The Potter's Clay

A Best Friend like Jonathan....

2012-01-19T20:26:00.007+08:00

My reflection today on the 1st reading taken from the Book of First Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7 is on the person of Jonathan and his relationship with David. The two of them became close friends when David entered the service of Saul. "...Jonathan felt an instant affection for David; Jonathan loved him like his very self" - 1Sam 18:1. The following chapters will show us that in the conflated account of David's troubles with Saul there are accounts of Jonathan's successful intercession for David with Saul. When Jonathan was killed, David was in deep sorrow, he had an elegy for both Saul and Jonathan. This is what he had to say about Jonathan; "...Jonathan, by your dying I too am stricken, I am desolate for you, Jonathan my brother. Very dear you were to me, your love more wonderful to me than the love of a woman.." - 2Sam 1:25-26.

I tell you, I envy David!! I wish I had a close friend like Jonathan. And all I ask of him is just to be like Jonathan, to love and care for me. Hahaha sounds selfish ya!! Anyway when I look at myself, I see that I have tried to be like Jonathan to many. I have loved them more than I love myself. Sacrificed a lot and didn't count the cost and all I asked of them in return is their friendship of love and care. But all I got was otherwise. Sigh.....

As I conclude, I ask God what is His message for me; and the message that Jesus gave from the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) which is " You go and do the same; you be a neighbor to the rest"applies for me, i.e. 'You, go and BE A FRIEND to those in need of one".

I am not perfect, and in truth I need better skills to be a good friend. I shall learn. Experiences is a good teacher. I will continue my promises to those who are already my friends and close friends; that I will continue to love and care for you like how Jonathan was to David, no matter how you treat me. And maybe by God's grace, He will bless me with a 'Jonathan '.

May God bless all our friendships...

2011 CHRISTmas Experience.

2011-12-26T15:27:00.001+08:00

This year's Christmas celebration for me has been somehow like a 'Biblical Christmas'. Allow me to explain further; The gospel readings taken for the midnight mass - Luke 2:1-14. From this reading we hear that the humble King's birth is proclaimed first to the lowly. The shepherds were generally poor and to some extent outcasts, considered by the 'respectable' to be ignorant, dirty and lawless. In another word, they can be called as 'Anawim' Yahweh - The 'poor' of Yahweh.

After my Christmas eve masses at Segamat and Cha'ah, together with Fr. Cyril and Bro. Joseph ofm cap, we traveled to the Orang Asli Kampung in the morning of Christmas Day. We had a Mass there for them and later joined them for lunch. They were prepared for the celebration, in fact I can say better then the city parishes. The singing was superb and though they had no Christmas tree or any of that sort of decorations at their 'Rumah Besar' (Place of Worship) they had decorated the place with their own cultural way with young coconut tree leaves and they even had a simple crib. They all came dressed in their best. I was told by the priest that some even wanted to do confession before mass just because they missed the penitential service 2 weeks ago. Now tell me, did they have a sense of Christmas? Was their celebration of Christmas with Christ. I'll give a big YES. They have put many of us 'materialistic' and 'respectable' people to shame. After the mass, we had the opportunity to be 'Santa Claus' or rather the real 'Saint Nicholas' by distributing some gifts to the children.

After that mass, we rushed back to Segamat to celebrate the Eucharist for the Migrants. And here again I witness tremendous preparation for the Eucharist Celebration such as the singing for mass. The church was packed for the 3.30pm mass and it was followed by an early dinner and fellowship.

In our society today, the two group above i.e. Orang Asli and the Migrants are considered the 'poor of Yahweh'. They are look down at and to some extent treated as outcasts. The scripture mentions that the Angel proclaimed to the shepherds 'good news of great joy', I hope through my presence and participation in their (Orang Asli & Migrants) celebrations I was able to proclaim the same 'Good News' and passed on the 'Joy', 'Peace' and 'Love' of Christmas.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen....Lk.2:20.

The Season of Advent.

2011-11-30T21:15:00.009+08:00

In my previous post I promised to blog an explanation of the Season of Advent. The topic is easy for me but the task of summarizing and writing about it as a short article onto my blog was a difficult task. Every detail and information about this beautiful season of advent is important but I have to consider just giving the important points. Each time I was writing and typing on the keyboard, I have to keep telling myself; "Adrian, it's an article for your blog and not a half day session!!"..hehehe.

The word "Advent" comes from the Latin language (adventus) and means literally translated "arrival" or "coming into a place". The Christians use this term to signify the season of the year in which we are waiting for the coming of Christ: the time of recalling His first coming when he became man, and the time of looking forward to His second and final coming at the end of time.

Sadly many Catholic think that Advent is all about preparing (waiting) for Christmas i.e. the birth of Jesus Christ. They are not wrong and they are not fully right either. Advent is not just about 'waiting' for Christmas, it is also about the 'waiting' for Jesus' final coming. Advent has two parts; 1) From the 1st Sunday of Advent to December 16 inclusive and 2) December 17 to December 24.

If you follow the daily and Sunday readings during the 1st part of Advent, you will notice there are elements and expressions of the eschatological character of Advent: it makes us look forward to the coming of Christ at the end of time, thus for the reason that Advent is a preparation time for the final coming of the Lord. The final coming in glory is closely connected with the incarnation, in fact the second coming is the fulfillment of the first one. Advent then, should be a time of great expectation of the final coming of our Redeemer and therefore a time of great joy. Such a joyful looking forward to the day of the Lord is to a great extent missing in the life of Christians, and that is why it is important to make good use of the Advent season. The season of Advent calls for both: joy and penance, reverential fear and love and that is why there is a kind of penitential agenda for this period by which we prepare ourselves for the Christmas feast and also get ready for the final coming of the Lord.

The second part of Advent i.e. December 17 to 24 is focused as a preparation time for Christmas. During this period the weekday and Sunday readings helps us to look back at what happened during the 1st coming of Christ, His coming in humility in our human flesh. By recalling the events preceding the incarnation we should develop some special attitudes. We should come to a renewed and deep appreciation of this mystery of God becoming one of us in all things except sin. These few days before Christmas should bring us also to a better understanding of the history of salvation. Looking back how God prepared the way for his Messiah in the history of Israel we can only marvel at the wisdom and the wonderful plan.

In conclusion, the meaning of Advent: It is the time in which the Church meditates about the coming of the Lord. We recall His first coming and we yearn and look forward to His final coming.

Maranatha - Come, Lord.

Happy New Year!!!...Hmmmm in November 2011??

2011-11-27T21:23:00.008+08:00

Coincidentally this year 2 communities (religion) also known as 'The people of the Book' celebrates their New Year today. The Catholic Community starts their New Liturgical Year (Missal of the Year B & Weekdays of Year 2) with the season of Advent and the Muslim Community with Awal Muharram (1st Month of the Islamic Calender) which coincides with Maal Hijrah i.e. Muhammad's journey from Mecca to Medina.

Both these celebrations calls for renewal and change and brings out the sense of anticipation (waiting). I hope in the next few days, I'll blog to explain about the season of Advent.
For now, lets just look at Muharram and Hijra. Wikipedia explains that; Muharram is one of the four sacred months of the year in which fighting is prohibited. Since the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, Muharram moves from year to year when compared with the Gregorian calendar. The Islamic year is 11 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian year for this reason the Islamic new year does not come on the same day of the Gregorian calendar every year.

Muharram is so called because it is unlawful to fight during this month, the word is derived from the word haram, meaning "forbidden". It is held to be the most sacred of all the months, excluding Ramadan. Some Muslims fast during these days. The Hijra (هِجْرَة) is the migration or journey of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE.

Happy New Year my dear Catholic and Muslim friends. God bless you all.

A better understanding on the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

2011-09-30T22:37:00.008+08:00

There have been some 'talk' on the Sacrament of the Sick lately at the small town I'm currently staying. Gathering from the discussions I hear, many people have actually misinterpreted and misunderstood this beautiful sacrament of spiritual and physical healing.

In the early middle ages this sacrament was administered to people who were not likely to recover from their sickness and eventually this became known as the sacrament for the dying which were likely called; last anointing or extreme unction (extrema unctio). Many people in this modern times still keep the above idea of extreme unction. I have seen this a couple of times when I follow priests when they go to administer the sacrament of anointing and the sick person or even the family members will decline to be anointed. Catholics still dreaded to ask for a priest to anoint themselves or their loved ones, since it was a sign that they had given up all hope of recovery and in the imminent danger of death.

So my dear friends if you are in the above group of people, this posts if especially for you. Now let us see one of the many text from scripture that explains this Sacrament of Anointing. James 5:14-15 - "Are any among you sick? They should call for the presbyters of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed any sins will be forgiven". The words that to be noted from the text is: Save, Raise them up, Forgiven. Now this three words clearly shows that it was not meant only for the dying but also 'spells out' HOPE for the sick.

Now how do we define who receives this sacrament for the 'sick'? I'm having a headache or a flu, so am I eligible to receive this sacrament? Definitely a sound mind and common sense can give an answer but nevertheless lets see what the Catechism of the Catholic Church has to say on this; 'The Apostolic Constitution Sacram unctionem infirmorum, following upon the Second Vatican Council, established that henceforth, in the Roman Rite, the following be observed: The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given to those who are seriously ill...'(CCC.1513).

'The Anointing of the Sick is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived.' (CCC.1514).

'If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again. If during the same illness the person's condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may be repeated. It is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick just prior to a serious operation. The same holds for the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced. (CCC.1515).

So who can administer this Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick? It is ONLY the priests. Now in addition to the Anointing, the Church offers those who are about to leave this life the Eucharist as viaticum. Communion in the body and blood of Christ, received at this moment of 'passing over' to the Father. Now a deacon can administer the viaticum; a latin word which means 'provisions or food for the journey' and any commissioned Extra-Ordinary Ministers can distribute communion to the sick.

Please read the CCC.1499-1532 for more better understanding.

26th World Youth Day.

2011-09-21T10:12:00.007+08:00

It's been 1month now since the closing Mass of the 26th World Youth Day at Madrid, Spain. This is my 3rd World Youth Day (WYD) after Manila in 1995 and Rome in the year of the Jubilee 2000.

All these 3 WYDs I attended has been recorded to be the 1st, 2nd and 3rd largest registered participants / pilgrims. WYD @ Manila has the current world record for the largest papal gathering with about 5,000,000 attended. WYD @ Rome in 2000 had about 2,000,000 pilgrims; whereas in WYD @ Madrid it nearly reached 2,000,000 participants.

I remembered being a timid person (sometimes I feel I am still one) but after my sacrament of confirmation in 1994, I felt and saw some changes in me. I am bolder now, I take chances and especially after the sacrament, I got involved in the parish youth ministry. This pave way for me to go for the WYD @ Manila. It was indeed a new experience; a gathering with a lot of young people. From here, I got more involved in church activities and even went further to the Archdiocese involvement. I even became the parish youth coordinator.

WYD @ Rome during the Jubilee Year 2000 was very special for me because it was a time when I was discerning my vocation. It was indeed a spiritual pilgrimage.

Compared to WYD @ Manila and Rome, the WYD @ Madrid was not an easy one for me. This was because I was responsible for the Malaysian contingent. It was like I was carrying a load on me and I really felt relieved when it was all over. Since being in charge, I did not have much time on my own to pray, reflect, etc but I did witness characters of certain Malaysian pilgrims and the best part is to see some youths from Malaysia taking on leadership roles. I must say I was proud to be leading this bunch of youths to the WYD. In particular I would like to mentioned that I underestimated 2 youths but they prove me wrong, they were just amazing. The best part for me during the WYD is the Marian Fest (the P&W, dancing, concert), listening to Archbishop Timothy Dolan from New York and especially the vigil with Pope Benedict XVI. A massive storm broke out during the vigil and all the pilgrims stood there still just wanting to listen to the beloved Papa. The Pope stopped his speech and waited with us for the storm to pass by. I know very well, that at that moment of the storm, the Pope was just thinking of all us pilgrims who were right in the middle of the storm and were getting wet. He was shielded by the cardinals and guards with umbrella but I'm sure he was 'feeling' for us and he prayed for us all. There were a reason for the storm; it was to settle the hazardous sand dust at the venue which was even worst. Actually it was kinda fun, its been so long since I 'played' in the rain..hehehe.

During this WYD I had the opportunity to see the Pope just about 5 meters away. Here is the video clip I took of the Pope (for those reading this via facebook, you have to go to the original post to view the clip):-

It is indeed a privilege, an honor to represent the many Malaysian youths who were not able to go for such an event; to listen and pray with the Pope who is the head of the Roman Catholic Church. I prayed for you all, our Papa the Pope prayed for you.
I thank God for this opportunity, I thank the many who made it possible for me to be part of this event. God bless you all.

To view more of my photos of the WYD @ Madrid, please click here.

1st time cooking professionally...

2011-07-28T23:04:00.001+08:00

Haha today I accomplish a challenge. For the first time I cook professionally. What I meant by professionally is that; I have cooked before, but it was more like frying eggs and making a very simple 'nasi goreng' but today I cooked a decent set meal. Hmmm it was yummy....hehehe

Cabbage
(with tomato & anchovies - 'ikan bilis')

Sardin curry
(with potato and tomato)

1st District Youth Visitations

2011-07-23T23:09:00.006+08:00

I just concluded my 1st visitations to all the youth groups from the various languages from the parishes in my district. There are 7 main churches in this North Central Johor District. Since just recently (effective April 1st, 2011) being appointed as the Youth Minister for the District, the objective of this visit was more to establish connection with the youth groups and to get to know their leaders and parish priests. I must say, I am very pleased with this first visit and it has been beneficial for me hearing the needs and experiences from the youth leaders themselves. They even shared all their joys, enthusiasm, struggles, frustrations and disappointments which I have taken all into serious consideration. I am also happy to hear first hand from some parish priests of their views, aspirations and suggestions for their youth groups.

