EMBRACE WITH COMPASSION, RESPECT AND HOPE

On 11 February, the Church celebrates the 34th World Day of the Sick (WDS). Pope Leo XIV encourages the Church to reflect on the theme: “The Compassion of the Samaritan: Loving by Bearing Another’s Pain.” Drawing on the well-known parable of the Good Samaritan (LK 10: 25-37), the Holy Father emphasises that compassion is a way of life – a love that approaches, stops, and shares in suffering.

In our busy world today, we often overlook pain because we are caught up in our routines, distractions, or discomfort with suffering. Like the priest and Levi in the parable, we might see someone hurt, but decide to keep our distance. On the other hand, the Good Samaritan stops, approaches, and dedicates his time. The Pope reminds us that reaching out with kindness is the heart of real compassion. True love starts when we choose to be present, not indifferent.

The Holy Father reminds us that Jesus is the true Good Samaritan, always ready to help wounded humanity. He kneels beside us in our struggles, heals wounds, and carries us with mercy. When we reach out to the sick, the elderly, the lonely, or the forgotten, we reflect Christ’s caring presence. Caring for the sick is not just kind – it is a core mission of the church.

Compassion has a beautiful collective aspect. The Samaritan helped the injured man by entrusting him to the innkeeper. Similarly, caring for the sick involves families, neighbours, healthcare providers, volunteers and pastors working together. “To be one in the one means that we are members of a single body,” and when one suffers, it calls each of us to step in and help. The pain of the sick is not just someone else’s, but it is also ours - reminding us of the importance of compassion.

Pope Leo XIV reminds us that serving the sick is a heartfelt act of worship that truly touches the soul. Real love is shown through a caring presence, listening, patience, prayer, and dedicated service. These actions help us share our faith sincerely.

As a caring parish community, let us take this opportunity on the World Day of the Sick to renew our commitment to walking hand in hand with those who are suffering. Instead of rushing by, let’s embrace them with compassion, respect, and hope, offering our support and warmth.

 

(Abstract of the message of Pope Leo XIV for the World Day of the Sick)

 

Since we are unable to celebrate World Day of the Sick on its actual day due to work commitments (being a weekday), we will instead gather on Saturday, 14 February 2026, at 10.30am for Holy Mass at our Parish. We wish to invite all our elderly and sick Parishioners to attend Mass, where we will have the Anointing of the Sick, asking the Lord to fill them with strength and comfort and to remind them that they are never alone.

         

PRAYERS MOVE OUR HANDS AND HEARTS

For the month of February, the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, invites the whole Church to pray for children suffering from incurable diseases and for their families—that they may receive the medical care, love, and support they need, and that they may never lose strength or hope.

This heartfelt intention reminds us of the deep vulnerability of children battling serious illnesses, and the heavy emotional, physical, and spiritual burdens shouldered by their parents and caregivers. These families often face a long and challenging journey filled with uncertainty, fear, and exhaustion. As a Church, our calling goes beyond prayer—we are called to accompany them, offering support and compassion every step of the way.

Palliative care is one of the most important aspects of care. Even when a cure is not possible, care must never cease. Palliative care focuses on relieving pain, managing symptoms, and providing emotional and spiritual support. For instance, a child receiving palliative care can feel safe and comfortable, while parents are supported by doctors, nurses, counsellors, and chaplains who listen to their worries and pray with them. Care is not only about medicine, but also about dignity, compassion, and love.

Another important aspect is the support and presence of family. Pope Francis often described the Church as a “field hospital” (Evangelii Gaudium, no. 47). This means the Church must be close to those who are wounded—not distant or judgmental. Families with sick children should never feel alone. Our presence, compassion, and tangible assistance can express God’s mercy.

This prayer intention can be integrated into our daily routine in simple ways. First, through a spiritual offering: each morning, we can dedicate our daily work, joys, and sufferings to God for these children and families, saying: “Lord, I offer this day for children who are sick, and for their families. Give them strength and hope.”

Second, being present can speak volumes. A quick call, a heartfelt message, or bringing a meal to a family caring for a sick child are wonderful ways to show love and support.

