A JOURNEY THROUGH DIFFERENT NAZARETHS

From 13 to 18 September 2026, I made a five-day self-directed retreat at the MAJODI Centre, Plentong, under the guidance of the Right Reverend Bishop Bernard Paul of the Diocese of Johor-Melaka as my retreat master. I arrived with many questions, inner struggles, and a troubled heart. Through Scripture, prayer, silence, and reflection, the Lord gradually helped me to look at my life and priesthood with a renewed heart.

The retreat began with the question God asked Elijah: “Why are you here?” (1 Kings 19:1-18). Elijah had become exhausted, discouraged, and afraid. Yet God did not condemn him. Instead, He allowed him to rest and be nourished before inviting him to listen. This spoke deeply to me. I realised that I had not come to the retreat simply to find answers, but to place myself honestly before God. I needed to acknowledge my mistakes, let go of what I could not change, and trust that God was still walking with me.

As I continued to pray with the Book of Revelation, particularly chapters 1-3, I was reminded of who Jesus is: the Alpha and the Omega, the One who is, who was, and who is to come. Then St John's message to the seven churches struck me: “You have less love than you used to.” It prompted me to ask whether, after many years of priesthood, my first love for Jesus remains as alive as it was in the beginning.

Once again, I was reminded that before I am a priest, I am first a disciple loved by Christ. He is my Love and my Key, opening doors to forgiveness, hope, reconciliation, and new beginnings. He also stands at the door of my heart, inviting me to open it more fully to Him and to embrace His love and grace.

The Child Jesus grew up “in wisdom and stature” in Nazareth (Luke 2:39-52), leading me to reflect on “The School of Nazareth” and to see my life as a journey through different Nazareths. My childhood, working years, seminary formation, and the various parishes and ministries where I have served have all been places where God has formed me. Every challenge has become an opportunity for growth, gradually shaping me into more than I once was.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me...” (Luke 4:16-20) invited me to place myself once again in His hands for the renewal of my priesthood and mission. I realised that priesthood is not my possession. The mission belongs to Christ, the people are His, and my life is entirely His.

As I conclude this retreat, I return with a renewed desire to listen, grow, forgive, serve, and love. I am deeply grateful for Bishop Bernard's accompaniment and for the gift of silence and prayer. May the Holy Spirit continue to renew my vocation and mission, so that I may lovingly bring the Good News, healing, freedom, and hope to God's people.

A TIME OF RENEWAL, LISTENING AND WALKING TOGETHER

September is a significant month for our Church in Malaysia, prompting us to pray, renew our spirit, serve others, and care for the world God has entrusted to us. As a living community, we embrace moments to pause, listen, reflect, and reaffirm our commitment to God. Let’s remember an essential truth that the Malaysian Church invites us to celebrate, listen, and walk together in unity.

The Clergy in Peninsular Malaysia have started attending their annual retreat, held in four separate sessions throughout September, at different locations – two sessions in Cameron Highlands, one at the MAJODI Centre in Johor, and another at Stella Maris in Penang. A retreat is an important time for every priest. In the midst of busy parish schedules, meetings, celebrations of the Sacraments and numerous pastoral responsibilities, the clergy must also find time to pause, be silent and spend time in prayer. A retreat allows us to be in the presence of God, listen to His voice, energise our pastoral zeal and priestly vocation, and gain fresh courage to continue serving God’s people with faithfulness and joy.

Meanwhile, the Malaysia Pastoral Convention 2026 (MPC2026) is currently taking place in Sibu, Sarawak, which commenced on 9 September and will conclude this Sunday, 13 September. This event is a significant opportunity for the Church in Malaysia to celebrate its faith, listen to each other, share insights, and collaboratively discern the future.

