Empowered Youth on a Mission

BAGUIO, Philippines – A group of young people from Empowered Ministry Kuching went on an Outreach Mission Trip in the Philippines from 15-21 October. The team consisting of 30 people, including two babies, participated in the Baguio 1^st Revival Conference and Evangelical Concerts. This event was organised by the Cornerstone Catholic Community who invited the Empowered Ministry to serve in the Conference and, more specifically, the Evangelistic Concerts on 17 and October, themed ‘Healing’ and ‘Evangelism’ respectively.

The Conference started with a Mass at Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral celebrated by Fr Andres Cosalan, Jr, the Spiritual Director of the Charismatic Renewal Movement in Baguio. During the opening ceremony of the Conference at the rooftop of the Porta Vaga Mall, the Empowered Mission Team shared our culture with them through a series of Malaysian cultural dances varying from the Malay, Chinese, Iban, Orang Ulu, and Bidayuh.

The Conference streaming sessions were conducted during the following two days, while the concerts were in the night at the Baguio Conference Centre. The Empowered Music Ministry along with the Empowered Dance and Drama Ministry ministered and led the crowd of worshippers into a time of praise and worship.  The Conference concluded with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Carlito J Cenzon.

This Mission to Baguio was a great and enriching experience and we anticipate more opportunities for evangelical mission inside and outside of Malaysia, and “not be ashamed of the Gospel!” (Rom 1:16)

by Pius Kallang

Testimonies :

The one thing that I would like to share about this mission trip is HUMILITY… The moment we arrived at the Cornerstone Community Centre, we were treated like royalty. Our bags were carried into the community house for us, while we were busy talking to one another and taking photos. After a brief introduction, we  were served supper, after which some of the Empowered guys tried to help clean up, but the reply we got was one that I can cannot forget, “Let us do it. Or else we won’t have anything else to do.” They were an in-house community, and after speaking to Winnie Ng, their founder, I began to understand why humility is important part of their life. (Pius Kallang, Empowered Ministry)

The most memorable part of this trip was the Cornerstone Community themselves. Through them I learnt many things. Especially learning to serve others first before yourself. I really admire their patience during this whole event.  (Alex, Kuchina Empowered Ministry)

In this mission trip, I learnt the life of a missionary is to be Christ-centered instead of self-centered.  During the trip, we encountered inconveniences, especially taking cool shower (ice water) early in the morning and midnight (with no water heater at first).  This experience helped me to realize and reflect that as a missionary, it is not about seeking comfort but to accept whatever the organisers have prepared. A few days before I left Kuching, I got the news that Baguio City was one of the disaster areas.  I recalled a statement by one missionary, “To go on mission is not based on good or bad weather but based on God’s calling”.  Indeed, God made a way and clear the pathway for us to travel to Baguio City safely.  My faith has been strengthened through this mission trip and challenges to do more for the Lord. (Nancy Ong, Holy Trinity Parish)

It’s amazing how you extended your support to our community and how willing you were to help the Filipinos. Looking at what you have done during the concert, it is overwhelming to think that you gave your best for us, Filipinos. It is encouraging to think that you even translated some songs to Filipino. You are really empowered and you were ever ready to share what you have in the name of God! You are really the Empowered team! (Kit, Catholic Cornerstone Community, Baguio )

Despite the short period of time I spent with the Empowered Ministry, I was touched and blessed by you all. I observed that you are organized, and shared one team spirit. You showed your passion and desire in sharing your faith, your talents and gifts. I am inspired and encouraged more to say “Yes!” to the Lord in whatever obstacles that will come to my life. (Nordelyn, Catholic Cornerstone Community, Baguio)

The Empowered Ministry is really anointed that you brought people into deeper worship with God. Every song touched my heart and made me reflect that he is indeed a living God in our city. Despite the destruction of property and lives brought about by the typhoon in the City of Baguio, I believe that he was really in the midst of people. I’m so blessed to know you who courageously crossed the ocean to bring the Good News to us and let us experience God in a more unique way of praise and worship. (Pearly Jhane, Catholic Cornerstone Community, Baguio)

Malaysian Youth Offices Meeting 2009

From 20-23 November 2009, 15 youth ministers from different parts of the country gathered in Majodi Centre, Johor Bahru for the Malaysian Youth Offices’ Meeting (MYOM).  Represented at this event were the dioceses of Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, Sibu, Keningau, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

Some of the goal of the meeting were to provide spiritual/pastoral formation for the participants, to promote national level collaboration, help the participants clarify our roles and chart the direction of youth work in the respective dioceses and to enable participants to get to know and encouraged each other.

The programmes of the meeting included reflection, daily Eucharist, ministry review on the (a) Ministry of accompaniment (b) Enhance working relationship and communication with clergy / bishop (c)Motivation, support and accompaniment for full time ministers (d) Embracing information technology (e) Young Christian students.  The meeting also touched on the Ministry of Formation and of Evangelization and lastly  exchanging information about the different programmes of each of our dioceses.

MYOM has decided to take the WYD theme of the upcoming year, whenever possible. Therefore the theme for MYOM 2010 is WYD 2011 theme: “Rooted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith” (cf Col. 2:7). The focus will be on the ‘Word of God in Community‘.  The next meeting will be held on 25-29 Oct 2010 (mon-Fri including travel  days) in Sandakan, Sabah.