Finally, we can brighten someone’s day by visiting and offering a listening ear. I know of a boy who has been suffering for over 12 years. He is often admitted to the hospital, and his parents regularly take him there for treatment. Although he has not seen much improvement, his spirit remains strong. He is very determined and maintains a positive outlook. He prays fervently and even goes to church in a wheelchair—as attending Mass adds richness and meaning to his life.

As we pray throughout this month, may our prayers move our hands and hearts, making us signs of God’s compassion for the smallest and most vulnerable among us. Lord Jesus, be close to every suffering child and every weary parent. Hold them in your gentle love, give them strength for each day, and keep their hearts filled with hope.

A PRAYER FOR OUR PARISH JOURNEY 2026

Lord God, 

You have gathered us as the Parish of St. Thomas the Apostle — 

a pilgrim people rooted in Your Word, 

nourished by the Eucharist, and united in love.

 

Renew our vision to become a welcoming, prayerful, 

and compassionate community, faithful in our witness 

and generous in service.

 

As we move forward, may we truly live what we celebrate, 

love everyone we meet, and courageously proclaim Jesus, 

Our Lord and Our God, in our homes, in our Parish, and in the world today.

 

Mother Mary, accompany us at every moment 

and obtain for us the blessing from Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Our Parish Prayer reflects our true identity and the person we are meant to become. It reminds us that our identity is established by God’s grace, not by our efforts. We acknowledge that our Parish exists because God Himself gathers us week after week. We are called, formed, and sustained by the Lord.

We see ourselves as a pilgrim people - a community on a journey - still growing, learning, and being shaped by God. We continue to grow in faith, trusting that God is leading us step by step. Our pilgrimage implies movement, hope, and perseverance - even when the journey becomes challenging.

To say that we are rooted in God’s Word affirms that Scripture is not just read or heard, but lived every day. His Word guides our decisions, shapes our values, challenges our views, and gives our lives direction. As a Parish, we listen attentively so that it shapes our conscience and lifestyle.

Christ Himself is the source of our strength, nourishing us through the Eucharist. The Eucharist heals, renews, and unites us as one Body. Without the Eucharist, our efforts become empty. With the Eucharist, our services become life-giving.

When we say we are united in love, we recognise that unity does not mean everyone is the same or thinks alike. It signifies a deliberate commitment to journey together with patience, humility, forgiveness, and care for one another. Our unity is sustained not by convenience, but by our love anchored in Christ.

The second part of the prayer asks God to renew our vision. This is essential because Parish ministries can easily become routine or dependent on the same few people. We pray to remain a welcoming community, where everyone feels recognised and appreciated; a prayerful community; and a compassionate community attentive to the vulnerable, the poor, and the wounded. Our faith must be visible – expressed through witness and generous service.

Finally, the prayer sends us forth. What we celebrate and experience in the church must be carried into daily life – into our homes, workplaces, schools, and society at large. Every Mass ends with a mission –  to love those we meet, and to proclaim Jesus through our words and actions.

We entrust our Parish to Mother Mary, asking her to accompany us and to obtain for us the blessing of her Son, Jesus Christ. Like her, may we listen, trust and respond generously to God’s call.

A RENEWED PASTORAL COMMITMENT

The Clergy Annual Pastoral Assembly (CAPA) was held at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre, Kuala Lumpur, from Monday, 12 January to Thursday, 15 January 2026. The theme was “To Become Shepherds After the Heart of Christ” (Jer 3:15). The gathering centred around listening and prayerful discernment on what it truly means to guide God’s people in a rapidly changing pastoral environment.

Drawing from the promise of Prophet Jeremiah, CAPA invited us to reflect on the heart of Christ – a heart that is compassionate, consistent, embracing, welcoming, and deeply attentive to the realities of people’s lives. Using a synodal approach through Conversation in the Spirit (group sharing), the Assembly focused on three key pastoral areas: Catechesis, Boundaries and Youth. The aim was to achieve clarity, foster communion, and renew pastoral commitments.

 

CATECHESIS affirms that the priest remains the primary educator and role model in the parish, working collaboratively with catechists. It goes beyond classroom teaching, is rooted in the Word of God, is expressed through witness, and is lived through pastoral experiences. Our task is to provide guidelines that lead students to Christ, and to form missionary disciples. This requires reviewing our methodology, syllabus, and formations for catechists, to keep catechesis meaningful, transformative, and life-giving.

