Happy Blessed Christmas!

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. - Matt 11:28

Honestly, I really miss my Sunway life...where I have a lovely society there. I miss central gathering and cell group badly...I am now in Indonesia, undergoing such a stagnant life...without any spiritual activities except Sunday mass..I feel something empty in my heart...may be some of you experience the same thing..but I do not know how to describe it further...Today (3rd December 2009) I want to share a bit about today's Gospel....

Actually few weeks left since I read my daily Gospel, I don't know why but I just don't read it for a while though I am not busy here. My brain and my thinking only full of worries, yaa...I worry bout so many things...feel so much problem happen lately and make me far from God..I think...feel so emo, lonely, sad and empty. I worried bout my future, my relationship, my new chapter of life, my family, my surroundings.......All that things just cause me headache, give me so much pressure as problems everywhere...and I am alone here, I don't have friends to share and everyone also got his or her own doing.

But..last night, I went to bed quite early, around 9PM, I already jumped on my fluffy bed and when I wanted to turn off the light, I saw my daily Gospel book, my heart like ask me to open it...I grab it and start flip the pages till 3rd Dec....and here it is today's Gospel Mat 7:21,24-27 (I do not need to type the Gospel as I believe most of you have read it before starting your day).
What comes and really knock my brain is the reflection stated in my daily Gospel:

"Possibly we have watched a child, who is afraid of the water, jump off the side of the pool into the arms of a loving parent. What causes that child to jump? It is trust in the parent. Why does the child trust the parent? The parent has shown, through love, that he or she will not let anything bad happen to the child. We should have that child-like faith in God. It is not a blind, leave-your-brain-at-the-door type of trust or faith. God does not want us to check our brains at the door. He has given us plenty of proof, not only of His existence, but also of the truth of His word.
Do we trust God with the big things, like our eternal home, but not trust Him in the little things, like our jobs and finances? We must trust God in the little things as well as the big things. Do we believe that God cares enough about us to look after those things well? God has so much of His love for us, that is only reasonable to trust that He will take care of the little things in our lives"

After I read the reflection, I am stunt for a while...my tears drop one by one....I never experienced of flipping Bible and find a correct verse or something like that like those people who shares during the central gathering, but last night...after a while I live so called "far from God" without any spiritual life, after a while my brain full of worries, sadness and disappointment of myself.....I feel God just remind me that I do not need to worry so much..just trust Him....and all will be alright....

and at that time, I smiled, I put back my daily Gospel book, I turn off my light and pray my daily prayer before I sleep....in my prayer, I thank God that He remind me tonight and He brings me back, He take out all my worries, pressure and burdens,..I feel so happy and release....and I slept.......so peacefully and release....

Selamat Hari Natal is the thing to say on a bright Malaysian Christmas day..

Hey guys just so you know this Christmas we are singing at center stage, KLCC. We're singing on the 16th, 19th, 20th, 23rd, 24th and 25th as well. So if you're free, come down to KLCC and support us! We usually sing in the afternoons and evenings.

So see ya!

A BIG BIG thank you for all those who came to support us! We are absolutely thrilled that you guys want to even come and watch us sing. So we thank you again really for making your way to KLCC to hear us out! May God richly bless all of you! Praise GOD!

Anyway, here's a request for our schedule :p :

23rd (Acapella) - 5pm, 7pm, and 8.30pm.
24th - 4.30pm, 7pm, and 8.30pm
25th (The Churchy ones :D) - 4pm, and 7pm.

So hear ye, hear ye!

Penitential Service

Those who missed the Penitential Service at STM, here's a schedule for the other Churches in the vicinity:

• St Ignatius Church, Kelana Jaya - 4 Dec (Friday) @7.00pm
• Our Lady of Guadelupe, Puchong - 7 Dec (Monday) @ 7.00pm
• St Francis Xavier's Church, PJ - 8 Dec (Tuesday) @ 7.00pm
• Assumption Church, PJ - 9 Dec (Wednesday) @ 7.00pm
• Divine Mercy Church, Shah Alam - 15 Dec (Tuesday) @7.00pm

On another note, please keep the PAG Team in your prayers as they continue to prepare for the camp this upcoming week. Pray for the smooth sailing of the programs as the Holy Spirit move in each every one of them. Amen.

And Jason Loo shares...

My brothers and sisters in Christ,

I want to share with you two parts of my life that has been life changing. Nothing more, just two parts.

The first started back in 2004. It was a bad year for me. I had a hard time coping with college, the people and the work that came with it. The change was so drastic for me that before I could stand up to what it had to offer, I fell again and again. I desperately needed help, and by the grace of the Lord, my cousin Richard and good friend Aaron were there to lift me back on my two feet.

This was when Richard introduced me to Lifeline. I had a chance to meet new people and at the same time, find my faith among them. Truth be told, I was brought up a Catholic not really knowing what it truly meant till the day I joined Lifeline. I’ve learnt so much from scripture and in those who keep to their faith that, it has been a journey and an experience unlike any other. For this, I am thankful to many who have nurtured me along the way, your guidance has been nothing but incredible and I thank you for that. Being a realist, I find it difficult at times to hold on to a faith that clashes with our free will to choose. But time and time again, I have realised that the Lord indeed listens to our prayers if we have the time to set aside part of our lives for Him.

The second has to do with loss. I lost someone close to me in 2005, and it was the single most terrifying moment I had to go through. She had a great future ahead of her, yet life had to take its course too early before I could say my goodbyes. Four years on, I still do not understand why the Lord had to take her away, but I have taken it as an important lesson in life. Rest assured I take comfort in knowing that she has gone to a better place, somewhere I hope that I could go to when my time is up.

Before I end, let me share with you a passage from scripture:

“We can be confident that He will listen to us whenever we ask Him for anything in line with His will. And if we know He is listening when we make our requests, we can be sure that He will give us what we ask for.”
1 John 5:14-15

Have faith in the Lord and with the power of prayer, we can be sure He will be there to listen.

He’s Not That Into You Vs. Christian Courtship

Some of us have left Malayan waters and will only be back next year. It's going to be a little bit quiet this time round. But it's okay, we'll bounce back when we open Lifeline again to a whole brand new year in January 2010!