Projek Kajian Islam & Demokrasi di Malaysia

Pada 1 November 2009, Ahad yang lalu Institusi Peyelidikan (International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization & International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies Malaysia) dan Institusi Pelaksana (Merdeka Center & CPPS) telah menganjurkan Siri Dialog Masyarakat bertempat di Hilton Kuching. Seramai dalam lingkungan 50 orang peserta telah hadir dalam dialog tersebut.

Objektif dialog ini adalah untuk mengadakan dialog atau perbincangan di kalangan rakyat Malaysia dan mengemukakan input berkenaan dasar-dasar kepada kerajaan Malaysia mengenai cara-cara meningkatkan demokrasi dan hak asasi manusia. Antara topik-topik yang dibincangkan adalah:-

1. Urus tadbir yang baik (Good governance)
2. Hak-hak kelompok minoriti (Minority Rights)
3. Hak-hak wanita (Women’s Rights)
4. Toleransi agama (Religious Tolerance)

Peserta-peserta yang datang adalah terdiri daripada pemimpin dan organisasi Islam serta agama lain, golongan profesional, institusi-institusi pengajian tinggi, wakil-wakil dari pelbagai parti politik dan pemimpin tempatan termasuklah dari gereja Katolik.

Semua peserta yang hadir diberi peluang untuk mengemukakan pendapat serta pandangan masing-masing terhadap topik yang dibincangkan tanpa menyentuh isu-isu sensitif yang boleh mengaibkan sesuatu agama atau kepercayaan kerana keempat-empat topik di atas menjadi isu teras dalam aspek kenegaraan. Responden dalam dialog tersebut telah menyimpulkan bahawa, rakyat Malaysia perlu ada persefahaman yang kukuh pada kepercayaan mereka masing-masing dan tidak meletakkan kepercayaan tersebut sebagai dasar atau cara untuk menyelesaikan sesuatu masalah yang timbul melainkan bertindak secara rasional dan berfikiran terbuka.

Pihak penyelidik akan mengeluarkan policy paper dan berharap dapat menggubal dasar-dasar awam yang dapat meningkatkan demokrasi dan pemantapan ajaran Islam secara rasional serta empat aspek perbincangan yang telah dibincangkan dalam meningkatkan hak asasi manusia di kalangan rakyat Malaysia.

Blair reveals what attracted him to Catholicism

ROME : Religion has a central and unique role in society and its development, according to the former prime minister of England. Tony Blair, a convert to Catholicism, spoke with L’Osservatore Romano about his faith in an interview published in today’s Italian edition.

“My spiritual journey began when I started to go to Mass with my wife,” Blair said. “Then we decided to baptize our children in the Catholic faith. It was a journey that lasted 25 years, or perhaps more. In time, emotionally, intellectually and rationally it seemed to me that the Catholic home was the right one for me. When I left political office, and I no longer had all the context connected with being prime minister, it was something I really wanted to do.”

<Read more>
The article was originally published at Zenit on 15 Sep 2009

Youths Unite in the One Love of Christ: KAYD09

KUCHING – The Kuching Archdiocesan Youth Day (KAYD) 2009 was held on 28 – 30 August at Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre (CEWC), Jalan Stampin. Gathering about 500 youths from both rural and urban parishes and even a few from Kuala Lumpur, this event was organised by the all the different youth groups together with the Kuching Archdiocesan Youth and Vocation Commission (KAYVC).

The weekend was themed ‘1 Love’ taken from John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give you, love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”

The opening mass was celebrated by Archbishop John Ha, together with Fr Simon Poh and Fr Felix Au, Chaplain for KAYVC. A simple opening ceremony followed with each parish and youth group representative reading a Bible verse while the KAYD candles distributed during the launching of The Heart of KAYD in May, were brought up to the stage as a symbol of uniting back after the long months of preparation.

An invited guest speaker, Jude Antoine, a full time lay missionary under the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) movement in Malaysia was present with his wife, Veronica and their two daughters Lavinia and Alicia. There were sessions and workshops held where participants were grouped into different age groups for sharing and discussion.

During the event, each participant and servant was given five red ribbons with a mission to spread God’s love through affirmation phrases or Bible verses written on the ribbons. Those ribbons were then given to five other youth whom they do not know, and for the next seven days they were to pray for them.

The weekend was filled with the Holy Spirit during talks, praise and worship sessions and every other fellowship time. A concert-rally was also held on the second night which drew a crowd of over 1000 youths and adults.

Contributed by Claudia Law

Testimonies:

KAYD09 was AWESOME! The praise and worship was excellent, the songs were great, and the sessions were good. I am amazed at the humility of the youths here, so modest and there is no superiority in their service! This is certainly one of the best events and we will bring more people to come for KAYD11!

Ivy Philip, 18, Kuala Lumpur

Sebagai koordinator KAYD09, I boleh katakan KAYD pada kali ini hebat sekali! Tiada perkataan lain yang boleh mengatakan betapa hebatnya Tuhan kita bergerak sepanjang aktiviti ini. Sebenarnya saya amat ‘blur’ apabila dipanggil untuk menjadi koordinator, tetapi dengan Ben Lo membantu di sisi, saya telah mempelajari banyak sekali. KAYD09 ialah pengalaman yang terhebat bagi saya!

Brian Leonusia, 20, St Ann’s Parish, Kota Padawan

It was a blessing to see youths from different parishes and youth groups unify just for this One God. The exchange of experience on how each encounters God in their own lives was powerful witnessing and testimony. I believe only love can unify us, so as to make us in communion with Christ – I now love God more than before.

