtkIMy2K8PdPLAEEa/s320/7FB.jpg" width="240" /></a>Looking back at the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw that many people – perhaps even including our family members, friends and loved ones - had to face death alone. It was heartbreaking to know that patients were not allowed to have visitors, and healthcare workers like nurses, doctors and support personnel were overwhelmed with their workload in isolation wards. We also cannot ignore the devastating effects of social diseases and war, which often leave the vulnerable in tragic circumstances.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many times, society tends to neglect and disregard elderly people and the sick, considering them as being of no value. This is not right, and we are responsible for treating them with dignity and respect as God’s creation. These people should not feel ashamed or consider themselves a burden to others. Instead, they should seek help and support from their families and neighbourhoods. We can promote a culture of compassion and tenderness that values every human life, regardless of age or health.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLNvpyQMZdq9PkCU-ivZCXjoklbPkZbhc1LAZxTS9rhc9hR6GSoy83FzV22MbTmVnoBhXmuIT1f3_o55APOyBCwu324miGCauROH9XPMhRfSaf4iiCLcPgPSF-60RpTi5MGie-phz-kqHEhWOa00wZUk4uI-ivwd1ZE7RtMv_mXNJK8AeiGpX9Ew3XJoe/s1280/8FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLNvpyQMZdq9PkCU-ivZCXjoklbPkZbhc1LAZxTS9rhc9hR6GSoy83FzV22MbTmVnoBhXmuIT1f3_o55APOyBCwu324miGCauROH9XPMhRfSaf4iiCLcPgPSF-60RpTi5MGie-phz-kqHEhWOa00wZUk4uI-ivwd1ZE7RtMv_mXNJK8AeiGpX9Ew3XJoe/s320/8FB.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">WDS is an annual event that seeks to raise awareness about the significance of providing care and support to individuals who are undergoing chronic or severe health issues. This day is dedicated to recognising the crucial role played by healthcare workers and caregivers in the lives of those who are sick. It is an opportunity to encourage acts of kindness and solidarity towards those who are terminally ill and suffering from various diseases. We are to provide physical, emotional and spiritual support to those who are facing health challenges.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let us always show tenderness and compassion, and be in solidarity with the sick and dying in their journey towards healing. We continuously pray and make regular visits to patients, and provide them with support, love and care - including the caregivers, nurses and healthcare professionals. May the Blessed Virgin Mary - Health of the Sick - pray for them, and accompany us on our outreach to them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(An abstract from the message of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, for the 32<sup>nd</sup> World Day of the Sick)</span></span></i></p><p style="margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="background: white;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuKD1ti62Om_CHaM-sQ7QHAmdUoyYMU5Vdlzj0KQ4ReIxrFbc2nPoJDuNI2vxKAl6zeGLk_yC1bH3YwuefKLb5rQnQ65sPjCWBgrl_9BuNYewd2F_gSsKHtBBvSrQLqzx-VeUGz4Iz5F50MDir0HD2Oe_o_9JONz2tBUSv_7ITGw_4PrijKBBLFatkR-c/s4030/6FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2131" data-original-width="4030" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuKD1ti62Om_CHaM-sQ7QHAmdUoyYMU5Vdlzj0KQ4ReIxrFbc2nPoJDuNI2vxKAl6zeGLk_yC1bH3YwuefKLb5rQnQ65sPjCWBgrl_9BuNYewd2F_gSsKHtBBvSrQLqzx-VeUGz4Iz5F50MDir0HD2Oe_o_9JONz2tBUSv_7ITGw_4PrijKBBLFatkR-c/w400-h211/6FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></i><p></p>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-63566707973686252382024-02-10T12:58:00.002+08:002024-02-10T12:58:16.745+08:00 ANTICIPATE A GREAT DAY WITH GREAT HOPE<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1N64sMsgt23Ww460-2iJajixa-FKdmWZK2ArhGvKSUnBMJGBKOGBstBoQhfko-N0I6H5foMHfyqYYFvmGYOTeoviF663PtdLBpuM_gRIhY3CMd8bSf5q5XxjIZjRh74zb276Dh8T4-u2evzDoDy9EO1j3ivQDqBPW04aAU5z6zavdT1rNhsk6H9PevBKE/s3361/1FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3361" data-original-width="3014" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1N64sMsgt23Ww460-2iJajixa-FKdmWZK2ArhGvKSUnBMJGBKOGBstBoQhfko-N0I6H5foMHfyqYYFvmGYOTeoviF663PtdLBpuM_gRIhY3CMd8bSf5q5XxjIZjRh74zb276Dh8T4-u2evzDoDy9EO1j3ivQDqBPW04aAU5z6zavdT1rNhsk6H9PevBKE/s320/1FB.jpg" width="287" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Today, we welcome the Year of the Wood Dragon, which will end on 28 January 2025. According to a myth, in the fifth year of the Chinese zodiac, the Jade Emperor declared that the order of the animals would be determined by the order they arrived to attend his function. Everyone assumed that the Dragon, being the mightiest, would show up first. However, the Dragon arrived after the Rat, Ox, Tiger, and Rabbit.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">The Dragon’s delay was due to his act of creating rain for a drought-stricken village. The Jade Emperor was impressed by the Dragon’s kindness and granted him the fifth position in the rankings. The Dragon is the most popular, powerful, noble, and mythical among the twelve animals.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Does a Dragon exist? Dragons have been mythical creatures, legends and fantasies for centuries. They are not real and have never existed. The Chinese Dragon is an imaginary creature that is said to have seven different animal features. It has the body of a snake, the horns of a deer, the head of a bull, the mouth of a crocodile, the nose of a pig, the claws of an eagle, and the scales of a fish.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">In Western culture, dragons are typically portrayed as monsters, evil creatures that cause harm. There is a story about Saint George and the Dragon. Saint George is believed to have lived during the 300 AD. He was born in Cappadocia, which is modern-day Turkey. George was a soldier in the ancient Roman Empire. Once, he travelled to North Africa, to a town called Silene. He saw the townspeople were in grave danger. A dragon living in a nearby lake caused harm to the townspeople by poisoning them with a breath of hot air. The dragon demanded a sacrifice from them every day, and at first, they offered sheep, cows and other livestock. But when the animals ran out, the dragon demanded a human sacrifice, beginning with the men and women, adults, and eventually the king’s daughter.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">One day, as the princess was about to be offered as a sacrifice, St George happened to be passing by on his horse. When he saw the princess and the king crying, he set out to fight the dragon and rescue the princess. St George speared the dragon with his lance and sliced off its head. The townspeople were grateful for his bravery and converted to Christianity, and St George built a church near the lake for them. Thus, the evil was defeated.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj062imbNoucDkKaBcpW1gzERVoK3bK_Ktw8n5Hc4BEBGfp9VktSEeuhc9uGiI22tmknf-IUKuWpG-O1CHgU5SMc0Z5jNAlyxuJQncAVXUBITJFoIzmfCrxQ54W8zZCSI6yTXjt6XzzZr8PmmF0akBo4jx5ZWLwbMJj8UH90cX_VhdQYwfaO5C9UT2Iise4/s3103/2FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3103" data-original-width="2596" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj062imbNoucDkKaBcpW1gzERVoK3bK_Ktw8n5Hc4BEBGfp9VktSEeuhc9uGiI22tmknf-IUKuWpG-O1CHgU5SMc0Z5jNAlyxuJQncAVXUBITJFoIzmfCrxQ54W8zZCSI6yTXjt6XzzZr8PmmF0akBo4jx5ZWLwbMJj8UH90cX_VhdQYwfaO5C9UT2Iise4/s320/2FB.jpg" width="268" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">In ancient Eastern culture, the dragon was commonly regarded as a symbol of wisdom, excellence, power, and the ability to help people in numerous ways. Over time, the dragon became a symbol of divine and imperial power in Chinese history. It was prominently featured in temples, shrines, and depictions of the emperor and imperial family. This is why the dragon is associated with both divine power and spiritual force.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">In the Christian Bible, the Book of Revelation, specifically Chapters 12 and 13, speaks about the Beasts or the image of Dragons having seven heads and ten horns. These beasts promise to bring life and prosperity, but ultimately, they bring death, misery, and devastation to the earth. However, at the end of the Book of Revelation, Jesus emerges as the ultimate Victor. If we choose to stand with Him, we will also triumph over evil.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">No matter how we look at it, this Year of the Dragon symbolises both divine power and spiritual force; we hope and pray that we can overcome the negative, dark and evil forces within ourselves..</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">As the Gospel’s reading says, “Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself, and each day has enough trouble of its own” (Mt 6: 34). We need not worry because the time of our redemption and ultimate victory is truly at hand. Let us always rejoice in the Lord! Looking forward to Jesus’ return, as the signs become more imminent, let us not lose hope. Instead, let us look up and anticipate that great day with great hope and rejoice in the Lord always!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">May the Lord and His blessings guide us into the Year of the Dragon, bestowing prosperity and good fortune on everyone at home.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">GONG XI FA CAI!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2c_TjC3ZNTWwg4OoxDCzX0JWa6-I5rUR7rYTzBWY_0LoeC6sPlDQw2ZKtb-y2bpTRWtnEbE1tn4g2sogBSAuerYAtzE2ucWj4wjMNZfemr2gTkSXQDedfFN26DrQHr9ROYX7q9WP0affT6FCj8AugKeBj8FTsX8xOmccDiXOlooL8WCBTt1sWn6j-jCa/s4032/3FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2c_TjC3ZNTWwg4OoxDCzX0JWa6-I5rUR7rYTzBWY_0LoeC6sPlDQw2ZKtb-y2bpTRWtnEbE1tn4g2sogBSAuerYAtzE2ucWj4wjMNZfemr2gTkSXQDedfFN26DrQHr9ROYX7q9WP0affT6FCj8AugKeBj8FTsX8xOmccDiXOlooL8WCBTt1sWn6j-jCa/w400-h300/3FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLSZBKH-_m4UjfMRmczHdpqsc4g-LnzoddXEkUq41H3fv1_N3AgBDmmXbDWywSePbHpfdghEkMYbbI6BQvrB2p4MOT6benQEI78jFJ6a5gzaoAaTD7RwcE50k2we9Pf2mOYSQK_VSFCKTmsCTyGnqE3MJ3eioL8gPXfDqtTaKVoKCWGqe0J2POvV8Pc6Q/s2985/4FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="2985" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLSZBKH-_m4UjfMRmczHdpqsc4g-LnzoddXEkUq41H3fv1_N3AgBDmmXbDWywSePbHpfdghEkMYbbI6BQvrB2p4MOT6benQEI78jFJ6a5gzaoAaTD7RwcE50k2we9Pf2mOYSQK_VSFCKTmsCTyGnqE3MJ3eioL8gPXfDqtTaKVoKCWGqe0J2POvV8Pc6Q/w400-h349/4FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7w_XEIVW-ep4_8by5Lt4POhFMiuJ662QTCe9scN2f0OGWtT4Q-Cc0aqgZTy3ghS8zRQ-Kr-s0kPCPDqUxdkOJYoTlBQ-EeVd1XqPYKSoA35oJKGYyZ7nnRDiNh5RqRGoD3vlBi_PRLZBRrWOy2LsLXd2uuMbeXcehaMZQYRnVK5mdMFIc2wnBQIBSUG0/s4032/5aFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTKuRlzvml_isdBr11H2lvhyphenhyphen2sKtk88_LKy9i_f8UL_MkVHBglNkQUkCW5j5li7SvHs6_PZAuRd4hUdDdC0QdnBSr41NWL6SJUXmNOvyxZhkab3JSYUrnU_hiArdSfRHhe4Wt3xe33hqe6JAoitG38t9j7qQM02e-JN7gtXLp_ypdG0fMInVSfYmI_wq5/s898/7aFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="898" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTKuRlzvml_isdBr11H2lvhyphenhyphen2sKtk88_LKy9i_f8UL_MkVHBglNkQUkCW5j5li7SvHs6_PZAuRd4hUdDdC0QdnBSr41NWL6SJUXmNOvyxZhkab3JSYUrnU_hiArdSfRHhe4Wt3xe33hqe6JAoitG38t9j7qQM02e-JN7gtXLp_ypdG0fMInVSfYmI_wq5/w400-h208/7aFB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span><p></p>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-31666141899423997032024-02-03T12:24:00.002+08:002024-02-03T12:26:45.314+08:00PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL CARE<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZN1BfqFPswwQSlmSeD3FamL2qGpnBhxJqD4sGM64-xFuri4Nv3yUIR5gdBNxdVKxWAaKeyr7msE0usWWGkKr1W1t9aZBUkQ9PYxC2OCD7qctNsoJQ7oSNkAt3iyy_j_AmfZOObsfOLccUTIlf5bbfPecYewvAk7vBM5Es5riZYTPl22TEewlNF3e627Ic/s1080/1FB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZN1BfqFPswwQSlmSeD3FamL2qGpnBhxJqD4sGM64-xFuri4Nv3yUIR5gdBNxdVKxWAaKeyr7msE0usWWGkKr1W1t9aZBUkQ9PYxC2OCD7qctNsoJQ7oSNkAt3iyy_j_AmfZOObsfOLccUTIlf5bbfPecYewvAk7vBM5Es5riZYTPl22TEewlNF3e627Ic/w320-h240/1FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background: repeat white;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In our society, there are countless individuals who are terminally ill, suffering from various illnesses, and even dying. Unfortunately, many of these people are living alone without a primary caregiver to provide them with the care and support they need. This is a growing challenge faced by families and communities who must find ways to support these individuals, especially those who are facing psychological distress. It is important that we recognise and address the uncomfortable emotions experienced by them, and provide them with the attention and care they need in their final days.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;">In the month of February, Pope Francis has called upon the Catholic Church to pray for the intentions of terminally ill individuals and their families, in conjunction with the <i>World Day of the Sick</i> on 11 February, which is observed as a memorial to Our Lady of Lourdes. We need to be united with the terminally ill and pray for them. Our focus this month is to pray for those with terminal illnesses and their families, that they receive the necessary physical and spiritual care and accompaniment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;">The Holy Father has explained that when we discuss terminal illnesses, we often get confused between two words – “incurable” and “un-carable”. These two terms do not mean the same thing. Even if there is a slim chance of a cure, every sick person has the right to medical assistance, psychological treatment, and spiritual nourishment, as well as human support. These things are essential for them to experience comfort and consolation. The Holy Father encourages Christians to adopt Jesus’ compassionate gaze and promote a culture of tenderness and compassion, instead of “individualism, indifference, and discarding.