And for some of us, have left for good. :( We really hope that you have taken back something from Lifeline and continue to spread the love of God everywhere you go. Be witnesses of Christ to the people around you. "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses - Acts 1:8"

If you are shy to talk to people about God, here's an avenue of where you can express it. Write to me your testimony of how Jesus has moved in your life. Here's a blog set up by Carmel especially to share His love with others. The blog is maintained by Carmel and Andre. If you are not sure what to write, here's a link for a simple guideline. They have some interesting articles as well, and I would like to highlight the "He's Not That Into You vs Christian Courtship" which I thought was pretty insightful.

Christ @ Work 2009

Hey peeps, for those of you young working adults who would like to grow spiritually, socially, and professionally are encouraged to attend this conference in Singapore! It's a Bi Annual Catholic Conference In Singapore For Working Adults which is held on the 5th of December 2009 at the Catholic Junior College Performing Arts Centre, Singapore. Attending the conference will help you better understand God's plan for you at your workplace, family and church and equip you with the right skills to be witnesses of God. You will hear from multiple talented speakers with exciting and passionate stories of God's workings in their lives.

It's only $60 dollars for a Power-packed Spirit-Filled Full Day Event (inclusive of Lunch, Tea Breaks & Conference materials). But do take note that $60 is only for group registration of at least 5 people. If you're going alone, it's $65 per person. So bring a bunch and take a road trip down to Singapore! Oh I forgot to mention that for students is only $40 dollars.

Check out the web or download the pdf and read later. If you're interested, please contact either Suzanne or Martin or you can always email us at stmlifeline@gmail.com.

Shuttle Service

This is the bus. The bus driver's name is Kumar. Next time tegur sapa lah :p

For those of you who don't know, St Thomas More Church is providing a shuttle service for the 11.30 Mass every Sunday for only this month, November (before and after Mass). Shuttle services will resume some time in January which we will update later.

The shuttle times and stops are as such:
1st stop (10.00am): Taylors Business School (TBS), Main Campus Area
2nd stop (10.20am): Ridzuan Condominiums, Mentari Court Area
3rd stop(10.45am): Sunway/Monash Area (In front of Sun-U Residence)

Please be at the stated area BEFORE the stated time or else the Bus will le...ave you.

This is a FREE service for all who would want to use the bus hence we would also welcome any Love Offering for the service to subsidize the cost.

PLEASE DO NOT feel pressured to give as this is a service for you. God loves a cheerful giver! (2 Cor 9:7)

Would love to see all of you for Mass and God Bless!

*Again a reminder to be on time.

Don't Throw Lahh

BEAT School of Music

Hear ye, hear ye,
All those who have "taugehs" in their ears, listen!

Emmanuelworship is excited to announce the launch of the 'emmanuelworship BEAT School of Music' in 2010. The school will run from the 8-12 January in Brisbane.

The BEAT School of Music is designed to gather Catholic musicians and vocalists for four jam-packed, fun days of learning and growing in both ability & worship. The BEAT will train and cast vision for contemporary Catholic music in the Church. There are a bunch of great presenters from emmanuelworship and beyond who will be involved in the practical training and formation.

The registrations are now open, so check out the website for more details and to register. This will be an incredible experience and we look forward to seeing Catholic musicians rise up to lead this generation in Worship.

Find out more here!

Youth Sponsored Mass + 25th October 2009

A great BIG thank you for all those who have put in effort, commitment and passion in making the Mass meaningful, vibrant yet solemn. I appreciate each and everyone, big and small contributions, truly solemnly I tell you your reward is in heaven. :D

The Mass was truly beautiful and solemn. Many said that it was refreshing to see the young people coming forward to serve in Mass. A communion minister said, "It was a breath of fresh air," and walked away smiling. So peeps, I look forward to our next youth sponsored Mass as we come together as one community to receive The Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

The few of us who were still lingering around :p

"The ultimate purpose of dating is marriage"

My first encounter with or, uhmn, how I know about Christian courtship was about 3-4 years ago. I was infatuated with a friend who is a man of God (I can sense his head growing as large as a watermelon). I can’t remember how it went in detail, but I think I was asking him about his view on dating. He said the most shocking and horrifying thing! He said (I can still remember it word by word), “the ultimate purpose of dating is marriage.” I was still wild back then and haven’t experience conversion, so I cursed (silently of course). I thought, ‘wut da *beep*. Dating should be fun! Why be serious about it’. Later on I found out that dating IS serious, but can be fun as well.

Anyways, the guy was right. The ultimate and the only purpose of dating is marriage. So, no more ‘I like you, you like me, let’s go out and we’ll see where this relationship goes.’ NO! Harsh, I know. But, don’t you think dating is such a waste of time if we think that way? Don’t you think we will be spared from confusion, insecurities and not to mention heartaches, disappointments, and emptiness due to the lack of vision of the future and/ or failure of the relationship. Sure, most people we know got married after starting a relationship like this. But, have you ever counted how many times they have experience failed relationships before it?

Christian courtship, like the secular dating, starts with attraction. It may be a one or both sided attraction. Afterwards, discernment comes in. In a very simple explanation, Discernment is a process of internal search where we seek God’s will to determine the best decision. It involves a lot of prayer, meditation, reading God’s word, sharing about it with a trusted friend in faith and pray together, and most of all, being aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit and listen to His voice in with a surrendering heart. God, in His mysterious and intimate ways, will tell us His will.

Ah, you may say that I’m a nut case, but what is foolish to the world is pleasing to God (cf. 1 Corinthians 1 : 27). I tried it out last year. I was interested in a friend of mine because he showed true and sincere love for God and His Church. My kind of guy, I tell you. So I decided to discern about him. During discernment, I continue being friends with him. I tried to know him in a more personal level. There was no flirting whatsoever (so different to the bad ‘ol days). We shared about a lot of things, testify about God love, pray together, pray for each other should one of us need God’s strength. Days went by and feelings grew, however it didn’t grow towards the direction that I wanted. My love for him as a brother in Christ got stronger whereas my infatuation didn’t develop into love for a man. There was nothing wrong with him (or with myself). He was perfectly human and I accepted his flaws. But, in my heart, he was my brother and wouldn’t be more than that. Then I felt God had answered my prayer. I accepted this outcome even though I was a bit disappointed. Honestly, I wanted it to work so badly ‘cause I haven’t been in a relationship in a loooong long time. I was kindda desperate but I had no regrets. I thanked God for the feelings, the process and the outcome. I knew it was the best for the both of us. When the guy told me he fell for a girl (a lovely young woman, I must say), I was delighted although I felt a pang of jealousy (okay, I was VERY jealous). But, I continued being there for him as a sister in Christ. So, this is how I was assured that Christian courtship can work!