Nomiday Dajie, 26, Kuching Campus Ministry

Saya telah merasai cinta kasih Tuhan Yesus yang begitu mendalam melalui KAYD ini. Dia telah mengubati segala kesakitan dan luka pada hati saya. KAYD09 merupakan acara yang pertama dan terbaik yang telah saya sertai!!

Henrietta Joanne, 15, St Theresa’s Parish, Serian

It was really AWESOME!!! I believe a lot of people would agree that the music, sessions, workshops, and the hospitality just to name a few, were what made KAYD09 such a success… Yes, but I also have to agree that KAYD09 could not have been such a HUGE success if it weren’t for our HUGE God!!! BOOYAHHHHH!!! When two or three are gathered in His name… God WILL be there…

Emmanuel Foong, 17, St Joseph’s Cathedral Parish, Kuching

One word to sum it all up – AWESOME! I was serving as a facilitator and we had participants coming from all parishes; Serian, Bau, Sri Aman etc. There were so many people that it was absolutely mesmerizing; I don’t know why but seeing buses and buses of people from different places just flowing into the hall almost non-stop. WOW! A little piece of advice for all the Christian youths out there: If there’s any youth conference whatsoever going on, JOIN IT. It’s worth it! The Spirit of God literally came down and touched people. Certainly a breath-taking sight; makes me want to praise Him more!!
Christopher Ngu, 16, Kuching Young Christian Students (KYCS)

Students Uniting in Faith to Fight against AIDS

THAILAND – The 7th International Young Christian Students (IYCS) South East Asian Session (SEAS) was held from 10 – 17 August in Sriracha, Chonburi, Thailand. Claudia Law, Ralph Balan and Stephanie Ng from Kuching YCS together with two participants from Sibu YCS; Casimir Tang and Pauline Seri represented Malaysia for this event.

The session was held in St Louis Mary’s Juniorate in Assumption College Sriracha with a total of 45 delegates from seven South East Asian countries namely Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, with collaborative countries Indonesia and Laos and also an invited East Asian country China.

Themed ‘Students Uniting in Faith to Fight against AIDS’, delegates were brought to six exposure sites around Pattaya where orphanages and help centres existed for those infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Besides group sharing on the exposure sites, country representatives also presented on the latest situation of HIV/AIDS in their respective countries.

An invited guest speaker, Orapan, the world’s longest living HIV/AIDS patient was present to share her life story of which she survived 23 years with this sickness she had had since birth.

Claudia Law

Testimonies:

I find SEAS very informative and resourceful. I have learnt to communicate with people from other countries and it gave me the feeling of unity and family warmth. It is my first and so far the best ever international event I have attended. Regarding HIV/AIDS, it is wonderful that I have changed my perspective towards the people living with it and the countries affected by it.

Casimir Callixtus Tang, Sibu YCS, Malaysia

I have learnt how to prevent HIV/AIDS for myself. I am going to avoid from using drugs or having sex at a young age before marriage, and tell my friends to do the same. Besides that, I met a lot of new friends and can’t wait for the next SEAS.

Matheus Denny, Indonesia

As a youth leader in the group, I can participate actively in all activities despite the language barrier we had of difficulty in understanding English. Coming for this SEAS opened my mind on how to organise an international event, and we look forward to hosting the next SEAS if all plans go well.

Thuy Tien, Vietnam YCS

KAYD09 Pre-event Retreat: “Hand”

KUCHING – The Kuching Archdiocesan Youth Day (KAYD) Servants Retreat was held on 15 – 16 August 2009 at St. Lukas Apostolic Centre, Kota Padawan. The weekend retreat, which is also known as The Hand of KAYD, was organised by various parish youth ministries under the Kuching Archdiocesan Youth and Vocation Commission (KAYVC). The retreat brought together over 75 youths from different parishes.

The Hand of KAYD aims to gather youthful servants who are actively serving in the upcoming KAYD event. An experienced guest speaker from Penang – Andre Ong, led the sessions on “We are Chosen by God”, “Getting Our Hands Dirty”, and “Discipleship”. Andre emphasized that as “hands” and “feet” of God, we should recognise situations where we can help one another voluntarily.

The participants learned to accept one another and unite as one in joyful service to the Lord, through team building sessions (according to the different KAYD working teams), and to serve one another through the simplest gesture of kindness while living as a community.

The weekend was also packed with praise and worship sessions, short and entertaining presentations from different teams, a short briefing on the servants’ duties and responsibilities according to the respective working teams, Taize prayer and Eucharistic celebrations.

The retreat ended on Sunday afternoon. The participants went home with a renewed heart of service to the Lord and to one another. May we continue to pray for the upcoming KAYD event, which will be held on 28 – 30 August 2009 at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre, Kuching.

by Evelyn Chow

Some testimonies:

This retreat really reached its purpose, which is to unite all the (KAYD09) servants with 1Love and 1Heart. We helped each other and got close to each other. I praise the Lord for all the blessings that he granted us and for his presence during this retreat. Amen.
Henry Luk, 22

At first, I wondered why I made the decision to go to this retreat. Actually, I just wanted to be a participant but then something inside of me told me to offe3r myself to become a KAYD servant. Finally God answered my question, and now I am ready to serve and get my hands dirty.
Ivy Elora George, 20