One of my actions after this visit is a North Central Johor District Youth Leaders Retreat which I am offering to all the youths especially from this district. It will be held from September 16-18, 2011 filled with spiritual input, personal and group reflections, workshop activities and a half day teambuilding session. A selected team of young people are working and praying for the success of this event; they are the Redemptorist Mission Team from Singapore, Tim Fernandez from Live & Inspire, and the Youths representing the Diocese Language Apostolates.

After this retreat, I hope to continue my visit to the parishes on regular basis, journeying with them. During the 1st visit, I was very surprised by the different youth leaders and groups of their capabilities and enthusiasm even with limited resources and coming from rural parishes. I am really looking forward to meeting all of them again.

As for my ministry, I pray the prayer of Solomon asking God to be his guide so as to guide His people. “O Lord, my God, you have made me, your servant, to minister to your young people in this Diocese of Malacca-Johore; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act. I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to lead this vast people of yours?” (1 King 3:6-9)

A Spirit-Filled Experience @ MJDST 2011 Youth Rally.

2011-05-30T17:20:00.013+08:00

On Saturday night at the MJDST Youth Rally @ Kluang I witnessed and experienced the Lord working in ways that I never had expected. It was a Charismatic event and at night there was an inner healing and praying over session. Usually in such setting, there would be some sort of preparations such as talks or sessions leading up to the inner healing and some 'touching' or rather 'soul searching ' songs. But the sessions we had was totally different for it was a different approach and had no such preparations for the praying over.

Just as the worship group was leading in some set of songs, the priest (Fr. Deva) and I came into the room and as I went to the corner of the room, Fr. Deva starting instructing the participants to sit on the chair if they were not comfortable sitting on the floor. I was quit disturb about it because I felt that it was better if Father could do it just after the song. But I saw his wisdom when he said, "You can worship the Lord better when you are sitting comfortable if not you will be fidgeting" Then Father just took over and randomly ask the music group to sing the songs he suggested.

From then on, I saw the Holy Spirit moving and touching everyone. As I went forward to minister to the youths, I felt the Holy Spirit ministering to me too.
And what a joyful feeling, it was totally awesome! I saw many youths being touched by the Lord during the ministering and their testimony at the end of the programme was an evident of God's mighty works according to His time, place and will.

To have seen me is to have seen the Father (Jn 14:9).

2011-05-22T01:34:00.000+08:00

As I was reflecting on today's gospel (5th Sunday of Easter, Year A - Jn.14:1-12) I was very much taken up by Philip's request i.e 'Lord, let us see the Father and then we shall be satisfied.' and the answer of Jesus; 'To have seen me is to have seen the Father.'

Here I would like to present to you a man, and just by looking at him you can see the Father. He is none other than our beloved Pope John Paul II. He was beatified on May 01, 2011.
In the same gospel text, Jesus goes on further to explain how the Father can be seen. He says, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves." Yes, the works of God!! That's a clear evidence to know that God is dwelling in us. In the life of the late John Paul II, we have seen beautiful manifestation of the works of God and how the works have bear fruits (results). Like JPII, all of us are called to be God's instrument. We are called to be His hands and feet so He can continue His works which he begun through His Son. For a matter of fact greater works can be done through us if only we believe in Jesus. For Jesus said at the end of the Gospel; "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father". Through Jesus' ascension into heaven, He has made it possible for each one of us by the grace of baptism to continue His work, in fact greater works for the good of all people.

So now the questions we must asks ourselves; have we taken up the challenge to be God's instruments? Do we allow God to work in and through us? Do we manifest the presence of God's dwelling within us? Have we shown the face of God to other?

Here is a clip on John Paul II. Just look at his face and you can surely see the manifestation of God's face. JPII show us the Face of God, the Father.

I was indeed blessed to have participated in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and Services presided by this man of God; i.e Pope John Paul II. 1986 - JPII's visit to Singapore, 1995 WYD @ Manila, Philippines & Jubilee Year 2000, WYD @ Rome.

Moving on with God's unfailing promises.

2011-05-21T23:05:00.004+08:00

Wahhh it's May 21st already and I actually forgot an event that for the last 2years I have kept in mind on a particular day during the beginning of May. An event that was so bitter in my life. The last 2 years on the anniversary I have written about it but this time I have forgotten about the whole issue. Even when my sister reminded me the other day about my blog not being updated, I didn't even think about it. Hmmmm what shall I say....Praise God?? Yes, Praise God indeed. I believe I have moved on. God's healing is taking place within me. I am also glad that what I have spoken out for and defended has taken place. "The word of the Lord is faithful and all His works to be trusted. The Lord loves justice and right and fills the earth with His love"(Ps.32:4-5)....Amen.

I am just enjoying God's faithfulness now....Alleluia!!

What does the Melaka-Johor Diocesan Youth Ministry do?

2011-04-13T11:45:00.010+08:00

Communicate the direction and strategies for all youth ministries in the diocese, guided by the diocese’s vision and structure. The youth leaders are being (re)-introduced to the Diocese’s Vision and Mission Statement. From there, we will seek to understand it, to agree on what is achievable for youth ministry and to translate that into step-by-step action plans.
Empower parish youth leaders through leadership training and formation. Applying the principle of subsidiarity, the diocesan youth ministry should not do what the parish youth ministry should and can do. The quarterly District Meeting of all youth leaders will not just be a time to report what has or will be done; the emphasis rather, would be to equip the leaders to help them start, run or improve their parish youth ministry.
Review the health of the parish youth ministries. No matter how fanciful the footballers dribble, if they don’t score, their team won’t win. In the Vision and Mission Statement, youth ministry has an objective yardstick to measure progress. As such, we have planned for our district and apostolate youth leaders to gather, reflect and evaluate our formation programmes, activities and events on a yearly basis.
Coordinate the relationships and programmes between parish youth ministries across language groups through District Level events.
Coordinate the relationships and programmes between districts across language groups through Diocesan Level events. Besides coordinating our yearly schedule, networking will encourage the mutual sharing of programmes that have proven effective eg CHOICE, Youth Encounter and Persons are Gifts.
Collaborate with other ministries in youth related programmes. It makes sense to cooperate with Catechism, Vocation Promotion Team etc so that rather than duplicating programmes and depleting resources, synergy can be created through teamwork.
Collaborate with other diocesan youth offices on the national and international level where it involves our diocese.

Youth Minister

2011-04-11T23:00:00.003+08:00

Just realized that I have not kept my promise till now to share with you what my next chapter in life is all about. I am currently one of the three Youth Ministers for the Diocese of Malacca-Johor, West Malaysia. It's been 11 days now, and yes! I have been enjoying every bit of it though I had been doing a lot of traveling the past 10days. I enjoy traveling, so no complain!

When asked about my plans and hopes for the youths of the Diocese for an article in the local catholic weekly (Herald), this is what I said; "I am very grateful to Bishop Paul Tan and the Diocese for giving me an opportunity to serve the church as a Youth Minister. As for my plans and hopes for the youths, I just have to take cue from the Shepherd of the Diocese. During the Diocesan Synod last year, Bishop Paul Tan has call on everyone especially the leaders to concentrate on two areas i.e. more and effective formation of our people and quick and focused spotting out of people who are willing and can serve the church in building the Kingdom of God.

I feel so blessed and excited to serve in this ministry. I need all the prayers I can get to be able to serve God and His people especially His youths better. Do pray for me guys.

Note : The pictures above are some of the many youths from the Diocese of Malacca-Johor that I have had the pleasure to meet.

Bye Bye Unisys JB...

2011-03-26T01:45:00.007+08:00

Yesterday saw my last working day at Unisys Johor Bahru Branch. My fingers would sure agree that it needed this break from all the 'key-ing-in' but I will definitly miss all my colleagues who befriended me immediately when I started working there on May 15, 2009. We bonded like a family. Unisys JB can proudly say that it lives the 1Malaysia spirit. Hmmm the many jalan-jalan cari makan, festive celebrations, open houses and most of all the working together are a prove.

I have gain many experiences from the two years working here and will take it all with me to the next chapter in my life. What's the next chapter all about you may ask....Look out for my future posts, its gonna be an exciting part of my life.

2010 Blessings

2011-01-25T22:44:00.003+08:00

2010-a year filled with lots of fun and excitement. It is indeed a year of grace, a year of blessings for me. Do you remember my post on Jan 1, 2010? Click here to read.

Now I would like to highlight some of the many blessings I received throughout the year 2010:-

1 - My trip to Sri Lanka and to spend a few memorable days in Jafna with a great man of God i.e Fr. Louis Ponniah OMI.

2 - A short holiday to India (Salem, Mysore, Bangalore & Chennai) with a close friend (Cyril M).

3 - Pilgrimage to the Holy Places at Egypt, Israel, Palestinian Authority & Jordan.

4 - Christmas Outing with the family.

The year 2010 is also the year I got actively involved in church activities 'again' after 2years of 'silence'. Some of the projects are:

1- Holy Week experiences at Jasin & Merlimau.

2 - SFX Malacca Confirmation Camp.

3 - Jasin & Merlimau Tamil Youth Leaders Camp.

4 - Altar Servers Camp for Jasin, Merlimau, Masai and Plentong Parishes.

5 - Catechetics @ CIC, JB.

6 - CIC Youth Rock.

I have witnessed God's faithfulness and genosity through all the above activities. And the greatest blessing that I received was in a form of a news. It is very pleasing indeed to hear that the dirty, corupt, unjust system that I found wrong and asked to have it stop have actually been stopped. I got kicked-out from an institution because I questioned the credibility of the 'dirty' & unjust system and it took 2/3 years to have finally stop. God is good. Alleluia! The system that I am talking about is clearly not God's doing, it was never His plan. I am hoping that God will put everything in order including the many chaos created by that system. Father, Your will be done.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-31T17:08:00.018+08:00

Reflecting back on my 2010 Christmas, it seems like the focus has been on family. It started with The Children Christmas party and Inter-Religious Christmas Fellowship at the Catholic Church in Jasin a week before Christmas and ended with Relatives Gathering in-conjuction with an uncle 85th Birthday on Dec 27. But the highlight was my family's 'Christmas Away' at Port Dickson where we spend 3days just among ourselves. Here are some pictures showing you my 2010 Christmas experiences.

Pictures taken at the Portuguese Settlement

At the Children's Christmas Party and Inter-Religious Christmas Fellowship

Family 'Christmas Away' @ Port Dickson

God, our Father,
in the Holy Family of Nazareth
you have given us the true model of a Christian home.
Grant that by following Jesus, Mary and Joseph
in their love for each other and in the example of their family life
we may come to your home of peace and joy...Amen.

Youth Rock 2

2010-12-05T01:16:00.018+08:00

On 25-28th November 2010 about 60 youths from the South Johor Parishes attended the Youth Rock 2 with the theme for this year; "Rocking in the Spirit..Acts 2:8". Initially when the Coordinators met to plan out for this camp, we had many directions on how this camp should be. But after prayerful discernment we were led by God to introduce the Holy Spirit to the youths ages between 12-17. The camp turned out to be some what of a Youth LSS (Life In the Spirit Seminar).

I can say that I have witnessed the Lord's goodness and faithfulness despite the many obstacles, challenges and problems we encountered during the preparation of camp.

While preparing this camp and during the camp itself, it brought back fond memories of my involvement in the Charismatic Movement during the years 1993-2000. A grace-filled period with a renewal within.

Here are some pictures taken from my camera during the Youth Rock 2:-

Click here for more pictures.

The song below Firework by Katy Perry is dedicated to all the participants. If you are viewing this from Facebook, make sure u click on the 'View Original Post' if you wanna enjoy the clip.

My dear participants, IGNITE the LIGHT which you have received and just let it SHINE.

Advent 2010

2010-11-28T01:31:00.001+08:00

The Church through this season of Advent reminds all of us each year to stir us to renew constantly our memory of the great love of God has shown us. This commemoration teaches us that our Saviour came not only for the benefit of the people of his own time. His goodness is still there for us to share in.

Wishing all of you a Blessed Advent...

Preface of the Solemnity of Christ the King based on Mysterium (Mystery), Tremendum (Tremendous) and Fascinans (Fascinating).

2010-11-21T02:42:00.005+08:00

The Eucharistic Prayer in the Mass is more than just a prayer. It is the verbal element in the central action of the Mass. One of the important or principle part or element of the Eucharistic Prayer is the Preface. The General Instruction on the Roman Missal No.55 states that:-

The chief elements of the Eucharistic prayer are these:
Thanksgiving (expressed especially in the preface): in the name of the entire people of God, the priest praises the Father and gives him thanks for the work of salvation or for some special aspect of it in keeping with the day, feast, or season. (GIRM, Introduction – Chapter II).

The word preface here does not mean introduction. It refers rather to the fact that this prayer is spoken out loud (prae-fari), and it is likely that the word was once applied to the entire canon. The intention of this section of the prayer is not just thanksgiving for this and that, rather it celebrates the solemn entry of the people into the divine presence (Eucharist). It expresses that fact that here and now our congregation is one assembly with all those in heaven who worship the divine majesty with all the awe and splendor (Raymond Moloney, SJ, The Eucharistic Prayers: in worship, preaching and study). Keeping this in mind, I would like to present the Preface of the Solemnity of Christ the King based on my understanding of Mysterium (Mystery), Tremendum (Tremendous) and Fascinans (Fascinating).

The preface of Christ the King:

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give You thanks.

You anointed Jesus Christ, Your only Son,
with the oil of gladness,
as the eternal priest and universal king.

As priest He offered His life on the altar of the cross
and redeemed the human race by this one perfect sacrifice of peace.

As king He claims dominion over all creation,
that He may present to You, His almighty Father,
an eternal and universal kingdom:
a kingdom of truth and life,
a kingdom of holiness and grace,
a kingdom of justice, love, and peace.

And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven
we proclaim Your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise.