That’s about pre-courtship. How about during courtship? During courtship, it’s crucial to put Jesus Christ as the center of the relationship. Not the girl. Not the boy. Not me. Jesus alone. With Jesus at the centre, the problem of co-dependency is eliminated as each person is solely responsible for his/ her happiness and the source of his/ her happiness is Christ alone. Then, there’s sexual purity. A boundary is needed when it comes to physical expression of our feelings. We may say a kiss is just a kiss, but a kiss may weaken our will and strengthen the desire of our flesh. Another important thing is Communication. People get to know each other in a deep and personal level through communication. We’ll find out about each other’s strength & weakness, dreams & fear, vision& mission for the future, priorities, interests, etc, through communication. Some may be acceptable, some may not. Then, with constant prayers God will inform us, in His mysterious and unique way, whether the relationship should continue to the next step – Marriage. Even if a couple decides to not continue with the relationship, by God’s grace, they will not feel overly heartbroken about it. Beautiful isn’t it? I hope I’ll experience this in His time.

Bus Stop

The Last Supper!

Hey peeps! Didn't think it was already time for Lifeline to close for the year so soon! The year was awesome possums and I truly felt this year, the graces we received just overflowed our cups totally! Praise God! Even so, all good things come to an end but it does not mean that our ministry ends here. We continue to go forth in our mission fields as Good Catholic Christians enriched by the Word of God and empowered by the Body and Blood of Christ to evangelize the love of Jesus Christ.

So as we gather this Friday at 8.30pm at the STM Community Centre for our last central for the year, let us cuddle together in oohs and ahhs and laughter as we reminisce the good'ol times throughout the year. Here's a treat from 2006.

Lifeline back then. ;)

"My grace is enough for you; my great strength is revealed in weakness"

My Mission Trip Experience To Sabah
By Crisabel T. Tiu, Lifeline STM

When I heard that Potter and Clay program was having a mission trip to Sabah, I was really excited. I was excited because it was my hometown, the experience I could learn, the people we’ll be meeting and I had this feeling of satisfaction of finally being able to do something good for others and for the redemption of my soul!! Harrharr… Anyway beforehand, Anne Yong and I went out for short briefing on the mission trip, Stacie was able to join bit later, and while we were having lunch at a restaurant, we bumped into Sandy and she joined us in our discussion where Anne asked her to help translate some prayers etc. into malay and following that, she mentioned to Stacie and I that going for missions we have to be open to whom God sends and especially what God wants to give or do in ourselves. I understood what she said but took it lightly and subconsciously thought that there’s nothing much I need to receive, I was keen on my ability to give and help out.

During most of the days in mission trip though I really enjoyed it and had fun, sometimes I would seem ok or happy on the outside but deep inside I felt terribly depressed and heavy, it really brought my whole being down and I felt anger and rejection in my heart. I felt lonely because of the struggle I had to go through alone, feeling no one could understand what I was going through. I asked God again and again why I was feeling this way, for Him to take it away and was really disappointed and ashamed of the weaknesses in me that really surfaced to my knowledge during the trip. Before going for the mission trip, we gathered together for briefing and prayer, as we took turns to pray in a circle, I closed my eyes and saw a shadow-defined heart shape with light seeming to radiate from behind, along the prayers I felt warmth on my forehead and tears couldn't help but flow. I didn’t really understand why the reaction for it was only normal prayers we were having.

During the trip, memories also eventually resurfaced which brought a sense of regret of what could have been done but wasn’t, occasions I didn’t appreciate and hurtful memories. Along the trip I felt useless for not being able to give much and at some point of these feelings bundled up together which gave a lot of pain in my heart I tried to suppress which was really torturing emotionally and spiritually for me. After a while I realised that even before the trip I was already feeling burdened inside firstly because of certain hurts from situations in my family, relationships and other little things along my life that built up feelings of rejection, envy and hurt. In the Divine Office prayers we did with the villagers and with much reflection, it struck me that God was trying to tell me that there was much I was lacking, that inside I still needed a lot of work and healing. His words seemed so alive to me, coming to my sense what Living Word was all about, He didn’t have to talk to me in that booming voice I wanted to hear but He spoke so gently through the Divine Office, Divine Mercy prayers and ultimately through the mass we attended. I noted specially the Gospel on that day, 2 Corinthians12:7-10….Lest I become proud after so many extraordinary revelations, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a true messenger of Satan, 3 times I prayed to the Lord that it leave me, but He answered, “My grace is enough for you; my great strength is revealed in weakness.”…..So I rejoice when I suffer infirmities, humiliations…persecution: all for Christ! For when I am weak, then I am strong. Receiving The Eucharist truly gave me so much peace and joy knowing that He’s always there for me, that my tears couldn’t stop flowing. I felt so renewed.

I was also caught up in my pride subconsciously thinking that I was more worthy in doing God’s work when instead I needed to have humility to be able to admit these weaknesses and I needed to receive help, healing and His graces before I can be able to serve in love. It’s true that no one can give what he does not have. These were the things I was ignorant towards and that I had to fully surrender, He brought it to my attention all what I was oblivious towards. It reminded me that it has been a while I’ve been praying for God to change my heart, called to mind the heart I saw in the beginning, suddenly it made sense to me, in His great love and mercy, He heard my prayers and wanted to change my heart and His shining rays wanting to bring what is hidden to light and thus being able to surrender what’s unknown for cleansing. I’m truly amazed by how much He wants to give us but what we often are unaware of, how much He wants to speak to us but often we are so insensitive towards. There are many weaknesses and struggles faced and I pray that always I can always change to become a better person, if not more Christ-like even in sorrow and hardships, to be able to receive and give humbly.

To Blog or Not To Blog?