Retreat pra-KAYD09 kali ini amat menyeronokkan dan memberikan semangat ketabahan kepada diri saya. Selain itu saya juga dapat mempelajari sesuatu yang paling istimewa daripada penceramah kami berkaitan dengan “Get our Hands Dirty” kerana bersempena dengan tema KAYD tahun ini iaitu “1Love”. Oleh itu saya berharap agar lebih ramai belia-belia dapat mengikuti KAYD09.
Elcie Stell, 20

The “Hands of KAYD09″ servants’ retreat was one of the most life-changing experiences for me because it has taught me to serve God the right way. It has definitely changed my perspective on “getting my hands dirty” for God. Praise the Lord for bringing me to this event.
Natalie Ha, 16

Blessed be God. There is great power in surrender. What I learnt from this retreat is that service is not about what one can give but about the heart that gives that service. The love of God must be the heart of service because it is the overflow of God’s love reaching out to people. Thank God for such a simple message. Thank you, Andre. Thank you, Jesus.
Pius Kallang, 22

The KAYD09 servants’ retreat is a good avenue for servants/ministers to discover the real meaning of discipleship. The retreat taught us that we are one body in Christ and we should not be afraid to get our hands “dirty”. We should start with the little things first. The organisers did a great job (in spite of the fact the programme schedule was not posted on the noticeboard). The speaker, Andre Ong, is superb in addressing the message for this retreat.
David Dzrandinuraidi 34

Saya mendapat pengalaman baru selama 2 hari 1 malam berada di St Lukas untuk retreat ini. Dengan tema Hands of KAYD, saya berjaya memupuk semangat dan keyakinan saya untuk menjadi kakitangan Tuhan untuk KAYD09. Saya bersedia untuk berkhidmat dalam KAYD nanti. Penceramah, Andre Ong, berjaya menaikkan semangat saya melalui input yang beliau berikan. Saya paling menggemari sesi “Getting my hands dirty”. Pada masa itulah saya merasakan diri saya sudah bersedia untuk melayan. KAYD09, i’m coming…
Maria Susan, 18

The retreat was a blast. Great speaker, good food, wonderful company and an unforgettable experience. Personally I benefited a lot from this retreat and I learnt that serving the Lord takes more than just my own skills and talents. It is when we work together with others to serve him that makes the experience more fantastic. No man is an island; through this retreat, I learnt more about what this actually means. Praise God for giving me the opportunity to be able to participate in this retreat. What I gained from it is literally priceless.
Alexander Lee, 19

Are we saved by faith or by works?

These are some passages from the Bible that teach us about faith and works:

• For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast. (Eph 2:8-9)
• What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Indeed someone might say, “You have faith and I have works.” Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works. (Jam 2:14-18)
• “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Mt 7:21-23)

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 161) we are informed: Believing in Jesus Christ and in the One who sent him for our salvation is necessary for obtaining that salvation. “Since “without faith it is impossible to please (God) ” and to attain to the fellowship of his sons, therefore without faith no one has ever attained justification, nor will anyone obtain eternal life ‘But he who endures to the end.’”

Catholics therefore must accept the necessity of faith for salvation. The question for us is ‘what is faith’? Faith is not only an intellectual belief in Jesus. True faith is faith that moves us to repentance, enables us to trust Jesus, compells us to obey God and enables us to have a loving relationship with Jesus. In a way, it is a state of being, a state of our relationship with the Lord.

This kind of relationship with God will certainly manifest itself in good works. St John emphatically says, ‘We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. (1 Jn 4:19-21).‘

The good thief was promised paradise by Jesus because he repented and had faith in Jesus; he did not merit it by good works. Similarly, a person who is incurably paralyzed will not be able to perform good works. However, he too is saved if he is repentant, knows and loves the Lord. This would in turn make him able to love others, and express that love, not through physical service but perhaps through prayers and by offering his sufferings for others.

The Lost Generation

Our perspective of life determines how we live it. The following clever and inspirational video drives home this truth:

Mother chooses life of child over cancer treatment

Denver, Colo., Jul 24, 2009 / 03:19 pm (CNA).- Though Mayra Sandoval died of cancer on July 8, her son Samuel is alive and healthy thanks to her insistence on choosing life, against the advice of doctors who urged her to abort. Now, Mayra’s husband and friends remember her as a powerful witness to the immeasurable value of life.

In an interview with “El Pueblo Catolico,” the Spanish newspaper of the Archdiocese of Denver, Mayra’s husband, Ricardo Flores, recalled the battle of faith and trust that the couple underwent in the months leading up to her death.

Both Ricardo and Mayra were born in Mexico. They moved to U.S., where they met three years ago, began to date, and eventually moved in together. At the time, neither had a strong faith, but they were nevertheless overjoyed when, in October 2008, Mayra became pregnant.

Months later, doctors detected a cancerous tumor in Mayra’s lungs that was already in an advanced stage and was still continuing to grow. Mayra was advised to abort the baby on the spot, so that she could start a treatment to halt the cancer growth.

But Ricardo and Mayra chose life. Although it was difficult, Ricardo said he never had any second thoughts in the decision to choose life. When the option of abortion was presented, “We always said ‘no.’ We couldn’t do that,” he explained. “God gave life and God takes it away.”

“And we can trust in God and let His will be done,” he continued, explaining the peace that the couple found in abandoning themselves to the Lord’s will. “We can accept whatever God sends us, good or bad.”

While Mayra’s cancer continued to take its toll, the couple was beginning to learn more about their faith. Mayra’s sister, Aida, recalled the couple’s spiritual journey. She described how God had not always played a prominent role in her sister’s life. “She believed, but like many Catholics, did not know her faith,” she said.