The Convention looks ahead to the Church’s future mission over the next decade, focusing on four key pastoral concerns. First, the Church aims to strengthen pastoral care and support families through today’s challenges. Second, the Church goes forth to bring the light of the Gospel more meaningfully and effectively to everyone. Third, the Church recognises the need to heal divisions in society and foster greater fraternity, healthy dialogue and unity. Lastly, the Church emphasises the importance of caring for our common home and taking responsibility for the future of our planet. Through prayer, sharing, and “Conversation in the Spirit”, the Malaysian Church shares its hopeful vision for growth and finding meaningful ways to evangelise Christ to the people of our country.

The haze affecting parts of Malaysia in recent weeks reminds us of our duty to protect creation and support each other. Meanwhile, people in different parts of the world continue to suffer from floods, fires, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other calamities. Behind every disaster, there are families and communities whose lives are deeply affected. We are urged to pray for them and, whenever possible, to offer practical aid and show solidarity with them.

May the coming week and month be a time of renewal for everyone. As we celebrate, listen and walk hand in hand as the Malaysian Church, let us strive to become a true family of God, living our faith through prayer, compassion, service, and love.

Photo Credited to Borneo Post
 

WALKING TOGETHER AS ONE MALAYSIAN CHURCH

The first significant national-level pastoral convention will take place in Sibu, Sarawak, from 9-13 September 2026, bringing together 850 delegates – clergy, religious and laity –  from all nine dioceses of Malaysia: three in Peninsular Malaysia, three in Sabah and three in Sarawak. 

 

Since Friday, 4 September 2026, the Church in Malaysia has been praying fervently during the Holy Hour in their respective parishes for the life and future of our Malaysian Church.

 

Malaysia Pastoral Convention (MPC) 2026 is not just about discussing future plans, but about listening – listening to one another, to the lived experiences of our people, and most importantly, to the Holy Spirit. Through prayer and “Conversation in the Spirit”, participants will discern where God is leading the Church in Malaysia.

Four areas that will guide this discernment: Family, Church, Creation and Society.

Family reminds us that our homes are the first places where faith is lived. We hope families become places of love, forgiveness, faith and hope –  where children and young people encounter Christ, and those going through challenges find support and guidance.

Church calls us to renewal. We aim to build a more synodal Church –  a Church of communion, participation and mission – where clergy, religious and laity walk together, share responsibility and become joyful witnesses of the Gospel.

Creation reminds us that the earth is our common home. We are called to be grateful for God’s creation and to take seriously our responsibility to care for the environment, especially for the benefit of future generations and those most at risk.

Society challenges us to live our faith beyond church walls. As we have just celebrated Merdeka, we pray for a Malaysia where peace and prosperity are genuinely shared. As citizens, we must pursue justice, promote peace and stand in solidarity with the poor, the marginalised and the vulnerable.

Our Malaysian Catholic Church has evolved significantly since the early 1800s, thanks to missionaries. The MEP Fathers (Paris Foreign Missions) laid important foundations in Peninsular Malaysia while missionaries – particularly the Mill Hill Fathers – played a vital role in bringing the Gospel to Sarawak and Sabah. Over the past sixty years, the Malaysian Church has gradually developed local clergy and lay leaders. Today, we have a Church that is truly Malaysian, living its faith in a multi-racial, multilingual and multicultural society.

The pastoral convention has expanded over the years, beginning with the first Peninsular Malaysia Pastoral Convention (PMPC I) in 1986. It continued with PMPC II in 1996, PMPC III in 2006, and PMPC IV in 2016. What began as the PMPC is now proudly known as MPC. The journey was originally called the Pan-Malaysia Pastoral Convention, but in 2023, it was renamed MPC 2026.

Let us pray that MPC 2026 will help our Church discern a clear pastoral direction for the next ten years. May the Holy Spirit guide us to build stronger families, renew our Church, care for creation and become a more just and peaceful nation.

Let us walk together, listen together and discern together, trusting that the Holy Spirit will lead our Malaysian Church into the future.