Mysterium would first mean a secret or a mystery that which is unknown (alien) to us and cannot be comprehended and explained. In the religious sense, that which is mysterious is quite beyond the usual, the intelligible and the familiar. That which is mysterium falls outside the limits of the worldly wise, filling the mind with wonder and astonishment. Truly this preface speaks about the tremendous, fascinating mystery of our salvation history. In the area of mysterium we see the element of Anthropomorphism i.e. God anointing His only Son to be the Eternal Priest and Universal King, and offering His life to all people. And as King, He is to gain His kingdom and to present it to His Father a pure and holy kingdom. The elements stated in paragraph 4 of the preface such as truth, life, holiness, grace, justice, love and peace are elements of a kingdom ‘set-apart’ i.e. a pure and holy kingdom.

As for the element of tremendum; it is reflected in the mind in term of feelings. It can be recognized through the effort of imaginative intuition at the lives of those around us. It can also be recognized in the fixed and ordered solemnities of rites and liturgies and at atmosphere that clings to old religious monuments and buildings. An appropriate expression of mysterium tremendum is the mystery inexpressible. It is this feeling that will spread throughout the mind with a calm mood of deepest worship. From tremendum we see the elements of ‘Awefulness’, ‘Overpoweringness’ and Energy or Urgency. In the preface above we see the presence of the divine; the redeemer. This is the element of ‘Awefulness’ for we can recognize goodness, gentleness, love and a kind of intimacy of God towards humankind in the preface. As for ‘Overpoweringness’ we can note the feelings of religious humility that is the creature consciousness where it recognizes its littleness and limitation in the presence of the Creator, the King. The preface too speaks about the absolute supremacy of the King over His subjects. This is the element of Energy or Urgencyl it indicates the presence of the divine.

The element of fascination tells us of the spiritual experience or the numinous experience (divine feelings). It is mysterious because of its ‘Awefulness’ and wonderfulness (the majestic) that one comes to the fascinating and attractive religious experience. It is right to see this element of fascination in the last paragraph; where the earthly beings joining the heavenly beings, coming to agreement in proclaiming the King’s glory, majesty and praising Him.

With all these elements of Mysterium (Mystery), Tremendum (Tremendous) and Fascinans (Fascinating); it is beautiful to see the ‘church’ with the words of the preface coming into the divine presence and finds an identity with one of the high points of this mystical experience in the Bible (Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 4:8).

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

2010 Pilgrimage to the Holy Land (Egypt, Israel, Palestinian Authority & Jordan)

2010-11-14T00:15:00.001+08:00

The weekend is here!! I'm having a light and easy weekend after a very long time, so I've decided to write a short-post on my blog and share some photos of my pilgrimage. Hmmm just realized it has been so long I made a post on my blog. Better start blogging again.

Anyway....

Together with my mother and 43 other people, I made a pilgrimage to the Holy Places at Egypt, Israel, Palestine and Jordan from October 01-11, 2010. We also had some sight-seeing such the Great Pyramid and a cruise on the River Nile. The experiences I had experienced is indescribable and unexplainable. It was just AWEsome.

It was indeed a spirit-filled experience. I thank God for giving me this opportunity to make this pilgrimage at the end of my 32 years of life here on earth 'in the footsteps of Jesus and the prophet Moses'. All the places I visited was indeed memorable but one particular place that I want to mentioned; that made an impact in me was the place of the Birth of Jesus, Our Lord and Saviour. The place where God gave a special gift to all of us i.e. His Son Jesus. God becoming human to save mankind. "For God so loved the world He gave us His only Son..." (John 3:16).
I had the privilage to venerate the place of Jesus' birth, His crucifixion, the place where His body was anointed, His tomb and the place He ascended to heaven.

To summarize my pilgrimage experience:-
A journey from the Old Testament (Exodus story - Israelites' journey from Egypt to the promised land) - to the New Testament. A Promised Foretold (OT) to the Promised Fulfilled (NT). And my challenge now as I begin my 33 years of life which God has given me is, to Live the Promise (Resurrection - New Life, Pentecost & Acts - Apostolic life).

For more photos, please click on the links below:-
Album 1
Album 2
Album 3

Suara Takbir...

2010-09-10T10:37:00.002+08:00

'...Terdengar suara takbir
Memuji nama Illahi
Rasa dalam kalbu
Tenteram dan aman selalu...'

The sentiments from the phrase above taken from a song of P. Ramlee was exactly what I felt this morning. I was awaken with the sound of 'Takbir' coming from the mosque nearby. I just enjoyed that moment, praying with my Muslim brothers and sisters. It reminded me of our very own Exsultet which we hear during Easter Vigil.

If I'm not mistaken, we hear the Takbir sung during 'Eid ul-Fitr' which marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and 'Eid al-Adha' i.e the Festival of Sacrifice.

The 'Exsultet' is sung after our own month of 'Ramadan' i.e the beautiful season of Lent. The season when we prepare ourselves through prayer, penitence, alms-giving and self-denial — for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events linked to the Passion of Christ and culminates in Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Here is a clip of the Takbir:-

Here is a clip of the Exsultet:-

Song by P. Ramlee - Suara Takbir:-

'...Kini tiba masanya
Hati gembira di Hari Raya
Bertemu sanak dan saudara
Bermaaf-maafan dengan keikhlasan.'

~SeLaMaT HaRi RaYa~

The Call to Prayer....Lord teach us to pray (Lk 11:1-4)

2010-08-23T02:58:00.007+08:00

At catechism class, we were discussing about the church bells and the call to prayer. One of my student told me that he was irritated with the Islamic call to prayer i.e the Azan which is uttered loud via speakers. I then shared with the class about my experiences upon hearing the Azan. This is what i shared to them:-

I stay near 2 'surau' and I work next to a mosque. So I hear the Islamic call to prayer 5 times a day. I am actually very happy with this environment. This is because, as my Muslim friends are reminded to pray, I too am reminded to pray. Each time I hear the Azan, I pray softly in my heart, be it The Angelus or The Lord's Prayer or the Hail Mary. I pray for any intention that comes to my mind at that time. Hearing the Azan always, I can say I am lucky, for it is a good reminder; an opportunity to pray.

For Catholics, we too have such reminder to pray; i.e the Angelus. Sadly most churches do not toll the bell anymore. The tolling of bells for Angelus is at 6am, noon and 6pm.
Hmmm for me then it's a good 8 reminders a day to pray i.e. 5Azan+3Angelus=8 (reminder) call to prayer...hehehe

The clip below is a solemn, melodious Azan:-

And here is the Angelus:-

Honey....I shrunk the food.

2010-08-22T00:48:00.003+08:00

I had this craving for a fast food which the last time ate was ages. I went to the outlet, placed my order and was told that I have to wait for about 10mins. I agreed and paid for it and after getting my change I just stood next to the counter since it was a 'take-away' and moreover there were no one behind me at the queue. The cashier was polite and friendly. After seeing me standing there, she offered me to sit and gave me a drink 'on the house'. Wow what a hospitality! This is the 1st time in 33 years I have received such hospitality at a fast-food joint. In less than 10mins I got my food. I extended my appreciation and told them how pleased I was at their service and hospitality.

Upon reaching home (my room for a matter of fact), I poured myself a glass of red wine and brought out a bottle of chili sauce. But what shocked me was the meal that I got. When I opened the box, I found that the particular food I ordered was small. I was thinking to myself..did they give me the wrong food?? Did they give me a kid's meal? It cant be, because this particular item is not in the kid's menu. As I mentioned earlier the last time I ate that particular food was ages, and at that time it was huge....sigh... Hmmmm what happened? It is true that the food items are not as what it looks like as how it is advertise...but why shrink the food? Expensive some more... sighhhh.

I wonder what's the reaction of the founder/creator of the fast-food restaurant when they come to know that their signature food items have been shrunk.

SFX Church, Malacca Confirmation Camp - 2010.

2010-07-07T03:30:00.001+08:00

I have conducted many confirmation camps but this group from the Church of St. Francis Xavier, Malacca has been my best group so far. What I like in them the most is that, they asked good, quality, theological questions. Yes, I like when students actively participate and asks questions.
This camp with the theme given by the catechist; 'Confirmation and My Mission' was held at the Good Shepherd Seminary, Malacca on July 04-06, 2010. Thanks to the teachers who prepared them the past few years, these confirmation students were all energized and eager to receive the sacrament of confirmation. They were all cool, happening and sporting bunch of young people who are so excited in wanting to know more about the Lord and share in His mission.

Looking at their spirit and enthusiasm, I am convinced that the students left the camp with a new theme i.e 'MY Confirmation and MY Mission'.
May God continue to bless, guard and guide them always....Amen.

Nostalgic Perak & Penang holiday...

2010-07-01T01:27:00.003+08:00

I took a trip down memory lane recently (June 24-29, 2010) and I literally mean that. It was a nostalgic trip for me to Perak and Penang. The 2 states in Malaysia where I stayed during the year 2001-2004 (Parit Buntar, Perak was in 2004). I had a great opportunity to meet some people whom I befriended while staying there. I am really so blessed with many nice good friends, some of them whom I have worked with while doing my pastoral as a seminarian in those states.

Parish House @ Parit Buntar

This was my room

When I first arrived at a home in Parit Buntar, I was surprised with a cultural welcoming and confetti. I really enjoyed my 2 1/2 days there meeting all of them now all older and grown up in age and sizes, and catching up with each others lives.

The rest of another 2 1/2 days I was in Penang. This time it was more of relaxation. Did meet a few friends and one of them was a lost friend but thanks to facebook managed to contact and meet him. Thanks to my good friend S. Dominic - a catholic priest, I had a pleasant stay in Penang with lots of makan-makan.

Unfortunatley I could not visit the place that I actually stayed when I was living in Penang, i.e. College General. I was told by a Priest from the seminary that my presence there would affect the seminarians. It is indeed hurting and sad to hear it say by a priest whom I had associated with before; Catholic priest who should actually have compassion and understanding especially of people like me, an ex-seminarian. I think he was afraid that the seminarians will start to question injustices being done in the seminaries, just like how I have questioned an unjust system or practice of a seminary that lead to my dismissal.

Anyway..put it aside.... I do have fond memories of my seminary life which I will cherish.

Cheersssss

I want to be a Billionaire...so 'freaking' bad ...

2010-06-20T04:55:00.006+08:00

WARNING - Song contains explicit language - the 'F' word 3x. Other than that it's worth listening.

I was listening to the song above, and not only did the rhythm catch me but the idea of being a Billionaire has been playing in my mind too.

I have been thinking; what are the 10 things I'm gonna do when I am a Billionaire??

1) Share some $ with my parents and siblings.
2) Get a maid for my mother.
3) Charity of course (Especially Home for orphans & Support for Youths).
4) Holy Land & Marian Pilgrimages.
5) Going on a holiday at all the countries in the world.
6) To buy Chelsea Football Club and some good players (ohh no, Rooney and C. Ronaldo is not in my list).
7) Investment (so I can help others who are in need).
8) Buy a car with a driver of course.
9) Education and 'civilization' for all. Lots of R&D too.
10) Use up all the $ so I can sleep peacefully AGAIN and wish...I am a Billionaire....
And while being a Billionaire I still want to continue working....hehehe. And another thing, Angelina & Brad can adopt children, not me. I just don't want to ruin the kids' life.

Hmmm am I being to ambitious?? hehehe...

So tell me, what would you do if you are a Billionaire??????

Altar Servers Workshop @ Plentong, Johor.

2010-06-13T21:28:00.013+08:00

Altar Servers Workshop @ Plentong, Johor on June, 12, 2010.

This is the 1st time giving a workshop simultaneously for Altar Servers from 4 language groups (English, Bahasa, Tamil & Chinese). The 60 participants are from the Church of St. Theresa, Masai and the host Church of St. Joseph, Plentong. Another 1st for me was that some of the participants are girls. All this while the Altar Servers sessions I have conducted has always been for boys, so it was interesting indeed to have some 'Altar Girls' and to hear the views from their team mates i.e. Altar Boys on having some girls as Altar Servers.

Formation for Youth Leaders from Merlimau and Jasin, Malacca.

2010-06-09T00:20:00.027+08:00

The long weekend of May 28-30, 2010 was busy but exciting and fun-filled for me.
I had the opportunity to conduct a Youth Leaders formation for some 41 youths from the parishes of Merlimau & Jasin. One of my struggle was the language. I had to use tamil which I am not fluent. But with God's grace I believe the participants got the message that I wanted to reach them. I used many activities in my sessions, so it made it easier for them to understand. Since it was a Leaders formation, I had a few team-building activities too. We were blessed to have an open air, by the beach, Trinity Sunday morning Mass.

Here are some of the pictures for your viewing pleasure:-

Beach side Mass on Trinity Sunday

Youths from Merlimau

Youths from Jasin

Eye of the Tiger

2010-05-16T22:12:00.012+08:00

This post has been edited due to my decision to move on. Click here for a read.

It's now 1 year since I've started working in Johor Bahru (JB) and 2 years of unjust dismissal and treatment i received by a certain group. Sadly they still have not given answers to the many questions I have raised. Wonder when we'll see courageous leaders like Pope Benedict XVI who stands for truth and justice!!

This 1 year has been interesting. With God 's blessings I was able to do many things which I couldn't do in the last 7 1/2 years. One example is charity work; if I wanted to do any charity work for someone or some homes, I'll need to have many meetings to convince some people, I'll need to answer questions like; what is your motive? Why this people/homes and not the other? Where did you get the resources to do this? and etc. At times I had to work with some people and admins who had ulterior motive.
Now...no meetings, no questions, no lousy stumbling blocks. It's all between my heart, mind, soul and God.

So how did i celebrate my 1st year in JB? Thanksgiving mass, a good FA Cup final match, a movie, nasi goreng and a can of beer (ginger beer to be exact).

Join me in my celebration. Here is a song for you, 'Eye of the Tiger'.

Pathetic & Gayish

2010-04-30T00:06:00.006+08:00

Since I work from 1pm-10pm, my only 'TV time' is after midnight till about 4/5am.
I do not own a cable TV, so I only rely on the Singapore TV programme for my entertainment since they are much better than the Malaysian TV channels.