The road was difficult, but Ricardo and Mayra were not alone. They received prayerful support and solidarity from the Catholic community, including prayer groups from St. Anthony of Padua and St. Joseph’s parish.

Particularly memorable for Ricardo was the loving presence of Fr. John Gregory, who helped the couple through their struggle. “He was always close to us,” he said, “teaching us, helping us, supporting us, strengthening us, speaking to us about God, of all that God had done for us.”

The sickness brought many trials, but also moments of light and hope. One time, the couple passed by St. Joseph’s Church as they were on their way to the hospital. Mayra was experiencing sharp pains and having difficulty breathing, but she asked to stop at the Church.

“Without thinking about it, we got out and as we entered we saw the image of the Divine Mercy and she started to cry right there,” Ricardo said, noting Mayra’s devotion to the image of Divine Mercy.

They stayed at the Church praying for about two hours, first alone and then with members of a prayer group who arrived and offered to pray with them. Mayra’s pain soon disappeared.

“As we went home, we were reflecting on all that had happened: we were going to the hospital but ended up in the Church,” Ricardo said. “That was another incredible thing that consoled us and brought us peace. Again we realized that we weren’t alone.”

Six and a half months into the pregnancy, Mayra began chemotherapy. About six weeks later, however, doctors determined that the treatments were not working, and they had to perform an immediate caesarean section.

The operation involved a high risk of death for both Mayra and her son. It was an intense day of prayers and trust, Father John Gregory explained, and it affected even the hospital workers. “The nurses said, ‘This the first time we have seen something so strong, the blending of life and death.’”

Mayra survived the C-section, and Samuel was born, healthy for a premature baby. After a few weeks, the family was able to go home, but Mayra’s condition continued to decline, until she had to return to the hospital, where the pain could be controlled.

Despite radiation therapy, the cancer overtook Mayra’s body and eventually, she was unable to eat or even breathe on her own.

On June 21, while she was in the hospital, Mayra and Ricardo were married. As they had grown in their faith and received guidance from Fr. John Gregory, they had come to see the meaning of marriage.

“We got married in a room in the hospital. It was beautiful,” Ricardo said. “Afterwards, we felt peaceful, in God’s grace. We also did it for Samuel, so that he could also receive God’s blessing of having his parents married.”

As her condition grew worse, Mayra’s family prepared for the end of her earthly life. Aida described the beauty that shone through the pain of her sister’s last days on earth. “At the end, I saw her like Christ, with so many wounds and bruises on her arms and her side,” she said.

Those who knew Mayra will remember her beautiful witness to life. Fr. John Gregory described the opportunity to accompany Mayra along this difficult journey as “an incredible path of faith” for his own life.

“[T]his experience has given me more strength to preach what death really is, because she gave me a witness of a new birth,” he said. “It has given me more enthusiasm and helped me to understand that I have to explain that the true death is sin, not physical death.”

Ricardo said that Mayra’s sickness and death taught him about the existence and love of God. “Through all this, God made me know that He exists, that He is with us,” he said.

Ricardo wants to give back to the Catholic community that has and continues to support him. But for now, his primary focus is his new son, whom he wants to raise and educate in God’s love. “Now I have to look after Samuel, and tell him that his mommy gave her life for him,” he said.

Although coping with Mayra’s death is still difficult, Ricardo finds strength in the Lord as he moves forward. “Now I’m at peace,” he said. “I have hope and continue trusting in God. It has changed my life.”

Session on God’s love at Lodge International

KUCHING – A simple session on God’s Love was held at Lodge International School, Kuching on 31 July, 2009. The session, which aims at Christian students between the age of 13 and 15, was led by Stephanie Ng, along with three youths from Kuching – Claudia Law, Evelyn Chow and Ralph Balan Langet.

The session started with a brief introduction on God’s Love by Stephanie, followed by a sharing and life testimony from the youths. Ralph and Evelyn shared about their walk of faith and family lives, and they testified to how God’s love had strengthened them despite numerous turmoil and obstacles. The students were also encouraged to offer their service to the Lord while they are still young.

Then, Claudia led the students into a sing-along session, where they enjoyed themselves by singing and dancing. The session concluded with a message of God’s love from Stephanie, and a closing prayer.

Inter Campus Camp 2009

KUCHING – An inter-campus camp was organized by the Kuching Campus Ministry, with the theme “The Voice of Truth Will Set You Free”. The camp was held at St. Lukas Apostolic Centre, Kota Padawan from 31 July 2009 to 2 August 2009, with the participation of approximately 30 youths from various universities and colleges.

Sessions on Human Rights were conducted by Mr Nicholas Mujah – an invited speaker from Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA), Fr Felix Au, and Mdm Stephanie Ng.

The students were challenged to think critically on various issues on Human Rights. Indeed, the participants are now more aware of the rights that all humans ought to defend, especially after viewing a short documentary on the Native Customary Rights (NCR) in Sarawak.

Human rights violation and discrimination have adversely affected millions of people around the world for generations. Therefore, various action plans have been drafted out by the students, to respond to the realities within their community and campus.

The students also enjoyed themselves with games, sing-along sessions and various group activities during the weekend. It has been a successful camp, where everyone went back feeling contented, and bearing a mission of making a difference in this world.

by Evelyn Chow

How Fr Choong found his priestly vocation in Poland

IPOH: Finding his priestly vocation in Poland was something that Malaysian Fr Choong Chun Yean, never expected, but it quickly became his choice when he experienced the love of Christ through the people he mixed with.