"The special challenge before you, is to find ways to ensure that the voice of the Church is not marginalized or silenced in the modern arena of the media. You have a role to play in ensuring that the Gospel is not confined to a strictly private world. No! Jesus Christ must be proclaimed to the whole world; and therefore the Church must enter the great forum of the media with courage and confidence."

-Pope John Paul II-

(quoted from Shouts in the Piazza Blog)

Mass Explained

They say most Catholics don't understand their faith, and quite rightly true. So come this Friday for a comprehensive Mass Explained this Friday, 9th October 2009 at the STM Community Centre at 8.00pm. Please take note, that it is a Eucharistic Celebration nonetheless so please come dressed appropriately. I'm sure most of you know that Fr Simon Labrooy is away on a pilgrimage in London hence the Mass will be presided by Fr Michael Raymond this Friday.

Since Fr Michael Raymond is around for the entire week, he is also presenting the Gospel of Mark on both Wednesday and Thursday nights at 8.00pm at the STM Community Centre. Everyone is welcomed to attend.

Why Do Catholics Don't Evangelize?

We are so blessed by the the presence of Dr. Sherman Kuek, SFO for last Friday’s talk on "Why Catholics don’t Evangalize?”

Just to sum up what he said.
Our silence to proclaim and to dialogue with our friends or neighbours speaks about the level of importance of Christ in our lives, thus the question "Why Catholics Don't Evangelize" reflects our very relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.

Want to know more, please go through this insightful article that he has written in the CANNews not too long ago. Click here.

The first Peninsular Malaysia Conference

Our Archdiocesan Ministry of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs (AMEIA) has organized the first Peninsular Conference in hopes that it will be a common platform to bring together Catholic organizations and individuals who are already engaged in or are interested to start interreligious and ecumenical programmes, activities and ministries within the three Roman Catholic arch/dioceses of Peninsular Malaysia. The speakers and presenters are Rt Rev Bishop Antony Selvanayagam DD., Rev Fr Michael Chua, Rev Fr Jojo Fung SJ., Dr Sherman Kuek, Dr Asma Abdullah, Dr Claude F. Jacobs, Dr Patricia Martinez, and Rev Fr William Larousse, MM. More details:

"Peninsular Malaysia Conference on Ecumenical & Interreligious Ministry"

This will be held at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre (APC)
from the 10th to 11th of October!
RM 60 (non-stay in) and RM 90 (stay in)
Click here for more info on the programmes and such.
Here's the brochure. (outside) (inside)

"World Religions in Metropolitan Detroit" Exhbition
which they have brought all the way from Michigan, US. The exhibit is a collection of photographs mapping world religions in metropolitan Detroit called "The Pluralism Project".
Date: 6th - 11th October
Time: 9.00am to 5pm
Venue: Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre (APC)
OPEN TO PUBLIC
Admission is free!
For further, inquiries, please contact Ms. Anglin Anthony at Tel: 03-20266466

Here's a sneak peak.

Mandean - Al-Masbatta ("Baptism Ritual") Before a Wedding
Kensington Metro Park, Michigan

“Photography and Religious Space” Workshop
Date: 9th of October
Time: 2.30 to 4.00 pm
Venue: Dewan Dominic, Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre, Kuala Lumpur .
OPEN TO PUBLIC
Admission is free!

Ideal for photography enthusiasts, both amateur and professional. Religious space presents some of the most dramatic and interesting themes for photography. The director of the Pluralism Project in UM-Dearborn, Dr. Claude Jacobs and William McNeece, the director of photography will be present at the workshop to share their wealth of experiences in this special area of photography and religious space. Participants would find opportunities to learn aesthetic and technical skills as well as necessary protocol.

I would encourage all to go and find out a little more about photography in sacred places and learn a few more things about your faith and what opportunity to have religious from the US! Awesomeness! Please inform Suzanne or your Cell Group leaders and then we'll see if we can arrange some transport if not go there pilgrimage style! :D

The Catholic stance on the many faiths

Hey peeps!

Come next Central Gathering, we're having Dr. Sherman Kuek over at St Thomas More! WooOT! It so happens that he is around and we have gotten him to do a session for us about the three main faiths in our country and what is the stance of the Catholic Church about them.

Some of the questions that you might have already asked yourselves like:
What is the Catholic Church's position on people of other faiths?
How we should relate with them?
What evangelisation means in this context?

The place to be is at the STM Community Centre on the 2nd of October 2009, Friday at 8.30pm. All are most welcomed to attend and of course please bring along a friend. =D

Anselm - Theologian and Defender of Church Freedom

VATICAN CITY, 23 SEP 2009 VIS - St. Anselm, one of the most outstanding figures of the Middle Ages, was the subject of the Holy Father's catechesis during his general audience, held this morning in the Paul VI Hall.

St. Anselm of Canterbury, also known as Anselm of Aosta and Anselm of Bec, was born in the Italian town of Aosta in 1033. The eldest child of a noble family, his mother gave him a careful human and Christian education. During his youth he went through a period of moral dissipation and excess during which he abandoned his studies. He then travelled to France in search of new experiences and eventually reached the abbey of Bec, drawn there by the fame of its prior, Lanfranco of Pavia. There, at the age of 27, he embraced the monastic life.

Three years later Lanfranco was appointed as abbot of Caen and Anselm became the prior of Bec. In his new role he "revealed gifts as a sophisticated teacher. He did not care for authoritarian methods and, likening young people to saplings which develop best if not closed in a greenhouse, he granted then a 'healthy' measure of freedom. He was very demanding with himself and others in monastic observance, but rather than imposing discipline he sought to make people follow it by persuasion", the Pope explained.

When Lanfranco of Pavia was appointed as archbishop of Canterbury, England, he asked Anselm to help him in educating the monks and in dealings with the ecclesial community, which was facing difficult circumstances in the wake of the Norman invasions. On Lanfranco's death in 1093, Anselm succeeded him as archbishop immediately entering "into an energetic struggle for the freedom of the Church and courageously supporting the independence of spiritual from temporal power. He defended the Church from undue interference by the political authorities, especially King William Rufus and Henry I". His faithfulness to the Pope caused him to be exiled in 1103.