And here are some of the shows that I have been watching at these hours:-
- America's Next Top Model
- The Shot (Next great fashion Photographer)
- ET (Entertainment Tonight)
- Wheel of Fortune
- Desperate Housewife
- Project Runway
- Hell's Kitchen
- Rachel Ray Show
- Top Chef
And I wonder what else they are going to put on-air when the shows above end...sigh....

My....now you know why the title above is such??? Hmmmmmm hope my life don't turn to be as it.

Hope the TV people do consider us the few Nocturnal Beings....hehehe

Discouraged?? Don't give up...because YOU ARE LOVED

2010-04-25T16:47:00.005+08:00

What do you do when someone discourages you from pursuing your dreams or to be who you are?

I was watching a Hindi movie earlier and I become so angry when in a scene a friend was discouraging his friend.

I just hate all sorts of discouragement. So what do you do? Many will answer saying you have to prove to them. My answer is; you do not have to prove anything to that morons. Who are they? What credibility do they have?

Just by discouraging you they have actually gone so low. So what you can do? Help them. Buy them a kite and tell; 'Go fly a kite"!!!

Hey my friend, even if the world discourages you, do not be discouraged, do not fear because your creator made you for a purpose. You are loved by him so hold on to him and BE YOU.

Enjoy the clip below and be ENCOURAGED...

2010 Easter Triduum Experiences (Pictorial)

2010-04-06T01:45:00.002+08:00

Because of my experiences and knowledge in Liturgy, I was asked to be the Master of Ceremonies (MC / Emcee) for the Easter Triduum celebrations at the churches in Jasin & Merlimau at Malacca.
As an MC i was involve from organizing, to meetings, to rehearsing, to practices, to instructing, to cleaning, to sweeping, to washing, to decorating and finally to celebrating the celebrations. It was indeed another experience to keep in mind and heart for further reflection. The parishioners were very co-operative and wanting to learn. They made the celebrations meaningful and spirit-filled.

Reposition of the Eucharist at the Grotto in Jasin

Assisting the priest during the Holy Thursday Mass - presentation of gifts. ( at Merlimau)

Reposition of the Eucharist at Merlimau

With the youths of Merlimau who were in-charge of the decorations

Alter Servers of Merlimau

Unveiling of the Cross at Merlimau

Easter Vigil Mass at Merlimau

Easter Vigil Mass at Jasin

With the Jasin youths who were in-charge of the decorations

With the Altar Servers of Jasin

With Fr. Cyril M

BLESSED EASTER EVERYONE!!

the CROSS and the PALM should be perpetual companions

2010-03-28T02:09:00.000+08:00

I quote the phrase above from Fr. Edward Hays on this Palm Sunday and find it so true after reflecting on it with the celebration today. The palm branch is a symbol of triumph and of victory (Leviticus 23:40 & Revelation 7:9) and so with the cross of Calvary; the cross that Jesus died on.

It also makes much sense when we begin today's mass with the procession carrying palm branches into the church and later to hear the Gospel reading of the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ.

"Christ entered in triumph into His own city, to complete His work as our Messiah: to suffer, to die, and to rise again. Let us remember with devotion this entry which began His saving work and follow Him with a lively faith . United with Him in His suffering on the cross, may we share His resurrection and new life".....Introduction to the celebration of Palm Sunday.

A beautiful reflection for Palm Sunday:-

Last day of Christmas???

2010-01-08T03:17:00.003+08:00

Many people including Christians / Catholics think that Christmas lasts for 12days or until the Feast of Epiphany (The visit by the 3 wise men). But for Catholics in their Liturgical calender, Christmas lasts from Christmas Day until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord which in this year 2010 we celebrate it this coming Sunday (January 10, 2010).

Christmas is the feast of the Incarnation, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, true God and true man; the feast where Christ comes to share our humanity, our history. And it is indeed so appropriate to end the Christmas celebrations with the celebration of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the feast in which we are reminded that we share His divinity. For we, who by water and the Holy Spirit are sons and daughters of God (children of God). Christ is baptized and the whole world is made holy.

I hope you guys still have your Christmas tree, decorations and the crib on display, and if u planning to keep it away, it's cool to do it this Sunday. Maybe you can have a family thingy packing all this decorations into the boxes after the Sunday services.

BLESSINGS of the New Year

2010-01-01T00:00:00.003+08:00

Receiving blessings from Rev. Fr. Cyril M

It has always been a practice in my family to receive blessings from God through the intercession of priests, elders and God-fearing friends. We usually do it on our birthdays, Christmas and New Year. I remember very clearly in my childhood days, after the New Year morning mass, my family will go to my father's godmother's house to ask for blessings from the 'Grand Godma'. We will all kneel including my parents and the 'Grand Godma' will say a short prayer for my family and bless us with the signing of the cross on our forehead. The same is done during Christmas and each individual birthdays when we receive blessings from my parents.

Blessings from an elder

During the 1st day of the year last year (i.e. 1/1/09) I didn't go to the Grand Godma's house for blessings but I knelt in front of my mother and asked for her blessings. My mother said a short prayer then signed the cross on my forehead, raise me up, gave me a hug and whispered in my ear; "2009 will be a good year for you with God's blessings." There were tears in her eyes. She knew clearly what I had gone through the past 2 years (namely 2007-2008). If you want to find out what had happened, please read the pasts articles on my blog for that year.

My mother's words came through; 2009 was indeed a year of blessings for me. I have a job finally after searching for sometime, I have a good team at my work place, had many fun and enjoyable times with them. I had a good overseas holiday and was able to meet my thambi's family. Experience care and concern from genuine friends. Met some strangers who later became good buddies. The list can go on actually but I better don't bore you.

Again, for this year 2010, I pray for God's blessings too. But to fill-in more blessings, I have to empty-out 1st. And what I'm planning to empty out? It is my anger and hurts that I've encountered. Yeah, empty it all out, so I can fill-in God's blessings.

I've yet to receive blessings from my mum (i'll get it next week when I go back home..hehehe) but I know she has already given me. She is a woman of faith, a God-fearing mother who wants the best for her children. Hmmmm for a matter of fact, that's the greatest blessing a child would ever want. Thank you God for giving me Your blessings - my mum.

with my mother

To all my dear family, relatives and friends out there and especially those who detest me, I repeat my mother's blessings for you.."2010 will be a good year for you with God's blessings."

I pray this blessings for you...May the Lord bless you and keep you! May the Lord let His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! May the Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace! (Num. 6:24-26)

Christmas 2009 Experience.

2009-12-25T14:48:00.006+08:00

This Christmas I made a choice to stay back in Johore Bahru alone. My family lives in Seremban which is about 300km north from JB. The choice I have made is not as great as the choice God made i.e. to take himself our human nature. " Though he was in the form of God, Jesus did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped. He emptied himself taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (Phil 2). It was a great spiritual experience for me here in JB this Christmas and my heart and prayers goes all out to all those who are far away from 'HOME' during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

At mass on Christmas eve, I was reflecting on the 'strangers' at Bethlehem; the Holy Family - they were far away from their family members and relatives, they had no place in the inn and I believe they were not familiar of the place, the crowd at Bethlehem who came for the census, the shepherds - who had a low status in the society at that time and the 3 Wise Men (highly respected group of people). But what interest me was the commonality of the last two strangers I mentioned above. They came to worship the new born King. And that was the same theme for the people at the midnight mass. The community gathered at mass that night; i.e. the outcast, the respected group, sinners, saints, the immigrants being legal or illegal , parishioners, etc whom in this article i would like to call the 'strangers' have all come to worship the new born King - Jesus Christ and thus making us no strangers but one common people, that is, His people.

CHRISTMAS 2009

2009-12-24T03:43:00.005+08:00

"This is the day our Saviour was born: what a joy for us, my beloved! This is no reason for sadness, this, the birthday of LIFE - the Life that annihilates the fear of death, and engenders joy, promising, as it does, immortality. Nobody is an outsider to this happiness. Let the saint rejoice, for he hastens to his crown; let the sinner be filled with joy, for pardon is offered him; let the Gentile be emboldened, for he is called to Life"...pope St. Leo the Great.

Wishing you all, a very Blessed CHRISTmas.

Are you dying to meet someone?

2009-11-15T14:10:00.004+08:00

Another Sunday, And I'm so bored in my rented room. Thought of writing on what I have been reflecting lately.

Sometime in September, a friend of mine met his hmmmm what shall I say, his idol?? I think it's better I put it this way, met the person he was eagerly wanting to meet. I know him for about 3 years now, and through our many conversations, I can testify he is a hard-core fan of Gwen Stefani. He not only just met her but gave Gwen a kiss on her cheek. Wow..lucky fellow. And I think this is his second time meeting her face 2 face. The 1st was 12years ago. Happy for you bro, congrats!! Click here to read his post.

Anyway, what I was reflecting about since reading his experience with Gwen is; who I would like to meet? For weeks I've been thinking about this and...hmmm I have no one!!
Yeah I don't have anyone I'm wanting to meet so badly! Yes not even the Pope or the Dalai Lama. Hmmm maybe the Pope, to tell him that a certain Archbishop (whose name with a change in an alphabet can be a malay vulgar word...hehehe) is hypocrite, dirty and self-centered government rewards seeker.

Going back to the issue of not wanting to meet anyone; so am I a proud man cos I'm not eagerly wanting to meet anyone in particular? I kept on searching my heart's desire and its just none! I'm a fan of certain celebrities of course, but...or maybe I'm just being simple and contented with life. Hmmm I don't know!!!

So how about you, yeah you... Are you dying to meet someone? If given the opportunity who do you want to meet?

Now check-out my lucky friend:-

Appreciation to the Priesthood.

2009-08-16T16:36:00.009+08:00

This post has been edited due to my decision to move on. Click here for a read.
The earlier post was titled "Priest Threatens Ex-Seminarian" .

As I have said many times, i still respect and appreciate the priesthood. Thank God for the many holy and God-fearing priests who tirelessly minister their flock. I salute you, I pray for you. You are the hope of this trying times. You show us the face of God. Here a prayer for you and the rest who need to imitate you.

Prayer for Priests

by St. Therese of Lisieux

O Jesus, eternal Priest,
keep your priests within the shelter of Your Sacred Heart,
where none may touch them.

Keep unstained their anointed hands,
which daily touch Your Sacred Body.

Keep unsullied their lips,
daily purpled with your Precious Blood.

Keep pure and unearthly their hearts,
sealed with the sublime mark of the priesthood.

Let Your holy love surround them and
shield them from the world's contagion.

Bless their labors with abundant fruit
and may the souls to whom they minister
be their joy and consolation here
and in heaven their beautiful and
everlasting crown.
Amen.

No Vocation??...My Foot!!

2009-08-11T01:13:00.008+08:00

This post has been edited due to my decision to move on. Click here for a read.

Prayer for Priests
O, Jesus, I pray for Your faithful and fervent priests; for Your unfaithful and tepid priests; for Your priests labouring at home and abroad in distant mission fields; for your lonely and desolate priests; for Your young priests; for Your dying priests.

Above all I recommend to You the priests dearest to me: the priest who baptised me; the priests who absolve me; the priests at whose Masses I assist and who give me Your Body and Blood in Holy Communion; the priests who have taught and instructed me; all the priests to whom I am indebted in any other way.

O, Jesus, keep them all close to Your heart, and bless them abundantly in time and eternity. Amen
(Source- Unknown)

Accidental touch makes girl unclean for prayers.

2009-08-04T02:16:00.006+08:00

Hmmmm the above title would be a good headline for the newspapers!

This incident actually happened yesterday; a woman was having a 'break' in-between her prayer and while I was passing her, her tag our fingers slightly touched! For me it was nothing, so i just turned to continue my work but for this woman she was so uneasy that she quickly rose from her chair and told me "Adrian terkena jari kamu tadi, sembayang aku batal, aku kena basuh lagi" ("Adrian...touched your finger, now my prayer is canceled, i have to go and wash (purify) myself again.")

And i was like '@#$%' (no..its not a vulgar word! shame on you!!) I felt insulted of course! When she came back after some time (I guess after purifying herself -because, for the record, we had an accidental touch! and finishing her prayers) i asked her a question; Is it because the touched was with a man or because I'm not of her religion? And she answered that it was because i am a man.

I'm not sure of this religion but i guess they have a reason and some meanings for this sort of 'doings'. Hmmm I hope!
Thank God my religion or rather my relationship with God doesn't have any rigid rules that even an accidental touch can disrupt or even canceled the prayer.

Anyway i find the idea of purifying oneself before prayer is not after all a bad idea, Yes we have to be at right disposition when we're praying. I would like to quote St. John Mary Vianney whose feast day we celebrate today; "Prayer is nothing else than union with God. When the heart is pure and united with God it is consoled and filled with sweetness; it is dazzled by a marvelous light."

In honour of the 150th anniversary of the Death of St. John M. Vianney, Pope Benedict XVI declared that a Year of the Priests be celebrated starting June 19, 2009 until June 11, 2010. The faithful are especially called to pray for priests. I remember the pass weeks during the prayer for priests i was really scandalised. In the prayer especially in the 1st part there we're a lot of 'bodek-ing' ('buttering') on the priests and bishops. Some priests and bishop don't fit in that prayer!! I just felt like amending the prayer and if i did, it would just be a 1 sentence simple prayer. 'Lord Jesus, we thank you for the many faithful priests we have encountered, please bless them and we pray that the bishops and priests will be a faithful servant just as how You were faithful to Your Father.'

"Be still, and know that I am God..." (Psalm 46:10)

2009-07-30T23:38:00.000+08:00

I normally stop over at the church nearby to pray for a short while before i rush off to work. But today there was a strange feeling when i was in church. The quietness or rather the stillness I felt after a very long time was something that I just realised I have missed so much in my life. All I could hear at that time when I was in church was the 'Azan' (adhān) - call to prayer for the Muslims. And a little voice within me quoting the scripture text "Be still, and know that I am God..." (Psalm 46:10). It was indeed a beautiful experience

Then what did I do?