STANDING WITH THOSE WHO SUFFER

On 15 August 2026, a strong magnitude 7.7 earthquake hit Flores, Indonesia, causing extensive destruction and leaving at least 116 people dead, 1,678 injured, and over 161,000 people displaced. More than 77,900 people were reported to be living in evacuation centres, while homes, schools, places of worship and other facilities were damaged. Many families are now facing the difficult process of rebuilding their lives.

Just two weeks later, on 26 August, another tragedy struck the Himalayan region. A glacial collapse triggered devastating flash floods and mudslides along the Nepal–Tibet border, sweeping through villages, roads and communities. At least 470 people have lost their lives, with hundreds still missing. Rescue and relief efforts are continuing under very difficult conditions.

These tragedies remind us that tragedy or suffering can come suddenly and without warning. Behind every number is a family, a child, an elderly person or someone who has lost a home, a loved one, or the stability of daily life.

As Christians, we cannot remain indifferent to the sufferings of others. Our faith calls us to see, empathise, and act. The spirit of humanitarianism is very much at the heart of the Gospel: to reach out to those in need, to share what we have and to assure people in moments of darkness that they are not forgotten nor are they alone.

In response, the Church of St Thomas the Apostle, Kuantan, is appealing to our Parishioners, as well as the wider community, to support our humanitarian relief efforts. Our immediate focus is to collect essential goods and prepare a container of supplies for families affected by the flash floods in Nepal and Tibet. Our goal right now is to extend our assistance to those affected.

You may contribute essentials such as rice, canned food, biscuits, instant noodles, cooking oil, milk, toiletries, sanitary products, diapers, towels, blankets, sleeping mats, buckets and other practical household necessities. Food items should preferably have a long expiry date, ideally at least 6–12 months. Please ensure all donated items are clean, safe, and in good condition. Thereafter, you may send these to the Church of St Thomas, Kuantan (8.00 am to 9.00 pm), by 6 September 2026.

Those who wish to make cash contributions can inquire at the Parish Office (09-5177106) or email: stthomas@archkl.org

 

This coming week, we will deliver financial aid through the Caritas of the Diocese of Flores, Indonesia, instead of shipping a container of goods due to logistical challenges. Let’s keep those affected families in our prayers and turn our prayers into concrete acts of love and compassion.

We may not be able to rebuild an entire village or replace everything that has been lost. But we can do something. Let us therefore put our faith into action. Together, let us show compassion and become channels of God’s love, mercy and hope.

Note: Photos sourced from the Internet

LIVING OUR CHRISTIAN CALL TO COMPASSION

We celebrated World Humanitarian Day on 19 August 2026, a special occasion that reminds us of those who risk their lives and safety to help others. It also invites us to reflect on our own calling as Christians: to love our neighbours and, like the Good Samaritan, to recognise those who are suffering and respond with kindness, compassion, and mercy.

Jesus calls us to be His hands and feet in a broken world. Catholic Social Teaching reminds us of the importance of solidarity, recognising that we are not isolated individuals but members of one human family, responsible for one another. Every person possesses God-given dignity, regardless of nationality, race, religion, social status, or circumstance. Therefore, we cannot simply turn away from suffering, whether it occurs in distant parts of the world or within our own neighbourhoods.

We can live out this humanitarian spirit in simple yet meaningful ways.

First, we are called to pray for humanitarian workers who serve in places affected by war, violence, disasters and poverty. Let us also pray for peace in war-torn regions and for families who have been displaced from their homes, sometimes losing their possessions, security and loved ones. When we pray for them, we bring their needs before God and remind ourselves that their suffering matters. Prayer also opens our hearts to become more compassionate and willing to help. It moves us beyond concern to action, reminding us that faith must always be expressed through love and service.

Second, we can serve through our parish outreach, especially through PIHDM and SSVDP. We can visit the elderly and homebound, accompany those who are lonely, care for the sick, or assist families facing difficulties. Sometimes, a listening ear, a warm meal, a visit, or a simple act of kindness can bring renewed hope to someone who feels overlooked or forgotten.