 

The session on BOUNDARIES challenged us to view boundaries not as obstacles, but as bridges that support healthy, Christ-like pastoral ministry. Priests should be compassionate, available, and effective collaborators, as regular communication is essential. We were reminded that being “after the Heart of Christ” involves truth, justice, mercy, availability, responsibility, accompaniment and accountability.

 

YOUTH ministry became a major focus during the Assembly. Young people are not merely the future of the Church, but are in fact, the Church of today. The call is to accompany them with patient, non-judgmental listening - to empower them through shared responsibility, and to integrate them into the wider parish community and mission. Young people need to be revived, rejuvenated, and reimagined within the Church.

 

One of the most enriching parts of CAPA was the Conversation in the Spirit. Although some discussions echoed those of previous years, I felt this year’s process gave me deeper insights, broader perspectives, and more concrete pastoral responses. Attentive listening enabled the Holy Spirit to guide us beyond repetition, towards renewed understanding and shared commitment.

 

What impressed me during these four days of our CAPA journey was the reminder that a healthy ministry depends on clarity of roles, relationships, and responsibilities. I found the emphasis on youth uplifting - reinforcing the call to walk alongside them.

 

CAPA 2026 has truly refreshed my perspective - giving me a stronger pastoral focus, and a renewed sense of hope. Being shepherds after the Heart of Christ, leads us to carry our priestly ministry more consistently - to practise patience in our accompaniment, and to approach our mission with greater courage.

FAITH MUST BE LIVED DAILY

This weekend, the Church brings the Christmas season to a close with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. At the Baptism of Jesus, we witness the revelation of His identity as the Beloved Son. It also marks the beginning of His public mission, especially among the poor, the marginalised and the oppressed (cf. Luke 4:14–22). Christmas reminds us that God enters fully into our human life, sanctifying and calling us through baptism to live as His beloved children, bearing the light of Christ to the world.

Entering Ordinary Time and the Call to Unity – From 12 January to 17 February 2026 (six weeks), the Church enters the first period of Ordinary Time, a season that invites us to live our faith faithfully each day. In the next couple of weeks, two important events will guide our spiritual journey as a Parish community.

The first is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, observed from 18 to 25 January 2026, with the theme: “One Body, One Spirit, One Hope” (Ephesians 4:4). This annual observance calls Christians to pray, reflect and engage in dialogue, echoing Jesus’ prayer for unity (cf. John 17:21–23). Saint Paul reminds us that unity is a shared calling to be lived with humility, gentleness, patience and love. 

The second is the Sunday of the Word of God, observed on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (24 and 25 January). The 2026 theme, “The word of Christ dwells among you” (Colossians 3:16), reminds us that Sacred Scripture is not merely read or heard, but lived. God’s Word shapes our faith, guides our choices, and sends us forth on mission.

This focus harmonises with the Pope’s prayer intention for January 2026, which invites us to pray with the Word of God. As we listen to Scripture with open hearts, God’s Word nourishes our lives and offers hope to our families and communities. Rooted in the Word, we are formed into a more fraternal and missionary Church - attentive to God’s voice, and responsive to the needs of others.

Over the past two weeks, our Parish has lived the Word through concrete acts of charity. We provided school uniforms, bags, shoes, and school fees to approximately 80 students from three Kampung Asli communities and 10 students from poor families in Kuantan. These children can now begin the new school year on 12 January with dignity, joy and renewed hope.

This weekend, the Parish Flood Relief Team (PFRT) distributed groceries and essential household items, including mattresses, pillows and bedsheets, to 26 families affected by the recent floods. Through these efforts, we responded promptly, providing material assistance, comfort, solidarity and reassurance that they are not alone.

As we move from the joy of Christmas into Ordinary Time, these celebrations and initiatives remind us that faith must be lived daily – in prayer, unity and loving service. Nourished by God’s Word and strengthened by our hope, may we grow as one in Christ, sharing His compassion and light with everyone we meet.

BEGINNING 2026 SERVING WITH STEADFAST FAITH

A New Year - 2026 - has begun! Yet the warm joy of Christmas still lingers among us. We are still in Christmastide, celebrating the magnificent truth of Emmanuel – God-With-Us! As the calendar turns to a new year, the Church gently invites us not to rush ahead too quickly, but to pause, to give thanks, and to reflect on each moment of our lives, especially on how God has faithfully accompanied us throughout the year that has passed.