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrcFUnhPSEnTaetkoJ7kuR7kjzjt9WoTkdwEb66VdxpyWk28-0nevHg_GCUyk32bjLOqMhBO9OWwkKxUs47LIwFG4ZHIDHsPSTQF6f1zztC0vVS8W72JtaNyF2ngFXFbM5UzdcpRe2LJQ9MOmIXh8Mcv5J6raBgJ2U4gMNK3GWW8YogpNvpTNWm_-8lZW/s1020/2Fb.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrcFUnhPSEnTaetkoJ7kuR7kjzjt9WoTkdwEb66VdxpyWk28-0nevHg_GCUyk32bjLOqMhBO9OWwkKxUs47LIwFG4ZHIDHsPSTQF6f1zztC0vVS8W72JtaNyF2ngFXFbM5UzdcpRe2LJQ9MOmIXh8Mcv5J6raBgJ2U4gMNK3GWW8YogpNvpTNWm_-8lZW/s320/2Fb.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;"><div style="text-align: justify;">We have personally encountered those who are in the state of a coma or have a terminal illness that cannot be cured. While some illnesses may not be curable, our caring attitude can bring about a positive outcome and provide comfort and relief to the patient. Thus, caring is the best way to bring cure to the patients.</div></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;">Pope Francis highlights the importance of providing essential care to patients and encourages us to provide not only medical attention but also human assistance and guarantee our closeness to the patients. As immediate family members and members of the community, we should not leave them alone in their struggles or difficult moments. Instead, we should play our part in showing our humanity, by providing appropriate physical, spiritual and social support. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background: repeat white;">We can also commit ourselves to praying for those who require our spiritual assistance and spend time sitting with them. This way, the terminally ill and their families will always receive necessary medical and human care and assistance. </span>St John Paul II said, “Cure if it is possible, always take care.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;">Cheer up. God is with you. Even though you may be going through a difficult time, be assured that He is very close to you. Trust in God. If God has allowed you to undergo this suffering, it is because He has a good plan for you – a plan that you may not understand yet. Your peace of mind comes from having faith in God, who will never let you down.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6stRGVvyeu8YdmB19SyNypQq_cpfekWOlWE03oI8I8sYaU43DnmnNOFAdABJiGa-MivRc3BKe3PW0URPAWBdexQqcB754CaxHX472ySIZiwCtWW15P_8tY_ZW_gg9z6k-pKArnYSFVFubL2O98-IWY2PJ9DeQNreBxG1BYa_XiUttVzHqpux1wKwmnJGs/s1020/3FB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6stRGVvyeu8YdmB19SyNypQq_cpfekWOlWE03oI8I8sYaU43DnmnNOFAdABJiGa-MivRc3BKe3PW0URPAWBdexQqcB754CaxHX472ySIZiwCtWW15P_8tY_ZW_gg9z6k-pKArnYSFVFubL2O98-IWY2PJ9DeQNreBxG1BYa_XiUttVzHqpux1wKwmnJGs/w301-h400/3FB.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br /><span style="background: repeat white;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="background: repeat white;"><br /></span><p></p></div>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-6025716858296177202024-01-27T06:45:00.000+08:002024-01-27T06:45:58.066+08:00PEACE AND HARMONY THROUGH DIVERSITY<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUbtI9bO9c7pWNzN3eXMpln7Py02PwpfhOcgU-PM1sRDRISyJDVjDKxx1odNDWVXCXzV1SDg9jivXDOnO-0TBGV8xgwtwVbnSSzrr42yWSBZUY8LslVwwSmSZacRQtMeVqAllwuvsmYNqNbpniFF4vmCKJ22SEF7ffi4LwNM4j4qQW6R4vpnxuEcbfAtI/s4030/1FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2954" data-original-width="4030" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUbtI9bO9c7pWNzN3eXMpln7Py02PwpfhOcgU-PM1sRDRISyJDVjDKxx1odNDWVXCXzV1SDg9jivXDOnO-0TBGV8xgwtwVbnSSzrr42yWSBZUY8LslVwwSmSZacRQtMeVqAllwuvsmYNqNbpniFF4vmCKJ22SEF7ffi4LwNM4j4qQW6R4vpnxuEcbfAtI/w400-h294/1FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (WPCU) has been observed since 1908, with a focus on praying for the unity of the Church. The WPCU is traditionally celebrated from 18 January, starting with the Feast of St. Peter’s Chair, and concluding on 25 January with the Feast of St. Paul's Conversion. </span><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This year, The Universal Church has chosen the theme: <b>“You shall love the Lord Your God… and Your neighbour as yourself” (Luke 10: 27).</b> </span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri;">On Thursday, 25 January 2024, at 7.30 pm, the Church of St. Thomas in Kuantan held a liturgical service to end the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Around 30 members from neighbouring churches in Kuantan City - including five Pastors - and approximately 60 of our Parishioners, gathered together to celebrate unity, followed by a fellowship.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri;">The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity aims to unite all of us, realising our one mission of Christ in a unique way, despite the diversity of gifts. As Christians, we have the common mission to spread the Good News and be missionaries wherever we are. Our daily interactions with family, co-workers, customers and friends should reflect God’s glory and love. Pope Francis views the diversity present in the Church as a gift which creates a harmonious “symphony” of voices or sounds towards a common goal of peace and harmony. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some time ago, I watched an interview on TV with a famous singer - P. Suseela, from India’s Kollywood Film industry - and she talked about her experience of recording songs. In the old days, she had to sing in front of an entire orchestra with many musicians. If anyone made a mistake, they had to redo the entire recording. However, with advanced technology of gadgets and instruments, they can now make corrections immediately and edit the track. She gave an example - when two people sing a duet, they don’t need to be physically present together. They can record their parts at different times and then blend them together to make a song.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOaCd0WjaC6BECXCp2lZroFV2JpJvrB1g6aqrupGRyHAj5OJnx19YJ2cK7JOjdILehPzDN-EAZmHSRscwnHYxXQ63ZULbay0PSQMHRMRQzmrl9IGtiVvjue_1Glv7NCUv1dVEyMbQDwXCtRu4T-_AYKY6LitpgnyMT7XR9l7Ww1b1FzYrErVM9kyUEegs/s2560/2FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOaCd0WjaC6BECXCp2lZroFV2JpJvrB1g6aqrupGRyHAj5OJnx19YJ2cK7JOjdILehPzDN-EAZmHSRscwnHYxXQ63ZULbay0PSQMHRMRQzmrl9IGtiVvjue_1Glv7NCUv1dVEyMbQDwXCtRu4T-_AYKY6LitpgnyMT7XR9l7Ww1b1FzYrErVM9kyUEegs/w400-h300/2FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you have ever been to a live orchestra performance, you would know how exciting it is to listen to musicians play different parts of the same instrument, coming together to create an incredible harmony that makes the music truly exceptional. However, it is not easy for everyone to play their own music and instrument simultaneously, and create a perfect musical harmony. In fact, an orchestra requires a conductor to ensure synchronisation; that everyone plays on time, and stays in tune. A conductor’s skill brings unity and uniqueness to the orchestra. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri;">God values the act of bringing His people together to worship Him. While unity is important, diversity is also highly valued, as we are all united in Christ. As a body has many parts but still functions as one, so it is with Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12). The WPCU allows us to come together as Christians, and experience the Lord’s presence in various ways. Let us strive for greater unity and heal the divisions in our churches - becoming one orchestra, creating peace and harmony in our churches.</span></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHbOQhkdxqOadRzqnlPLL3tKRNhXnaHF_qMdZyIUYETzedFaSPV3LC-cdxUa6D0wEnPI9r_CBvHLFnynOrHDzwFlo6MbvFxzi2dtyrExfX0jHKQp5pvZ7eYhzr9tluW4Q2BFcikmJF6B-2MqnxC2iHfqEW2e_y-Ekf_h-T_pA_pAOR4ErFFlYtZZSqs-I/s3029/4FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3029" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHbOQhkdxqOadRzqnlPLL3tKRNhXnaHF_qMdZyIUYETzedFaSPV3LC-cdxUa6D0wEnPI9r_CBvHLFnynOrHDzwFlo6MbvFxzi2dtyrExfX0jHKQp5pvZ7eYhzr9tluW4Q2BFcikmJF6B-2MqnxC2iHfqEW2e_y-Ekf_h-T_pA_pAOR4ErFFlYtZZSqs-I/w399-h400/4FB.jpg" width="399" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7M8MM5ugaM633p6mPNKvy1zpaBbv2xjdKTeoaGwUBLfmUvKFRWmDGz_oxbxoU61EjE0pPGYRMZGXGghQHdM1dXKePjK498E8amzNvhsdeKsBu5alVfahBESuqe5zv-1db-5sDVxw-kCLLkF7KVN_PPiiTpqM49pIAC_RrBPfU8BnhhGolMtqmYyieb3Y/s3356/6FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3356" data-original-width="2990" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7M8MM5ugaM633p6mPNKvy1zpaBbv2xjdKTeoaGwUBLfmUvKFRWmDGz_oxbxoU61EjE0pPGYRMZGXGghQHdM1dXKePjK498E8amzNvhsdeKsBu5alVfahBESuqe5zv-1db-5sDVxw-kCLLkF7KVN_PPiiTpqM49pIAC_RrBPfU8BnhhGolMtqmYyieb3Y/w356-h400/6FB.jpg" width="356" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zWyn9lzov1XUcPF6JqeZZ_XyU-q79Bz_Ah90iimIGE8l4HuhcWmTgiY2UqyeUfuvwn_4kMcMRjOuW4m-M5P16RIlwXrlMMgQc9Fk_TAs5pUlte9cwaUzJ1RAckYvrH6W5atZMKH1WdPGRy4t-eZCUPNUEYPvbkFM-uE15zEqiqJL7ifbJyV8kIChhKET/s4032/5FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zWyn9lzov1XUcPF6JqeZZ_XyU-q79Bz_Ah90iimIGE8l4HuhcWmTgiY2UqyeUfuvwn_4kMcMRjOuW4m-M5P16RIlwXrlMMgQc9Fk_TAs5pUlte9cwaUzJ1RAckYvrH6W5atZMKH1WdPGRy4t-eZCUPNUEYPvbkFM-uE15zEqiqJL7ifbJyV8kIChhKET/w300-h400/5FB.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white;"><br /></span></p></div>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-54477233274604963502024-01-20T12:32:00.004+08:002024-01-20T12:32:48.656+08:00SYNODAL CHURCH IN MISSION<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdmxKJApNpdLrXG-DRyo2mwz2y2l9kfxF9vJ0V9TFP4b-rtA1ryehyEcCotCtaKtegWevkKCGNfkNZddr8JuoirX5fIgnEvpdh6PW0-ZgYvdW5600_cJ2R9K_uWZJxKgx9U-z86swlxE-xQ1rQshFDkbn6WzuwKdeRgzh_qAxwpQtG4TBS-BSoorNZGdU/s2048/5FB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="2048" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdmxKJApNpdLrXG-DRyo2mwz2y2l9kfxF9vJ0V9TFP4b-rtA1ryehyEcCotCtaKtegWevkKCGNfkNZddr8JuoirX5fIgnEvpdh6PW0-ZgYvdW5600_cJ2R9K_uWZJxKgx9U-z86swlxE-xQ1rQshFDkbn6WzuwKdeRgzh_qAxwpQtG4TBS-BSoorNZGdU/w400-h203/5FB.jpeg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">Every year in January, the Clergy of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur gathers for the Clergy Annual Pastoral Assembly (CAPA). This year, the assembly was held at Glory Beach Resort in Port Dickson, from Sunday evening, 14 January until Thursday afternoon, 18 January 2024. Approximately 60 Bishops and Priests attended the four-day event, and we gathered to review and study the outcome of SYNOD 2023 as well as explore the latest issues and documents. We discussed, shared, and presented several topics in our CAPA.</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"> </span></span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 14.25pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">During the meeting, Rev Fr Simon Labrooy reviewed the CAPA Report of 2023, which analysed past years’ challenges and satisfaction. Rev Fr Clarence Dass conducted two sessions - on the outcome of Synod on Synodality 2023, and the preparations for the Synod in October 2024. He was one of the delegates from Malaysia who attended the Synod 2023 in Vatican City. In his first session, he shared his experience as a participant and member of the drafting committee. In the second session, he presented the need for us to be prepared for the Synod in October 2024 at the Malaysian Church Conference level. Furthermore, he explained how the Church could become a Synodal Church in Mission, by fulfilling the missionary commitments while maintaining unity and diversity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 14.25pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGDS63wNQ8UrdKuYUdzvIlP9pJbvdPwz8M-C3V0QFRKko6AeWVihUSYaHiI2hl0TqlvRaeL2KuF7zU_LEriVgK66qFjLlJQBFmO8cLtcIftl1batnD9wzhZv5zZq97XuUNwWbSsCYin4PA_MvDf7d4RIh_CiCfd3CWTGl-4acKMZoxhSFGzTRx95_X2kV/s2048/3aFB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1274" data-original-width="2048" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGDS63wNQ8UrdKuYUdzvIlP9pJbvdPwz8M-C3V0QFRKko6AeWVihUSYaHiI2hl0TqlvRaeL2KuF7zU_LEriVgK66qFjLlJQBFmO8cLtcIftl1batnD9wzhZv5zZq97XuUNwWbSsCYin4PA_MvDf7d4RIh_CiCfd3CWTGl-4acKMZoxhSFGzTRx95_X2kV/w320-h199/3aFB.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Archbishop Julian Leow and Rev Fr Philip Tay invited us to revisit and study the two recent declarations/documents, namely the <b><i>Pastoral Meaning of Blessings</i></b> (<i>Fiducia Supplicans </i>dated 18 December 2023) and the <b><i>Participation of Transgender and Homosexual Persons in the Sacraments of Baptism and Matrimony</i></b> (<i>Dicasterium Pro Doctrina Fidei</i> dated on 31 October 2023). Through this exercise, we gained a better understanding of questions related to the blessing of same-sex unions, the synodality of the Church’s mission, the importance of repentance, and other issues that were highlighted during Synod 2023. The inputs, insights and sharing from the study helped to clarify our doubts, enabling us to comprehend better the declarations and issues that had previously caused confusion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 14.25pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">During a forum, we had an open conversation with Archbishop Julian Leow who has been our shepherd for almost ten years in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. As priests, we are satisfied with how he governs the Archdiocese, and we expressed our willingness to work with him, adopting an attitude of co-responsibility in building the Church and its people, and carrying out the thrust of the Archdiocese. All the priests confirmed our support for him and our commitment to working together towards the mission of the Church.