Anselm died on 21 April 1109 having dedicated the last years of his life "to the moral formation of the clergy and intellectual research into theological questions", whence Christian tradition has bestowed upon him the title of "Doctor Magnificus", said the Holy Father. He went on: "The clarity and logical rigour of Anselm's ideas always sought 'to raise the mind to the contemplation of God'. He made it clear that anyone who intends to study theology must not rely only upon his own intelligence but must also cultivate a profound experience of faith".

"In St. Anselm's view, then, a theologian's work is divided into threes stages: faith, God's gratuitous gift to be welcomed with humility; experience, which consists in incarnating the Word of God into daily life; and true knowledge, which is never the fruit of sterile reasoning but of contemplative intuition".

"May the love for truth and the constant thirst for God which characterized St. Anselm's life be a stimulus for all Christians tirelessly to seek an ever more intimate union with Christ", said the Pope, and he concluded: "May the courageous zeal which distinguished his pastoral work and which sometimes brought misunderstandings, bitterness and even exile, be an encouragement for pastors, consecrated people and all the faithful to love the Church of Christ, ... never abandoning or betraying her".

You can view the video here.

YOUTH SPONSORED MASS

Yo! Just to let you guys know, we're gonna start sponsoring Mass at St Thomas More's Church every month. So we need people to step up to serve for Mass. We need people for the choir, offertory, projectionist, and hospitality ministers. So as you can see there are a lot of vacancies!

So don't be shy! Come and SERVE GOD!

Just inform your CG leaders and likewise leaders please get back to me by the end of the month. For those of you who wants to be in the choir, Mass practice starts next week, Tuesday (22nd Sept) at 8.00pm at the STM Community Centre!

'Allah' Case: Court to hear Church suit on Oct 14

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court here will hear on Oct 14 the Catholic Church’s bid to prevent several Islamic bodies from interfering in its ongoing suit against the home minister’s ban on the use of the word “Allah” in its newspaper.

Judge Lau Bee Lan made the decision in chambers today.

Lawyer for the church, Porres Royan, told reporters that the church had filed an application at the High Court here to recall and set aside its earlier decision allowing some 10 state Islamic Councils as well as the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (Macma) to intervene in the case.

Judge Lau had on August 3 ruled that the state Islamic councils could intervene in the church’s suit against the home minister on the basis that their legal rights as advisers to the rulers, who sit as heads of Islam in their respective states, would be gravely affected by any decision taken by the court.

But Royan said the Federal Court, headed by Chief Justice Tun Zaki Azmi, had on Sept 3 ruled to bar the Selangor Islamic Council (Mais) from entering as an interested party in a dispute between the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) and Bong Boon Chuen, together with 150 landowners, over Islamic burial land in neighbouring Selangor.

The top court’s most recent decision in Bong’s case sets an example for the High Court here to keep interveners out.

Lawyer for Mais, Abdul Rahim Sinwan, said the state Islamic councils would challenge the church’s second bid to remove them from intervening in the “Allah” case.

He pointed out that the Federal Court had made two conflicting rulings on whether or not interveners could be allowed in.

Abdul Rahim noted that the Federal Court had ruled to allow bodies to intervene in an earlier case.

...read more

Exaltation of the Cross

"How great the cross, through which we have received a multitude of blessings, because, against all reckoning, the miracles & sufferings of Christ have been victorious! How precious, the means of God's suffering, & his trophy of victory! On it of his own will he suffered unto death. On it he won his victory, wounding the devil, & conquering death, & shattering the bars of the underworld. The cross has become the common salvation of the whole world." (from homily of St Andrew of Crete)

Monash Annual Mass 2009

Calling all youths around Sunway area, today (yes, today, Saturday) Monash Catholic Society is having their Annual Mass at Auditorium 2, Monash University. It starts at 3.00pm with Father listening to confessions prior Mass. There will be dinner served afterwards for students only.

So come and dine and fellowship with the Lord and the students of Monash as we gather to celebrate Mass in union with the entire Catholic Church. Amen.

JMJ2011 Madrid

MADRID, Spain, JULY 30, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The logo for World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid was presented today: The image reflects youth of the world beneath the cross, united to form the crown of Our Lady, patron of Madrid.

The upcoming World Youth Day is scheduled for Aug. 16-21, 2011.

The logo designer, José Gil-Nogués, explained that the image symbolizes "youth of the whole world united to celebrate their faith together with the Pope, at the foot of the cross, and they form the crown of Our Lady of Almudena, patron of Madrid."

The crown, Gil-Nogués added, forms the "M" of Mary and of Madrid. And the cross, symbol of Christianity, presides over the event.

The message of the logo, the designer continued, is "a catechesis, an opportunity for evangelization: The quick and sure path to reach Christ is the Virgin Mary, Mother of God and of mankind. In Mary's faith, youth have the example and model for reaching Christ and fulfilling the primary goal of World Youth Day: to bring their message to the world."

"The logo has a firm and spontaneous stroke," Gil-Nogués suggested, "like youth of the 21st century. It is close, friendly, open. Joyful, carefree and positive."

"The use of a palette of warm colors -- red, orange and yellow -- transmits unmistakable warmth and friendliness, symbols of the identity of a city like Madrid, a nation like Spain. These colors also reflect the 'divine warmth' of Trinitarian Love."

The logo was selected after a competition among professional graphic designers.

The World Youth Day logo is out! I feel excited about going. What say you? I say start saving now!! WoOT! Benedicto!

Why Do We Obey?

I must say that the last central gathering at our STM community centre was a little different. It was refreshingly good and hilarious. A big heartfelt thanks to Dr Sheena Toyat for making it easier to understand why do we obey God, why do we obey other people and yet, why do we still disobey? Definitely a simple-straight-to-the-point talk. Again, Dr Sheena Toyat :D thanks for breaking it down for us! Praise the Lord! *I wish I can post up some pictures but I was busy laughing so...maybe next time :p

Anyhow we got to our Lifeline tradition of mamak-ing after central and ended up in Restoran Sri Bidara (RSB). And this time, we have pictures!!

One end of the table

The other end of the table

Somewhere in the middle

Anti-socials for awhile until they moved in together

Lifeline STM Camp 2009

Oi peeps!

I have a depressing announcement to make....*sigh* I think you guys have heard that the confirmants camp has been canceled due to the H1N1 outbreak thus unfortunately it applies to us as well. We will not have our very first Lifeline Camp this year. In any case, it could be a blessing in disguise so guys don't despair, continue to pray for God's will to be in our lives and in our community.