For our Parish, 2025 was truly a grace-filled and memorable year, especially as we journeyed through the Jubilee Year of Hope. Our Parish of St Thomas the Apostle here in Kuantan was honoured to be designated as one of the five Jubilee pilgrimage centres in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. This was not merely a title, but a sacred mission entrusted to us – a call to open our doors, our hearts, and our faith to go beyond.

Throughout the year, our Parish became a spiritual sanctuary for pilgrims from many parts of the country –  individuals, families, and parish groups – came seeking plenary indulgences, spiritual renewal, conversion, and hope in Christ. We welcomed pilgrims almost every week, and in October 2025, the Clergy of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur made their pilgrimage to our Parish. These encounters enriched our Parish life and reminded us that we are part of a living, pilgrim Church, journeying together in faith and communion.

None of this would have been possible without the generous service of our Parish Jubilee Team and numerous volunteers. Their warmth, hospitality and commitment reflected the very heart of Christ. Through their effort, our Parish became a place of welcome for everyone. We also deepened our understanding of the Jubilee Year through a special Parish Recollection, which helped us appreciate its meaning as a time of grace, reconciliation and renewal.

This weekend, on 4 January 2026, we mark the end of the Jubilee Year. We may feel a little sad that it has come to an end, but with gratitude, we thank God for the many experiences and blessings received. However, the Jubilee does not simply close - its blessings and lessons remain with us. What we have learned, celebrated and lived, must now shape how we move forward as a parish.

Looking back, the year 2025 stands out as a meaningful and spiritually rich year for the Parish of St Thomas, and as we look ahead, we do so with confidence and hope. This new year is especially significant as we celebrate 120 years of the establishment of our Parish. Throughout these years, our church has grown, adapted and persevered under the loving guidance of the Lord Jesus.

Moving forward, let us continue our Parish plans and activities with renewed enthusiasm – praying gracefully, serving with steadfast faith, and walking together as a synodal Church. May the year ahead bring abundant grace and blessings to every family.

A BLESSED NEW YEAR TO ALL!

THE GREATEST GIFT – GOD WITH US

The Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses this year were truly overwhelming in the most beautiful way. The large turnout uplifted our hearts, and our celebrations were made even richer by the presence of our brothers and sisters from the Indonesian, Orang Asli, Sabahan, and Sarawakian communities. On Christmas Day, a special Mass was celebrated for the Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Malaysia speaking communities, and the Parish Hall was filled with faith, joy, and gratitude.

A good number of families and individuals stayed overnight in our Parish premises, sleeping in our classrooms, dormitories, and hall. Although the space was somewhat crowded, everything was managed with patience, understanding, and a beautiful spirit of cooperation. Meals were provided for all, and for this, I express my sincere appreciation to PIHDM for their generous hospitality and support. Their dedication and service truly added warmth and meaning to our Christmas celebrations.

Since we are still in the midst of the monsoon season, weather forecasts predict heavy rainfall from late December to early January, mainly affecting the East Coast. We should stay alert and prepared, especially those living in flood-prone areas. Our Parish Flood Relief Team will remain ready to respond, offering help, compassion, and support if needed.

Christmas reminds us that God is the greatest giver. The Christmas season gently invites us to treasure the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ. His love gives meaning to our lives, and His friendship remains constant through every season. As the Gospel reminds us, “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (John 3:16). Jesus is God’s own life shared with us in love. He is not a distant ruler, but Emmanuel – God with us (Matthew 1:23). He walks with us in joy and sorrow, in moments of light and in times of darkness. 

As we look ahead to the New Year, parents and children are invited to rediscover the joy of presence—time spent together, forgiveness shared, and love renewed. Children are precious gifts entrusted to families and to the wider community, to be nurtured with faith, care, and a deep sense of responsibility.

This year, the Feast of the Holy Innocents will not be celebrated separately, as it falls on the weekend dedicated to the Feast of the Holy Family. Nevertheless, a special blessing for children will take place during the Sunday Masses in the Parish of St Thomas, Kuantan. This blessing offers us a sacred moment to entrust our children to the loving care of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, praying that they may grow in age, wisdom, gratitude, respect, and love—especially towards their parents and elders.