Fr Choong, a former Buddhist, and now a Catholic priest, shared how the Lord found him and saved him thirteen years ago, when he was still studying in the United Kingdom.

A former student of Poi Lam and later Sam Tet in Sixth Form during the 1990s, Fr Choong spoke to parishioners after Mass at St Michael’s Church here before giving them his priestly blessing.

Fr Choong said that as a foreign student, he was at first intrigued, and later won over by the kindness and good works of the Polish community he mixed with. Their simplicity and modesty in lifestyle and their openness and generosity in helping others, especially foreigners, was something that Fr Choong admired and wanted to emulate.

He found friendship in their community and reflected how they were so different from others. “I found it was because of their qualities and virtues such as faithfulness to God, integrity, a welcoming spirit, friendliness, goodness in heart, enthusiasm and joy in daily work and patience. It manifested their deep communion with God and the Catholic Church,” he said.

He soon became a Catholic and joined the seminary in Poland, having picked up the Polish language, developing a fluency in it. Having been ordained recently on June 6, 2009, Fr Choong returned to Poland at the end of July, and will replace a priest who is on leave, whilst awaiting his nomination for a decree by mid- August. After that he will be sent to serve in a parish in the archdiocese of Lodz in Central Poland.

On what his most memorable occasion was, Fr Choong said it was when he met the late Pope John Paul II and was blessed by the Holy Father. “It was during a pilgrimage with the seminary to Rome in 2003. I will never forget how I met him and he gave me his blessing,” Fr Choong said.

The Mass at SMC was celebrated by parish priest Fr Michael Cheah, Fr Choong and Polish priest Fr Richard Zalewski, whom Fr Choong credited as being responsible for his vocation.

Here in Ipoh to experience some time with his family, Fr Choong visited his father and four siblings, who are still Buddhists.

His elder brother, Chun Cheong, was at St Michael’s Church to welcome him. Parishioners also congratulated him and wished him well on his stay in Malaysia and in his pastoral work.

Original article from The Herald, published 30 Jul 2009

Evangelicals Upset with National Service Doctrinal Errors

PETALING JAYA: Evangelical Christians are upset with doctrinal errors in the National Service. This was highlighted by the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship of Malaysia (NECF) in its current newsletter to members.

NECF said it has notified the Christian Federation of Malaysia–the umbrella body–about this matter which will be brought to the attention of the relevant authorities

“Christians, especially Christian parents whose children are attending the National Service programme, need to be aware of the grave doctrinal errors on Christianity contained in the workbook used by the NS integration programme on religion,” the NECF pointed out in an article entitled “NS doctrinal errors.”

It said the workbook is entitled “Buku Kerja Program Integrasi” on “Keagamaan,” 4th edition, 2009 with the chapters on Christianity on pages 12 and 13 contain the following errors:

- On page 12, under the heading “Agama Kristian,” bullet 2 states: “Pengikut Christ menganggap beliau sebagai penyelamat yang diutus untuk membela Bani Israel daripada penindasan bangsa-bangsa lain seperti bangsa Rom yang pernah memerintah Palestin.”

(Translated: Christ’s followers regard him as the saviour sent to deliver the Israeli race from the oppression by other races, such as the Romans, who once occupied Palestine.)

This is erroneous as Christians do not regard Christ as the saviour for Israel’s political and territorial oppression. Instead, the Bible clearly states He came to deliver the human race from the bondage of sin, the article said as no where in the Bible does it say that Christ came to deliver the Israelites from human oppression.

On page 13, bullet 6 states: “Jesus mengajar konsep tuhan yang esa, pengasih, penyayang, pemurah dan pengampun. Bagi orang yang mengamalkan ajaran ini, mereka akan menikmati kesempurnaan hidup di akhirat.”

(Translated: Jesus taught the concept of God as loving, merciful, forgiving and compassionate. For those who follow this teaching, they will enjoy eternal life in the hereafter.)

Again NECF said this is erroneous as Christians have always maintained that salvation in the hereafter is not based on merely knowing God as a loving, merciful and compassionate God, but believing, confessing and accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

It also pointed out that Protestant Christians do not subscribe to the description written under the heading “Agama Kristian,” bullet 3 which says that Christ “menghidupkan burung yang dibuat daripada tanah liat dan sebagainya.” (Translated: brought clay birds to life.)

The article was originally published at MySinChew on 16 Jun 2009

16th Human Life International Asia Pacific Congress on Faith, Life & Family

This Asia Pacific Congress, organised by Human Life International and Human Life Service Miri, carries the them – Walk in the Light: Bringing about a Transformation of Culture. Its aims are to promote and defend the dignity of life and the sanctity and nobility of the family.

At the congress, experts in the field of Demography, Bioethics, Moral Theology and Pro-life activists working in pro-life and pro-family movements share their rich experiences and the delegates get a first hand idea of what others are doing to defend families and specially the unborn throughout the world. Audio-video sessions keep the delegates glued to their seats. And people wait to seek answers to their questions at the end of each presentation. Usually the work of delegates bear fruit by way of new initiatives.