Just as always I got up after my short prayer, left the church to continue my journey to work (actually 'rushing' for lunch and then to work)

Only after having a 'slip-up' in my work at the office, I realized the voice within me was asking me to 'be still'. 'Why the hurry?'

The experience in the church might have nothing to do in the 'slip-up' at work (hmmmm maybe there might have something to do), but I'm reminded today that I might have missed out something great such as the presence of God just as how I missed out or rather over-looked something while at work!

Hmmmm what else have I been missing out?

Forgiven?? I don't think so. (Follow-up frm previous post)

2009-05-15T10:52:00.005+08:00

Just want 2 share with you a response from a dear friend regarding the previous post (dated May11, 2009).

"I still love u Adrian..regardless!! Being a priest doesn't make one any holier or better dear...(NAME...[Fr.]) always used to remind me at (NAME OF PLACE) .."There are good priests and there are bad priests". These lessons always help us understand that man is never perfect; not even priests.
(NAME...[Fr.])'s famous line, " We only really learn or understand the things we are willing to ACCEPT".
Perhaps its time to figure out your true worth dear..as a human being. Are you able to love and accept yourself now? Are you able to see and more importantly FEEL that God loves you regardless of whether you are a priest or not? Are you still able to Love with the same passion and drive? Can you accecpt that people still love you and see more than your roman collar?
Can you allow yourself to be angry and hurt that people have hurt you? Can you carry that hurt and pain for however long you wish until you are tired of it and want to let it go? (God is patient dear..after all He has all eternity! ha ha) and so am I... Answer these questions from your heart, not your head..la. Your heart is were God dwells.
Luv and big hug" (NAME)

A good reminder, a call for deep reflection, a knock on the head!
Thank you my dear friend.
Reflecting on it, i have come to realise that what i wrote in my previous post is not true at all; i.e. i have not actually forgiven those who are the cause of my crisis. Ahhhh i'm so frustrated and angry with them.
But i guess, its time to move on. Can I? Will I?
Hope this job thingy - a new chapter in my life, would be a good start.

1st Anniversary of Unjust Dismissal

2009-05-11T14:54:00.001+08:00

1 year has passed since i was unfairly asked to leave the seminary and till now there are no concrete reasons given to me and no answers to my many questions on my unjust dismissal and the seminary 'happenings' and 'scandals' which i have raised. It has been a very difficult year and in fact its actually 2years since the whole saga started. During this time i have also come to know the 'true colours' of some people and institutions.

In a few days time, a new chapter begins in my life; working life in JB. I still believe God is leading me. He has a reason for allowing me to go through those difficult times, and again there is a reason for this new chapter in my life. I pray that I may do His will.

During this 2 difficult years in my life, I have encountered many different people, especially my fellow lay people, for being there for me. I want to thank you for your prayers, encouragement and care which has been a strength for me to carry on in life. Many says; It is in time of crisis that true character is revealed. It is also in time of crisis you can know who your true friends are. Friends, who stick with you in good times and in bad. I thank all of you who have helped me in one way or another.

For those of you who are the devil's advocate and the cause of these 2 difficult years for me, i forgive you and i pray for you and for those who ostracised and rejected me because i am a 'nobody' now, i pray for you. Too bad, you did not see that I was 'somebody' made in the image and likeness of God.

As Catholics, do we have to accept everything the Church teaches?

2009-01-19T23:35:00.005+08:00

If you want to call yourself Catholic, but you want to pick and choose for yourself which of the Church's teachings to accept and which to reject, you give everyone else who calls themselves Catholic the right to do the same thing.

For example, you believe women should be priests...in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1577 states, "Only a baptized man validly receives ordination...For this reason the ordination of women is not possible!" You don't believe that...well, that's fine...[RIP] just tear that page out of your Catechism...you just made it a Catechism of your Catholic Church...not mine.

But remember, if you can throw doctrines out, so can everyone else who calls themselves Catholic. That gives Joe Parishioner over at St. Doubting Thomas Catholic Church the right to throw out the Church's social justice teachings...he doesn't feel like feeding the hungry, caring for the poor, and all that other "bleeding heart" stuff - Paragraphs 2401 -2463 [RIP]...he just made it a Catechism of his Catholic Church...not mine and not yours.

You believe contraception is okay? Paragraph 2370 says contraception is intrinsically evil! [RIP] Joe Parishioner doesn't like what the Church teaches on the death penalty - Paragraphs 2266-2267 [RIP]. You don't like what it teaches on pages 55-60 [RIP]. He doesn't like what it teaches on pages 128-140 [RIP]

Can you see what's happening? I heard it said once that there is a shortage of vocations to the priesthood in the United States, but no shortage of vocations to the Papacy! If we don't believe in all of it, if we each appoint ourselves Pope and throw out a doctrine here or a doctrine there, then our faith is no longer Catholic.

(This article is from the 'notes' of Alphonsus Josemaria Soh's facebook)

Advent - To meet the Lord, we must be prepared for life, not just for death!

2008-12-20T12:00:00.000+08:00

Travellers wait for buses and planes, students wait for their exam results. Waiting is part of life. Life is not like instant coffee, there is always more to life than we can grasp its fullness at any one time.

Advent invites us to wait for the Lord and surely we must wait for the Lord who will come at the moment of our death. Hence Advent calls us always to be ready to meet the Lord at our death. But as Christians, we should be ready not just for the final coming of Christ but for His constant coming every day of our lives.

If we are alert, we can find the Lord popping up in the ordinary activities and possibilities of life. If I am watchful, He may be tapping me on my shoulder when I meet my 'sisters and brothers'. If only we have 'those eyes that see, those ears that hear' (Is. 64:4), we can meet Him in His supreme visit, which He makes in a thousand ways. To meet the Lord, we must be prepared for life, not just for death!

As a community waiting in prayer, we pray...

Prayer is WAITING and so is Advent.

2008-12-13T12:00:00.001+08:00

Prayer is WAITING.

Waiting, places the emphasis on the other person who is coming.

To wait is to express my powerlessness, my insufficiency because the other is in control. And that is how our attitude should be towards God. I cannot force God to come. All I can do is wait and be present. In simply waiting for God, I admit that God is important to my life.

As a people waiting in prayer, we pray...

Little Drummer Boy

2008-12-12T16:11:00.001+08:00

In my post yesterday, i shared about one of my favorite psalm and had linked it with one of my favorite Christmas carols i.e. Little Drummer Boy. Personally i feel this song is suitable to be sang at mass for offertory or presentation of the gifts during the Christmas season. Check out the words of the song and enjoy the clips.

Little Drummer Boy
Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.

Another version of the song.

Psalm 50 (51)

2008-12-11T12:00:00.005+08:00

Psalm 50 (51) is one of my favourite psalm. I am very happy that this psalm is said every Friday morning at Lauds. For me this psalm is like a child begging or non-stop asking (pestering) the father for something and the child will only stop when the father says yes or gives it to the child. Likewise through praying this psalm, I am the child asking God my father for His grace of forgiveness and His love.

I dare not and will not say that I am perfect for I am a sinner. By praying this psalm, I am able to feel and receive God's forgivenes, assurance of His mercy and His love.

I have identify a 'mini penintential service' in this psalm:-

a) Introduction - a song of hope and assurance of God's forgiveness (verses 1-2) - confident that God will forgive me.

b) Confessing of one's sins / acknowledging of sins (verse 3-6)

c) Act of Contrition - prayer for forgiveness (verse 7-12)

d) Penance - to bring others back to God (verse 13)

e) Thanksgiving (verses 14-17)

f) Intercession (verses 18-19)

What attracted me to this psalm is God's constant love, His great compassion and His assurance of His forgiveness (verse 1-2). That God is able to create a pure heart and able to give me a new spirit. Just like the 'drummer boy' (a Christmas song) who could only play his drum as a gift for the newborn King, I can only offer my broken spirit and my broken heart to God as a sacrifice (verse 17).

Advent invites us to straighten-up, as we WAIT.

2008-12-06T12:00:00.002+08:00

Christmas is fast approaching. We can feel the commercialized presence of Christmas already in our TV, Radio and Newspapers' advertisements and not forgetting the music and decorations in all the malls. Many in fact started either end of November or beginning December.

In the midst of this swelling excitement, worshippers in churches are reminded to be watchful, to repent, to do penance. Now, I am afraid that you are beginning to wonder whether Advent is a joyful season or a penitential period! It is true that Advent brings joy and feelings of excitement as we wait, but it also calls us to straighten up our lives.

Let us then "Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight" (Mk 1:3).

Advent, a call to WAIT...

2008-11-29T12:00:00.005+08:00

We have come to the end of the liturgical year and tomorrow (in fact later in the evening) we begin a new liturgical year with the season of Advent. My personal prayer theme for this year's Advent is 'Waiting'.

As early as in mid-November, there were already people getting excited that even in their facebook status tags were on the theme of Christmas. I even noticed one guy who even used a Christmas Carol on his status just after Deepavali (which was on Oct 27 this year). Many now have begun the countdown to Christmas. So what are they doing? They are all 'waiting' for Christmas!

The Catholic church is so beautiful and wise. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the church did not just give us a day to celebrate Christ's birth into history instead has given us 4 weeks to prepare the great day i.e. Christmas.

The 4 weeks of Advent focuses on waiting for the Second Coming of the Lord in glory while remembering His first coming in history. In this way Advent is a preparation for Christmas. But the primary emphasis is on looking forward to the Lord's final coming at the end of time. This focus is geared to awaken the believer to a recognition of the Lord's daily advents into life now in what are often referred to as grace-filled moments.

At this time in my life, I too am waiting for God's answer and His divine intervention in the happenings of my life. "Lord, Your will be done. ...Amen".

Introduction to Lauds (Saturday - Wk 2 & 4).

2008-11-20T00:00:00.005+08:00

'When I see the heavens, the work of your hands, the moon and the stars which you have arranged, what is man that you should keep him in mind, mortal man that you care for him?' (Ps. 8:4-5)

Many times in life we have been advised by many to take a break and enjoy moments in particular to enjoy what God has created for us. We are called to consider the works of God's hand.

We have taken His works for granted and fail to see the beauty. The beauty of ourselves, others, the beauty of nature and the world of cosmos.

I am amazed always, especially is it is a clear night, that whenever I look up at the sky and see the moon and the stars, I wonder how superb the 'un-moved mower' is; to place all of them in its place.

I think I can understand Abraham Lincoln of what he said to his friend one night when looking up the sky, "I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down the earth and be an atheist but I cannot conceive how he could look up into the heavens and say there is no God."

So friends, 'In the stars is God's creative ability shown.
In the moon that brightens the night sky is His deliverance assured.
In thunder and lightning is His power displayed.
And in the silence of the night is His peace felt.' (source unknown)

Come let us praise God, our creator and the creator of all things!

Memorial of St. Martin of Tours, Bishop (Nov 11)

2008-11-11T00:00:00.007+08:00

Today the church commemorates the Memoria of St. Martin of Tours.

When Martin was forced by popular acclamation to become the Bishop, in spite of his reluctance, this is what he prayed; "Lord, if your people still need me, I do not refuse to do your work; may Your will be done."
Many times we too have prayed that God's will be done in our lives, have we actually meant what we have been praying? Have we allowed God to have His way in us?

Allowing God's will to be done in his life, Martin has set an example as the Good Shepherd. We pray that we too will allow God's will be done in our lives and by doing this we may imitate Christ the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for others and give Him all glory and praises.

An unhappy St. Martin is made Bishop of Tours, as depicted in a 13th-
century window in Tours Cathedral.

Animals - God's gift.

2008-11-07T18:40:00.027+08:00

It's been 11days since i came back to Malaysia after spending 80days in Australia. I am happy to be back home but at the same time missing Australia and can't wait to go back to the land Down Under and be of service.

Since coming back home, I've started to do some catching up with the happenings of some friends and relatives and also to allow my tongue hang loose on our Asian delicacies! hehehe.

I am still praying that God's will be done in my life and hope the recent developments are all His will. I can still see His divine intervention and thank Him for that. I will always trust in Him for He is my God and Saviour.

As I mentioned earlier, I've been missing the place (i guess it's the 'promised land' for me), maybe because I am not doing anything here and the mind is just idle, unlike when i was there; where i was involved and could do something.

Ahhh before i forget, what made me to blog today was the idea of uploading all the animal pictures i took while in Australia. Just a few hours ago, i was in town and passed by a pet shop. The animals were all caged up and in bad and dirty condition. The one caught my eye was a parrot. It has nice colors but was so dirty. It was indeed a disheartening view after seeing various type of animals especially birds of all kinds roaming and flying freely. Below are some pictures of the various animals I encountered in Australia which I was able to take pictures of them.

When I went to Australia it was the end of winter and when I came back it was Mid spring. The flowers and nature view was so beautiful. Don't worry, I'm not going to upload the many pictures I took for the obvious reason but might use it so later reflections and cards. Enjoy the pictures of the animals below:-

A Kookaburra

Magpie

Echidna

Rainbow

2008-10-25T12:53:00.006+08:00

I heard this song during mass with the children at Nowra and liked it very much especially the words. When i visited the classes, the year 1 students sang it for me.

Rainbow- by Andrew Chinn.

Chorus
Red and orange, yellow and green
Blue and indigo and violet and me
Side by side, together we grow
Underneath God's beautiful rainbow

Red is for your spirit of love
Seven gifts from God above
Orange for the warmth of your Sun
Shining down on everyone

Yellow is the colour of faith
The light of Christ in every day
Green is for the life you give
A call to grow, a way to live

Blue is for the sky and sea
Gifts from God, for you and me
Indigo is in between
A colour of God's gentle peace

Violet calls us all to forgive
Together we grow, together we live
Side by side and hand in hand
Together we grow, together we can.

St. Michael's School Visit - October, 22-23, 2008.