As we come to the close of this year, may we do so with grateful hearts, and may we begin the New Year renewed in faith and hope. May 2026 be a year filled with God’s blessings, peace, good health, and renewed strength, as we continue to walk with Christ – the greatest Gift, who calls us friends – and share His light with all whom we meet.

FROM ADVENT HOPE TO CHRISTMAS LIGHT

The monsoon rains have severely affected our surrounding areas, particularly in Pekan, Maran, and Muadzam Shah. Heavy rainfall over the past week has raised water levels and caused road closures, making many areas inaccessible. As a result, I was unable to travel to celebrate Mass for the Orang Asli and Indonesian communities who live far from our Church of St Thomas, Kuantan. I sincerely hope that, in the coming week, conditions will improve and that I will be able to visit their settlements to celebrate Jesus with them. Let us continue to keep all those affected by the monsoon in our prayers. Several families are affected, and we shall reach out to them before and after the Christmas celebration by providing necessary household items and financial aid.

We are now entering the Fourth Week of Advent, with Christmas just five days away. Over the past three weeks, we have journeyed together in spirit, preparing our hearts and minds for the special season of Advent and Christmas. It has been a meaningful time of prayer, reflection, and quiet moments as we await the arrival of the newborn Jesus, the Saviour of the world.

Advent invites us to be vigilant and prayerful. Let us take time to pray earnestly and make space in our hearts so that the loving presence of Christ may become the true treasure of our lives. I am pleased to see many of you taking this call seriously – coming for individual confession, participating in spiritual recollection, and spending time in the adoration room before the Blessed Sacrament. These moments of grace help prepare you inwardly for the celebration of Christmas.

Many of you have also been faithfully following the daily readings, attending daily and weekend Masses, performing acts of charity, and reaching out with compassion. During this time, we have administered the Anointing of the Sick for our elderly and homebound Parishioners. Let us remember them in our prayers, especially those who are unable to attend Mass in church due to illness and those who do not have anyone to bring them to church. These sacramental encounters serve as a meaningful preparation for Christmas, reminding them that the Church has not forgotten them, especially the weak and vulnerable.

Since the first week of Advent, our church compound has been beautifully adorned with Christmas lights. At night, the church shines like a city of lights, a visible sign of hope in the darkness. These lights will continue to shine throughout Christmas and until the end of the Jubilee Year of Hope.

As Christmas draws near, may we “cast off the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light” (Rom 13:12). May the Lord fill our hearts with true joy and peace, strengthen our faith, and enable us to be bearers of His light and hope for one another.

WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A PEACEFUL, JOYFUL AND SPIRIT-FILLED CHRISTMAS!

A JUBILEE OUTREACH OF HOPE AND LOVE FOR THE PROSPECTS

From Tuesday, 9 December to Thursday, 11 December 2025, our dedicated Priests from the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, together with volunteers from the Archdiocesan Catholic Prison Ministry (ACPM), visited prisons in Terengganu, Pahang, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan. These visits, which will be completed on Monday, 15 December 2025, are part of our ongoing mission to bring hope, faith, and support to incarcerated individuals and their families.

The Jubilee Year of Hope 2025 serves as a reminder that every individual, regardless of their past, is a child of God deserving dignity, mercy, and an opportunity for a new beginning. The Late Pope Francis underscored this message, particularly for those incarcerated – also known as Prospects – when he opened the Holy Door at Rebibbia Prison in Rome on 14 January 2025. He urged everyone to hold on to Christ Jesus, who is our Anchor of Hope, and to open their hearts to compassion, reconciliation, and solidarity.

Our Archdiocesan Catholic Prison Ministry (ACPM) brings this vision to life. During their visits, volunteers and Priests share the Word of God, provide counselling and spiritual support, and celebrate the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confession. Over the last 40 years, the ministry has also provided financial assistance to some Prospects, enabling them to pursue their degree courses, fostering hope, personal growth and preparation for reintegration into society.

This ministry is also dedicated to supporting the families of Prospects. Many encounter emotional and financial difficulties that often remain unnoticed. Through initiatives such as the Jalinan-Kasih (Bonds of Love) Programme and ongoing outreach activities, families are welcomed into a caring community, invited to share their stories and experiences, and reassured that they are not alone.

