Posted date: January 22, 2018
[caption id="attachment_12749" align="aligncenter" width="680"] The last Ad Limina visit for the Bishops of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei was 10 years ago, in June 2008.[/caption]
To the people of God on the occasion of the
AD LIMINA VISIT (4-9 February 2018)
The Ad Limina visit is formally called "ad limina apostolorum," which means "to the thresholds of the apostles" Peter and Paul, who were martyred in Rome. This visit is made by the Ordinaries of a Region (Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei), which include the Cardinal; Archbishops and Bishops in charge of a Diocese.
Traditionally, this visit serves as an occasion for the Shepherd of each diocese to draw inspiration as well as guidance from the Universal Catholic Church in which Pope Francis, the Supreme Pontiff is the successor of Peter, the Apostle. The Archbishop and Bishops as successors of the Apostles, work in collaboration and communion with the Pope.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei’s Ad Limina visit is set on the 4th to 9th February 2018.
The Ad Limina consists of three parts.
The first part entails a personal visit to the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul. This is a very spiritual and inspiring time of the Ad Limina because it connects the present Successor to the Apostles (Bishops, Archbishops and Cardinal) to the two major Apostles credited with the spreading of the faith. They draw strength and renewal from this visit to the tombs.
The second part is a visit and interview with the Holy Father which will be held on the 8th February, 2018. This is a time when the Cardinal, Archbishops and Bishops renew their obedience and loyalty to Pope Francis who is the successor of Peter, and receive his teaching in the form of reflection and they render oral reports on the state of their individual Arch/dioceses. This gives the Bishops, Archbishops and Cardinal a chance to be in solidarity with the Pope and each other.
The third part is the scheduled visits to the various offices of the Roman Curia, presenting the written report which is presented to the Secretariat of the State. Each diocese is sent a questionnaire of the information being requested by the Vatican. This quinquennial (5 year) report provides statistical and written descriptions of all the priests, deacons, religious, and laity serving in the diocese; the state of the sacramental life of the diocese; the financial health of the diocese as a whole; the types of programs being offered which can range from prison ministry to evangelization to family life to ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue; the process of catholic education in Catholic Mission Schools and at parishes; evangelization efforts to the active, inactive and unchurched; and the current status of our priestly vocations. This report also presents the successes and challenges since the last report given.
It is in the same light that the Gospel today speaks to us as in “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” The Good News today is the blessings of the Ad Limina visit which will be fulfilled in God’s time. The Ad Limina visit is the seed of the Kingdom of God that is near, close to us in which the Cardinal, Archbishops, Bishops, the Emeriti as well as all the people of God will receive through the shower of God’s Word and the warmth of God’s love. These graces will be experienced tangibly through the seat of Peter, in the encounter with our Holy Father, Pope Francis.
The call to repent can be seen as the journey of going Home where the seat of Peter is and it is also a call for renewal, a change of perception and a new experience of meeting Christ through the Holy Father and through meetings with other offices which remind us of our universality as the one body of Christ. This unity plays a very important role in the Church. It brings to life the words of St.John in chapter 17, 22-23 which states, “The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
Believing that God’s kingdom in our midst is an act of faith and thus, we continue to proclaim the Good News of our encounter with Jesus. This encounter will spur us to go out, to see and call the others to form communities of faith wherever we are. Ultimately, the daily encounter with Jesus will transform us in becoming missionary disciples of hope.
In conclusion, we wish for all Catholics, through prayer and solidarity, to feel a part of the Ad Limina visit, which confirms and celebrates that which we profess each week when we express our belief in the ‘one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church’. Our faith was handed down to us from Jesus through the apostles and as Archbishops and Bishops we are charged with the enormous responsibility of continuing that tradition. The Ad Limina visit is an important physical and spiritual milestone in the carrying out of that ministry. May the Holy Spirit empower us and May Mary our Mother intercede for us!
United in the Lord,
Rt. Rev. Sebastian Francis
Diocese of Penang
3rd Sunday after Epiphany: 20 - 21 January 2018
Readings: Jonah 3:1-5, 10; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20
Message in Mandarin
[caption id="attachment_12743" align="aligncenter" width="680"] Page 1[/caption]
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Message in BM
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[caption id="attachment_12745" align="aligncenter" width="680"] Page 2[/caption][caption id="attachment_12749" align="aligncenter" width="680"] The last Ad Limina visit for the Bishops of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei was 10 years ago, in June 2008.[/caption]
To the people of God on the occasion of the
AD LIMINA VISIT (4-9 February 2018)
The Ad Limina visit is formally called "ad limina apostolorum," which means "to ...