2008-10-24T10:56:00.002+08:00

Once again an opportunity to visit an Australian Catholic School. This time it's St. Michael's School, Nowra, NSW. On this visit, I met students raging from 5 years old to 12 years (School grading - Kindergarten year to year 12). For the younger ones, we sang some action songs and with the older kids, we had Q&A session after my sharing on Malaysia, Seminary life, the Priesthood and the Catholic Faith.

Below are some photos of my visit:-

Trying out the Vegemite.

The Celebration of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick with Mass.

2008-10-21T12:56:00.000+08:00

Inconjuction of the 150th Anniversary of the Lourdes apparition and the Feast of St. Luke a special Mass for the sick with the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick was held at Berry, NSW on October 21, 2008. Mass presided by Rev. Fr. Patrick Faherty (Parish Priest & Vicar General) and Con-celebrated by Rev. Fr. Ronan Kilgannon (Asst. Priest / Hermit - Kangaroo Valley).

Laying on of hands (James 5:14)

"...The grace of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick consists in welcoming Christ the healer into ourselves. However, Christ is not a healer in the manner of the world. In order to heal us, he does not remain outside the suffering that is experienced; he eases it by coming to dwell within the one stricken by illness, to bear it and live it with him. Christ's presence comes to break the isolation which pain induces. Man no longer bears his burden alone; as a suffering member of Christ, he is conformed to Christ in his self-offering to the Father, and he participates, in him, in the coming to birth of the new creation..." (from the Homily of Pope Benedict XVI at Lourdes on September 15, 2008.

Fr. Patrick praying over the oil

The Anointing (James 5:14)

+ Through this Holy Anointing,
may the Lord in His love and mercy
help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit..Amen.

+ May the Lord who frees you from sin,
save you and raise you up..Amen.

The Holy Eucharist
(James 5:15)

Reflection on a statue of BVM at Bomaderry Parish.

2008-10-07T00:01:00.007+08:00

My reflection on the statue of Our Lady and the Child Jesus at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Bomaderry, NSW. Australia.

I do not know what was on the mind of the sculptor of this statue but it did catch my attention when i visited this parish a week ago. There are many types of statues of our Lady with different titles or names given, sadly I do not know what this statue is called. At the end of my reflection, I would give this statue a name.
Here is my reflection:-

Mary has a gentle, motherly face with a proud expression just like any other mother who is proud of her child and wants to show him off (Lk.2:33). She is carrying the child Jesus firmly; protecting and preventing him from falling. In a way to tell us that the son is precious and she will protect us and look after us just like how she looked after her son (Lk.2:48 / Jn.19:26).

This statue shows us the humble handmaid of the Lord (Lk.1:38); Mary's dressing is simple unlike the many other statues where there are embroidery with jewels and shinning precious stones on her garment (Ps.45:13-14). Example of such statues are Our Lady of Fatima, Our lady of Velankanni, Our Lady of La Vang.

Her humility is also shown on her face. Here Mary is looking downwards, and if you stand directly below the statue, you see her looking at you, as though telling us to "do whatever He tells you" (Jn.2:5). This statue shows Mary barefooted.

Her right hand seems to indicate; "it's not me!", maybe in a way telling us to pay attention on Jesus. Her finger is pointing upwards, can she be telling us of her Magnificat? (Lk.1:46-55) (Mary's praises to God). It can also be that she is teaching or giving us some instructions.

The way Mary is carrying Jesus is to show Him to us. He is in the attention and not Mary. Jesus is in front (center stage) and Mary seems to be at the back. This is how Mary has always been, always 'backing' her son in His ministry. And today she is 'backing' us through her intercession for each one of us.

Let us look at Jesus now. Just like His mother, He too is wearing something simple and is barefooted. This shows the humanity of Jesus, Son of God and Son of Mary and His humility (Phil 2:5-11).

The Child Jesus is sitting comfortably on the arms of His mother and is close to her heart. For Jesus it can be the meaning of the Gospel text of Lk.2:51 - "Jesus then went down to Nazareth with His parents and was obedient to them". As for Mary it can be the few text that tells us that Mary treasured and pondered everything in her heart (Lk.2:19, 51, 8:21).

Jesus is in a toddler age but He has a mature, confident look. He has a look of a person with authority and this shows that He is in control (Lk.1:31-33). His eyes is fixed on us (Mk.10:21) and His left hand is open, a sign of welcoming and giving of Himself. I am sure you have experienced when a baby or a toddler wants you to carry, or to go to you, he/she will open the arms so you can carry. Here Jesus is giving himself to each one of us and He wants us to accept Him (Jn.3:16-17, 10:10).

With His right hand, Jesus is carrying the ciborium. Notice that He is not holding it firmly. He is giving the ciborium to us; "Take this all of you..." (1 Cor.11:23-26).

The ciborium is in the center and seems to be resting on the womb of Mary. This idea rightfully fits in with the typology of Mary as the Ark of the Covenant which is one of the many traditional titles in the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

For me personally, I will name this statue as Mary, Women of the Eucharist since the very center of this statue is Jesus giving us the ciborium.

Sanctuary of the Church of the Sacred Heart, Bomaderry, NSW.

Reflecting on this statue, bring to mind my World Youth Day pilgrimage to Rome in 2000. While making this pilgrimage I went to many Basilica, Cathedrals, Shrines and Churches dedicated to our Lord, Mary and the Saints. I was always amazed at those statues they have there. Never have I seen statues of Mary and the Saints being exalted or exaggerated that they became the focus and not Christ. The statues of Mary and the Saints in these places always show their humility and greatness of God. These statue in a sense Christocentric for they direct us to God and not on themselves. These statues are a reminder for us to imitate their lives of always worshipping God and doing His will.

The Catholic church has many times been accused of Mariolatry or Idolatry which is not true, for we only honor them, Mary and the Saints and worship only the One true Triune God - The Father, Son and Holy Spirit through whom all good things come.

Church of the Sacred Heart, Bomaderry, NSW, Australia.

Introduction to Vespers (Psalter: Week 3, Sunday Evening Prayer II)

2008-10-05T00:01:00.005+08:00

Psalm 110 (111) which we pray this evening, can be said as a 'good finale' for the celebration of Sunday. As we meditate it towards the end of the 'Day of the Lord', it helps us to contemplate the Paschal Mysteries of Jesus that we have celebrated in the Eucharist earlier today:- "Great are the works of the Lord, to be pondered by all who love Him". In fact, the 'Day of the Lord reminds us that our Lord does wonders! Christ's resurrection, which we have contemplated at Mass today, is only the beginning of universal resurrection which all of us desire so much. For the Eucharistic celebration is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet.

By keeping His covenant ever in mind, God "gives food to those who fear him." The Eucharist which we celebrated today in union with the whole church throughout the world has made God's covenant present with mankind.

This psalm is also a reminder of how our God has done marvels for us. Therefore as we pray, we remember that "majestic and glorious are the works of the Lord, which is to be pondered by all who love him." Let us give thanks to the Lord with all our hearts, for "the Lord is compassion and love."

The quotations above are all from Psalm 110 (111).

1month parish exposure @ St. Michael, Nowra.

2008-09-29T23:01:00.008+08:00

Today is the feast of St. Michael the Archangel and it's fitting to blog about this present parish I am staying since Friday (26/09/08) night. I'll be staying in this parish until my return to Malaysia on Oct 27. This Parish of St. Michael was ectablished in 1863. Click here for more info about the Church and the other churches under its care. The pictures below are only on St. Michael. So what i have been doing the last few days here....Hmmm let me see....makan, makan, makan (meaning:- food or eat in the National language of Malaysia).

The night that I came to the Parish, I had a big dinner at the Bishop's house together with the priests of the diocese to celebrate the Sacerdotal Jubilee of about 5 priests. The next day after the sunset mass, we had a 'formal' Parish Feastday Dinner at a club. And on Sunday, together with the Parish Priest, Fr. Patrick Faherty who is also the Vicar General (VG), I went for a Spring Garden Luncheon Party. Now I'm looking forward to a 80th Birthday party of a parishioner on Tuesday! hehehe. Hope my family can recognise me when I am back!

Enjoy the photos:-

Church of St. Michael, Nowra

Sanctuary of the Church of St. Michael

Altar

Stations of the Cross

Close-up of the 12th Station.

Baptismal Font

St. Michael the Archangel.

An Aboriginal painting of the cross on the confessional room door.

Presbytery (Parish House)

My room is the top 1st window from the left.

SOMETIMES...life is very difficult.

2008-09-25T13:07:00.014+08:00

Listen, Lord, as I pray!
You are faithful and honest
and will answer my prayer.
I am your servant. Don't try me in your court,
because no one is innocent by your standards.

My enemies are chasing me,
crushing me in the ground.
I am in total darkness, like someone long dead.
I have given up all hope, and I feel numb all over.

I remember to think about the many things
you did in years gone by.
Then I lift my hands in prayer,
because my soul is a desert,
thirsty for water from you.

Please hurry, Lord, and answer my prayer.
I feel hopeless.
Don't turn away and leave me here to die.
Each morning let me learn more about your love
because I trust you.
I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance.

Please rescue me from my enemies, Lord!
I come to you for safety.
You are my God. Show me what you want me to do,
and let your gentle Spirit lead me
in the right path.

Be true to your name, Lord, and keep my life save.
Use your saving power
to protect me from trouble.
(Psalm 143:1-11)

Children's Liturgy @ Unanderra.

2008-09-22T12:14:00.009+08:00

Children's Liturgy at Parish and Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Unanderra, NSW, Australia. A few volunters take turns to 'break the word' for children age 5-11. They put in alot of effort to make the children's liturgy fun and meaningful. Seen below is Sr. Joan Goodwin RSJ with her special friend, Casper who made a special appearance yesterday to share the Gospel.

Introduction to Lauds & Vespers: Week IV, Friday.

2008-09-19T00:00:00.013+08:00

Lauds

O see in guilt I was born, a sinner was I conceived (Ps.51 [51]:7).

I am sure many will agree that life is full of fun, it is so unique and important, and it is fragile too; and yes, through sin, we have fallen short (Rom.3:23 - all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God).

But God who is full of love and mercy, has raised us up again and given us dignity through His Son, Jesus (Rom.3:24 - they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus). Click here for the full scripture text.

So we pray that we may with conviction, echo with St. Paul; "My real life is the faith I have in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal.2:19-20 - Scripture Reading for Lauds).

"Father, how wonderful Your care for us! How boundless Your merciful love. To ransom a slave you gave away Your Son. O happy fault, O necessary sin of Adam, which gained for us so great a Redeemer". (Exsultet - Easter Proclamation) Click here for the scripture text on humanity's sin through Adam and grace and life through Christ.

"God so love the world that He gave us His Beloved Son" (Jn.3:16). As a people celebrating His love, we pray...

Vespers

In my reflection for lauds, I shared how God through His love has raised us with dignity as His children. All of us have experienced God's saving act someway or another. Through the psalm this evening, we area asked to acknowledge and proclaim the loving acts of God:-

Age to age shall proclaim Your works, shall declare Your mighty deeds -Ps.144 (14 5).

The Lord is loving in all His deeds...let me speak the praise of the Lord - Ps.144 (145) part II.

Great and wonderful are your deeds - Canticle (Rev.15:3).

As witnesses of God's love for us, we pray...

Here is a video clip on the Exsultet

Are you smarter than a 4th grader? (part 3)

2008-09-12T22:42:00.008+08:00

Another school visit at a catholic school today. This time I visited the year 5 and 6 (11 & 12 year olds). The students were so energetic and eager to hear from a representative from the church. They also raised good questions to clarify about their faith. It a total different experience during my visit to the public school a few days ago. I wish our students back in Malaysia were given the same opportunities to hear from their respective religious leaders. The public schools here have about 30-60 mins in a week for religious lessons (its not enough, but we have to make use of whatever amount of time given). The Catholic school has more time given; so its a privilege then to be studying at this schools.

During my presentation to the Year 5 students from the School of St. Pius X, Unanderra, NSW, Australia.

Year 5 students from the School of St. Pius X, Unanderra, NSW, Australia.

Presentation to the Year 6 students from the School of St. Pius X, Unanderra, NSW, Australia.

The Year 6 students from the School of St. Pius X, Unanderra, NSW, Australia.

Introduction to Lauds: Week 3, Thursday.

2008-09-11T08:13:00.004+08:00

One of the famous image for Christ is the image of the Good Shepherd. And in relation to others, many people think that this image of the 'shepherd' is also only for the bishops and priests. This notion is wrong, for everyone is called to be like the 'Good Shepherd'; for a shepherd cares and loves his/her sheep and each one of us are called to do the same for others.

In this morning's canticle (Is.40:10-17) we see the image of God as a Shepherd, who feeds his flock and gather the lambs in his arms and carry them in his bosom. Being a 'shepherd' is not being authoritative or over powering but a 'shepherd' who cares and loves. This is a beautiful image, so let us all strive to be shepherds who are courages, present, real, respectful and loving.

Are you smarter than a 4th grader? (part 2)

2008-09-10T21:15:00.005+08:00

Last week (Sept 5) i visited the year 4 students in a Catholic school and yesterday I had the opportunity to visit some catholic students in a public school. Unlike the previous experience, yesterday was an eye opener of knowing whats going on outside the catholic 'box'. I met students from the age of 9-12 (30 min each class) and very surprisingly their knowledge on their faith believe is very shallow in comparison with the students in the Catholic school i visited previously. Some of the things that the year 4 from the catholic school discussed with me were not able to be discussed with the students from this public school because they just could not answer even simple questions about their faith. For an example the year 6 (12 year olds) could not name me the 7 Sacraments! In fact they did not know what sacraments are and they were so blur with other simple questions. They showed sign of 'tidak apa' (don't care / couldn't care less) attitude when i tried explaining. Even to attend the 30minutes religious class of once a week was like carrying a big burden. When asked them if they had any questions, it was so immature and not appropriate for their age.