As part of the Jubilee Year for incarcerated individuals, this ministry invites all Catholics nationwide to join in prayers on Sunday, 14 December 2025, at 3.00 pm. You are encouraged to light a candle at home and recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet for those in prisons, those who have been released, their families, crime victims, and prison staff and authorities. Our prayers, together with the efforts of our Priests and volunteers, serve as a reminder that healing, mercy, and hope are always accessible. Even in the most challenging circumstances, we can bring the light of Christ into the places of darkness and despair.

We sincerely appreciate the generosity and dedication of our Priests, volunteers, and parishioners who keep this ministry thriving. Through your support, we continue to bring hope, dignity, and the love of Christ to those often forgotten, showing that God’s mercy truly knows no limits.

Let us come together for all Prospects, their families, the prison authorities, and the volunteers in this ministry to serve faithfully. May our hearts remain open, our hands ready to serve, and our prayers always be a beacon of hope.

HEARTS UPLIFTED THROUGH PRAYER AND HOPE

As we light the second Advent candle, we are drawn once again to the deep longing in our hearts – the yearning to see Jesus Christ more lovingly, to welcome Him into our lives. This season prompts us to consider the “rough ways” and “winding roads” in our hearts that need straightening, and what worries, distractions, or sins hinder us from preparing a clear path for the Lord.

In this sacred time leading to Christmas, the Church calls us to step away from the noise of our busy schedules and to make ready our hearts for Christ’s coming. Let the light of Advent turn our inner journeys into clear paths of love, peace, repentance, and hope.

December is typically the height of the monsoon rainy season, with warm temperatures and frequent rainfall. Here in the East Coast – the coastal regions of Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan, rainfall at this time can be heavy for several days.

Recently, those living around the outskirts of Kuantan have experienced floods, but now we see a reassuring sign: the waters have subsided. We are grateful, trusting that God has watched over us. As we approach Christmas and the New Year, we also honour God’s protection and provision for our neighbourhoods, communities, families, and Church.

While we celebrate restoration, we also recognise that the Christmas season – filled with parties, family visits, gift exchanges, feasts, and gatherings – can lead to stress, busyness, and even anxiety. During this time, the call of Advent grows more urgent: to clear pathways, both around our homes and within our hearts. The Church urges us to focus more on Christ, to shed distractions that clutter our souls, and to embrace silence, prayer, and interior renewal. This prepares us to welcome Jesus – not only in a manger but also into our hearts.

As a Parish family, we have an opportunity to respond to this call. On 11 December 2025, at 7.30 pm at the Church of St Thomas, the Apostle, Kuantan, we will gather for a Penitential Service (confession) – a sacred moment of grace extended to everyone. The confession is part of the requirements of this Jubilee Year. We urge all Parishioners to join in this confession to repent, renew, and spiritually prepare for Christmas. Let us use this moment to reflect on our lives, honestly confess our shortcomings, and accept the Lord’s grace, mercy, and healing.

Let us recall what our faith teaches: Advent is not solely about external preparations – decorations, gifts, and parties – but primarily about our inner readiness. The “winding roads” and “rough paths” of our past must be made straight, and the clutter of sin and distraction cleared away.

As we focus on spiritual readiness, keep our hearts uplifted through prayer and hope. Stay vigilant in confession, practise charity, and remain steadfast in love – so that when Christ returns, we can warmly welcome Him into new dwellings built on truth, repentance, and grace. 

May this Advent season prepare our hearts with humility, kindness, and hope as we cherish this special time together.

AWAKE, READY AND WAITING!

Every year, the sacred season of Advent arrives quietly and swiftly. It is often overshadowed by the noise, lights, and rush around us. Yet the Church, in her wisdom, through the season of Advent, reminds us that God continues to come to us in silence, longing, and anticipation. As we cross the threshold into Advent, we are encouraged to slow down and rediscover the grace found in waiting.

In a world that constantly urges us to rush, Advent whispers a different truth: Christmas is not something we achieve through activity but something we receive with a ready and open heart. It reflects the deeper spiritual journey of humanity – our longing, hope, and yearning for God.