In any case, there's always a back up. :D There's the Lifeline SFX Camp which is this coming 29th - 31st August 2009. So if you're interested, please contact Suzanne asap!

Great Flight Packages. Book now!

Barré Cornerstone

HAPPY HOUR IS HERE!!!

Barré(Bar) Cornerstone is an open event having a bar concept (strictly Non- alcoholic), we'll be staying sober and rocking the night away with good music, performances, and singing...

Drinks, sandwiches and snacks will be on sale to raise funds for the building of a permanent place of worship for all. (In support of this fundraising, please do not bring outside food/drinks)

All are invited to come and chill out and relax and give their support for this fundraising event. Do invite your friends to make this a meaningful night!

ENTRANCE TICKETS: (includes a Welcome drink & free snacks)
RM10 (purchase before event, ticket booths open after every mass at STM, or contact us to book tickets)
RM15 (purchase on the day itself)
*update: limited seats left only!

For all who are interested in performing for this event or further inquiries please contact:

Aaron James
Email: roadfacer@hotmail.com
No. : 017-2583348

Aaron Lee
Email : chowkueyteow@gmail.com
No. : 012-6299191

Check us out at Facebook!

GOD ALWAYS LISTENS, COMMUNICATES, AND ANSWERS PRAYERS!!

Yuliana Halim herewith share her testimony at the greatness of our Lord. :D

In the past week, I’ve been working part time at a place nearby St Ignatius Church. At first, I was glad that I can spend time at church after working hours but it never happened until the last day because there was always something on when I want to go to church.

Recently I feel frustrated about my future but beforehand I really praised God that I can graduate on time. Reason being, I’m now jobless and not knowing where I should belong to. I started complaining how tiresome it was and it’s starting to take a toll on me.

So on the last day of work, 5th August 2009 I decided to go to church. However I was late for Mass. I felt sad but because I really needed time to be alone to talk to God in His house, I decided to pray at the Grotto, venting my frustrations at Mother Mary about my fears, confusion and desperation. After 10 minutes of prayer, everyone was coming out from Mass and I moved inside. As I walked in, I saw a woman kneeling in front of the Blessed Sacrament. At first I thought there was a confession session going on because I saw her with a man talking seriously. As I started to pray, a girl’s scream emanated the entire hall. I looked for the source of scream and found the woman and man I saw earlier was actually praying for the girl which was being possessed. I felt scared and stopped praying for myself instead I started to pray for her. It took some time for the bad spirit to come out. The scariest part is when the girl could suddenly scream so loud and shout “Shut up”. I can’t speak in tongues or sing the Holy Spirit song so I just kept on praying Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be constantly. And at the same time asking God why He kept the girl suffering when all the while I knew He was there but just not helping her straightaway. After a while, the girl finally was able to calm down and stood up straight. They were praising God because the demon had come out. I felt good and excited from afar because I somehow participated in “helping” exorcising the evil spirit from an unknown person.

It was time to go home so I walked to Kelana Jaya LRT station all the time thinking and reflecting. I felt all my prayers were answered. Incidentally, I remembered the night before as I was reading the daily reading which was about a woman asking God to help her daughter who has been possessed. God rejected at first but because of her great faith, God was moved. When I read that, I asked myself why God refused to help her the first time she asked. I kept wondering and fell asleep. In witnessing what just happened, I felt God was saying that He did not reject to help the woman, instead wanted to see how great a faith you have in Him. I realized a few things and would like to share are:

1. Whenever I feel God didn’t hear my frustrations about my future, what He was trying to say is, “Woman, why do you have such little faith and doubt me. I have prepared a great future for you and would bring you no harm as your Heavenly Father.” In the same instance as the Bible reading, He asks us to constantly have Faith in Him which also ties in with the possessed girl at church. Although it took some time to get the demon out, I felt that God wanted us to pray to Him and have Faith in Him that He will cure her.
2. In the end, I ended up praying for someone else instead of praying for myself. It’s like a reminder, “Hey Yuli, your problem is nothing compared to someone else who has a bigger problem and needs your intercession.”
3. He is present everywhere and always listens to our prayer. On the way back home, I praised God for that day and while waiting for the bus I said a simple prayer. From afar I saw a bus coming, and ended my prayer saying that if God really hear all my prayer then let that bus be my bus and He did it. That really was my bus. I really do feel the joy that words cannot describe. Don’t take it as a test from God but instead knowing that His presence is everywhere.

Last but not least, He hears you, answers your prayers and has counted every tear that drops from you.

Amen.

Life is beautiful if we give it a chance

Our dear post-con shared about abortion and it was a very good session. In response to that, I've enclosed extracts from the brochure and handouts. This info could prove useful if you encounter a situation as such.

You formed my inward parts. You knit me together in my mother's womb
~ Psalm 139:13 ~

Left: Silation & Extraction (till 8 months), Right: Aborted after 9 weeks.

Abortion is "the intentional or unintentional expulsion of a pre-born child at any time after fertilisation and before the natural birth process is completed." Although illegal in Malaysia (Abortion Act 1967), Muslims allow abortions for foetuses below 120 days and most private clinics will perform an abortion for as low as RM300.

But is a foetus a life?
All entities fall into one of the three categories: alive, dead or inanimate/inorganic. It is clear that when the two live cells (the woman's ovum and a man's sperm) fuse together, the result must be another live cell. We also know that fertilised eggs experience a very high rate of cell division (cell division does not take place in a dead or inanimate being). Fertilised eggs are also not dead otherwise they would naturally miscarry or be reabsorbed by the mother's body.

Virtually every medical school textbook says human life begins at fertilisation. Sometimes, however, the argument is made that before the soul enters the body, there is no life and therefore abortion is permissible. But even if we held this argument, because of the uncertainty over the exact moment of "ensoulment" and the possibility that the foetus has alraedy been ensouled, the risk in an abortion of killing a life can never be justified.

How serious is this sin?
The Catholic Church's Code of Canon Law #1398 states that all who procure abortion shall be automatically excommunicated from the Church. This includes boyfriend, husband or parent who drives the pregnant woman or girl to the abortion clinic, pays for the abortion in full or in part, or even advises that abortion may be an option. The sanction of excommunication also applies to the abortionist, nurse, counsellor and anyone else who aids or assists in an abortion.