Hmmm its indeed a big challenge here for church leaders. At first i was so disappointed, but reflecting later on this visit, i felt i was wrong to feel that way. I was brought to mind the mission of Jesus on earth. He came especially for the weak, poor, downtrodden, unfortunate, sinner, etc! I'm sure this students fall in such category. They do not have the opportunities! It is also because of 'lifes' circumstances. What will Jesus do? Through this reflection, i was brought low; I was asked to be humble. I am sorry Lord for being arrogant, for having high expectation on others, failing to realise that You never had any expectation on me. Yes Lord, I will go, but only if You lead me! Yes Lord, thank you for giving me the opportunity of serving you through them; for Your face is best revealed in these people.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY and 2 other discoveries!

2008-09-07T10:18:00.007+08:00

Yeah it's Father's Day today alright in this part of the world. And all this while, I thought that every 3rd Sunday of the month of June was Father's Day. I can say I'm right because about 50 countries celebrates on the 3rd sun of June. So to be sure, i googled and found the answer at Wikipedia, that it is celebrated in other days according to the custom of the countries. Click here to read and do checkout the dates for the various countries. Interesting to read that in the Roman Catholic tradition, Father's Day is celebrated on the Feast of St. Joseph (March 19). Ah that gives a good meaning for us Catholics, and for the fathers an example to emulate.

Thinking that at least Mother's Day was spared and is celebrated on the same day (i.e. 2nd Sunday of May) throughout the world, I was again cheated! In the same website, I found that like Father's Day, Mother's Day too is celebrated at different days.

I guess this is not a big fuss because we have many other celebrations that differs in dates with other countries, such as Teacher's Day and Children's day but there are some events that is celebrated at the same date such as World AIDS Day and Nurses Day.

But I want to make a fuss of another discovery i made, that is; the KFC does not taste the same in the land Down Under as to compare in Malaysia/ Singapore. OK, this can happen with other chain fast food restaurants but not in this case with KFC. I'm saying so because KFC has the 11 herbs and spices secret recipe. Isn't the recipe the same all over the world? Everywhere they advertise of the 11 herbs and spices original recipe! So why the different taste? Hmmmm, anyway Malaysia KFC taste better!

(Students from St. Pius X, Unanderra, singing a song during the Father's Day Para-Liturgy service on 05/09/08).
I was so touched with a father's statement when he went up to the stage to share about his experiences being a father. He said he was thankful to God for allowing him to be part of God's plan in nurturing life. wow!

A blog a day takes the pain away!

2008-09-06T14:59:00.007+08:00

Whenever I have extra time when I'm online, i try to read blogs of my friends or just randomly pick from the Google search results. I must say, I'm very impressed with some blogs especially those of my friends and relatives' blogs. There are some with inspirational and personal sharing. Some express it with poems, pictures, videos or just plain writing. Keep it up guys! Saya salute sama lu!! Its your way of encouraging others.

But I've been disappointed with some too; certain blogs need to be rated 18sx, M, PG, etc. Hmmmmm. As Mrs Doyle (from the comedy series 'Father Ted') will say; "Oh dreadful language...Fierce stuff! And of course the 'F' word father, the Baaaaddddd 'F'' word! lol. Haha. Wonder whether my blog need to be rated too! Hehehe.

Anyway, we all have our reasons for blogging. Its always nice to hear some of the stories on how people started to blog. As for me, I started, so i could publish all my reflections, homilies and especially my introductions to Lauds and Vespers which i gave in the seminary.

But now i want to share with all of you this article below. This post is specially dedicated to all of you bloggers!

Just 2 days ago I read an interesting article from The Sydney Morning Herald (Essential, pg14, words Sacha Molitorisz ) about 'writing therapy' and here are some excerpts for you:-

The blog is an opportunity to relieve tension and have some sort of completion. I suppose there's an element of taking control. (Hmmm so ppl; a clean way to release tension now!! Hehehe)

Studies show the benefits of expressive, or therapeutic, writing. Apart from helping to deal with stress and pain, the act of writing down experiences and emotions has been revealed to improve memory, aid sleep and boost the immune system. (Shiok can ZZZZzzzzzzzzz and start dreaming on what to blog next! Hehehe).

Ongoing studies suggest that writing serves the function of organising complex emotional experiences. (Hahaha better than CPE. But I'm sure the CPE supervisors wont agree....cos they say they have the BEST programe and the BEST CPE supervisors in the world! lol)

Expressive writing and therapeutic blogging may be related to the brain's limbic system, which is in the mid-brain and controls our drives (hunger, sex, etc). (Oh..i wrote something about this before. Click here for a read).

One argument has it that compulsive blogging is analogous to hypergraphia, in which sufferers display an uncontrollable urge to write. (Haha jaga-jaga, jangan sampai jadi 'KUKU')

However, support for therapeutic writing is not unanimous - Keeping a diary is bad for your health! (New Scientist 2004) - Regular diarist were more likely than non-diarist to suffer from headaches, sleeplessness, digestive problems and social awkwardness. (In my opinion, the diarist suffer this because they are worried that others may read their diary which is full of 'secrets' but its not the case of the blogger, this is because the blogger is aware that his blog is accessible to the public through the Internet and in fact its FOR others to read!).

Are you smarter than a 4th grader?

2008-09-05T13:52:00.005+08:00

Today I started my 'classroom visitation' at a catholic school run by the church. I visited the year 4 (10-year-old). I was there to share about who I am, the country I am from, seminary life, what I am doing in Australia at the moment and to answer any questions they might have. I was told by the teacher that the children will sure have many questions, and I thought the questions were going to be simple since they are only 10-year-old. But to my surprise they asked question like; Will you get married? Why priest do not get married? Why do you want to be a priest in the 1st place? What is in the black box that the Muslims walk around it?, etc.

In all truth, I tell you that I have underestimated them. When I was told that there will be questions time, I thought the children will be asking questions on the bible and creation, since they were doing the topic on Creation.

But look at some of the questions they raised! When a boy asked whether I'm going to get married, they were some unrest among the students towards this boy for asking such question and it seems that they knew the answer. One girl just bluntly said "Hey, priest do not get married!" and from this it lead to another question asking why priest do not get married. Before i gave the answer, I opened it to the floor asking if any of them would like to answer. And here again, they gave matured answer such as; "Priests wants to devote themselves to the service of God and not be divided by looking after wife and children", "Its a sacrifice, a self-giving" Phew...i didn't have to answer further!

Hey...10-year-olds can think like this already ah? Can they start asking questions and give such answer? What is going on in their mind? Hmmm. Why can't I find such 10-year-olds in Malaysia or Singapore?...Oh maybe it is my ignorance that i do not know that 10-year-olds have such reasoning! I think...its my ignorance! My bad! Hmmm I should have paid more attention to my nephews and nieces when they were talking and to see what they were thinking! Hehehe.

Some of the 10-year-olds (Year 4 - 2008) from St. Pius X School, Unanderra.

I'm looking forward to next week's visit, I'm sure its going to be interesting and challenging enough, because I'll be visiting the 11 and 12-year-olds. Hmmm wonder what questions they are going to ask! And in the afternoon, a visit too to the 9-year-olds who just receive the Holy Communion for the 1st time. I'm sure to benefit from this visits for it gives me a rough idea on what the children in their respective age know about the Catholic faith and the churches teachings.

"I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children"(Mt.11:25).

Introduction to Lauds: Week 2, Thursday.

2008-09-04T00:00:00.002+08:00

Psalm 79 (80) is the prayer of the people of Israel in deep disgrace. Their enemy invaded their land and destroyed the holy city and its temple. Because of this situation, it appears that God is indifferent as He remains silent in spite of the plight of His people. They asks: "O Shepherd of Israel, how long will you frown on Your people's plea?...Look down from heaven and see! Come to visit this vine and protect it."

Praying this psalm, we too can pray as God's Church - the beloved vineyard of the Lord- just as the people of Israel did. As the New Israel, we the church, are frequently attacked by 'enemies'. The message of the Church finds so much internal and external opposition.

We pray that the Lord will visit His church, His vine and protect it. "May Your hand be on the 'people' You have chosen Lord, the 'people' You have given Your strength".

As a community having so much love for His church; His vine, we pray...

Introduction to Lauds: Week 2, Tuesday

2008-09-02T00:00:00.000+08:00

This morning's scripture reading (1Thess 5:4-5), we are reminded that we are sons/daughters of light and of the day. We do not belong to the night or to darkness.

Those who follow their evil desires are people of darkness, hiding to do evil. While children of the light are transparent before God and with nothing to hide from Him.

Keeping this in mind, as children of the light, we offer ourselves and be truthful to God and to ourselves.

This picture was taken during my flight to Australia (8 Aug 2008).
As you can see, we were moving towards the light.
At this point i was reflecting of my journey.
I was making a journey of hope, an opportunity, a new beginning.
A journey from my darkness, my past; towards the LIGHT.
(I am the Light of the world...says Jesus - Jn.8:12)

I won't hesitate no more, no more. It cannot wait, I'm YOURS

2008-08-31T21:34:00.002+08:00

Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
This song seems to be my 'theme song' for my visit to Australia. No...I'm not going surfing!

From the 1st day i arrived here on August 8th, i have been hearing it everyday. At least once when i switch on the radio, or if i don't hear it on the radio, then it would be on the TV advertisement for a upcoming drama where it is played as a background music!

This song helps me relax too. Now I'm so hook to the song that it continues playing in my head telling me "...I won't hesitate no more, no more. It cannot wait, I'm YOURS". Hmmmm go figure out!
And I think i got Fr. Mark O'Keefe hooked on it too. He seems to be enjoying this song whenever i switch it on from youtube.

If my admirer is still reading my blog, this song is dedicated to you too. Just chill and enjoy..."Well open up your mind and see like me. Open up your plans and damn you're free. A look into your heart and you'll find love love love love".

Below is the 'live in Korea' version. Enjoy!

"If i am your child, oh my God, it is because You did give me such a Mother" - Memoria of St. Monica.

2008-08-26T20:01:00.001+08:00

Feast Day - August 27.

St. Augustine said this of his mother, St. Monica; "Never can i describe what her love was for me! By her glance as well as her words, she raised our hearts to God. If I am your child, oh my God, it is because You did give me such a mother".

It never actually hit me when when my friends says fond things about my mother after having met her, until i read what Augustine had to say of his mom.
This made me to reflect that my mother was one of the source of my inspiration to be a priest. I believe her simple ways and her prayer life has given me the courage, the love and the joy of wanting to serve Christ. Her words like "Praying for you" and "I love you" after each time I call gives me the motivation to persevere.

I'm sure we all have someone praying for us or someone who has been an inspiration in our life, that now we want to be Christ-like (be it our mother, father, a priest, saints, politician, humanitarian and charity workers, the many unsung heroes or even a friend, etc.). They might still be alive or even dead. So today in a special way we remember them and thank the Lord for them and its our turn now to pray for them.

All those who have been influential in our life have lead us to know God the father who loves us very much, with childlike trust we pray...

Perseverance - Memoria of St. Monica (August 27)

2008-08-26T13:00:00.001+08:00

The church commemorates the memoria of St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine on 27 August. Saint Monica succeeded in converting her husband through gentleness and she shed so much tears and went all out, to lead her son, Augustine to the truth. She loved him and prayed unceasingly for the conversion of her son. Her prayers were not answered immediately but it finally bear fruit because of her perseverance.

Through her example, we are taught to persevere and go all out in our ministry of service. We might be praying for someone or something and sometimes it never seems to be heard or answered or the answers are not what we had expected. Through the life story of St. Monica and St. Augustine, we are reminded that God actually answers at times He feels right for us and what is best for us.

We pray that we may be given the strength to persevere and let God's will be done in our life.

Could not find the right match or have given up hope in life?

2008-08-25T19:24:00.008+08:00

In our parish today…(‘our’?…yes! I ‘feel’ belonged and I’m part of it); we had the last preparations for the 1st Holy Communion candidates before they receive the Eucharist for the first time this weekend. It was held at a nearby school hall. This school is run by thechurch and nearly all the candidates are from this school. The sessions were given by Sr. Joan Goodwin RSJ. who serves at the parish and nearby schools. One of the session was a ‘mass explain’ via viewing a video. They even had the opportunity to learn hands-on on how bread (hosts) and wine were made; the two important elements for mass. After lunch we walked to the church to end with a session by Fr. Mark (Parish Priest). Father elaborated further about the Mass and he showed them the right manner when they come up to receive Holy Communion.

Session for !st Holy Communion Candidates by Sr. Joan Goodwin RSJ.

Session at the church.

While all this was going on, I was recalling a fond memory; an incident which is so close to my heart. About 9years ago, I was giving a similar session for the 9 years old in a parish in Kuala Lumpur. After my session, when I was leaving the hall, a girl stood up and stopped me. She said; “You are a priest”. I pat on her head and told her that I am not. She replied; “I know…but you are a priest” Hmmm... "I know"?? I had many sleepless nights pondering on it, even now! This is one of the many affirmations I have received that has helped me in my discernment to the priesthood. I do not know who the girl was and I’ve never seen her before but she had to ‘pat’ actually give me a big ‘hit’ on my head to give me a 'message'. In 2006 I was sent to that parish for pastoral. Coincidently I was asked to give a session for the confirmation class. According to my calculation, that little girl should be in this class if she was still in the parish. And when the students asked me about my vocation story, I shared with them this incident and they were shocked when I told them that that little girl might be one of them. Unfortunately no one could remember and no one came up claiming to be that little girl. So, was she an angel sent by God? Hmmm.