Third, we can support those already serving through these ministries. Our generous contributions help provide food, essential household items, emergency assistance, and other immediate necessities to individuals and families experiencing hardship. In this way, our charity becomes a tangible expression of Christ's love and compassion.

While ministering in Seremban, I encountered a Pakistani family consisting of a mother and her three children who were held up in a detention camp. Her husband received the news and travelled from Pakistan to Malaysia to seek help and secure their release. Eventually, he reached out to the Church for assistance. With the support of PIHDM, we contacted the Embassy to obtain the necessary documentation, a process that took almost a week. Once the necessary documents were obtained, we made arrangements for their return flight tickets so the family could return home safely.

This experience reminded me that even small acts of kindness, when offered with faith and love, can make a profound difference in people's lives. May we embrace a spirit of humanity, coming together in care and service, helping to build a world where every person can live with dignity, peace, and hope.

LOVE CAN OPEN THE DOOR TO CHANGE

This month of August, our Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, together with the Dioceses of Penang and Johor-Melaka, especially commemorate and pray for “Prospects” – prisoners and all involved in Prison Ministry. Over the last 40 years, this ministry has actively supported prospects, their families, former prospects, and individuals who are seeking a fresh start after incarceration. It is a ministry of compassion, hope, and accompaniment.

At its heart, Prison Ministry mainly focuses on sharing Christ with those who might feel forgotten, listening to individuals who need someone to hear their stories, providing hope to the discouraged, accompanying those facing struggles, and above all, loving them as brothers and sisters whom God has not abandoned.

Prison Ministry is not about expecting the prospects to change immediately. Change requires time. Sometimes, a volunteer may spend many years walking with individuals without seeing much progress in their prospects. A prospect may struggle with addiction, return to prison, or make the same mistakes again. This can be painful and discouraging. We may ask: “Why hasn’t he changed? Why has he returned to prison? Have all our efforts been wasted?”

Nevertheless, our ministry stresses that only God can change hearts. Our task is to remain present, faithful, and compassionate. A visit, a conversation, a prayer, or even just saying, “I have not forgotten you,” can sow a small seed of hope in their hearts. Though we may not see God’s work right away, He is quietly active in every heart. God’s mercy provides people with the opportunity to change, learn from errors, and start anew. Therefore, Prison Ministry focuses on consistent presence and enduring love rather than immediate outcomes.

This year’s theme, “Transforming Lives Through Love,” highlights how love can open the door to change. When individuals receive forgiveness, respect, acceptance, and sincere concern, they can start to believe again: “I am not forgotten. My life still has meaning. I can begin anew.” This is the hope that Prison Ministry seeks to bring.

Every August 14, we commemorate the feast of St Maximilian Kolbe (Patron Saint for Prisoners), who sacrificed his life for another prisoner at Auschwitz during World War II. When a prisoner was sentenced to death, Fr Maximilian Kolbe volunteered to take his place. He died in a starvation cell, giving his life in love. I have personally visited his cell in Auschwitz, Poland, three times, each time finding it profoundly moving. In a place marked by suffering and death, the witness of St Maximilian reminds us that love can conquer hatred, and hope can shine even in the darkest moments.

Prison Ministry invites all of us to look beyond the prison walls. This weekend, let us pray for prisoners, their families, those who have been released, prison chaplains, volunteers, and all who support this ministry. Let us also welcome those who are rebuilding their lives after coming out of prison and help them to find dignity, acceptance, and a new beginning.

LIVING THE HEART OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Every year on 4 August, the Church celebrates the memorial of St. Jean-Marie Vianney. His life reminds every priest that the heart of the priesthood lies not in success or recognition, but in faithful service to God and His people. Through his deep love for the Eucharist, countless hours hearing confessions, and his compassion for those entrusted to him, he has become a model of a true shepherd after the heart of Christ.