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 14.25pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Apart from this, we also came together in prayer, silent adoration, and Eucharistic celebrations to reflect on the issues facing us, so that we may serve the Church with clarity, charity, and greater responsibility. We have been entrusted with serving the Church’s mission through our priestly ministry, and this year’s CAPA has enlightened our minds to serve the Church and its mission to the best of our abilities. Our gathering has been productive and enriching, fostering prayer and strengthening relationships and priestly ministry.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 14.25pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbcFryxkWpAPC8SahTBuyn7576_UOfJI-l4x2PPcb392vfJOHn0vsOMCG-vwTwhSMsAqQ_oo1yMuoQP9fkqwSFXnETVQusTpqmpBewmBZ-lju4Eu-t-6lDKMmNFSeZ_u5GeAmCOBQBpxyCA024GVT3PwjuP2LAHeFu6_Iuwt7fQBRgpxIEQcXMD5e81gk/s4030/1FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1981" data-original-width="4030" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbcFryxkWpAPC8SahTBuyn7576_UOfJI-l4x2PPcb392vfJOHn0vsOMCG-vwTwhSMsAqQ_oo1yMuoQP9fkqwSFXnETVQusTpqmpBewmBZ-lju4Eu-t-6lDKMmNFSeZ_u5GeAmCOBQBpxyCA024GVT3PwjuP2LAHeFu6_Iuwt7fQBRgpxIEQcXMD5e81gk/w400-h196/1FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sxooLS0vN6onSj4xQZ_kBuWFiZrATvSQwmChkvK1Ji2EeVgao5ZXN1_wxTPWA9W_UN9KNFzr1BUBViRdPC_H3Qrn28DnwtuY2LzLgEP23I1HYpl6YcTZeynkjzvjYUVgtRVm3_kK0a9NeXJifOIzVfRnClRhQusqtT5QaOMldK_8_9XDbND6SoinkhjM/s2048/2FB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="2048" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sxooLS0vN6onSj4xQZ_kBuWFiZrATvSQwmChkvK1Ji2EeVgao5ZXN1_wxTPWA9W_UN9KNFzr1BUBViRdPC_H3Qrn28DnwtuY2LzLgEP23I1HYpl6YcTZeynkjzvjYUVgtRVm3_kK0a9NeXJifOIzVfRnClRhQusqtT5QaOMldK_8_9XDbND6SoinkhjM/w400-h220/2FB.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFug7i3T_Dcn5bMV7h3l4FPS0rbph5jwRc4gsD9kJWFo9IaEiEk_7TtRxL0qb4NlluAMPbQbDQHzOukuyH-tC9T8kIizVyc0pFHZiHz7D_HZOgGbnbbCSvxFTV3UNO84aAEeYFo19vobO1WKTFMpbPdD42qdYzTYNq_XW0l3O346PI9oLrfAbOtAm-DAh/s2048/4FB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="2048" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFug7i3T_Dcn5bMV7h3l4FPS0rbph5jwRc4gsD9kJWFo9IaEiEk_7TtRxL0qb4NlluAMPbQbDQHzOukuyH-tC9T8kIizVyc0pFHZiHz7D_HZOgGbnbbCSvxFTV3UNO84aAEeYFo19vobO1WKTFMpbPdD42qdYzTYNq_XW0l3O346PI9oLrfAbOtAm-DAh/w400-h210/4FB.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjj40cEETDZDOvjWhk4mWccmhvP1xSq_4jEYiExCpwq-adbXwOogJz9WVuySNIAXtjBhK27jtguQB4uz98u2p6mkEhgmIfTCN3xwDKsvuKYihs0YhfUY4jEbHmDk-DQ1SE3q4WS72wfzIoT3YNe0zZkW4wGTzB6KCf50cZAif_xYaWDi11uN-EQMQD2Dej/s2048/6FB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1928" data-original-width="2048" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjj40cEETDZDOvjWhk4mWccmhvP1xSq_4jEYiExCpwq-adbXwOogJz9WVuySNIAXtjBhK27jtguQB4uz98u2p6mkEhgmIfTCN3xwDKsvuKYihs0YhfUY4jEbHmDk-DQ1SE3q4WS72wfzIoT3YNe0zZkW4wGTzB6KCf50cZAif_xYaWDi11uN-EQMQD2Dej/w400-h376/6FB.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><p></p>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-58960684298574682552024-01-12T22:49:00.000+08:002024-01-12T22:49:19.264+08:00FOCUS ON PRAYERS AND GRATITUDE TO GOD<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3RgAOHoC3CQTDEX26WZQXDL6TpZ2Onca17Uca2uBO5XYZN2yrO9_fQBcAHYWm7RXT-5OiRVR3wXMwW_99X_VoquwzUVtrDV3yw6_YADi5V0VBSqa2MvVhtdnmfeFx34kcD9I3QmOvPui8ECNZmBb2_gqhy26AXMgzfI0cg-7Alir8ljXrIFvqp-Ikw59/s1155/3FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="1155" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3RgAOHoC3CQTDEX26WZQXDL6TpZ2Onca17Uca2uBO5XYZN2yrO9_fQBcAHYWm7RXT-5OiRVR3wXMwW_99X_VoquwzUVtrDV3yw6_YADi5V0VBSqa2MvVhtdnmfeFx34kcD9I3QmOvPui8ECNZmBb2_gqhy26AXMgzfI0cg-7Alir8ljXrIFvqp-Ikw59/w400-h270/3FB.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="background: white;">The Christmas season and New Year celebrations have ended swiftly, leaving us with mixed emotions. Some may feel joyful and happy, while others may experience a sense of sadness. However, all our celebrations, parties and gatherings have left wonderful memories that hold a special place in our hearts even after weeks have passed - and for this, we should give thanks and praise to God.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;">The feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which we celebrated on Monday, 8 January 2024, marked the end of the liturgical season of Christmastide. We began the first of the two periods of Ordinary Time the following day. This first period will continue until the season of Lent begins, on Wednesday, 14 February 2024.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;">During the Christmas Eve and Day Masses, almost 50% of our congregation were visitors from outstation, just as some of our parishioners were out of town for the festivities and holidays too. Last weekend, however, I noticed that many have resumed their regular routine and are back home in Kuantan in preparation to return to work and school.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;">We began our Church activities and formations last weekend. First, with a briefing on our Lenten Campaign 2024 at the Pahang / Terengganu District Level. The briefing was held on Saturday, 6 January 2024, and about 40 parishioners from Bentong, Kemaman and Kuantan churches attended the 2-hour session. The Archdiocesan Office of Human Development (AOHD) conducted the briefing in four different languages.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many parents of our catechism students have already registered their children for the upcoming catechism classes. Lessons will begin this Sunday and will include a spiritual orientation and introductory session. We have an enthusiastic team of catechists who are well-versed in three languages: English, Mandarin, and Bahasa Malaysia. This year, we have a total of 35 catechists - 20 catechists for English sessions, 6 for Bahasa-speaking students, and 9 for Mandarin-speaking students. We have assigned two catechists for each of the English classes to ensure a more manageable teacher-student ratio. The 6 Bahasa Malaysia-speaking catechists will assist classes with more students from East Malaysia, who may find it difficult to understand the lessons in English.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-V5V3b2CQoZsX8a1hQA7AXCjUdKhCUDJuOPikphi36uHAdRuZ8dpA_sl92R6XFWHXe3OGabeJyVCJLT8PO0k-HsNCu9QDbNFqyKSI2uoCZEOwe9Ol35jfQREN1LSNujA4jc_IuT96286EjUKSsn65N70WizrhE1hO7LxSNVJDCSxDkpyr1eVmXUXdddKE/s930/4FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="930" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-V5V3b2CQoZsX8a1hQA7AXCjUdKhCUDJuOPikphi36uHAdRuZ8dpA_sl92R6XFWHXe3OGabeJyVCJLT8PO0k-HsNCu9QDbNFqyKSI2uoCZEOwe9Ol35jfQREN1LSNujA4jc_IuT96286EjUKSsn65N70WizrhE1hO7LxSNVJDCSxDkpyr1eVmXUXdddKE/s320/4FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background: white;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We will not be using the Regent International School (RIS) classrooms this year, and have instead made arrangements to accommodate all our catechism students within our building. We have installed a TV screen and internet facilities for each class to benefit both catechists and students during lessons. Teachers can more effectively engage students in learning by using the TV, laptop and internet facilities. Teachers can prepare slides and video presentations instead of writing and erasing lessons on the whiteboard. Having the right equipment means our children will have a better learning experience during catechism classes.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;">As we fully immerse ourselves in the Year of Prayer 2024, we should focus on gratitude to God, self-care, self-awareness, determination and the true spirit of calmness. We are also called to pray for the Holy Father’s intention for the gift of unity and diversity in the Church. May the Holy Spirit help us to recognise the gift of different charisms within the Christian communities and discover the richness of different traditions and rituals in the Catholic Church.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E_UPFnJV0lszT6QtKvQL_mCwYKjRYJJkRsDOQwkWjsJNS4jydYYK_VVIBun43dpp8KpB-pPAUBPodugDHcx6xDh2U2EQ75tx2DXiaoJw8qS1OssEgMxZo8hZdggNIVBt4vvVhtk1MBQIg-rYPUXD_4B8BR2aBckoMhhcQhMXT5vVFIvs8mjOygfgTgfq/s1024/2FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="1024" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E_UPFnJV0lszT6QtKvQL_mCwYKjRYJJkRsDOQwkWjsJNS4jydYYK_VVIBun43dpp8KpB-pPAUBPodugDHcx6xDh2U2EQ75tx2DXiaoJw8qS1OssEgMxZo8hZdggNIVBt4vvVhtk1MBQIg-rYPUXD_4B8BR2aBckoMhhcQhMXT5vVFIvs8mjOygfgTgfq/w400-h195/2FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMkWD2AXc8a5CksrA8uhcMtui0w2zha2mM8bqBW8xgudUcrTITtvTUDYzJpJr-ss5O7hdZu698YsAleMKYLRn4iIn9drWC-qSC7TP-1VOeG7hgnxwPh8Omaf5Wd7owI5-RSMsQ1oOoHuhnA9ksWu8R6qexzx60HPn0tk-dnrIp3rCRGHHNwW6g8_atjAc/s4032/5aFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMkWD2AXc8a5CksrA8uhcMtui0w2zha2mM8bqBW8xgudUcrTITtvTUDYzJpJr-ss5O7hdZu698YsAleMKYLRn4iIn9drWC-qSC7TP-1VOeG7hgnxwPh8Omaf5Wd7owI5-RSMsQ1oOoHuhnA9ksWu8R6qexzx60HPn0tk-dnrIp3rCRGHHNwW6g8_atjAc/w400-h300/5aFB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxRSA1axbO6QOThU4QEDmNECr6li-qa3aoM82u9emzsX2x8_i07_xNGaDmFt1S4Ol49WCINZdnxVZkOWpPEoMvMZi-IsUvhiNK2UzG8_COfTn7vPD2aTCOcv2Aqf0BfmjTRWhQaGF4UyIiuOg0LWzP09AMqBYaCWIZGgQ7jw4vUnLBdsPsBwD53jL3MvS/s1024/1FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="1024" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxRSA1axbO6QOThU4QEDmNECr6li-qa3aoM82u9emzsX2x8_i07_xNGaDmFt1S4Ol49WCINZdnxVZkOWpPEoMvMZi-IsUvhiNK2UzG8_COfTn7vPD2aTCOcv2Aqf0BfmjTRWhQaGF4UyIiuOg0LWzP09AMqBYaCWIZGgQ7jw4vUnLBdsPsBwD53jL3MvS/w400-h195/1FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxn8bGa9KWGqtDprPdsQrouf_srZAba01TQHhF-1jg7UKsGT__yNkbjVX59R8MkdiOYSfOQRCbXwpGZ01Yy0P0-gNdNhZIWd27ohGpSeZ_fhJswTmbJlEBDNUjKXtkj1d_jTBqjFkV3lWt-UrXtc4ULNk740IWnAES8O2g3-WSpUQ98JD0248mjZXnjbc/s3425/5FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3425" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxn8bGa9KWGqtDprPdsQrouf_srZAba01TQHhF-1jg7UKsGT__yNkbjVX59R8MkdiOYSfOQRCbXwpGZ01Yy0P0-gNdNhZIWd27ohGpSeZ_fhJswTmbJlEBDNUjKXtkj1d_jTBqjFkV3lWt-UrXtc4ULNk740IWnAES8O2g3-WSpUQ98JD0248mjZXnjbc/s320/5FB.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><br /><span style="background: white;"><br /></span><p></p>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-58013184033624903562024-01-06T13:01:00.000+08:002024-01-06T13:01:06.796+08:00<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivECuU2MUCmTBCz8gF2skz0m5BbqK6ES6CS49DNtLXMVUEz-s-hIufuE17ZdwiY546QY8e6gkr9q6RbYCAoEm4gGmLDI_u6rErMJkOFLmnpnj4OV1GF1wtQnVWhMB_nkgFPKpCLcv1LXoWG3I_azbQo80W9sp-mgC91SmzlhGdYh_0hxFMXluHfuWYXlyJ/s3208/1FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3208" data-original-width="3021" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivECuU2MUCmTBCz8gF2skz0m5BbqK6ES6CS49DNtLXMVUEz-s-hIufuE17ZdwiY546QY8e6gkr9q6RbYCAoEm4gGmLDI_u6rErMJkOFLmnpnj4OV1GF1wtQnVWhMB_nkgFPKpCLcv1LXoWG3I_azbQo80W9sp-mgC91SmzlhGdYh_0hxFMXluHfuWYXlyJ/s320/1FB.jpg" width="301" /></a><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our Catechetical Year 2024 is scheduled to commence on 14 January 2024, and we would like to take this opportunity to invite all parents to actively participate in nurturing the faith of their children studying in our Catechism classes. We appreciate that you were sending them regularly for their faith education, and we have seen their performance and attendance reach up to 95%. We encourage you to continue doing the same this year, so that they will grow in faith and morality. You are responsible for ensuring that your children attend their faith education program on Sundays, just as you make every effort to send them to school and tuition classes.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Registration for Catechism classes are open, and while many have already signed-up, some have not. We are expecting at least 108 students to attend this year’s Catechism classes, so if you have yet to register your child, please do so as soon as possible. On the reopening day of Catechism, we will begin with a spiritual orientation program. It will include the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and a short briefing for both parents and children.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Holy Father has declared that 2024 will be celebrated as the <b>Year of Prayer</b>. This is a promise and a preparation for the grand celebration of faith that will take place in the Jubilee Year of 2025. The Year of Prayer provides us with an opportunity to prepare ourselves spiritually and emotionally for the holy journey that we will embark on, as a prelude to the grand jubilee 2025 theme of “Pilgrims of Hope”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpD_ikjbWD71PA-YXPlQkggT9vDE1V2Tjw5LmqURL0r71YjVbn633tC8yJy3c2UE_WV2KBnwdJrJaHzLiEbjrriUeMj-YfFO9qotWbOb4iQWK4k8Z9xdhAbE322XROMkViYML8FisApPZWd8Vze4q833oLPvWObueyy5PCUFMTnE6DzvdkrZm9qN1s5ANh/s1440/2FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1389" data-original-width="1440" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpD_ikjbWD71PA-YXPlQkggT9vDE1V2Tjw5LmqURL0r71YjVbn633tC8yJy3c2UE_WV2KBnwdJrJaHzLiEbjrriUeMj-YfFO9qotWbOb4iQWK4k8Z9xdhAbE322XROMkViYML8FisApPZWd8Vze4q833oLPvWObueyy5PCUFMTnE6DzvdkrZm9qN1s5ANh/s320/2FB.