This year, the monsoon rains have begun across both the east and west coasts, and is expected to last until March. As we enjoy our holidays and family gatherings, we must also remain focused on being safe: travelling carefully, avoiding flooded areas, and watching out for each other. These reminders echo the spiritual call of Advent – to stay alert, be ready, and focus on what truly matters. If Christ were to arrive today, would He find a place in my heart?

Advent offers us the opportunity to prepare our inner space, not by frantic activity, but through humble and deliberate inner work.

First, Advent calls us to prayer. St. Therese of Lisieux beautifully described prayer as “a surge of the heart.” Even a few quiet minutes each morning before sunrise, or at night before resting, can create a small but precious space for God to enter.

Second, Advent invites us into silence – not an empty or passive silence, but one that purifies, clarifies, and awakens our spirit. In this silence, we rediscover God’s presence, realising that He has been waiting for us far longer than we have waited for Him.

Third, Advent calls us to spiritual renewal. Just as we prepare our homes for a special guest, our hearts too need renewal – letting go of grudges, confessing overlooked sins, and giving up behaviours that diminish love. Through reconciliation, we create a space where Christ can truly dwell.

Fourth, Advent encourages us to practise charity with warmth and tenderness. This season presents many opportunities to care for others – especially the poor, the lonely, and those who are overlooked. Every act of kindness gently builds the “manger” of our hearts, creating a place where Christ can find rest.

If we embrace it, Advent becomes a gentle guide that transforms our routines, aligns our desires, and renews our hope. Let this sacred season not go unnoticed. May it intensify our longing, soften our hearts, and help us prepare to receive Christ with lasting joy beyond Christmas Day.

May you and your loved ones experience a blessed, safe, and grace-filled Advent as together we await the coming of the Lord.

RICH IN GRACE, SERVICE AND GROWTH

This weekend, we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, marking the final Sunday of Ordinary Time. This feast reminds us that Christ is the centre of our lives, the Ruler of history, and the One who leads our Parish community forward.

Next weekend, we joyfully enter a new liturgical year (2025/2026) and begin Year A in the Lectionary cycle. The season of Advent opens before us – a sacred time of watchfulness, preparation, and renewed enthusiasm for the coming of the Lord. I invite all Parishioners to embrace this spiritual journey with open hearts. Let us walk together as a community - rooted in Scripture, faithful in prayer and strengthened through the celebration of the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist.

As we prepare for the new calendar year, we conclude the Jubilee Year of Hope - which officially ends on 4 January 2026, on the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. This Jubilee has been a tremendous blessing for our Parish of St Thomas, the Apostle. We were privileged to be chosen as one of the Jubilee Pilgrimage Centres of the Archdiocese, and we have welcomed countless pilgrims from near and far.

In thanksgiving for this grace-filled year, we will hold a Spiritual Recollection and Parish Pastoral Assembly (PPA) on Saturday, 13 December 2025 from 9am-3pm. This spiritual formation will encourage us to pause and reflect on the Jubilee Year journey, and discern how God is inviting us to grow further as a parish community. 

I strongly encourage Parishioners from all language groups to register and participate in this upcoming spiritual formation. Do not miss this opportunity to prayerfully review the year, give thanks for God’s blessings, and discern how the Holy Spirit is calling us forward.

 

This past year has been one of our busiest and most fruitful. Together, we journeyed through numerous formation sessions, parish events, feast day celebrations, spiritual gatherings, pilgrimages, and various community activities. 

What a blessed year it has been!

• We worked hard, hand in hand, to welcome pilgrims for the Jubilee Year.
• Our various ministries and language groups served with dedication.
• We deepened our faith through formation sessions and liturgical celebrations.
• We reached out to the poor, supported outreach missions, and strengthened Parish unity.
• Many new members – young and old – were added to our Parish family through the Sacraments of Baptism and Marriage.

It has been a year rich in grace, service and growth. All of this was possible because of your commitment, your dedication, your willingness to serve, and your love for the Parish. We have gained much wisdom, matured in faith, and strengthened our bond as one family in Christ.

To every Parishioner, leader, volunteer, and ministry member: Thank you. You have shown what it means to be a Church that lives its faith with hope, joy and charity. Let us move forward together with unity of heart, openness to the Holy Spirit, and a deep desire to grow as a Parish that radiates Christ’s love to all.