How to help a friend dealing with abortion?
You have to LEAD.

LISTEN

Encourage her to talk about her feelings, her worries, her guilt, her fears. Help her feel secure and convince her that all is not lost. Some helpful questions would be:

• How do you know you're pregnant?
• How/when did you first learn that you were pregnant?
• Who have you told about your pregnancy? (Parental notification is crucial)
• What difficulties do you think the pregnancy will create for you?
• What difficulties do you think the abortion would solve?
• What difficulties do you think an abortion would create?

EMPATHIZE

Try to react empathically to her. Avoid sermonizing or lecturing; instead try to communicate with empathy, not sympathy. Feel with her, not for her. Empathy can be communicated in many small ways, such as:

• Make eye contact.
• Nod your head in encouragement.
• Listen carefully to verbal and nonverbal communications.
• Reflect on key statements.
• Wait patiently through tears and silence.

AFFIRM

One of the most beneficial thing a friend can do for another in troubled times is to communicate unconditional love and acceptance. Affirm her that you love and accept her for who she is whether she goes for the abortion or not. Don't be afraid that accepting her unconditionally may make her more likely to for an abortion. Withholding affirmation at such a time bears a much greater risk of harm.

DIRECT

Help her understand that God can bring good out of the most desperate situations. Remind her that she is not alone and that there is time to make decisions carefully and rationally. Guide her to carefully consider to alternatives to abortion:

• Adoption
• Marriage
• Single parenthood

For a friend who has already aborted a baby, you should direct her through to reconciliation with God (confession) and help her seek God's healing grace.

For more info, please let us know and we can provide you the brochures and materials pertaining to the above issue. Or rather if you have a friend in such need, please seek help from The Good Shepherd Temporary Shelter for Unmarried Mothers. Call Sr Helena, RGS at 05-546 7031 or 012-462 1341.


The brochure is copyrighted by the Church of St Francis Xavier in 2005. The "LEAD" portion is done by Justin Ng.

Lifeline SFX Camp

Our sister, Lifeline SFX is having their annual camp this year on the 29th, 30th and 31st August at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre (APC). The theme, "The Splendour of the Truth" really opens our eyes to the richness of the Church's ancient secrets(well not really but since we have forgotten about them that it has become almost secret like) and history.

Who better than to bring them down to earth and "easier" for us youth to understand is none other than Dr Sherman Kuek. Dr Sherman Kuek, SFO, is a Catholic lay theologian. He is a professed member of the Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis, an 800 year-old Franciscan Order approved and recognised by the Holy See, which consists of laity and diocesan clergy. At an ecumenical level, he is a guest speaker and lecturer in various academic and ecclesial contexts. At the archdiocesan level, he serves as Research Associate for the Archdiocesan Ministry of Ecumenical and Inter-religious Affairs (AMEIA) and an editorial team member of Catholic Asian News (CANews). At the parish level, he serves as a Pastoral Associate. Sherman studied for his doctoral degree in Systematic and Contextual Theology at Trinity Theological College Singapore.

So I urge those who are interested in apologetics and theology to join in these 3 days exposure to learn more about our Lord Jesus Christ and His Church. Hop on the journey for only RM 80 (working adults) and RM 60(students). As usual, contact Suzanne for registration. Before that, we have a criteria for those who want to attend this camp, you MUST give a talk on the subject that was shared at the camp. Who's up for the challenge?

Speaking of which our very own Lifeline STM Camp is also coming soon in September!! It's during the Raya Holidays so no excuse to not attend! We'll make sure we have rendang, sambal belacan and ketupat there as well. So of course we don't mind you guys joining the camp over at SFX but...you'll have to come for ours as well since it is our FIRST year on our own!! And to give you guys a teaser, we're having Dr Sherman Kuek as well! Double BONUSES! Boo Yah!

The Lisbon Chamber Choir - Coro de Camara de Lisboa

This internationally renowned choral group from Portugal will be performing at the STM worship centre from 1st August til 2nd August at 8.30pm. This is a joint project with Jesus Caritas with proceeds going to help build our permanent place of worship. Please support this wonderful event.


On this beautiful evening, not only will the Lisbon choral choir serenade us but we will also have the wonderful KL Children's Choral Choir! In addition to that, we have the Kristus Aman Youth Dancers to entertain us with a number or two on the dance floor! Brace yourselves for an enjoyable crazy night!

Most of us are planning to go on the 2nd of August. If you need us to book and buy the tickets for you, please let us know asap! Or call Suzanne @ 013-2245523.

Update: Those who have requested for reservation of tickets are listed as below. I'll be there at 7.30pm. It's a first come first serve seating so please be early.

Saturday (1st August 2009, 8.30pm)

1. Stacie
2. Charlotte
3. Hana
4. Charlotte's housemate
5. Yuliana
6. Anthony Chan
7. Sherry Chan
8. Sandy
9. Sandy's friend
10. Erik Tan
11. Lidiana
12. Kris Laziest Bum
13. Marsel
14. Ella
15. Jessica
16. Liona
17. Vianney
18. Andrew
19. Crisabel
20. Matthew
21. Uncle Peter
22. Aunty Rosey
23. Terrence
24. Eliza
25. Maria
26. Maria's friend
27. Mark
    
28. Anne Sim
29. Jessyca
30. Leia
31. Lydia
32. Michael
33. Christine
34. Michael's dad
35. Michael's mom
36. Adrian Yong
37. Stella Yong
38. Suzanne
39. Aunty Rosey's niece 1
40. Aunty Rosey's niece 2
41. Glori
42. Ben's friend

Sunday (2nd August 2009, 8.30pm)

1. Nita
2. Andrew Lim
   
3. Stephanie Ng

*Those who still wants to go, please call me to find out if I still have tickets coz' I just might have extra. Thanks heaps!

Traditional Latin Mass Draws Young Working Adults

SINGAPORE (UCAN) -- "Dominus vobiscum" (the Lord be with you), the priest says, and about 40 people answer, "Et cum spiritu tuo" (and with your spirit). The priest then turns his back on them and continues the opening prayer facing the cross and tabernacle.