Read more
Posted date: December 27, 2017
"URBI ET ORBI" MESSAGE
OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
CHRISTMAS 2017
Central Loggia of the Vatican Basilica
Monday, 25 December 2017
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Happy Christmas!
In Bethlehem, Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary. He was born, not by the will of man, but by the gift of the love of God our Father, who “so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16).
This event is renewed today in the Church, a pilgrim in time. For the faith of the Christian people relives in the Christmas liturgy the mystery of the God who comes, who assumes our mortal human flesh, and who becomes lowly and poor in order to save us. And this moves us deeply, for great is the tenderness of our Father.
The first people to see the humble glory of the Saviour, after Mary and Joseph, were the shepherds of Bethlehem. They recognized the sign proclaimed to them by the angels and adored the Child. Those humble and watchful men are an example for believers of every age who, before the mystery of Jesus, are not scandalized by his poverty. Rather, like Mary, they trust in God’s word and contemplate his glory with simple eyes. Before the mystery of the Word made flesh, Christians in every place confess with the words of the Evangelist John: “We have beheld his glory, glory as of the only-begotten Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (Jn 1:14).
Today, as the winds of war are blowing in our world and an outdated model of development continues to produce human, societal and environmental decline, Christmas invites us to focus on the sign of the Child and to recognize him in the faces of little children, especially those for whom, like Jesus, “there is no place in the inn” (Lk 2:7).
We see Jesus in the children of the Middle East who continue to suffer because of growing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. On this festive day, let us ask the Lord for peace for Jerusalem and for all the Holy Land. Let us pray that the will to resume dialogue may prevail between the parties and that a negotiated solution can finally be reached, one that would allow the peaceful coexistence of two States within mutually agreed and internationally recognized borders. May the Lord also sustain the efforts of all those in the international community inspired by good will to help that afflicted land to find, despite grave obstacles the harmony, justice and security that it has long awaited.
We see Jesus in the faces of Syrian children still marked by the war that, in these years, has caused such bloodshed in that country. May beloved Syria at last recover respect for the dignity of every person through a shared commitment to rebuild the fabric of society, without regard for ethnic and religious membership. We see Jesus in the children of Iraq, wounded and torn by the conflicts that country has experienced in the last fifteen years, and in the children of Yemen, where there is an ongoing conflict that has been largely forgotten, with serious humanitarian implications for its people, who suffer from hunger and the spread of diseases.
We see Jesus in the children of Africa, especially those who are suffering in South Sudan, Somalia, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic and Nigeria.
We see Jesus in the children worldwide wherever peace and security are threatened by the danger of tensions and new conflicts. Let us pray that confrontation may be overcome on the Korean peninsula and that mutual trust may increase in the interest of the world as a whole. To the Baby Jesus we entrust Venezuela that it may resume a serene dialogue among the various elements of society for the benefit of all the beloved Venezuelan people. We see Jesus in children who, together with their families, suffer from the violence of the conflict in Ukraine and its grave humanitarian repercussions; we pray that the Lord may soon grant peace to this dear country.
We see Jesus in the children of unemployed parents who struggle to offer their children a secure and peaceful future. And in those whose childhood has been robbed and who, from a very young age, have been forced to work or to be enrolled as soldiers by unscrupulous mercenaries.
We see Jesus in the many children forced to leave their countries to travel alone in inhuman conditions and who become an easy target for human traffickers. Through their eyes we see the drama of all those forced to emigrate and risk their lives to face exhausting journeys that end at times in tragedy. I see Jesus again in the children I met during my recent visit to Myanmar and Bangladesh, and it is my hope that the international community will not cease to work to ensure that the dignity of the minority groups present in the region is adequately protected. Jesus knows well the pain of not being welcomed and how hard it is not to have a place to lay one’s head. May our hearts not be closed as they were in the homes of Bethlehem.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The sign of Christmas has also been revealed to us: “a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes” (Lk 2:12). Like the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, like the shepherds of Bethlehem, may we welcome in the Baby Jesus the love of God made man for us. And may we commit ourselves, with the help of his grace, to making our world more human and more worthy for the children of today and of the future.
________________________________________
I offer a warm greeting to all of you, dear brothers and sisters from throughout the world gathered here in this Square, and to all those who in various countries are joined to us by radio, television and other communications media.