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we journey through this year of prayer, the Lord will certainly strengthen our faith and enkindle in us the fire of His love. Let us prepare our hearts to receive the abundant blessings that await us as we journey inwardly. Let us strive for fruitful spiritual growth, and courageously walking towards the golden gate of 2025. I wish you a new year filled with steadfast prayer; always stay on your knees and pray for one another.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is traditionally observed from 18 January to 25 January. The Holy Father chose a theme - “<i>You shall love the Lord your God… and your neighbour as yourself,” (Luke 10:27)</i>. The Holy Father’s intention for the month of January 2024 is to pray to the Holy Spirit to recognise and appreciate “the diverse gifts of charisms” in the Christian Churches and “to discover the richness of the different ritual traditions” that are present within the Catholic Church. When we allow “the Holy Spirit to guide us - abundance, variety and diversity will not cause conflict.”</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On 25<sup> </sup>January 2024 - on the closing of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity - we will host a liturgical celebration and fellowship at our Church by inviting pastors, elders and leaders from the ecumenical churches. May this gathering inspire us to work towards Christian unity, deepen relationships and promote reconciliation among ecumenical churches, enabling us to love our neighbour as we love ourselves.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMgIKB3YxIC8cNoZHyfp9dMADq3CbHwskcl-6FmisEDMxAAgO_VxwVKC-1bwOqQYVVVjuYXqBKfxWdWxkd-pdmA98EWtpWDlD78DMOn6CVBgoPMGgUyBD8KJb2NZp4aOhojeK2N1fC4yryU1WC_CxU1Hc0qeNsfG2_S4ZVeEFsGMaQkD1W6GHnGiSrRpl/s4032/3FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2344" data-original-width="4032" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMgIKB3YxIC8cNoZHyfp9dMADq3CbHwskcl-6FmisEDMxAAgO_VxwVKC-1bwOqQYVVVjuYXqBKfxWdWxkd-pdmA98EWtpWDlD78DMOn6CVBgoPMGgUyBD8KJb2NZp4aOhojeK2N1fC4yryU1WC_CxU1Hc0qeNsfG2_S4ZVeEFsGMaQkD1W6GHnGiSrRpl/w400-h233/3FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CBtv2v0nvgVwTeF_sqaj7-aCZJjcT1i3c2z_HS_Pvo8dsBcILjAd6QyRaityPJjJdIDJSgUv2C3u0qAadBsKRlANfrBE5NtkWlDMG3zU5GSY667zbzwyexkTzNBPaM_nt4La6gmUkjigYUBz6KKWYgfGnpOH-DrWt1CliHpDaPDtEufCzOMl2pMznwY6/s4030/4FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1787" data-original-width="4030" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CBtv2v0nvgVwTeF_sqaj7-aCZJjcT1i3c2z_HS_Pvo8dsBcILjAd6QyRaityPJjJdIDJSgUv2C3u0qAadBsKRlANfrBE5NtkWlDMG3zU5GSY667zbzwyexkTzNBPaM_nt4La6gmUkjigYUBz6KKWYgfGnpOH-DrWt1CliHpDaPDtEufCzOMl2pMznwY6/w400-h178/4FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrINeXYmk-6BIbqnSS0pdJm5uJIDEwuX8hjJum0ys6vDoBOZdq6343V7-c_z5ZBYZLfvvvbGinLaqSAWvbIN3Gn_uidGpYLvG0dwQY2ke6QYOS4AYpZh8YSv59bO8SoUp6j8wo8aa6i67b5NzrzABe5pTYrEkWN3h0lBNH4jkuSZtXnspsfmL8ghLfeKXs/s1024/5aFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrINeXYmk-6BIbqnSS0pdJm5uJIDEwuX8hjJum0ys6vDoBOZdq6343V7-c_z5ZBYZLfvvvbGinLaqSAWvbIN3Gn_uidGpYLvG0dwQY2ke6QYOS4AYpZh8YSv59bO8SoUp6j8wo8aa6i67b5NzrzABe5pTYrEkWN3h0lBNH4jkuSZtXnspsfmL8ghLfeKXs/w400-h300/5aFB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><p></p>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-12367464454831242952023-12-30T14:26:00.003+08:002023-12-30T14:29:15.834+08:00PEACEFUL WORLD FOR GENERATIONS TO FOLLOW<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 15pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIi7iEwxcEQShUzRrTvlU31nL-x7quccR5sOpd4WzTqaG8gWjQPZcIcMYMw1Hl6mZ_dEwlZs04sb-B7YoS31WdxrGdXtcWzfC8GQn_fb3QhYmb1mP5xd4fMIjPxLezCjVTUHgEx6gAHBD12lr5TnCMDGZOXrBzB2H7acf8mwSVechMLieNgF74EqMV7-6R/s4030/1FB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2158" data-original-width="4030" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIi7iEwxcEQShUzRrTvlU31nL-x7quccR5sOpd4WzTqaG8gWjQPZcIcMYMw1Hl6mZ_dEwlZs04sb-B7YoS31WdxrGdXtcWzfC8GQn_fb3QhYmb1mP5xd4fMIjPxLezCjVTUHgEx6gAHBD12lr5TnCMDGZOXrBzB2H7acf8mwSVechMLieNgF74EqMV7-6R/w320-h171/1FB.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #161719;">On 1 January 2024, the Church celebrates the </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #161719;">57th World Day of Peace</b><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #161719;"> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #161719;">with a theme entitled</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #161719;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #161719;">“Artificial Intelligence and Peace."</i><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #161719;"> </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #161719;">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.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 15pt; text-align: justify;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; color: #161719; font-family: Calibri;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; color: #161719; font-family: Calibri;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; color: #161719; font-family: Calibri;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; color: #161719;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(AN EXTRACT OF POPE FRANCIS’ MESSAGE FOR THE WORLD DAY OF PEACE 2024)<span></span></span></span></b></p><a name='more'></a><b><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; color: #161719;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><p></p><p style="margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJkrHDWSSZ8TV3_hJiuD1tsEgpGEm7zOOUPQUeL_qOsXIXbdDu-vwPZLsb1SOGYa2RpVzsWSmCYjZUSwR5OnV8jB_M0xN1ClvMHJxv3rl4y-SZ20EskLZ2ObhhHhGTM-emfs-x3eJnNZ1ZFdjsiJK0pde4bXAkUUwKGi2BoS5hAgNM-6uH5-8Scn8wm0P/s4032/4FB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJkrHDWSSZ8TV3_hJiuD1tsEgpGEm7zOOUPQUeL_qOsXIXbdDu-vwPZLsb1SOGYa2RpVzsWSmCYjZUSwR5OnV8jB_M0xN1ClvMHJxv3rl4y-SZ20EskLZ2ObhhHhGTM-emfs-x3eJnNZ1ZFdjsiJK0pde4bXAkUUwKGi2BoS5hAgNM-6uH5-8Scn8wm0P/s320/4FB.jpg" width="240" /></a><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; color: #161719; font-family: Calibri;">At the start of the New Year, we hope and pray for a better year where peace on earth becomes a top priority. We pray for the safety and well-being of all humanity, wherever they are in the world, free from oppression and man-made viruses and diseases. We pray for the freedom of all humanity and not for the increase of inequality and injustice in today’s world. May God put in place leaders of integrity to lead this world towards progress and happiness. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; color: #161719; font-family: Calibri;">We pray for a world that reflects God’s will when He created it, where people appreciate and preserve the beauty created by Him. We ask for an honest and sincere medical industry professionals, not one that focuses on making money but instead helping those in need. Additionally, we pray for an end to poverty and starvation, corruption, false teachings, pretentiousness, dishonesty, oppression and abuse of migrants, women and children. We hope that future generations, especially children, will have access to free education, allowing them to learn and grow wisely with the development of AI, ultimately achieving peace.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; color: red; font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></p><blockquote><p style="margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; color: red; font-family: Calibri;">WISHING YOU A YEAR FULL OF HAPPINESS, SUCCESS, LOVE, AND BLESSINGS!</span></b></p><p style="margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; color: red; font-family: Calibri;">HAPPY NEW YEAR 2024!<span></span></span></b></p><!--more--><p></p></blockquote><p style="margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; color: red; font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></p><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-w3U5MhkFRZglla2t3hLAkOtnas4f_W-EDB4dsy5UslWfFNWYkJkUmk4FnzWBzc64gKclQR4watzy_-BhCULnS-JurwgcVPsRl941WhfWGC9bIaytMx2uSQ9VgETjiuzllyg-hLtNFw8DcWzPAMExd3V2q7kyydQCeUhIC9VATuhx9Jq5nOBwcwaQD05G/s3002/2FB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2805" data-original-width="3002" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-w3U5MhkFRZglla2t3hLAkOtnas4f_W-EDB4dsy5UslWfFNWYkJkUmk4FnzWBzc64gKclQR4watzy_-BhCULnS-JurwgcVPsRl941WhfWGC9bIaytMx2uSQ9VgETjiuzllyg-hLtNFw8DcWzPAMExd3V2q7kyydQCeUhIC9VATuhx9Jq5nOBwcwaQD05G/w400-h374/2FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5uohi3qIMviq07JiVsJxPBDERS5tT-X9n_H7tHorM1YxFgM4ODWklOFkhH_bTa9NtH3WkHbnDG_HBMyrleSB9k6uMdpb2HApw3K1ooGXrlbUcpcCXE_NCptEq98xWdi4XGm2udpA4xUbPN32nQ5I07nuLXuI7gMS-WZJ67cqR99VtGFbsB_M9lefbOG3/s3009/3FB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2346" data-original-width="3009" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5uohi3qIMviq07JiVsJxPBDERS5tT-X9n_H7tHorM1YxFgM4ODWklOFkhH_bTa9NtH3WkHbnDG_HBMyrleSB9k6uMdpb2HApw3K1ooGXrlbUcpcCXE_NCptEq98xWdi4XGm2udpA4xUbPN32nQ5I07nuLXuI7gMS-WZJ67cqR99VtGFbsB_M9lefbOG3/w400-h311/3FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; color: #161719;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; color: #161719;"><br /></span></b></p><span><!--more--></span>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-26975650291745738912023-12-23T14:04:00.000+08:002023-12-23T14:04:08.667+08:00ENCOMPASS THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIpYk3oxfm55nYJE5uPeCpCEbOJxQIdaI5z3dCv3IfCKQ4ubFIjSlDMoZ8o_Ht40YRulSnASbYBGCNtJpgDXHEtYFJRd6aA0csE3ea4YsKDJiV2RCPULH6VDdlTn-cMFuYOU6Ll5CNGmMUp9ifRIPG0R8YvrJ3cQpoycd_ZSb12mkCempzMlAhv6ETe2d/s4005/1FB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4005" data-original-width="2854" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIpYk3oxfm55nYJE5uPeCpCEbOJxQIdaI5z3dCv3IfCKQ4ubFIjSlDMoZ8o_Ht40YRulSnASbYBGCNtJpgDXHEtYFJRd6aA0csE3ea4YsKDJiV2RCPULH6VDdlTn-cMFuYOU6Ll5CNGmMUp9ifRIPG0R8YvrJ3cQpoycd_ZSb12mkCempzMlAhv6ETe2d/s320/1FB.jpg" width="228" /></a><span style="background: repeat white;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CtyEyUYp1C2EjuenPAHxrs8elw-qCEChlYIXmGd3NNgtJN1WjXJKQviTJbjfMrIC02TmbXTybc0-kwanwi5ALOuLEm0BgF1zV05NWza24BDju7qJbuBGWz3wquzbB3PrfqahYMtFwyYWot5RJy93oPgEBuLi9I99csJdBtnIAJyYHZE5Kemqd-LAI0Wb/s1079/2abFB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1079" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CtyEyUYp1C2EjuenPAHxrs8elw-qCEChlYIXmGd3NNgtJN1WjXJKQviTJbjfMrIC02TmbXTybc0-kwanwi5ALOuLEm0BgF1zV05NWza24BDju7qJbuBGWz3wquzbB3PrfqahYMtFwyYWot5RJy93oPgEBuLi9I99csJdBtnIAJyYHZE5Kemqd-LAI0Wb/w400-h238/2abFB.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-family: Calibri;">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!</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></p><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background: repeat white;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Calibri;">Merry Christmas to you and your family! </span></span></b></div></b><div><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="background: repeat white;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Calibri;"> May your Christmas be filled with peace, love and happiness.<span><a name='more'></a></span></span></span></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfmQ2QlamiQh3fzMM06hN9dj5WkejKkLHOyILZMer1f33EfMSAHQdFPEcPqI5VqzhKw5eeW2u-i8btGQMrXTepsJu8LKVRKWjwx8S-vmDFO42PHc66VVFVxVU-G6BM347H213gHfp_qZL_3IotiORvlQ60dd9TMxh5SFH6f9w_rJBqAfTGypybjtM0LfY/s4030/2aFB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1881" data-original-width="4030" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfmQ2QlamiQh3fzMM06hN9dj5WkejKkLHOyILZMer1f33EfMSAHQdFPEcPqI5VqzhKw5eeW2u-i8btGQMrXTepsJu8LKVRKWjwx8S-vmDFO42PHc66VVFVxVU-G6BM347H213gHfp_qZL_3IotiORvlQ60dd9TMxh5SFH6f9w_rJBqAfTGypybjtM0LfY/w400-h186/2aFB.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9zOeZig2P7Iq2YkM2dEy-d9GhdHPL0lZ2YigbT2_rPRJ0w_UyaqnON_2NbSnsitECu5pc233x4gMLS-Jfdcj3Rlvrnf666XpGZpHvtQKo1OpQm2bdchYTqzkFRsep9mVC3gq9LI4CZNu8miLEl1bFjwsPPWBfnITLUrzty5TjwL-fHLorj_FcMfu02bH/s4030/4aFB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2433" data-original-width="4030" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9zOeZig2P7Iq2YkM2dEy-d9GhdHPL0lZ2YigbT2_rPRJ0w_UyaqnON_2NbSnsitECu5pc233x4gMLS-Jfdcj3Rlvrnf666XpGZpHvtQKo1OpQm2bdchYTqzkFRsep9mVC3gq9LI4CZNu8miLEl1bFjwsPPWBfnITLUrzty5TjwL-fHLorj_FcMfu02bH/w400-h241/4aFB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-67838618065979680822023-12-16T14:40:00.000+08:002023-12-16T14:40:14.124+08:00A HEART FILLED WITH LOVE<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKICAW5xaGormCMpUAQopAXUNusAwDuuzZ6I1xBoHsDmsJQq7eqQwrPc63D8Aam8AH2KcCCRB7sxLaDbpwvF962mMVDMm4MseKAaOkYkB8Z7ulL3OJNX-gn757J4yLWTHH2uMurd_0M5E8swO-kfchgx8QijJNSZ5mowN1JPFRu6ObM6mCDc0uQnkeaGF5/s4032/5FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKICAW5xaGormCMpUAQopAXUNusAwDuuzZ6I1xBoHsDmsJQq7eqQwrPc63D8Aam8AH2KcCCRB7sxLaDbpwvF962mMVDMm4MseKAaOkYkB8Z7ulL3OJNX-gn757J4yLWTHH2uMurd_0M5E8swO-kfchgx8QijJNSZ5mowN1JPFRu6ObM6mCDc0uQnkeaGF5/w320-h240/5FB.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background: white; color: #161719;">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).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #161719;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #161719;">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.