While still being in cloud nine; recalling the day and the fond memory of that little girl, I received a message from a new friend who had just added me on her facebook. When she found out that I am considering being a priest, she asked whether is it because I couldn’t find the right match or I have given up hope in life! Hahaha I just had to laugh. I was thinking do people still think like that? She said she was kidding and later said it was interesting when I shared more. So I guess it’s just plain ignorance; not only her but many out there especially our Catholic friends. I was not angry with her; in fact, it was good for her to remind me why I want to be a priest and of course the joy I find in the priesthood. Even by being an aspirant and looking forward towards this great gift of God; I feel so happy, how much more will it be when by God’s grace I’m given the opportunity to be His priest. I am still praying and hoping that I’m doing God’s will. Many are aware that at this moment I am going through some difficult and testing time. They have asked how is it that I’m so relaxed and not worried about my future? My answer to them is ‘prayer’. Prayer is the one, that keeps me going in life and of course ‘trusting in the Lord’ which has been a constant theme in my life (and in my blog!!). Where else can I go? To whom else can I turn to? (Jn 6:68). He is my creator and He is responsible to look after me, especially after His promise to me when I said my first ‘Yes’.

Yes Lord, I’m only your clay, so You mold me as you wish. I pray Lord that You will help me not to be a dry clay or turn to be a stone (stubborn and can't be molded) but open and willing to do and be; anything according to your will and plan.

Friends, please pray for me, and many those aspiring to be priest and in fact for each one of us; that we will do what God wants us to do and be.

Parish and Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Unanderra.

2008-08-22T14:49:00.016+08:00

I promised in a previous post to publish something about the parish i am staying at during this 1st visit to Australia. So today being the Memoria of the Queenship of Mary ,I would like to dedicate this post to the Parish and Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Unanderra. The parish is in the Diocese of Wollongong, NSW, Australia.

Parish Founded – 16 November 1952

Church Blessed and Opened – 21 November 1954

The sanctuary of the church.

When the church was 1st built, the statute of Our Lady was above the tabernacle.
Then in July 1972 the statue of Our Lady was removed to the shrine
and it was replaced with a large Crucifix
and later, the statues of Mary and the Beloved Disciple.

The church was declared the Diocesan Shrine to Our Lady – 25 March 1993.

This large painting embellishing one bay of the ceiling of the nave
is of the Coronation of Our Lady surrounded by the Blessed Trinity.
(The feast day today)

The Presbytery (parish house) was blessed on 19 May 1957.
The window on the top left is my room window.

The prayer room (Oratory) at the Presbytery (parish house).

I am so amazed with this particular statues of the scene
of 'at the foot of the cross'.
It is the same scene as in the church,
but these figurine is so unique
that every morning when i look at it during my prayer,
it makes me think and reflect on the figurine's facial and body gestures
esp the hands of Mary and the Beloved Disciple.
It also makes me wonder what they are thinking
at that moment looking at the crucified Christ.
I always ask myself what was the intention of the sculptor
when he made this figurine, what was in his mind.

Prayer

Almighty God, our Father,
you have given us Mary, the Mother of your Son,
to be our Mother and Queen.
Grant that, supported by her prayers,
we may come to the kingdom of heaven
and to the glory destined for your children.
(Concluding prayer from the DO for the Memoria)

Memoria of St. Bernard, Abbot & Doctor of the Church

2008-08-19T16:40:00.001+08:00

St. Bernard - August 20.

Introduction to Lauds.
“For Sion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest” In this phrase taken from the Canticle (Isaiah 61), we can see the prophet’s eagerness and anticipation in restoring the holy city.

Likewise we can see the same sentiments in the life of St. Bernard whose memorial we celebrate today. He was very much concern for the happenings of the church even though living an austere monastic life. He exposed the fallacies, which exalted human reason and rationalism and thus restored peace and unity in churches which have been divided. During the 2nd crusade, when Jerusalem and Antioch were threatened he went to preach the crusade.

We pray that we will be like St. Bernard, standing up to our faith and defending the church and it’s teachings in the midst of all kinds of scandal and happenings around the world. As a community, having so much love for the church, we pray…

Introduction to Vespers.

The Psalm 138 (139) which we pray today, gives is the confidence that God knows us through and through. Before ever a word is on our tongue, God knows it.

Many times we have taken God and our prayers for granted that our prayer becomes careless. We are very fortunate to have ample of prayer times..but.. how have we used it?

St. Bernard says; “A person who prays carelessly, and yet expects his prayers to be heard, is like a man who pours bad grains into a mill, but expects to receive good flour in return”.

Let us pray that we may be faithful and truthful in our prayer, for prayer is a form of expressing our relationship with God.

As a community journeying in prayer, we pray…

Post World Youth Day

2008-08-19T13:07:00.012+08:00

The 2008 World Youth Day (WYD) in Australia was like a tsunami, a spiritual tsunami! But unlike the tsunami, there have been lots of preparations in the various dioceses in Australia and also around the world for this event. I am now here in Australia at the phase 3 of the WYD i.e. the post-celebrations. Like the tsunami, I do feel the ‘after effects’ of this great event which was brilliantly initiated by the great well loved Pope John Paul II. The people here in Australia still do talk about it. It’s only about a month after the event, so it is still fresh in their minds. They are proud, happy and thankful for being given the chance to host it. It has been indeed a great opportunity to receive and give. I have been for 2 WYD (Manila-1995 and Rome-2000) but I do regret for not being able to be here during the WYD, graced by Pope Benedict XVI. Over the weekend, I attended 2 post 2008 WYD gatherings and heard lots of testimonies and sharing on how the WYD has greatly affected their lives.

The 1st gathering was with some young adults. It was a get-together at a club – food court (for us in Malaysia it would be like ‘lepaking at the mamak stall’). This gathering was organized by the Youth Mission Team with the idea to enable the young adults engage in fun and spiritual growth as how they have experienced during the WYD. The 2nd meeting was at the parish. Here we had a mix group-the seniors, adults, young adults, teenagers and the kids. Everyone shared their experiences; some being the host family to the pilgrims, some as the local pilgrims themselves and even the kids had something to say. They all shared how the preparations, the journey of the WYD Cross and Icon has been a great encounter with the Lord and how the WYD events at the week itself have been meaningful. Some could not even describe it with words, but with their expressions on their faces I could read their feelings of joy about the WYD which they have experienced.

Young Adults Gathering
(L-R: Me, Joseph, Tim & Stephen)

Some of the people who came to the gathering at the parish.

I am sure those people who I have met in these 2 meetings and all Australians for the matter of fact and not forgetting the pilgrims who came from all over the world will agree with me that they can all express the same sentiments in the words of St. Peter at the transfiguration of the Lord; “Lord it is wonderful for us to be (have been) here”. But, now is the most difficult part of the WYD and it is the same with all kinds of event especially spiritual events. The theme for the 2008 WYD is “you will receive power when the holy spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8) and from the testimonies of the people I am convinced that the Holy Spirit has indeed filled the hearts and enkindled the fire of His love among the hearts of the faithful. The challenge now is to keep the fire burning within, the challenge now is to share with others 'that' fire of love which the Spirit has filled in our hearts, and the challenge now is to be a witness.

At the transfiguration of Jesus (Mt.17), the disciples felt so good and motivated that they wanted to remain there with the experiences of what they have encountered. But no, that’s not right! Jesus had to bring the disciples down the mountain; for it is down there (here), the mission is. (Jesus had to continue to do his work when he came down from the mountain. Ref -Mt.17:14) It is true; it is not Catholic to just remain 'there'! Our mission is to share. That is why at the end of each mass, after our encounter with the Lord through His Word, Eucharist and others, we are told to ‘Go forth to serve and love’. It is always difficult to ‘go, serve and love’, but Jesus assures us, just like how He assured the disciples at the transfiguration; “…but Jesus came and touched them, saying do not be afraid” (Mt.17:7).

We have heard this phrase “Do not be afraid” repeated many times in all WYD’s and it is still relevant today as we take now the challenge to keep the fire burning, to share with others and to be a witness, because Jesus has come, touched us all (through these experiences) and assured us not to be afraid.

Introduction to Lauds: Week 3, Thursday

2008-08-14T00:22:00.000+08:00

Defect by Comparison

Through the scripture reading today (1 Peter 4:10-11), we are reminded of our responsibilities of our gifts or graces God has entrusted to us. But many times we have given comments or excuses saying; “I am just this…or…just that.” The word ‘just’ implies a limitation or defect by comparison. We basically put ourselves down.

God has created each of us as a wonderful human being with something special we are meant to share with our world. With all that graces we are called to be of service to others. All gifts have value in the eyes of God only if they have developed and share with love.

We pray that we may recognize and accept the beauty of who we are in God’s eyes and all His gifts to us.

As good stewards of God’s gifts, we pray…

My 1st few days in the land 'Down Under'...oi oi oi!

2008-08-13T18:15:00.008+08:00

It’s been 6days now since I stepped foot on the land 'Down Under' – Australia, and I’m really enjoying it.

Though it’s very cold here but I’m slowly adapting to it. Fr. Mark, whom I’m staying with has been so generous with everything including sharing his clothing to warm myself. He has been convincing me that it will get warmer soon. I’m at New South Wales and it’s not as bad as in Melbourne where it is very-very cold.

I was fortunate to attend ‘Priesthood Enquiry Weekend’ on my 1st day here. From Unanderra where I am staying, we drove about 30-45min to Gerringong. A beautiful place where you see the hills and sea meet.

During this gathering I met interesting people (1 bishop, 3 priests, 1 seminarian and 6 aspirants-incl. some ex-seminarians). Unfortunately the battery on my camera was weak and I could not take many more pictures of the gathering. The 1st night was more of introductions and getting to know one another. On the second day, we had good reflective personal sharing. Then we drove about 15min to the country side name Berry for Mass and adoration at the Church of St. Patrick.

Church of St. Patrick, Berry

Eucharistic Celebration at St. Patrick's.
(L-R: Fr. Patrick Vaughan, Fr. Richard Healey & Fr. Mark O'Keefe)

After lunch, we walked along the beach. Nice to see seagulls for a change instead of the ‘burung gagak’ (crow) which is a pest at our local beaches in Malaysia.

The Bishop of Wollongong, Rt. Rev Bishop Peter Ingham joined us for dinner and each of us had a chance of ‘chit-chat’ with him. From my 1st meeting with him, I find him to be a friendly, caring bishop who enjoys joking. He was kind enough to stay back for the last session which was a movie reflection that ended about 10pm. The following day we walked to the church for our Sunday Eucharist. The church is called Church of Mary, Star of the Sea. The gathering ended after lunch. It was indeed a fruitful event, especially for me. It gives me some idea on the priesthood and the vocations here.

Some of the priests and participants of Priesthood Enquiry Weekend.
(L-R: Fr. Mark O'Keefe, Ronald Colman, Stephen Varney, Nigel Porter, Ernest Egelonu, Peter Zielinski, Adrian Mathews & Fr. Richard Healey)

During that whole weekend, my thoughts and prayer was also for the participants and seminarians at Penang, College General who were having a similar weekend called Vocation Stay-in Experience. I was told about 37 aspirants participated. Congratulations CG! God bless you all for nurturing the seeds of vocations on these 37 young men.

The Sunday evening I attended mass at the parish I am staying. It’s the Immaculate Conception Parish which is also a Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady. (Will write about the parish and publish some pictures of it 1day). It was a cold evening and I was shivering during mass but the parishioners I met after mass was warm. I talked to a few and found them all very welcoming. The mass here is a little different as in Malaysia, but I was able to follow. This is why we say the Catholic Church all over the world is a clear example of the saying; ‘Unity in Diversity’. One of the things that I am very impressed is that, the way the people here wishes the sign of peace. The don’t just nod like how we do back home, but shake hands with warm smiles and if they know your name, they will address you by it. After mass, Fr. Mark and I had pizza for our dinner and we talked way pass 1am. I’m happy with the food here; I hope to reduce my tummy by the time I go back home! Hehehe.

On Monday just before lunch Fr. Mark and I visited the parish school – St. Pius X. In the evening we had mass and prior to that we had the Monday devotion to Our Lady.
My friends, you were all in my thoughts during the prayer. Do pray for me too.
On Tuesday morning, I followed Fr. Mark to the Figtree Nursing Home for Mass and Anointing. We had the opportunity to go for a movie too, Tuesday here, is like our Wednesday back home where we get discounts at the cinema. Including the 2 of us, the Cinema had only 6viewers. The movie ended about 6.30pm, it was already dark and the shops were all either closed or closing.

Today I had lunch at the parish school. It’s a practice here in this school to celebrate birthdays of staffs that has a '0' in their age (30,40,50,60) and other events such as anniversaries, giving birth, etc. The 1hour birthday lunch (during the students lunch break) was impressive. We had great food, creative decoration based on the theme of the 'likes' of the person celebrating the birthday (such as color, food, songs, etc). There were songs sung by some teachers and the acting principal was so sporting that he too sang a song and danced! Wah…so much for an hour birthday lunch at the schools!!

I am looking forward for the coming days and weeks of my stay here. For all those who misses me...I miss you too. Till then take care.

Memoria of St. Dominic, Priest (August 08)

2008-08-08T17:40:00.004+08:00

We celebrate the Memorial of St. Dominic, the founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), which is dedicated to the improvement of morals, the extirpation of heresy, and the strengthening of the faith.

St. Dominic once taught; “A man who governs his passions is master of the world”. Feelings or passions are emotions or movements of the sensitive appetite (internal & external senses) that incline us to act or not to act in regard to something felt or imagined to be good or evil (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1763). The sensitive appetite leads us to desire pleasant things we do not have, e.g. the desire to eat when we are hungry, or to warm ourselves when we are cold. These desires are good in themselves, but often they exceed the limits of reason and drive us to greed, avarice and concupiscence. The effects of greed can be obesity, avarice arising from the passion of riches and power. And we can take an old incident in the United States i.e. the Clinton & Lewinsky’s scandal as an example for concupiscence. Clinton tried to take over the world but his passions took over him. I’m sure in our local political scene, this example can be relevant too (You know who I am referring to right? – we shall wait for the decisions of the courts).

So we pray that we may discern what is good and bad for us and pray for God’s strength to govern our passions. For Jesus too became human like each one of us.

“A man who governs his passions is master of the world”.