May the birth of Christ the Saviour renew hearts, awaken the desire to build a future of greater fraternity and solidarity, and bring joy and hope to everyone. Happy Christmas!
"URBI ET ORBI" MESSAGE
OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
CHRISTMAS 2017
Central Loggia of the Vatican Basilica
Monday, 25 December 2017
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Happy Christmas!
In Bethlehem, Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary. He was born, not by the will of man, but by the gift of the love of God our Father, ...
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Posted date: December 14, 2017
In English
In BM
In English
In BM
...
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Posted date: November 24, 2017
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international awareness-raising campaign. It takes place every year from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
Since 2008, the UN Women, under the “Orange the World” umbrella, has been galvanizing global attention and action to end violence against women and girls. The official colour used is orange, which symbolizes a bright and optimistic future free from violence against women and girls.
The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) and Good Shepherd Services (GSS) are standing together to raise awareness and to call Malaysians of all faiths to reflection and action to end violence against women and children. The tagline for our 16 Days campaign is “Orange the World: Say No to Violence Against Women and Children”. For this year, the focus of our campaign is on human trafficking of women and children.
16 DAYS OF REFLECTION AND ACTIVITIES
This booklet (with foreword by Archbishop Julian Leow of Kuala Lumpur - Download here) is designed to be a resource for awareness, reflection and action. It can be used to follow the 16 Days campaign to educate ourselves and reflect on human trafficking issues. Through the personal stories shared, we can get a glimpse of how the lives of women and children have been impacted by their experiences of being trafficked and exploited. (Names and demographic details have been changed to protect the identities of the women and children who were willing to share their stories.)
As we read about the injustice, oppression and abuse heaped upon them by fellow human beings, let us open our hearts and respond to the needs of the marginalized and oppressed, whether through prayer or other forms of action to do good, seek justice and help the oppressed.
We invite you to join us for these 16 days to stand up against human trafficking. It only takes a single pebble to cause a ripple in the ocean. Together, we can swell the tide of events to end violence against women and children.
The launching of the "Orange the World" campaign will take place:
Date: 25 November 2017 (Saturday)
Time: 3 pm to 5 pm
Venue: Rumah Uskup Agung, 528 Jalan Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur
Watch it live here
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international awareness-raising campaign. It takes place every year from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
Since 2008, the UN Women, under the “Orange the World” umbrella, has ...
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Posted date: October 6, 2017
A PUBLIC TALK ENTITLED ‘PARENTING CHAMPIONS’ BY DR.SELVASINGAM RATNASINGAM (a Child Psychiatrist with the Sarawak General Hospital) will be organised on Saturday, 14 October, 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm at St Joseph Grand Hall, Level 3, ACCPC in conjunction with the graduation of a team of Para-Counsellors who have undergone training conducted by Fr Varghese Lopez, SJ since April 2016.
Dr. Selvasingam will touch on topics like parenting challenges in the 21st Century, how to bring out the Best in your child and early intervention for children with special needs.
You can register online at parentingchampions.eventbrite.com or call the St Joseph's Parish Office Tel: 082-423424 to leave your name & telephone contact.
Love offering will be collected during the talk.
A PUBLIC TALK ENTITLED ‘PARENTING CHAMPIONS’ BY DR.SELVASINGAM RATNASINGAM (a Child Psychiatrist with the Sarawak General Hospital) will be organised on Saturday, 14 October, 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm at St Joseph Grand Hall, Level 3, ACCPC in conjunction with the graduation of a team of Para-Counsellors who have undergone ...
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Posted date: November 24, 2017
At the meeting of the Regional Catholic Bishops Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei in Majodi, Plentong from the 11th to the 15th of July 2016, it was confirmed that:
a) The Fourth Sunday of Advent is observed on 24th of December 2017 at the morning masses and the sunset masses (anticipated) on the 23rd of December;
b) The Sunday evening Masses on the 24th December, is to be treated as the Vigil or night masses for the Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord.
2. It is strongly encouraged that the faithful attend masses on both days (Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas) unless there is a just reason that impedes them from doing so.
3. In the case of the faithful being unable to attend both days due to a just reason, they are to observe some special way to pray or perform works of piety and charity.
4. Pastors, as far as their circumstances permit, are to provide masses for both the Fourth Sunday of Advent and the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord. However, they may make judgments in individual cases and grant dispensations to individuals or families for a just cause based on their local circumstances.
In other words:
Christmas Eve is on 24 December, which is also the Fourth Sunday of Advent.