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: #161719;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnQB-NAikX5Cj1MgUySJu3kG1doX8-rcwslzIQ0yAqopRpu_XXbBRcHfW1iC0Fsb3uO9VgLyxcXw5h2QS9xfG42nmq90RdV2j07D8H1qP6WuwZEbGgR4iuareBhZwva5b_U75zsNgRP9H1e0MIjsJlKE1TDmgwArOANvpI1b1o-UfbYGL654hSDZoQqyV/s3840/4FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnQB-NAikX5Cj1MgUySJu3kG1doX8-rcwslzIQ0yAqopRpu_XXbBRcHfW1iC0Fsb3uO9VgLyxcXw5h2QS9xfG42nmq90RdV2j07D8H1qP6WuwZEbGgR4iuareBhZwva5b_U75zsNgRP9H1e0MIjsJlKE1TDmgwArOANvpI1b1o-UfbYGL654hSDZoQqyV/w180-h320/4FB.jpg" width="180" /></a>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: #161719;">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 </span><span style="background: white;">weather situations - continuously </span><span style="background: white; color: #161719;">monitoring the weather conditions, and issuing warnings to the committee members through our WhatsApp group.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: #161719;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: #161719;">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.</span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: #161719;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbSyZuEi2SoPo1eKeyPWqCUVIDnDJJUSQb3iHBTSMccV8fGQnlH8BOKOR-mXiNEWH3AOhF4yjviZzYe1HXAa7aPuc2KFfHwO15ibInMxoJ4-Bw1P5lkdMjD6QV7rOb6JB5ICCwUTm0pLWnrNhGYQUyxAunm-c-R7hlBijWTKtx5QbvDKyeXS87HqhsZvy/s1000/2FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbSyZuEi2SoPo1eKeyPWqCUVIDnDJJUSQb3iHBTSMccV8fGQnlH8BOKOR-mXiNEWH3AOhF4yjviZzYe1HXAa7aPuc2KFfHwO15ibInMxoJ4-Bw1P5lkdMjD6QV7rOb6JB5ICCwUTm0pLWnrNhGYQUyxAunm-c-R7hlBijWTKtx5QbvDKyeXS87HqhsZvy/w400-h180/2FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSimgHV_UaviQ2hfXrJJkxE4KSsB87ZehSGFuEo0lvoMM1_Rqr93LKeZcQWmUNCqu1AwGdYlBHi5SNEOeXrtlaK_1cGdt-g7BgFedGGtkqEtVXIwKUHko0Irt-ladKFOgUyAzX8hTpW795EflFM9tXka0CGxMe0L0kEDGh19EaqwVtFCIRRED7NE4gG5sc/s3412/6FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3412" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSimgHV_UaviQ2hfXrJJkxE4KSsB87ZehSGFuEo0lvoMM1_Rqr93LKeZcQWmUNCqu1AwGdYlBHi5SNEOeXrtlaK_1cGdt-g7BgFedGGtkqEtVXIwKUHko0Irt-ladKFOgUyAzX8hTpW795EflFM9tXka0CGxMe0L0kEDGh19EaqwVtFCIRRED7NE4gG5sc/w355-h400/6FB.jpg" width="355" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><p></p>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-56124245219781175092023-12-09T14:37:00.001+08:002023-12-09T14:37:26.961+08:00DAYS OF SIGNIFICANCE AND OBLIGATION<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qkfHHhEvAhyphenhyphen89W082Jkj59NhW3AqYcfzwkpSgI-7xrOxi-1hhWyuWuZbwnKBsymmbqRf0grifXdNrWbzjjQNofEH3wNiV2a2_xBavQ23iI3fy54GMiU0ANsJLvxO8S0J74spUoaGCLGfGcN4lbmITd-eB4f3LpQNqJuSRpAGbO4F-Au58OzUkCSYyBhy/s1280/1FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qkfHHhEvAhyphenhyphen89W082Jkj59NhW3AqYcfzwkpSgI-7xrOxi-1hhWyuWuZbwnKBsymmbqRf0grifXdNrWbzjjQNofEH3wNiV2a2_xBavQ23iI3fy54GMiU0ANsJLvxO8S0J74spUoaGCLGfGcN4lbmITd-eB4f3LpQNqJuSRpAGbO4F-Au58OzUkCSYyBhy/s320/1FB.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background: white;">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<sup>o</sup>C and during the day it’s between 28-32<sup>o</sup>C. 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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcO53ckrAdlBi2oygv2JNxl7mIZZUiCQKEHCUfpxbtaygT9PHySaYO-sYp0wiZcnUEEiIppSG04nPqE_HjCaotgq_jp7QiSNeQp2S6p6Jm5c4oVSap6O1iV9yAAsH84lZJbkTpabthZ3GN9ypYIqS-jzUk3wydWp0wCSOnnfAzUFLSjYCh-XIe79hEq_PD/s4032/2FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcO53ckrAdlBi2oygv2JNxl7mIZZUiCQKEHCUfpxbtaygT9PHySaYO-sYp0wiZcnUEEiIppSG04nPqE_HjCaotgq_jp7QiSNeQp2S6p6Jm5c4oVSap6O1iV9yAAsH84lZJbkTpabthZ3GN9ypYIqS-jzUk3wydWp0wCSOnnfAzUFLSjYCh-XIe79hEq_PD/w240-h320/2FB.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="background: white;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;">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 – <b><i>The Gift of Christmas</i></b> – will be sung in four different languages and will last for 45 minutes. The choir has been practising for the past two weekends.</span> <span style="background: white;">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.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;">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!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;">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.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskEvN3xrikD8iiH_33f5qdvLQhuqhTAJ4WLjMnagAkfcZe6684s-qwWyvPhAfQPP6E39gOKsok0rvHCBtQIrTt1hat3dgHU6vtaAFRGMC7yvB1EC6iYZhdqH0qGpYA2_vJEunhA0SDM6_P0G7br-IlLM7GQVnn7TNsWK8WKo6RRkWd093CHWeuAqqG0A5/s1276/4FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="1276" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskEvN3xrikD8iiH_33f5qdvLQhuqhTAJ4WLjMnagAkfcZe6684s-qwWyvPhAfQPP6E39gOKsok0rvHCBtQIrTt1hat3dgHU6vtaAFRGMC7yvB1EC6iYZhdqH0qGpYA2_vJEunhA0SDM6_P0G7br-IlLM7GQVnn7TNsWK8WKo6RRkWd093CHWeuAqqG0A5/w400-h260/4FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDonkEPwYSJKMqbI9wy_yjhbpgW3QCs4rQkLR18SwFd0cS3VWYPXUG4Xz5S-6Vlh30pqZr3lCiR2MRr6HHC5UURUNyd6-Jiv4U19aGsbR8AejbAzc4jV0Za1VEvVRsSp9_w4Fay2Z5_lyO0YToLhyphenhyphen27-1ifB9veDOhIv_h2pR2Nn_P_69IXXDKJp_JI3cK/s4032/2abFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDonkEPwYSJKMqbI9wy_yjhbpgW3QCs4rQkLR18SwFd0cS3VWYPXUG4Xz5S-6Vlh30pqZr3lCiR2MRr6HHC5UURUNyd6-Jiv4U19aGsbR8AejbAzc4jV0Za1VEvVRsSp9_w4Fay2Z5_lyO0YToLhyphenhyphen27-1ifB9veDOhIv_h2pR2Nn_P_69IXXDKJp_JI3cK/w400-h300/2abFB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8SoQ-PpygbYKjWZV-fS3qorFRAFWeky9FSaQ5clnD_DuvlNVV_-njpyFJYga_2KkPp1x9i3cq7sH9cpVNrq9ufHM6EmeMAwxeG7MnFheAdvlgw2hAKqR7H-B80npzzFB-zNJ8X1wUL2mRYiEaqgbPEFFdBWOM0YADABfFt6w4iapMy1yCL54Ycx8gMD6/s4032/2aFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8SoQ-PpygbYKjWZV-fS3qorFRAFWeky9FSaQ5clnD_DuvlNVV_-njpyFJYga_2KkPp1x9i3cq7sH9cpVNrq9ufHM6EmeMAwxeG7MnFheAdvlgw2hAKqR7H-B80npzzFB-zNJ8X1wUL2mRYiEaqgbPEFFdBWOM0YADABfFt6w4iapMy1yCL54Ycx8gMD6/s320/2aFB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="background: white;"><br /></span><p></p>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-54993896281996637032023-12-02T15:09:00.001+08:002023-12-02T22:07:56.911+08:00FUTURE GROWTH WITH VISION AND MISSION<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbntPMliyDC2wlUk6olON1lkzv3EQwO9hwqus-dIORXyZRIit3TKsY-LOuNBDxVnFEr-oKCWHQER88IngAWHNeDigaOqL0BX8tHpHCOrjiOhr0yMqatHZS2OpLtuzCjZ21EiMitIDqfp1i-oopPotwjxcNPVyk7_FpGkBQbM-b1z_IfJ9qakyHpx9coI9W/s3395/1abcFB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3395" data-original-width="2941" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbntPMliyDC2wlUk6olON1lkzv3EQwO9hwqus-dIORXyZRIit3TKsY-LOuNBDxVnFEr-oKCWHQER88IngAWHNeDigaOqL0BX8tHpHCOrjiOhr0yMqatHZS2OpLtuzCjZ21EiMitIDqfp1i-oopPotwjxcNPVyk7_FpGkBQbM-b1z_IfJ9qakyHpx9coI9W/w277-h320/1abcFB.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">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.</div></span><div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">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, <i>“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,”</i> (Phil 4:9). We worked together as a community and put together our thoughts, words and actions in order to build a faithful community.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZk3ARXX2QGOd_PSHFUyuYfIc8x0-ROjTTMNA1sMCrDylW-kauQCVhzpiyowve3y2b4aR9lLGoGME8I_MYLbEMcmlOUnz1euL1CFj6MH1qfAm6V66iT2ZEzPHTAfC0gmQlWvJuMo7RtsTXdvjOcEQmO5Q11FwWPNZxjPpcTFfNuM4hEyP72wW3Zd93Ybp/s3719/1FB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2343" data-original-width="3719" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZk3ARXX2QGOd_PSHFUyuYfIc8x0-ROjTTMNA1sMCrDylW-kauQCVhzpiyowve3y2b4aR9lLGoGME8I_MYLbEMcmlOUnz1euL1CFj6MH1qfAm6V66iT2ZEzPHTAfC0gmQlWvJuMo7RtsTXdvjOcEQmO5Q11FwWPNZxjPpcTFfNuM4hEyP72wW3Zd93Ybp/s320/1FB.jpg" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-GB">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. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="background: repeat white;">Vision: </span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB">Being A Community Rooted in the Word, Faith and Values.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="background: repeat white;">Mission: </span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB">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.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;">May our patron Saint Thomas the Apostle, intercede for us, and the Blessed Virgin Mary accompany us in living our lives obediently and faithfully.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-Jh6cHNwhlv0qk7DYYr90eo34wqx3LtMF-QlwAHWjIpfLyhhV5NNwPByueANz3UX2D7pt0-nR07lgqZjiBJm46AYXvIYrr2A-bC4cNFkRCaFvGRPz0dQXiAVQPdzxPp9Bk6i_VSmDIpIXBhcppjGH8LEKM_Ptxa90hTNPj-P9Mj8rmlr7ZjJiy4zpqyV/s4032/3BFB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-Jh6cHNwhlv0qk7DYYr90eo34wqx3LtMF-QlwAHWjIpfLyhhV5NNwPByueANz3UX2D7pt0-nR07lgqZjiBJm46AYXvIYrr2A-bC4cNFkRCaFvGRPz0dQXiAVQPdzxPp9Bk6i_VSmDIpIXBhcppjGH8LEKM_Ptxa90hTNPj-P9Mj8rmlr7ZjJiy4zpqyV/s320/3BFB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpK1XyD5hg079bh0K9rBJmisvFiuLo0U9h_b___DBwztpn6raByvkSHqp6QuOzdJVyZBMlc3Vp9tVabs7y_7Zaok7y7JoEkIn07zpF8IU-hC_7S6rF85djqKcflKlXcDxFR-m6ozi6YSylwBN1Vi_K4ugtsMHQjKeEHm0kZA8yjsakGT5FPJKpoiuDpTL/s4032/2FB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpK1XyD5hg079bh0K9rBJmisvFiuLo0U9h_b___DBwztpn6raByvkSHqp6QuOzdJVyZBMlc3Vp9tVabs7y_7Zaok7y7JoEkIn07zpF8IU-hC_7S6rF85djqKcflKlXcDxFR-m6ozi6YSylwBN1Vi_K4ugtsMHQjKeEHm0kZA8yjsakGT5FPJKpoiuDpTL/s320/2FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbX90Xp6_k-tsaBvxOXl3jWufmJgGA02NwPW09I3lb1L_A90rJ-ecSiBlRfhuJVcY7vGRIDDkx0KkdYq63uVRgWCb3PbUN58-NSp42-SKrraH9mlybQrX0duoraHmsV9l21TZWBL2JKm84j7quoNg4dmzn3T8745cAIFjUuski8kHSGKQ0rkV83rNcwlti/s4032/3aFB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbX90Xp6_k-tsaBvxOXl3jWufmJgGA02NwPW09I3lb1L_A90rJ-ecSiBlRfhuJVcY7vGRIDDkx0KkdYq63uVRgWCb3PbUN58-NSp42-SKrraH9mlybQrX0duoraHmsV9l21TZWBL2JKm84j7quoNg4dmzn3T8745cAIFjUuski8kHSGKQ0rkV83rNcwlti/s320/3aFB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiLKTYcSur4votp3m6p15NZquahqli_aTWLyyPZ5a8o49O85_nDisA9nn42eaamtWDC8iW0DUj2fkWik5H3oLMoFgkXi7yGegBPl36JX9mdprg3QfJ-zAOIAo_kJGErsIiv6pPNfKtoKO5oIn4WpCLQsNJWoqgVIcqofwx78kD9Qnl3bKeqlAN0e7CmEf/s1440/3FB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiLKTYcSur4votp3m6p15NZquahqli_aTWLyyPZ5a8o49O85_nDisA9nn42eaamtWDC8iW0DUj2fkWik5H3oLMoFgkXi7yGegBPl36JX9mdprg3QfJ-zAOIAo_kJGErsIiv6pPNfKtoKO5oIn4WpCLQsNJWoqgVIcqofwx78kD9Qnl3bKeqlAN0e7CmEf/s320/3FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLEVB7uul2w8DeklnInIjTeyXT09IiCrqonoadYfoyT2fzvuUHbzZlfTJ3yLOoaA2OJxijO-yZrzIeVMaUvPoyGaBKKGIqrh_5Z-daoFngKq32eMPmfevLBsdqyGZCu2OUDT9wxkZrcrFr2KS8BpuDjSyYDDt2SXl2j4ycUp1PNtY-KZILSDSnWgQ6aKA/s4032/5aFB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLEVB7uul2w8DeklnInIjTeyXT09IiCrqonoadYfoyT2fzvuUHbzZlfTJ3yLOoaA2OJxijO-yZrzIeVMaUvPoyGaBKKGIqrh_5Z-daoFngKq32eMPmfevLBsdqyGZCu2OUDT9wxkZrcrFr2KS8BpuDjSyYDDt2SXl2j4ycUp1PNtY-KZILSDSnWgQ6aKA/s320/5aFB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23TvkWSXyjXzroXpD-lyl2d1PF1EXVwgTY3yUlho59LgfixdPtVgGt5LeLl1FYxNV9fCtMGyWL8OOHttWQoM56gYEbuoiWz_zktMirav3db7TaQBG8bMPTniYY3blyv-Yp3wShSvMG-kjNI6ti3D06-d3xLc1cXIMmKknsxuEFBj7mPNZ6sTx5jYRiEgq/s1000/5bFB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23TvkWSXyjXzroXpD-lyl2d1PF1EXVwgTY3yUlho59LgfixdPtVgGt5LeLl1FYxNV9fCtMGyWL8OOHttWQoM56gYEbuoiWz_zktMirav3db7TaQBG8bMPTniYY3blyv-Yp3wShSvMG-kjNI6ti3D06-d3xLc1cXIMmKknsxuEFBj7mPNZ6sTx5jYRiEgq/s320/5bFB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background: repeat white;"><br /></span><p></p></div>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-23282482241116875202023-11-25T14:46:00.004+08:002023-11-25T14:48:22.524+08:00JOURNEYING TOWARDS A HEALTHY SPIRITUALITY<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBM3UcNdNc0L3dpjoMzQ23yxeUftJDbIYR58ZBohmUXM0s57XS3Qz5t7Ikzl4MWMvkqXPdfCa4tIpC-Qd5s2FcnrKSjEi6SMRyEuJnb7kD_sE-7CcZddho0b203SeRGSyJEI6NC_22FvT_8FzYcTOuhAj0SGgQgXylZVn-zqjaBe_No3su1oqHZdNOvtb7/s3732/1FB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2688" data-original-width="3732" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBM3UcNdNc0L3dpjoMzQ23yxeUftJDbIYR58ZBohmUXM0s57XS3Qz5t7Ikzl4MWMvkqXPdfCa4tIpC-Qd5s2FcnrKSjEi6SMRyEuJnb7kD_sE-7CcZddho0b203SeRGSyJEI6NC_22FvT_8FzYcTOuhAj0SGgQgXylZVn-zqjaBe_No3su1oqHZdNOvtb7/w320-h230/1FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The Season of Advent will commence on 3 December 2023, which marks the beginning of the New Liturgical year 2023/2024. The new Church liturgical Calendar starts with Advent, followed by Christmas. Then comes Ordinary Time from the 1st to the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Week. After that, we have Lent and Easter, followed by the remaining weeks of Ordinary Time (7th to 34th Sunday in Ordinary Week), and finally, the Solemnity of Christ the King. The liturgical calendar will be enriched throughout the year with various memorials, feasts, and solemnities. Each liturgical season – week after week, Sunday after Sunday – invites us to reflect on how God is present in our daily lives.