Pertinent details are as follow:

• 19-21st Nov 09 – Grand Ballroom, Imperial Hotel, Miri
• 22 Nov 09 – Closing Mass at Miri Indoor Stadium

Sessions in the Congress:

1. The Silent Holocaust by Dr Brian Clowes
2. Hidden Agenda: Sterilising Women by Dr Brian Clowes
3. Is Humanae Vitae Still Relevant Today? by Fr Thomas J Euteneuer
4. Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body by Fr Thomas J Euteneuer
5. The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality: What Parents Need to Know by Dr Ligaya Acosta
6. Frozen Embryos: Where are We Heading as a Church? by Dr Brian Scarnecchia
7. The Intricate Design of God by Kerry Bourke
8. The Human Father After the Father Heart of God

The celebrants at the Masses during the conference include:

• His Grace Archbishop Salvatore Pennachio, Apostolic Delegate to Malaysia
• Rt Rev Bishop Anthony Lee, Bishop of Miri
• His Eminence Cardinal Vidal of the Archdiocese of Cebu, Philippines (at the Closing Mass on 22 Nov)

Registeration fee:

• RM100 on or before 15 Sept 09
• RM120 after 15 Sept 09
• RM35 for dinner ticket (optional)

Registration fee does not include meals and accommodation.

Registration forms are obtainable from your parish offices or from the Kuching Archdiocesan Youth Office(082-237237) or can be downloaded by clicking here. For more information contact Human Life Services Miri (085-426729, hlsmiri2000@yahoo.co.uk).

Experts in the field of Demography, Bioethics, Moral Theology and Pro-life activists working in pro-life and pro-family movements share their rich experiences and the delegates get a first hand idea of what others are doing to defend families and specially the unborn throughout the world. Audio-video sessions keep the delegates glued to their seats. And people wait to seek answers to their questions at the end of each presentation. They leave to their respective countries with strong resolution to put in their might in their particular regions. And usually the work of these delegates bear fruit by way on new initiatives.

Catholic Combines Faith, High-Tech Savvy to Invent New Bible Format

By Nancy Frazier O’Brien
Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) — One of the oldest and most read books in the world now has a new, high-tech look. And it weighs only 5 grams, or one-hundredth of a pound.

“God on the Go” is a USB flash drive containing the complete Bible in the New Revised Standard Version or the New Testament of the New American Bible. It is currently available only for PCs but a Mac-compatible version is expected out this summer.

Inventor Mark Mastroianni, a member of St. Edna Parish in Arlington Heights, Ill., said in a telephone interview with Catholic News Service that the idea for “God on the Go” came to him in prayer when he was asking God how he could bring together his Catholic faith and his background in technology and product development.

“Why not combine the Bible with commonly used and readily accessible technological platforms?” he recalled thinking. After months of research and talks with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which holds the U.S. copyright on the New American Bible, “God on the Go” was born.

Mastroianni was pleased to learn that the device also offers the ecologically aware a “green” alternative to the printed Bible, since the thin pages of most Bibles require the use of a specialty ink that is “very toxic to users and in the manufacturing process.”

“God on the Go” also has special appeal for the millennial generation, no longer used to reading the printed word and instead accustomed to getting all their information in front of a computer screen, he said.

The USB flash drive offers a number of advantages over a hefty version of the printed Bible, Mastroianni said. It can be carried around on a key chain, and because the Bible only takes up 10 percent of the space on the flash drive, the user can add his or her own photos, songs or important documents to carry along with the Bible.

It also includes a verse/subject index, allows users to bookmark favorite passages and can take users directly to the daily New American Bible readings on the USCCB Web site.

Mastroianni worked with Dominican Father Jordan J. Kelly, director of the Office of Evangelization in the Archdiocese of Chicago, on the project “almost from day one” and pilot tested “God on the Go” with a group of students at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights during the fall semester of 2008.

The “feature that got the greatest response” from the 200 sophomores who tested it, according to Mastroianni, was a “mini-concordance” which gives users the ability to scroll through a list of feelings and to be linked to a Bible passage relevant to that emotion.

“I never thought the Bible could be this cool,” he reported one student as saying.

Through www.4Marks.com, a Catholic social networking site, users of “God on the Go” also can trade their lists of favorite Bible passages with their friends.

The device can also be customized for group sales to parishes, schools and universities, Mastroianni said. “The face of the physical drive can be etched” with a name or logo, he added.

Mastroianni hopes to have the full New American Bible available on a “God on the Go” device by sometime next year, pending the U.S. bishops’ and Vatican approval of a new translation of the Old Testament.

Editor’s Note: “God on the Go” is available through Acta Publications, www.actapublications.com, and for sale at bookstores. The New Testament of the New American Bible costs $24.95, with a 1 gigabyte capacity, and the complete Bible in the New Revised Standard Version is $39.95, with a 2 gigabyte capacity. For more information, go to www.WordofGodToGo.com.