The life of a priest today is both joyful and challenging. Priests are called to celebrate the sacraments, preach the Gospel, accompany families, visit the sick, and bring hope to those in need. In our Malaysian Church, with its rich diversity of cultures and languages, this mission often requires sacrifice, perseverance and a generous heart. Every priest is called to remain faithful, trusting that God works through our weaknesses.

St. Jean-Marie Vianney has been one of my favourite saints since my seminary days in 1995. His life has always inspired me to be a humble priest, close to the people, available to those in need, and faithful in prayer. Whenever the demands of ministry become heavy, I often look to his example and draw strength from his quiet perseverance. He reminds me that a priest does not have to do extraordinary things but simply needs to love God wholeheartedly and serve His people faithfully.

Fr. Philip Asirwalam and I travelled from Kuantan to the Church of St. Jean-Marie Vianney, Tampin, to celebrate the feast with Parish Priest Fr. Albert Arockiasamy and 30 other priests. Nearly 500 of the faithful gathered together for the Holy Hour, Vespers, the Rosary and the Eucharistic Celebration. It was a beautiful witness of priestly fraternity and a moment to renew our commitment to serve with greater pastoral zeal.

Our Parish warmly welcomes Rev Fr Philip Asirwalam, Assistant Priest of St. Thomas the Apostle, Kuantan. He previously served at the Church of Divine Mercy in Shah Alam during his diaconate and the first two months of his priesthood. His appointment is a great blessing, especially as our Parish once again receives an assistant priest after almost 23 years.

His presence will enhance our pastoral ministry, especially as we serve communities far beyond Kuantan city. Our mission reaches chapels and Mass centres, including Orang Asli villages, Indonesian migrant workers in sawmills and oil palm plantations, and families from Sabah and Sarawak serving in the Armed Forces and the Police. Now, we will be able to reach more people with the Gospel and the Eucharist, especially those on the outskirts of our Parish.

As we thank God for the gift of our priests, let us continue to pray for them, walk with them, and support them in their mission. The work of evangelisation belongs to all of us. Together, let us bring His love to every family, every village, every workplace and every heart, so all may know the joy and hope in Jesus Christ.

OUR MISSION TO EVANGELISE

Pope Leo XIV’s Prayer Intention for August 2026: “Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.”

Our East Coast cities – Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu – continue to grow and develop rapidly. The expansion of new housing areas, businesses, roads and tourist attractions has created many opportunities. Life has become faster and busier, with families balancing work life, school and many other commitments, while technology keeps us constantly connected. Yet, despite all this progress, many people quietly experience loneliness. Neighbours often live side by side without really knowing one another, and meaningful relationships are increasingly replaced by digital interactions.

Pope Leo XIV reminds us that this quiet loneliness is not only a social challenge but also a spiritual one. Many hearts long to be seen, welcomed and loved. As followers of Christ, we are called to respond with the warmth, compassion and hope of the Gospel.

The Church has always grown because Christians lived as one family. They welcomed strangers, cared for those in need, prayed together and shared their lives with one another. Their love became a living witness to Christ. That same mission continues today. Evangelisation is not only about preaching from the pulpit or hosting large events. It begins in our daily encounters – with a smile, a listening ear, a visit to someone who is alone, an invitation to the Eucharistic celebration, or a simple act of kindness. Often, the Gospel is first experienced through genuine friendship before it is proclaimed in words.

We see this mission bearing fruit in our own Parish. This year, 16 adults – 4 in the English-speaking group, 2 in the Mandarin-speaking group, and 10 in the Bahasa Malaysia-speaking group – have begun their journey in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Each of them has responded to God’s invitation to know Jesus more deeply. Their presence reminds us that someone prayed for them, someone welcomed them, and someone encouraged them to take that first step of faith. 

Soon, they will become members of our Parish family, and all of us share the responsibility of accompanying them with our prayers, friendship and encouragement. Let us help them discover that the Church is truly a place where they belong.