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;">The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has designated the year 2024 as the Year of Prayer in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year: “Pilgrims of Hope.” The Year of Prayer will begin this Advent with a special focus on the “Our Father” prayer. This presents an excellent opportunity for us to revisit the fundamentals of prayer, deepen our commitment to praying and loving God, and learn how to accompany others in their prayer life throughout the upcoming Year of Prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;">In the upcoming liturgical year, the Church offers us an opportunity to strengthen our prayer life and deepen our relationship with Christ. We can achieve this by engaging in good spiritual exercises such as praying regularly, reading spiritual books, studying and reflecting on the Word of God, repenting, and practising acts of charity. Taking steps towards spiritual growth will elevate our faith and lead us to a healthier spiritual life, emotional well-being, intellectual growth, and physical health.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;">Our Church is dedicated to providing faith formation opportunities for people of all ages and stages of life, regardless of the language they speak or the ministry they belong to. We believe that learning and living our faith is a lifelong process that requires continuous growth and sharing with others within and outside our Christian communities. Our goal is to help everyone in our community deepen their faith, find inner peace, and live healthier and more fulfilling lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lrZ2iTAuwYXkh58gALKImICOgFFJ6sGszCrT6MuKirUC5iALok84qYPU04Kx_sOg-AhulEZTcOLRpVXIlCk_tNjJ2Fb3q7NBvkz_oOWOgTY4BSlADluU8DMUt5tW1ImptrjY1KVEvcjAyuNkLCtQpbEOCS9Of0AZIsGFXKK27WBaLHSYYstT0qCUwht0/s4032/3FB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lrZ2iTAuwYXkh58gALKImICOgFFJ6sGszCrT6MuKirUC5iALok84qYPU04Kx_sOg-AhulEZTcOLRpVXIlCk_tNjJ2Fb3q7NBvkz_oOWOgTY4BSlADluU8DMUt5tW1ImptrjY1KVEvcjAyuNkLCtQpbEOCS9Of0AZIsGFXKK27WBaLHSYYstT0qCUwht0/s320/3FB.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Only a handful of parishioners, especially those who were engaged in various ministries, took an active part in the faith formation and training program aimed at improving their understanding of God. Their involvement demonstrates their dedication to enriching their spiritual lives and taking a meaningful step towards building a closer relationship with God, enabling them to live their faith in a more profound way.</div></span><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;">Our Church programs, activities, and formations are designed to help us become effective Church leaders, cultivate Christian values, and share the richness of the Catholic faith and tradition. Above all, by participating, you can identify your gifts and charisms for personal and communal growth in our synodal church.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white;">As Parishioners of St Thomas, the Apostle, embarking on a synodal journey towards Communion, Participation, and Mission is essential. Let us actively participate in the upcoming liturgical year by being involved in ongoing formations and activities to ensure that we are aware of our faith journey and are an integral part of the Church, the Body of Christ. Let us journey together to achieve our Parish Vision and Mission for the coming year</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; font-size: 10.5pt;">.</span></span><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iT3CsOh4R8XACp9ljT4hcf-6onVY4MHyMRE6ufbeMN1uRfZkHJ89TKlRzNrpX4t4M8-jUNKKO18g2iTm8pc_Fjk9vcea4JFtA19Mw3_BI8FWQGquH9X0atudpPCQhS3vN5vX8YSbMWuZes5tWyHFBKCuj434ZiUIqMLAl6io5Ps0iUmopPhNxW-uXqHV/s4030/2FB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2564" data-original-width="4030" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iT3CsOh4R8XACp9ljT4hcf-6onVY4MHyMRE6ufbeMN1uRfZkHJ89TKlRzNrpX4t4M8-jUNKKO18g2iTm8pc_Fjk9vcea4JFtA19Mw3_BI8FWQGquH9X0atudpPCQhS3vN5vX8YSbMWuZes5tWyHFBKCuj434ZiUIqMLAl6io5Ps0iUmopPhNxW-uXqHV/w320-h204/2FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIdLsxIC2nqsu19hKVfDyraidvGhV96OT_3_BsuEzQdHXuofQ2cswPoKQBmyj9If8jUpRinmiSxwQtJY2j3ZjukV4oR9WFGJU6EDrDVgYyVC5h6gw5P-Zqf2DX6kN5RzI4B757oQGU82EeWbyEYhRLjp07Li9t_nMdQ7uKjQN6stuOVxCHRqRALbhWJXU/s1159/5FB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="1159" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIdLsxIC2nqsu19hKVfDyraidvGhV96OT_3_BsuEzQdHXuofQ2cswPoKQBmyj9If8jUpRinmiSxwQtJY2j3ZjukV4oR9WFGJU6EDrDVgYyVC5h6gw5P-Zqf2DX6kN5RzI4B757oQGU82EeWbyEYhRLjp07Li9t_nMdQ7uKjQN6stuOVxCHRqRALbhWJXU/s320/5FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9JCdVe6zfFLWstJkRl-_yULwYI8zF-qOBEO-5FKCOK-P0yZJIS_uWtNSB-_0H_BVdoXZnP_BAjPiUK_EJ572HfqUpDvZhcTLa4V80x_upKSlmAJnLn6fsXSufNdJLwmRDBi1lflWDNuXvQWh6WLfLpfqlyAMKTuDGDgBedHuB79XZu_ELDA0ePRn39Nn/s3368/4FB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3368" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9JCdVe6zfFLWstJkRl-_yULwYI8zF-qOBEO-5FKCOK-P0yZJIS_uWtNSB-_0H_BVdoXZnP_BAjPiUK_EJ572HfqUpDvZhcTLa4V80x_upKSlmAJnLn6fsXSufNdJLwmRDBi1lflWDNuXvQWh6WLfLpfqlyAMKTuDGDgBedHuB79XZu_ELDA0ePRn39Nn/w287-h320/4FB.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span><p></p></div>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-91982675274259613082023-11-18T14:58:00.001+08:002023-11-18T14:59:57.530+08:00ALWAYS BE KIND AND COMPASSIONATE<p><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4r2E_E0NMKGWWNuGYQvfRRYxce06zG9LphTG-T2J_Dfj7_GKaRKGZM35xvJK38vRcBomPb-VjMtmfGPn2Z_3giYF4tVZmwIsQ6k8ygsla3R9smiBGbXkTnuvHnG4uzyRZzUBQCxKPuIqSrSBSrQGwZ3PC8hQQOsxnx_a2f7p9OGQNNZXY4PBjgUUCeFZ/s4032/1FB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4r2E_E0NMKGWWNuGYQvfRRYxce06zG9LphTG-T2J_Dfj7_GKaRKGZM35xvJK38vRcBomPb-VjMtmfGPn2Z_3giYF4tVZmwIsQ6k8ygsla3R9smiBGbXkTnuvHnG4uzyRZzUBQCxKPuIqSrSBSrQGwZ3PC8hQQOsxnx_a2f7p9OGQNNZXY4PBjgUUCeFZ/w320-h240/1FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our Church of St. Thomas, the Apostle in Kuantan, is hosting a Family Day celebration cum 7th World Day of the Poor for the second time, in the East Coast on Sunday, 19 November 2023. This event is a way for us to show respect and welcome the most vulnerable families and friends from our vicinities. This year, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has chosen a theme:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><i>“Do Not Turn Your Face Away From Anyone Who Is Poor” (Tobit 4:7). </i></b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">We hope to bring these individuals and families together for a joyful celebration, while also raising awareness about the daily struggles they face.</span></span></div></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Observing the World Day of the Poor (WDP) with those less fortunate, can be a powerful way to demonstrate God’s mercy and support for them. Pope Francis encourages us to follow the example of Tobit, who showed kindness to those in need by performing acts of charity (cf. Tobit 4). Tobit's story teaches us to be compassionate towards those who are suffering by offering them assistance and companionship, and in doing so, we gain a deeper understanding of our Christian faith.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;">On the occasion of WDP, it is important to remember that helping those in need requires genuine efforts that can make a real difference in their lives. We should avoid any distractions or obstacles that may prevent us from extending a helping hand to those who require our assistance. Sometimes, even a small gesture, such as a smile or a helping hand, can have a significant impact on the lives of the less fortunate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: repeat white;">As human beings, it is important to have a humanitarian spirit and prioritise caring for the marginalised people in our community. Unfortunately, people living in poverty are often neglected or overlooked, making them invisible to us. We should devote our time and effort to helping those who have been affected physically, economically, and financially. It is essential that we look for the true face of Christ in the underprivileged and provide them with the attention and assistance they deserve. We should never forget or ignore them since they are always present in our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiga9n6h4H1sqHPtfb7jungVGuLY6tf_Q2O4M4AIfl6hJNe9eF6LHeGj9NVuUYLLp0X78uWozTtVz7r7V2EugvSNgyWDyszKgjHtMrZKpKJmBi9CzV6VPtrWbuK5L0FBZiuKFWF1t4SBGyDDkTDpZLcVQhCC_hUkN173MVL8nUO_ZNteUW1id6yrVUk7MIU/s3974/2FB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3974" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiga9n6h4H1sqHPtfb7jungVGuLY6tf_Q2O4M4AIfl6hJNe9eF6LHeGj9NVuUYLLp0X78uWozTtVz7r7V2EugvSNgyWDyszKgjHtMrZKpKJmBi9CzV6VPtrWbuK5L0FBZiuKFWF1t4SBGyDDkTDpZLcVQhCC_hUkN173MVL8nUO_ZNteUW1id6yrVUk7MIU/w320-h161/2FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The underprivileged can teach us many valuable lessons. They are present always and everywhere, providing us with the opportunity to share the gospel of joy with them. The Gospel instructs us to serve Jesus through the poor with love, respect, dignity, and justice. The impoverished are not strangers or outsiders to us. We must strive to make them a part of our lives. We should take every opportunity to alleviate their sufferings and difficulties and work towards restoring their lost dignity so that they can be included in our society.</div></span><div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background: repeat white;">Our commitment to assisting the underprivileged aims to unite people, accept them wholeheartedly, and provide them with the care they deserve. It is our responsibility to safeguard the rights and dignity of the underprivileged by paying attention to their needs and treating them as equals, just like our own brothers and sisters, (cf. <i>Evangelii Gaudium</i>, no. 199)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMrgd16yIVg-rKem4Lua8OoVkf7-s3Ua5O1XeLWMq8RYSI0qS-bjYYLRa9hFPNS4ZHWB-WUcwVez7_LbtZe6yjIWAozRytZv3XcfDob3WSe-VGpLQ4H9CDUpC0VmFeuKe-wayDv62SxyvansUnkkT-dW19Shyphenhyphen9-1IXMISR-Fgco6Lh4wq7JKR2m1t9rah/s4032/5FB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMrgd16yIVg-rKem4Lua8OoVkf7-s3Ua5O1XeLWMq8RYSI0qS-bjYYLRa9hFPNS4ZHWB-WUcwVez7_LbtZe6yjIWAozRytZv3XcfDob3WSe-VGpLQ4H9CDUpC0VmFeuKe-wayDv62SxyvansUnkkT-dW19Shyphenhyphen9-1IXMISR-Fgco6Lh4wq7JKR2m1t9rah/w400-h300/5FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi941hMaG2EbwCI6k4OpGsSoWdj5vN9urj6mK6l7umgPCZkNQhpRMhFRLL-zguqbJv-vy7OKsvtowd1bnn8IcE6tdRyvKaSK2QYgwpJZyJul_gqUPoaatqigDOxMn7BRRiO7K0FQSs2rdeko79mdDvnPD4vwQ376_EZokbV8Y6Kv3INf9vV9WxuaDoevMl1/s4030/4FB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2374" data-original-width="4030" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi941hMaG2EbwCI6k4OpGsSoWdj5vN9urj6mK6l7umgPCZkNQhpRMhFRLL-zguqbJv-vy7OKsvtowd1bnn8IcE6tdRyvKaSK2QYgwpJZyJul_gqUPoaatqigDOxMn7BRRiO7K0FQSs2rdeko79mdDvnPD4vwQ376_EZokbV8Y6Kv3INf9vV9WxuaDoevMl1/w400-h236/4FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background: repeat white;"><br /></span><p></p></div>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-36091290676142964722023-11-11T12:58:00.005+08:002023-11-11T13:01:11.920+08:00FINDING JOY IN SMALL ACTS OF KINDNESS<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Lm4yS1hKeeprMTRQ7jsnvEdm3BZE0SyNBpn61fF43ruGXp0kFQteoHDjudeZY5Z6hKZef0YXAcMYctl15eAIYYU4oHxL3feok5-yu-sam2ALbEMmMPtoH9WTJaSTY4U6mCXBIUu7xVmxSs0zuqLmLELousyi4-316YzTpRRsEsYFqToTvJKxj5NWvVKZ/s748/2FD.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="748" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Lm4yS1hKeeprMTRQ7jsnvEdm3BZE0SyNBpn61fF43ruGXp0kFQteoHDjudeZY5Z6hKZef0YXAcMYctl15eAIYYU4oHxL3feok5-yu-sam2ALbEMmMPtoH9WTJaSTY4U6mCXBIUu7xVmxSs0zuqLmLELousyi4-316YzTpRRsEsYFqToTvJKxj5NWvVKZ/w400-h208/2FD.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div style="text-align: justify;">On Sunday, 19 November 2019, the Church will celebrate the Seventh World Day of the Poor with the theme - <i>“</i><b><i><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="border: 1pt windowtext; padding: 0cm;">Do Not Turn Your Face Away From Anyone Who Is Poor</span></i></b><i><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">”</span></i><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> (Tobit 4:7).<span style="background: repeat white;"> Celebrating the World Day of the Poor (WDP) with underprivileged people “</span>is a fruitful sign of the Father’s mercy and support for the lives of our communities.” The Holy Father invites us to follow the example of Tobit with a simple act of charity to foster harmony and fraternity in our community, which will give us meaning to our Christian life. <span style="background: repeat white;">He reflects on the story of Tobit’s practical approach</span> towards the poor by assisting and accompanying them from all afflictions.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><br /></span></div></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tobit, an old and blind father, embraces his son Tobias before he sets him out on a long journey. He leaves Tobias with his “spiritual testament”, advising him to revere the Lord, avoid sin and live righteously (cf. Tobit 4: 5). Tobit’s words encouraged his son not to turn his face away from anyone who is poor but perform good deeds, practice justice and righteousness and give alms (cf. 4:7). Despite losing everything, Tobit remained devoted to God and shared his meal with the poor, clothing to the needy and burying the dead. Tobit recognised his poverty during his time of trial, enabling him to empathise with others in need. While remaining faithful to God’s teachings, he advises his son Tobias never to turn away from anyone who is poor, as every person is our neighbour and through them, we can truly encounter the face of Jesus.