Dr Ligaya Acosta Speaks about the Homosexual Agenda

On 21st July 2009, the Youth and Vocations Commision of Archdiocese of Kuching had organized a session on Sexuality: “The Homosexual Agenda” by Dr Ligaya Acosta. She is the Executive Director of Human Life International Asia-Oceania, Manila. She has traveled to from India to Mongolia and Papua New Guinea to promote Life and the Family. The evening session was held at the AVA room of St Joseph Parish Centre. There were altogether 44 youth, working adults and parents from different parishes who attended this session. Below are some pictures and testimonies from the participants:

Dr Ligaya Acosta receives souvenir; L-R: Dorothy, Dr Acosta, Fr Simon, Fr Felix

“An eye opener on the depth and extent of the homosexual agenda and its assault on family and Church. The talk cuts through the usual euphemism and sets the recent development (to promote this lifestyle) in the West in its real perspective. Can’t wait to learn more about this and other facets of the Culture of Death, but more importantly how we can defeat it through Culture of Life, at the HLI Asia Pacific Congress in November’- Benjamin Adrian, CHOICE

“Before this, I was not really aware of homosexual issues happening worldwide. I do know a bit about it through the media but don’t know enough about it. After listening to Dr. Ligaya’s talk of the homosexuality, I understand more its effects and impact on those who practise this same sex relationships. I also learnt that the close relationship between parents and children in a family is most important.”- Andez Gregory, Campus Student

“Her presentation was full of concrete evidence and facts – both scientific and biblical (faith); on the topic of homosexuality as a facet of the Culture of Death. Her challenge to both parents and youths to be more aware and better equipped against the strategies of the Anti-Life (Pro-Death) advocates was interesting – prompting us to be ready and alert to defend our faith and beliefs as Catholics and Pro-Lifers!

Although the session was brief and much of what was shared needed more time thought and digestion, it gave us a glimpse of what we as pro-lifers are up against and need to do, so as not to be easily deceived. Her sharing on hope for the homosexuals and homosexually inclined persons – especially through prayers and self-surrender to GOD, is both informative and practical. I believe with this knowledge, though little, we can begin to better Love, Support and Understand those struggling with homosexuality, especially in our Catholic/Christian circle.”- Mervyn Lee, Empowered Parish Youth Minitry

KYCS Welcomes New Core Team for the Year 2009-2010

KUCHING – The Kuching Young Christian Students (KYCS) leaders gathered together on the 25th of July, 2009 for an election of a new KYCS core team for the year 2009-2010. The gathering was held at the St. Joseph Parish Centre, where YCS student leaders from SMK St. Teresa, SMK St. Joseph, SMK Batu Lintang, SMK Green Road and SMK Jalan Arang were present. Also present were the KAYVC youth co-ordinators, KYCS student animators and a teacher animator.

Top, L-R: Adeline, Nathalia, Bryan, Julie, Sonia; Botton, L-R: Audrey, David John, Cassandra, Martin, Mary

The new KYCS core team for the year 2009-2010 comprised a council of presidents. The incoming core team members are Audrey Yap, Cassandra Shim, David John Au, Martin Chieng, and Mary Voon. Among these five leaders, Cassandra Shim and Martin Chieng are KYCS representatives to any KAYVC events and meetings.

A simple installation ceremony was held after that, where the outgoing core team members passed a candle each (which symbolizes the Light) to the incoming core team. The outgoing core team were also presented a certificate each, for their hard work and achievements for the past year.

The gathering ended at 1pm with a sing-along session, followed by a closing prayer.

By Evelyn Chow

S.A.L.T. Ulu Belaga 2009

S.A.L.T. stands for School of Acting Justly, Loving Tenderly and Treading humbly with God (Micah 6:8). It is a programme for campus students spearheaded by the Malaysian Catholic Students’ Council (MCSC). This year, the second S.A.L.T will be held in Ulu Belaga (SALT II Ulu Belaga or S.U.B.’09)

S.U.B.’09 will be a Southeast Asian program(SEAP), a joint project between MCSC and IMCS AP (International Movement of Catholic Students Asia Pacific). S.U.B’09 will incorporate EIP (Exposure Immersion Program) which will include orientation, exposure to Ulu Belaga, critical analyses and theological reflection which is also part of SALT II Ulu Belaga. Some participants of Southeast Asia can only attend EIP but not the entire SALT II Ulu Belaga. However, we expect all local participants to attend the entire program which will be held this year from 23 Nov to 6 Dec, 2009.

The aims of S.U.B. 09 are manifold:

1. Enable our university students to understand the complex issues of the land rights or (NCR) of IP (indigenous peoples or Orang Asal) in Sarawak in relation to logging, the Sarawakian society and the global timber market.
2. Arrive a more critical understand of the struggle of the IPs in Ulu Belaga and their poverty and marginalization in relation to the local and global institutions such as Internation Timber Instition, World Bank, International Monetary Fund and economic globalization.
3. Response in faith to the struggle of the IPs so that we are aware of our roles as university students

S.U.B. 09 will be held in Bintulu, the EIP in Kg. Sg. Asap and Koyan in Ulu Belaga, and culminate in the 3-day retreat in Bintulu.

Take a look at the S.U.B.’09 promotional videos below:


Currently, 5 places are allocated for delegates from Archdiocese of Kuching. For more information, contact the Kuching Youth Office; 082-237237.

What is the Trinity?

Take a look at the video clip in which Father Robert Barron gives us a beautiful explanation of the mystery of the Holy Trinity. The Trinity is a mystery not because it is a puzzle or enigma that we cannot understand, but rather it has a meaning so deep and so vast that the human mind’s able to comprehend a tiniest bit of its truth. It is when we see God face to face (which is beatific vision) that we will grow in our knowledge of God as Trinity and as love.  It’ll take eternity to plumb the depths of this infinite and glorious mystery.

NB. Fr Robert Barron is a sought-after speaker on the spiritual life-from prestigious universities to YouTube to national conferences and private retreats. The prominent theologian and podcasting priest is one of the world’s great and most innovative teachers of Catholicism. His global media ministry called Word on Fire has a simple but revolutionary mission – to evangelize the culture.