Here in the East Coast, where we live respectfully alongside people of many faiths, sharing the Gospel often calls for patience, wisdom and sensitivity. We proclaim Christ not only through our words but also through lives marked by integrity, kindness, hospitality and joyful faith. Every act of love, every gesture of compassion and every faithful Christian life quietly proclaims the Gospel.

As we begin the month of August, let us make the Holy Father’s intention our own. May our homes become welcoming places, our Parish a true community of faith and love, and each of us a joyful missionary disciple, bringing the hope and peace of Christ to everyone we meet.

HONOURING OUR GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY

This year, the Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly (WDGE) will be observed on 26 July 2026 (Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne), calling us to honour seniors and acknowledge their vital role in our families, parishes, and society. In his first message for this annual celebration, Pope Leo XIV emphasises that every elderly person is precious in God's sight and should never feel forgotten or abandoned. The Holy Father invites us to become a Church that listens, accompanies, and cares for our elderly with love, respect, and compassion.

The theme, “I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15), comes from God's comforting words to His people in times of abandonment and despair. Through the prophet Isaiah, God assures us that His love surpasses even a mother’s love for her child. While a mother may forget, God never will. He has engraved His people on the palms of His hands – a powerful image of enduring love and unfailing faithfulness. This promise provides hope to those who feel lonely, neglected, or invisible, especially the elderly. It reminds us that every human life possesses lasting dignity because each person is deeply loved and forever remembered by God.

Pope Leo XIV recognises that many elderly people today experience loneliness, neglect, and isolation. Some live alone, while others are forgotten even in care homes, where they may be treated as numbers rather than persons with unique stories and gifts. In a society that often values productivity, speed, and efficiency, older people can mistakenly be seen as a burden instead of a blessing. The Holy Father therefore encourages families, especially the younger generation, to revive the beautiful tradition of visiting grandparents and elderly neighbours, bringing them companionship, affection, and hope through the simple gift of presence.

The Pope emphasises to older adults that old age is a meaningful and fruitful stage of life. Despite physical frailty, they remain beloved children of God. Through prayer, wisdom, and their lifelong faith, they continue to enrich the Church. In a world filled with conflict, fear, and division, the elderly have a special vocation to be witnesses of hope, reconciliation, and enduring faith for the younger generations.

(Abstract of the Message of Pope Leo XIV for the Sixth World Day for the Grandparents and the Elderly 2026)

As a Church, we must turn God’s promise into concrete acts of love. Let us reach out intentionally to our elderly through regular home visits, Holy Communion to the homebound, praying and reflecting on Scripture with them, arranging opportunities for Confession and the Anointing of the Sick, listening attentively to their stories, and welcoming them to participate actively in parish life whenever possible. Such simple yet meaningful gestures assure them that they remain valued members of God's family.

When we honour and care for our grandparents and the elderly, we become living witnesses of God’s promise: “I will never forget you.” May our Parish always be a community where every person, regardless of age or ability, is welcomed, cherished, and remembered with love.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU

On Sunday, 26 July 2026, the universal Church observes the 6^th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which falls on the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. This meaningful celebration, established to overcome loneliness among the elderly and to recognise their priceless role in families and in the life of the Church, carries the comforting theme: “I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49: 15).

As a Parish family, we also remember with gratitude the many grandparents and elderly who have sown the seeds of faith in our lives. They taught us our first prayers, brought us to church, encouraged us during difficult times, and witnessed to God’s faithfulness through their own lives. Today, the Church of St Thomas the Apostle, Kuantan, continues to grow because of the sacrifices, prayers and quiet dedication of those who led the way. Their legacy lives on in every family and every ministry.

Sadly, the fast pace of modern life often leaves our elderly feeling isolated. Busy schedules, changing lifestyles and technology sometimes create distance between generations. Pope Leo XIV reminds us that older persons should never be forgotten or pushed aside. They are not a burden but instead, a blessing. Their wisdom, experience and steadfast faith are valuable gifts that enrich both our families and our Parish.