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: repeat white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-fES3D-rKi6qBwr4hJzl5TD84szievWdlB_HGuaYUckFgThPYlCWqM0_C6Veb_A3c0YAR7CjZra2h_qZN44SIFMvnGLwu2MwfQN_t3U8IVifa2MFXci8R8hyHyr8M18uOL5-4y_yVIeoTATuUnfwQGk_tfxMSG4qIEo3zhfyAjpblxjEhTdJLinXEeh6/s3024/3FD.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2468" data-original-width="3024" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-fES3D-rKi6qBwr4hJzl5TD84szievWdlB_HGuaYUckFgThPYlCWqM0_C6Veb_A3c0YAR7CjZra2h_qZN44SIFMvnGLwu2MwfQN_t3U8IVifa2MFXci8R8hyHyr8M18uOL5-4y_yVIeoTATuUnfwQGk_tfxMSG4qIEo3zhfyAjpblxjEhTdJLinXEeh6/s320/3FD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div style="text-align: justify;">This year marks the 150th anniversary of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus’ birth. In her autobiography, “Story of a Soul,” she says that perfect charity means accepting others’ flaws, finding joy in small acts of kindness, and sharing love with everyone, not just those closest to us. Charity should be like a candle, not hidden but providing light to all.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we celebrate this WDP, we should be reminded that everyone has the right to experience the light of charity. No one should be denied that light. May the selfless love of Saint Therese inspire us to keep our focus on the face of Jesus Christ and never turn away from those who are in need.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; text-align: left;">(Extract from the message of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, for the Seventh World Day of the Poor)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;">Since the promulgation of the WDP by Pope Francis in 2017, I have celebrated it with the underprivileged, marginalised, migrants, and refugees in my previous parish in Sentul and now, for the past two years in Kuantan. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, I was still able to celebrate WDP. All profits generated from these events were utilised to fulfil the material and spiritual necessities of the impoverished.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This year’s event will be held at the Church of St Thomas, the Apostle, Kuantan, on Sunday, 19 November, from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm. It will be celebrated at Pahang/Terengganu District level, and all proceeds from the event will be utilised to provide aid during the monsoon floods that usually occur towards the end of the year, as well as for education for underprivileged children. We warmly welcome everyone to join us in our celebration.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbALrJs33Es-leby_RJpNAzJfd0dEnrIdF2dQoNpXHyB8Xv-6T7aHFpL1UBC0wa05181NQYfpVTCVSnaElhx5qx9gqpFHqC36KGaTDJc-u23kHZ9lTKM1RqwqanLVmsJS68eu2FaQRWBwlb9o5M15xdh0JA9bb6Jot3rR7jIrmFd6LMmPbMNVi8-MpAd-/s4032/4FD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbALrJs33Es-leby_RJpNAzJfd0dEnrIdF2dQoNpXHyB8Xv-6T7aHFpL1UBC0wa05181NQYfpVTCVSnaElhx5qx9gqpFHqC36KGaTDJc-u23kHZ9lTKM1RqwqanLVmsJS68eu2FaQRWBwlb9o5M15xdh0JA9bb6Jot3rR7jIrmFd6LMmPbMNVi8-MpAd-/w400-h300/4FD.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKND4T_2oheUUCZb8trViaiDNZwSvbd_A6IMj8pQZLmsaqIzzbe_p6hkBrmnwTnr41y5-n_JiI_Z09mYu0KTjr-NL5XwNWiOHVCFzGYLTdNLJMMKqBPkpLs6_gHfUp9siyt9cxtRIx2CX15OQhnMUA3Up8AcpeIULU1MZW9uRLbWFV0lCg4iVS8Fy5Jcph/s4032/5FD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKND4T_2oheUUCZb8trViaiDNZwSvbd_A6IMj8pQZLmsaqIzzbe_p6hkBrmnwTnr41y5-n_JiI_Z09mYu0KTjr-NL5XwNWiOHVCFzGYLTdNLJMMKqBPkpLs6_gHfUp9siyt9cxtRIx2CX15OQhnMUA3Up8AcpeIULU1MZW9uRLbWFV0lCg4iVS8Fy5Jcph/w400-h300/5FD.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white;"><br /></span><p></p>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-60627192170842365842023-11-04T13:28:00.000+08:002023-11-04T13:28:27.963+08:00CREATED BY GOD FOR ETERNAL LIFE<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGF8s8fXN1_OYGGARvSVjM16iQ2JBwvdZP2w6bGQo7VXzuhe5Vn9KxTOPwvNccgSbBhw99AAw99SpSVaahyphenhyphenaFGUxRclOShNlM1DDnSHfFUbKCW2fMXz01Q3MjHJF_eAPs2ehtEMExAmvP5yY9L3TM7vBMaMPhVBeWHhrn1JiyTGtEskfrt1b68RTBsQnC/s4032/1FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGF8s8fXN1_OYGGARvSVjM16iQ2JBwvdZP2w6bGQo7VXzuhe5Vn9KxTOPwvNccgSbBhw99AAw99SpSVaahyphenhyphenaFGUxRclOShNlM1DDnSHfFUbKCW2fMXz01Q3MjHJF_eAPs2ehtEMExAmvP5yY9L3TM7vBMaMPhVBeWHhrn1JiyTGtEskfrt1b68RTBsQnC/w300-h400/1FB.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div style="text-align: justify;">In the Catholic Church, the month of November is specially dedicated to praying for the dearly departed. The month commences by honouring All Saints on 1st November and All Souls on 2nd November. The Church holds a special remembrance Mass every year on All Souls Day to pray for those who have passed away in the last 12 months. During this time, family members come for Masses, pray for the souls of their loved ones and visit the cemetery or columbarium, with prayerful hearts.</div></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Does the human lifespan have a limit? Do you want to live longer?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">From the Book of Genesis (chapters 5-25), it is said that some Patriarch Fathers lived for up to 900 years. For instance, Methuselah is said to have lived till he was 969 years old (Gn 5: 27). Noah is believed to have lived for 950 years (Gn 9: 26), while Mahalalel died when he was 895 years old. This list goes down until Abraham, who lived to the age of 175 (Gn 25: 7) and Moses, who lived for 120 years (Deut 34: 7). Living up to 100 today is not unheard of, but it is still rare. The average lifespan is 70 years, and with good health and strength, it is possible to live up to 80 years (cf. Psalms 90:10).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">A recent study shows that the human lifespan will increase to between 120 and 150 years in the coming decades. We must thank the latest technological advancements, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), which enables people to put on wearable devices that will track their health status. These devices will be connected to doctors and hospitals, who will be able to recommend necessary lifestyle changes at an early stage to improve health, resulting in a longer lifespan. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Quality of life becomes increasingly important as we age. Our priority is not longevity but rather a focus on healthy living, including healthy spiritual life. No one lives on this earth permanently. Life begins with God, and it ends with Him. Life is a journey - a pilgrimage, that leads us to a final encounter with Him. He blesses us with countless gifts and calls us to live a life filled with love and faithfulness to His creative purpose for us.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeg1AOeDDtWo2p95ir7-Z9BG9A-tPNj50Ttt0QFcmoZt9Kh6iFC-QQYcvgAC2xpTjEKgTxDLPJMcYSHWo0jcgxxRT9J_vneWQ0VVJ4rtFqh8-owFzS6nKAc1LDg9zc48Rza-jkr_BjjZ2wiwJlJ3vcIijBbGbwhBAa9JlfAVSBQboyFd4EgG51-fgd1zMo/s1280/2FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeg1AOeDDtWo2p95ir7-Z9BG9A-tPNj50Ttt0QFcmoZt9Kh6iFC-QQYcvgAC2xpTjEKgTxDLPJMcYSHWo0jcgxxRT9J_vneWQ0VVJ4rtFqh8-owFzS6nKAc1LDg9zc48Rza-jkr_BjjZ2wiwJlJ3vcIijBbGbwhBAa9JlfAVSBQboyFd4EgG51-fgd1zMo/w400-h300/2FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><o:p> </o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">On this All Souls’ Day, we should remind ourselves that our lives are short and, therefore, we should strive to purify our minds and hearts here on earth, before Purgatory. This purification may be tough and painful, yet it is necessary for our growth, and for being fully formed in God. It prepares us for a great destiny, created by God for eternal life - an intimate communion of life with Him, forever.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">It is never easy to say goodbye to the people we hold near and dear. Although it can bring sadness, it is important to cherish their memories. Remember that departed souls depend on our prayers. So, we offer prayers fervently for them today and through the month of November for those who are now going through their final stages of purification in purgatory, before entering into the Communion of God, seeing Him face to face - Beatific Vision. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOF75U-mFNcS28AMHMTcq4j5s5CojTCFROn8c_q0EqIPBamAeWSJdrVPA56qma7FdkOAgK9WuZVEnQttciWqFED59B0A4UEado19QghZLCnKK5i93MAN50sHnOUiExxR_ql7ApaIH-m_JIxurRwxdlRM7v4eNIEUzsxyh0YHtelU_EeNGWsJkQC-AS8M4E/s4032/3FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOF75U-mFNcS28AMHMTcq4j5s5CojTCFROn8c_q0EqIPBamAeWSJdrVPA56qma7FdkOAgK9WuZVEnQttciWqFED59B0A4UEado19QghZLCnKK5i93MAN50sHnOUiExxR_ql7ApaIH-m_JIxurRwxdlRM7v4eNIEUzsxyh0YHtelU_EeNGWsJkQC-AS8M4E/w300-h400/3FB.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxPbSf5WMrgKo2AMecujX3CFXk3yP7iDxsU6kVulKQOlPD7HUeE407k9AOPvjDR1Q0PW4kv6aqgRF691P2Kug2OpkZo2kitl2S9SjPYO4xM_ZnDrxUBYpD9ySsvQ2v8O9DH6Hx7F0djwN2hWhf5dA1kStf5_qGjAr5TzvvjkmbjWvdAxVlYgG77rpKwwI/s4032/4aFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxPbSf5WMrgKo2AMecujX3CFXk3yP7iDxsU6kVulKQOlPD7HUeE407k9AOPvjDR1Q0PW4kv6aqgRF691P2Kug2OpkZo2kitl2S9SjPYO4xM_ZnDrxUBYpD9ySsvQ2v8O9DH6Hx7F0djwN2hWhf5dA1kStf5_qGjAr5TzvvjkmbjWvdAxVlYgG77rpKwwI/w300-h400/4aFB.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p></div>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-49178835625493373252023-10-28T15:00:00.005+08:002023-10-28T15:00:29.429+08:00UNITY OF FAITH IN CHRIST<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUSzqbcqpiqwC2dkKug73qYXyjyIFVnXg-kblOKqZZ1TR4ZyT2oDLoPhPZAdXmzBolwFQOB0ifLWdbh0xg-ZjjHitmUFZlRP3w23gpNy_ZlV-e0hwM-nO8xefxjH_29Cng2Dsy_78wi2tVQ_-tQiGnK1hTcAjVFm1btEM0MxDjbhTwskf0Wn-XXi6QXan/s760/3FB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="760" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUSzqbcqpiqwC2dkKug73qYXyjyIFVnXg-kblOKqZZ1TR4ZyT2oDLoPhPZAdXmzBolwFQOB0ifLWdbh0xg-ZjjHitmUFZlRP3w23gpNy_ZlV-e0hwM-nO8xefxjH_29Cng2Dsy_78wi2tVQ_-tQiGnK1hTcAjVFm1btEM0MxDjbhTwskf0Wn-XXi6QXan/w320-h213/3FB.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="background: white;">The Synod on Synodality began in the Vatican on 30 September 2023, and it is coming to a conclusion this weekend - until the next plenary assembly which is scheduled to be held in October 2024. Pope Francis began this lengthy process of listening and discerning to “journey together” with the guidance of the Holy Spirit two years ago and we, as missionary disciples, follow Jesus Christ by welcoming everyone as people of God, with no one excluded. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;">In a recent letter, dated 25 October 2023 addressed to the People of God, Pope Francis called for unity of faith in Christ. He welcomed the open discussion of criticisms of doctrine, traditions and morals in the ongoing synodal assembly. He also highlighted the importance of listening to everyone - especially the poorest - in order for the Church to make progress and continue the synodal discernment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;">Representatives from different continents, churches and ecclesial communities have gathered together - each with their own unique backgrounds, vocations, and ministries - to attentively listen to the Word of God and share their experiences, as well as the “wealth and poverty of their communities”. Through this process, they aim to discern what the Holy Spirit is communicating to the Church in the present time to build a more just and peaceful society. Day by day, they have sensed strongly the urgent need for “pastoral and missionary conversion”, as well as the Church’s mission to proclaim the Good News.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCF6a-grWEiw60g6Cse7XkoQtHXMtt_K4I4is4GgTpCIQrLMxWvw8evYdniUT4F5_x9BqnUUSxBYzKzkCSondPopihB91ssZOOY4pwig9TmU7oocGnGo6Uov-bdhrnaV0C3h9lz2BNfa04h9P5rJDRthDX9wj5YtvOslizKLh8Xyanvs5D2NlREv6TGRK/s4032/2FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCF6a-grWEiw60g6Cse7XkoQtHXMtt_K4I4is4GgTpCIQrLMxWvw8evYdniUT4F5_x9BqnUUSxBYzKzkCSondPopihB91ssZOOY4pwig9TmU7oocGnGo6Uov-bdhrnaV0C3h9lz2BNfa04h9P5rJDRthDX9wj5YtvOslizKLh8Xyanvs5D2NlREv6TGRK/s320/2FB.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="background: white;">As the Church progresses, there will be many challenges we’ll have to face and questions will arise. However, the Holy Father has reminded us that synodality should be reflected through the feasibility of communion, participation and mission. He expects all of us to actively engage in these three concepts rather than consider them as abstract ideas.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;">In today’s world, it is essential for the Church to listen to everyone with an open mind and heart, and to commit itself structurally to prevent any abuse and immorality from happening again. It is the duty of the Church to listen to all members - including lay people, catechists, youth and children - who are hopeful for the future and to lead them in a life of holiness. It is important for the Church to hear the concerns of families and their contributions to the Christian witness in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;">The Church should welcome the participation of lay people in discernment and decision-making processes and encourage their involvement in various ministries. Pope Francis reaffirmed the traditional stance of the Catholic Church that women cannot become priests or deacons. Despite being asked if ordaining women could help attract more people to the Church and whether allowing optional priest celibacy would help address priest shortages, he remained firm in his position. However, he did acknowledge the valuable contributions of women to the Church, and based on his personal experience, they possess great ecclesial intuition.