All Catholics are obliged to attend the Mass of the 4th Sunday of Advent (Sunset Mass on 23 December or Morning Mass on 24 December) AND the Christmas Mass (Christmas Eve on 24 December or Christmas Day on 25 December).At the meeting of the Regional Catholic Bishops Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei in Majodi, Plentong from the 11th to the 15th of July 2016, it was confirmed that:
a) The Fourth Sunday of Advent is observed on 24th of December 2017 at the morning masses and ...
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Posted date: October 2, 2017
[caption id="attachment_10858" align="alignleft" width="214"] Fr Terry Burke[/caption]
Terence Laurence Burke was usually known as Terry. He was a Londoner, born in Barnes, South London on 24 March 1944 to Richard Burke and Mary (neé Hogben). He had one brother and one sister. He was educated at St Edward Secondary Modern School, Richmond from 1955 - 57 and Kingston Technical College from 1957 - 64, followed by a year at Campion House, Osterley. Terry studied Philosophy at Roosendaal from 1965 - 67, and Theology at Mill Hill College from 1967 - 71. He took his Perpetual Oath on 1 May 1970 and was ordained to the missionary priesthood on 12 June 1971 by Gerald Mahon who was the Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster. Terry had spent a short time as a student in Kuching and in 1971 after his ordination, he was appointed to serve there as a missionary priest. He was very pleased when, many years later after a lifetime of mission work in several countries he was re-appointed to Kuching in 2007.
Academic work and studies came easily to Terry and this ability was recognised and followed up early in his career. After four years in Kuching he was appointed to Rome to study when he gained an STL Magna cum Laude in Moral Theology, after which he returned to Kuching in 1977 where he continued his pastoral ministry. In 1980, Peter Chung Hoan Ting, at that time the Bishop of Kuching, told Terry that he had seven young men who wanted to be priests. He had an old building and he had Terry and he wanted him to start a seminary. And so he did. However the main ingredient missing was teaching staff. So after the first year during which he had the help of another Mill Hill priest, Terry went home to try and find teachers. He spoke to the Irish Missionary Union and asked them for help in sourcing priests who could go to Kuching for a few months at a time. Due to a very cold winter night in Ireland a priest on sabbatical from New Orleans offered to go and so was born a connection which continued for many years. In 1984 Terry had to leave Kuching because of a Government law that said all expatriate missionaries had to leave after ten years. He was appointed to the British Region for APF work, but first he went to New Orleans for further study – a Master of Arts in Religious studies where he met the priests who had been supporting Kuching Seminary financially as well as with teaching staff. From 1986 to 1993 Terry worked in Formation within the Society in Roosendaal and Mill Hill College – Missionary Institute London. In 1995 Terry had a very brief appointment in India, then returned to the British Region where he spent the next ten years back in the academic world as a chaplain in Reading University.
In 2007 Terry was given a joint appointment – dividing his time between the Seminary in Kuching and as chaplain to the expatriate community in Bali, Indonesia, as well as working in the prison there. He was very happy with the contrasting worlds for three years; then a new Bishop in Bali didn’t renew his appointment. Terry was disappointed for his own sake but more so for the people he served in Bali as there were few English speakers among the priests there. But it did mean that he was back in his beloved Kuching. During his time back in Kuching Terry served the Society in many ways – as Recruitment coordinator, Group Leader, Society Representative and in 2017 when he no longer had responsibility for the Society Members he was officially appointed to a position which he had already filled unofficially for many years – that of Society Bursar.
Towards the end of 2015 Terry became seriously ill with cancer and during the next two years he exhibited the same courage he had shown at other times in his life when he struggled with personal difficulties. He travelled to Singapore when necessary for treatment and still carried on working. In June 2017 when the doctors told him they could do no more for him medically he returned to England where he was cared for lovingly by his sister, Margaret in Reading. Terry was admitted to the Duchess of Kent Hospice in nearby Tilehurst on 21 July. He died there peacefully yesterday, 31 August, at 3.00 pm. May Terry rest in peace.
Obituary prepared by the Mill Hill Missionaries. Published with permission.[caption id="attachment_10858" align="alignleft" width="214"] Fr Terry Burke[/caption]
Terence Laurence Burke was usually known as Terry. He was a Londoner, born in Barnes, South London on 24 March 1944 to Richard Burke and Mary (neé Hogben). He had one brother and one sister. He was educated at St Edward Secondary Modern School, ...
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Posted date: August 31, 2017
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, as Christians, we are called to be good people, for we have a shared humanity, with one another and with God himself in the person of Jesus Christ....
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