Our Parish Family Life Ministry, led by Sheila Fernandez, Anna Thong, and Mary Tan, warmly invites all Parishioners, especially our grandparents and the elderly, to join the celebration on Sunday, 26 July 2026, from 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm in the St Giles Room. The event will feature fellowship, a family-friendly movie, and activities to strengthen the connections among grandparents, the elderly, children, and grandchildren. Additionally, during the weekend Masses, we will hold special prayers and distribute prayer cards as tokens of our love and gratitude. 

As the FIFA World Cup approaches its exciting conclusion, the final will be played between Spain and Argentina. Many football fans – myself included – have enjoyed weeks of thrilling matches. I followed the tournament almost every night, and I know that when the final whistle blows, many of us will surely miss this wonderful celebration of the beautiful game.

While we remember great goals, incredible saves, and champions, it is important to also honour the true heroes in our lives – our grandparents and the elderly. Like a football team, families are built on sacrifice, discipline, love, prayer, wisdom, and guidance. Their greatest victory is in the generations they nurture and inspire in faith; just as this year’s World Day theme states, “I will never forget you.”

On this upcoming World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, take a moment to visit, call, or spend time with our grandparents and the elderly. A listening ear, a warm hug, or just sharing a meal together can serve as a meaningful reminder that they are loved, valued, and always remembered.

VICTORY THAT TRULY LASTS

As the FIFA World Cup reaches its thrilling semi-final stage, millions around the world are eagerly watching their favourite teams, inspired by their discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and determination. Watching this excitement unfold, I cannot help but reflect on our own Parish community.

For nine grace-filled days, we gathered as one family to celebrate our Novena and Thanksgiving in honour of St. Thomas the Apostle. No medals or trophies were won, yet something far more precious was achieved: hearts were renewed, faith was strengthened, our young people received the gifts of the Holy Spirit through Confirmation, and our Parish family grew stronger in communion. That is the kind of victory that truly lasts.

With gratitude, we thank God for the successful Novena and Thanksgiving celebrations for St. Thomas the Apostle and our 120th Parish Anniversary. The nine days were deeply moving, with many Parishioners attending every Novena Mass. The final events - including the Eucharistic Procession, Thanksgiving Mass, and Confirmation – saw outstanding participation from Parishioners, families, and friends. This was a beautiful witness to our Parish’s vitality and unity in faith.

I was especially delighted to witness 30 of our young parishioners receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. May the Holy Spirit continue to strengthen them with His gifts so that they may become courageous disciples and joyful witnesses of Christ in today’s world. Please keep them in your prayers as they begin this new chapter in their faith journey.

I extend my sincere appreciation to our Parish Pastoral Councils, Finance Committee, Catechetical ministry, Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC), liturgical ministries, choir members, altar servers, readers, commentators, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, Women’s Ministry, flower decorators, hospitality teams, traffic wardens, volunteers, benefactors, and every ministry that worked tirelessly before, during, and after the celebrations. Much of your service was carried out quietly behind the scenes, but God sees every sacrifice made with love. Thank you for your generous commitment, teamwork, and dedication, which ensured every celebration was prayerful, meaningful, and well organised.

To every Parishioner who attended, prayed, sang, served, and journeyed with us throughout these nine days - thank you. Your presence turned our celebrations into a beautiful witness of a vibrant Parish family. Together we demonstrated that the Church is not merely a building, but a community of believers walking together in faith.

As we give thanks for the blessings of the past 120 years, let us move forward together with renewed hope, trusting that the Lord who has faithfully guided our Parish will continue to lead us for generations to come. May we continue to build a Parish that prays together, serves with humility, welcomes with love, and witnesses to Christ with courage.

May St. Thomas continue to intercede for each of us, leading us from doubt to faith, from faith to hope, and from hope to lives of joyful missionary discipleship.

St. Thomas the Apostle, pray for us!