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;">Pope Francis urges the Church to follow the path of synodality despite the world’s challenges. We should not be afraid to serve and love God and His people, as we strive to grow in holiness. May Mary, the Mother of the Church, accompany us on our journey - showing us her Son, Jesus and inviting us to trust Him. He is our only hope!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAgKAC9VD4RxGI_jXFhXp-VkjuVicU-xr6nPpls_FWbJ520Yv5zk8u5PECExBkq_4isRb31WkSZCbo_V3s4TfMCTxEe6dm-0gcDKBXianFnJS7h18CK518Fp2GDc6Mux89SO_NfB1BtR2WxM8hokaocT8SVAZ_z43v3bNZ5LcrWJB55VBAx5XIyPlJHB6/s4030/1FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2895" data-original-width="4030" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAgKAC9VD4RxGI_jXFhXp-VkjuVicU-xr6nPpls_FWbJ520Yv5zk8u5PECExBkq_4isRb31WkSZCbo_V3s4TfMCTxEe6dm-0gcDKBXianFnJS7h18CK518Fp2GDc6Mux89SO_NfB1BtR2WxM8hokaocT8SVAZ_z43v3bNZ5LcrWJB55VBAx5XIyPlJHB6/w400-h288/1FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="background: white;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="background: white;"><br /></span><p></p>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-22068566609752934562023-10-21T17:22:00.009+08:002023-10-21T17:25:16.831+08:00SET OUR HEARTS ON FIRE WITH CHRIST’S LOVE<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 15pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebyi9MeoyKQSlU0ld_Tw8EkMwA8eX6q07MPw_5TkvQk8h6f-qnu1_8Fz_k48PCZ6KZG1aNf8HxbZPVI9Av4aLJxyeNFQo1dQ8BEPhNYKR9FZpXk5O8kgySOU0uUt7ZevsjNuVyD12io509YUCDLzNOXSe1z29avaAnlHS5Ea0O4O2LeJXAFVlPE-JPewz/s4030/1FB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2269" data-original-width="4030" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebyi9MeoyKQSlU0ld_Tw8EkMwA8eX6q07MPw_5TkvQk8h6f-qnu1_8Fz_k48PCZ6KZG1aNf8HxbZPVI9Av4aLJxyeNFQo1dQ8BEPhNYKR9FZpXk5O8kgySOU0uUt7ZevsjNuVyD12io509YUCDLzNOXSe1z29avaAnlHS5Ea0O4O2LeJXAFVlPE-JPewz/w320-h180/1FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white;">The Catholic Church is commemorating World Mission Sunday on 22 October 2023. </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; color: #161719;">Pope Francis has chosen “Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move” as the theme for World Mission Sunday (WMS) 2023. </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white;">He reflects on the story of the disciples who met Jesus on their way to Emmaus (cf. Luke 24:13-35). World Mission Sunday is an annual celebration that gives us an opportunity to reflect on the significance of mission work in the life of the Church. Despite our differences, we must all be dedicated and committed to continuing Christ’s mission on earth.</span></div></span><p></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 15pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;">The Pope has once again urged us to draw inspiration from our encounter with the Risen Lord and to allow His Spirit to guide us on our journey with passion in our hearts, our eyes open, and our feet moving forward. Our mission is to spread the fire of God’s word in the hearts of others, to discover and rediscover the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, and to invite everyone to join us on the path of peace and salvation that God has gifted to all of humanity through Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 15pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;">As a way of showing our support, we can offer prayers and stand in solidarity with the missionaries who work tirelessly to spread the Good News. Additionally, we can respond to Christ’s call to feed the hungry and clothe the naked by making a donation. All the contributions collected during the Masses worldwide are used to support churches in their evangelisation efforts across the globe, specifically towards hospitals, schools, and vocations in nations where the Church is new, young, or poor. </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; color: #161719;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let’s celebrate World Mission Sunday 2023 by coming together for the Eucharistic celebration and supporting missionaries with enthusiasm.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 15pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYrkoZa6Y5-4pzXaWtjFyGmKWZRfB2gpEDcd86Jphd3eCJCPb1NMpPnu46Bu2W-qhKpsasWti2PXLPQdQQNQwgZTVij4SGMi0LjWzZRuBeBY0R9uBYuQHxBhM45xGfa2zLVTgDaF9iz4eV52deWbkDym_hJztlC4yX2UzV-Hvl2GY5Fc2aduRSp6Aou6M/s4032/2FB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYrkoZa6Y5-4pzXaWtjFyGmKWZRfB2gpEDcd86Jphd3eCJCPb1NMpPnu46Bu2W-qhKpsasWti2PXLPQdQQNQwgZTVij4SGMi0LjWzZRuBeBY0R9uBYuQHxBhM45xGfa2zLVTgDaF9iz4eV52deWbkDym_hJztlC4yX2UzV-Hvl2GY5Fc2aduRSp6Aou6M/s320/2FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The Feast of Saint Theresa of Lisieux is celebrated on 1<sup>st</sup> October. After joining the Carmelites, she desired to become a missionary and was willing to travel to Vietnam to establish a new monastery there. However, she didn’t get the opportunity to do so during her lifetime. Nevertheless, she took on her task of offering her life in a missionary spirit with joy. Through her small actions and gestures of praying for the missionaries and the Church, she became a universal Patroness of missions without leaving her convent. The missionary spirit is alive in the hearts of every one of us - whether we are young or old, married or single. </div><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p style="margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;">On this World Mission Sunday, let us come together, set our hearts on fire, and move forward with Christ’s love through missionaries in the footsteps of Saint Theresa of Lisieux and become disciples of missionaries, inspiring every individual that we meet every day in our lives. Through the work of missionaries, we can spread Christ’s love and bring hope to those in need.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; font-family: Calibri;">It is important that we keep the presence of Jesus and His work alive in our nation. We can achieve this by stirring our hearts with small acts of love and prayers and moving forward with that love by befriending people of other faiths and promoting healthcare, education, and spiritual well-being in the hearts of everyone, everywhere. By doing so, we can help fulfil the will of God and bring everyone closer to His Kingdom.</span></p><p style="margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnBAt3WnbxQNOByfsiFGQgbRQLugcFK2NbXLDFPjJW9pSyxGg5BtkIiOO0XG8zmjri-r2AutK2viJ9nBSJbpqJCw_GwRsDkSdQI9WUEOggBH72oex7-oR_wj-bQWxanUjR_TsDbazyIAh81AgqF62Bem5lHwm2m5sr0YVEVkCCg7b3Hjk3rJeITlEVy0U/s4032/3aFB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnBAt3WnbxQNOByfsiFGQgbRQLugcFK2NbXLDFPjJW9pSyxGg5BtkIiOO0XG8zmjri-r2AutK2viJ9nBSJbpqJCw_GwRsDkSdQI9WUEOggBH72oex7-oR_wj-bQWxanUjR_TsDbazyIAh81AgqF62Bem5lHwm2m5sr0YVEVkCCg7b3Hjk3rJeITlEVy0U/w400-h300/3aFB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background: repeat white;"><br /></span><p></p>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006248760131178771.post-76476060659611400202023-10-14T05:54:00.000+08:002023-10-14T05:54:15.512+08:00TO GROW AS A SYNODAL CHURCH<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAXaMg_lCPz2PjOgbeXyAcVpchbvRgzOjit8vl3_VpT_MiVI0KCz6Vyagv35eTUGsV3iN5dBHNpIs4JkJPUSLQkpC9gdYtuQ6d_AjVvfbkjS-GWT8pxRPLWqc2KsGeqQLey6ivdb7OQ0cf1OnO5FFdLQbkmCVoVxuQucZHdSIK9PhvkSMA9C-jyHOy4KD/s1280/1VatMedia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAXaMg_lCPz2PjOgbeXyAcVpchbvRgzOjit8vl3_VpT_MiVI0KCz6Vyagv35eTUGsV3iN5dBHNpIs4JkJPUSLQkpC9gdYtuQ6d_AjVvfbkjS-GWT8pxRPLWqc2KsGeqQLey6ivdb7OQ0cf1OnO5FFdLQbkmCVoVxuQucZHdSIK9PhvkSMA9C-jyHOy4KD/w320-h213/1VatMedia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pope Francis started the Synod on Synodality - Journeying Together, in October 2021. The synodal process was finalised in March 2023 after completion at the diocesan, national, and continental levels. Currently, the first level of the synodal process is being discerned and discussed at the Vatican from October 4 to 28, 2023, while the second level is set for October 2024. The main goal of this synod is to encourage collaborative decision-making within the Catholic Church and the People of God. By journeying and reflecting together, the Church can learn from experience and improve living in communion by welcoming all, achieving participation, and becoming a missionary Synodal Church.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background: white;">The synod comprises 464 participants, consisting of 365 members and 54 women, with the right to vote for the first time. This event is unique because, for the first time, the voting delegates will not be bishops but laypeople, priests, consecrated women, and deacons; some of whom were appointed by the Pope. </span><span style="background-color: white;">All the participants attended a four-day retreat from 1 – 4 October 2023 before entering the first level of the synodal process. The retreat, led by Dominican Father Timothy Radcliffe, included moments of prayer, reflection and silence to remind participants of the presence of the Holy Spirit. It helps them to seek guidance and direction in sharing their insights during the synodal assembly. It ensures that they are not self-directed in their approach.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOqE_A4ASMmxwVVuoQ4oRuhSmLhOm_mNcpS8JVLWq8aSTRBMZ9v3prcE4FANnhUQ__G978Vg7fRPgy_oiV5nJgYyc-Kjj-Hsbi9xXPqvDsxBpjHjzwyeo6FNKsEBB1hhZDpB5N9R6hXI7eoMIUwgKZpBOhQoGLs7YtCIAB4O9HGyrUKdQMWaz-OJlfBgU/s4032/2FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOqE_A4ASMmxwVVuoQ4oRuhSmLhOm_mNcpS8JVLWq8aSTRBMZ9v3prcE4FANnhUQ__G978Vg7fRPgy_oiV5nJgYyc-Kjj-Hsbi9xXPqvDsxBpjHjzwyeo6FNKsEBB1hhZDpB5N9R6hXI7eoMIUwgKZpBOhQoGLs7YtCIAB4O9HGyrUKdQMWaz-OJlfBgU/w320-h240/2FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">During the opening of the XVI Synod Assembly, the Pope in his homily, highlighted the importance of the Holy Spirit in the Synod. He encouraged the participants to rely on Him throughout the assembly. He emphasised that the Synod is “not a political gathering, but rather a convocation in the spirit.” He reminded the participants that the Synod is “a place of grace and communion,” where the Holy Spirit is the central figure. The Pope invited the participants to “open themselves to the Holy Spirit, the protagonist of the assembly, and to walk with Him in trust and with joy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background: white;">The first session of the Synod Assembly began on 4 October at the Paul VI Hall. The focus is on studying the <i>Instrumentum Laboris</i> (IL), also known as the Working Document, which forms the basis for the discernment and discussion of three main priorities of the Synod – Communion, Participation, and Mission. Topics such as women deacons, priestly celibacy, and outreach to the LGBTQ+ (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgenders, Queer, and more) will be discussed too. Along with these, the synod assembly will also talk about various theological topics, canonical studies, and its pastoral implications. The aim is to prepare a document that provides advice or counsel to the Holy Father for a second assembly in October 2024.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We hope this Synod on Synodality will be a moment of renewal for our Catholic Church, deeply rooted in the doctrine of faith, traditions, and morals. May all the participants of the Synod Assembly be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and respond accordingly. May their discussions, sharing, and reflections help our Church to grow as a Synodal Church, carrying out the mission of Christ in a challenging world.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Jd_xEYym3s-t9gccnHeWVaql9Vi5x-BjFUr6u7XfeU-jqXIQrIhfFjTswQt5W_zMISWoXhPOjcpAuMv5R_uA26DSXBhUWEf1O_EzMs9EfXZQxxcygUBwGcIeG8kgjp69zdn-6oJjbpYhCEFu7bLC2SA76ZkB-uwk9-SwByRMTOmRTI5XM-NHrdaSy9_Q/s1279/3aFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1279" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Jd_xEYym3s-t9gccnHeWVaql9Vi5x-BjFUr6u7XfeU-jqXIQrIhfFjTswQt5W_zMISWoXhPOjcpAuMv5R_uA26DSXBhUWEf1O_EzMs9EfXZQxxcygUBwGcIeG8kgjp69zdn-6oJjbpYhCEFu7bLC2SA76ZkB-uwk9-SwByRMTOmRTI5XM-NHrdaSy9_Q/w400-h255/3aFB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CbdKtZHxKmbswzriVWK5IGH_CnrMkxsUUPb5fZf9suLQbTA4W7LzcwInDS-cDjY38Wk3cN5LE0H2U_mj30ABoew5aHgrXvqixqtAJGe1UPcI29OsARePFqHHDgvBWz6qX2sb_A3MYYSFYggYLW67pa2o_aWsoT4yVloJoH9tVwEFyO4g_36fE_Nu9uwQ/s4032/3FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CbdKtZHxKmbswzriVWK5IGH_CnrMkxsUUPb5fZf9suLQbTA4W7LzcwInDS-cDjY38Wk3cN5LE0H2U_mj30ABoew5aHgrXvqixqtAJGe1UPcI29OsARePFqHHDgvBWz6qX2sb_A3MYYSFYggYLW67pa2o_aWsoT4yVloJoH9tVwEFyO4g_36fE_Nu9uwQ/w400-h300/3FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskgAwz8VB8HFv8eVWEItXru2sXRTVvuu2vTCmezBllGzco7gAkj0EysafAzFa2-WQ5Qwm_kRWo8b6rE7cXmVQbO77UuvRYDfgdziesAZf3E1IR60UjRtINW3xUD4whJ_MQ6mOrqDcwaHOqCT1LyJShkK41YLRZQnG9TPKGt9wlM9_j-lYAYAzSHhSyGbK/s4030/4FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2028" data-original-width="4030" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskgAwz8VB8HFv8eVWEItXru2sXRTVvuu2vTCmezBllGzco7gAkj0EysafAzFa2-WQ5Qwm_kRWo8b6rE7cXmVQbO77UuvRYDfgdziesAZf3E1IR60UjRtINW3xUD4whJ_MQ6mOrqDcwaHOqCT1LyJShkK41YLRZQnG9TPKGt9wlM9_j-lYAYAzSHhSyGbK/w400-h201/4FB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="background: white;"><br /></span><p></p>Rev Jorgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14806328553913594704noreply@blogger.com0