What immediately strikes a first-time visitor to this Mass, organized by the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) movement in Singapore, is the congregation. The young working adults, mostly in their 20s, who make up about three-fourths of the people were born after local languages replaced Latin in liturgies following Vatican Council II.

Educated young TLM members "read Church documents and want to worship in the way the Church wants them to," Tay said. Other members "grew up with the traditional Mass," often called the Tridentine Mass.

Father Paul Staes, ordained in 1961, also grew up with the traditional Mass but sees two main problems with its use in Singapore today.

People can learn to recite the prayers, but "you don't know what you are saying, because you don't know Latin," said the priest, who spent six years studying the language. "It's like having a Mass in sign language where no one is deaf."

read more...

A Message to the Young People

“It is the youth of today who will face the challenges of tomorrow in our Church and in our world. I invite you, the young people of our diocese, to believe in your power to choose your own path in life. Be generous with the Lord. As you discover your talents, be not concerned only about how they may benefit you, but how you can use them for the good of others. Christ has important work for you to do.

Know that you are not alone in your journey. There are those whom in your heart you know to be good. Seek their wisdom. Remember the Lord’s constant presence, and develop a way of prayer that will help you in your daily living. By offering the gift of yourself, make a positive difference in our Church and in our world.”

(Bishop Joseph L. Imesch, from Building a Vocation-rich Catholic Community, October 15, 1995.)

“Be generous in giving your life to the Lord. Do not be afraid! You have nothing to fear, because God is the Lord of history and of the universe. Let grow in you the desire for great and noble projects. Nourish a sense of solidarity: these are the sign of the divine action in your hearts. Place at the use of your communities the talents which Providence has lavished on you. The more ready you are to give yourselves to God and to others, the more you will discover the authentic meaning of life. God expects much of you!”

(Pope John Paul II, from the Message for the 23rd World Day of Prayer for vocations, April 28, 1996)

My dear friends, follow the example of Paul and be witnesses to the Risen Christ! Make Christ known, among your own age group and beyond, to those who are in search of “the great hope” that would give meaning to their lives. If Jesus has become your hope, communicate this to others with your joy and your spiritual, apostolic and social engagement. Let Christ dwell within you, and having placed all your faith and trust in him, spread this hope around you. Make choices that demonstrate your faith. Show that you understand the risks of idolizing money, material goods, career and success, and do not allow yourselves to be attracted by these false illusions. Do not yield to the rationale of selfish interests. Cultivate love of neighbour and try to put yourselves and your human talents and professional abilities at the service of the common good and of truth, always prepared to “make your defence to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you” (1 Pet 3:15). True Christians are never sad, even if they have to face trials of various kinds, because the presence of Jesus is the secret of their joy and peace....read more

(Pope Benedict XVI, from the Message for the 24th World Youth Day in Sydney, 2008)

The Sky Angel Cowboy

A little reminder for us to always remember.

Breaking News

Already one year since Australia hosted the biggest event the country has seen – World Youth Day 08.

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims packed the streets of Sydney for one of the most exciting, enthusiastic and spiritual events of their lifetime.

To remember and reflect on those days there will be a First Year Youth Day Anniversary Mass at Sydney’s St Mary’s Cathedral, celebrated by Archbishop Cardinal George Pell.

It will be on Monday 20 July at 6.30pm AEST and streamed LIVE on the Sydney Archdiocese web site www.sydneycatholic.org

Our special soloist will be 15 year old schoolboy Mark Vincent who is already attracting wonderful reviews both in Australia and overseas.

Join us online as we reflect and give thanks for this time last year.

www.sydneycatholic.org
6.30pm AEST

An Open Letter to a Muslim Journalist “Spy”

Saudara,

I just read that recently you and a friend visited one of the churches that I belong to. I was surprised that you had to do it in disguise. You should have told the Catholic community there that you were coming and we would have given you a grand welcome.

Such was the experience of the MP for Shah Alam, Khalid Abdul Samad from Pas, who was even given a standing ovation when he visited and had a dialogue with the parishioners of the Church of the Divine Mercy in Shah Alam last year.

Some time back I was attending a Mass (Catholic worship) in a Catholic church in Petaling Jaya and was very moved by the presence of a group of Muslim students together with their Muslim professor who had taken them there as part of their “exposure programme”. None of them were converted.

You see we are not an underground church nor do we function in a clandestine manner. Our hearts are on the holy and not on the hideous. We even pray for Najib the PM, though I feel we do not pray enough for the Opposition. We also pray for people like you who do more harm than good to the name of your religion of peace, tolerance and compassion.

Further, what takes place in Catholic churches is highlighted in our in-house newspaper which was quite unknown to the whole population and whose readers formed an insignificant number – until the Government decided to prevent it from using the word “Allah”. Alas, the Herald should thank the Government for making it so well-known today.

Religious Misfits

It is a pity that you have gone through so much trouble to “investigate” under guise what is going on in Catholic Churches or that “Muslim teenagers were being converted to Christianity in Kuala Lumpur 's churches every Sunday”. You should have gone directly to the Special Branch, which sends it officers to visit our churches occasionally. Surely they will be able to tell you that you would be only wasting your time!

As for the information that Muslims are being driven in droves into Catholicism (which you have concluded to be “false” in your article) it has been a fallacious and stale rumour for quite some time, spread by those who have an obsession and paranoia or by the increasing number of lower echelon zealots or “Little Mullah Napoleons” running riot with their brand of religion.

In Feb. 2006, the Mufti of Perak, Haji Harussani Haji Zakaria, claimed that 250,000 Muslims (of which 100,000 were Malays) had apostatized themselves, while 100,000 more had submitted applications to do so. Of course he was unable to substantiate his claim because it was false.

In Nov. 2006, about 500 Muslims protested in front of the Catholic Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Ipoh following a SMS wherein the same Mufti had disclosed that about 600 Muslim students of the Ungku Omar Polytechnic were to be baptized by national mariner Azhar Mansor!

The church was not converting Muslims but instead was holding the First Holy Communion Mass (one of the rites of initiation to the faith) for 98 Catholic children, many of whom were traumatised by the sight of a threatening mob. Imagine the very unfortunate impression the young Catholics would have got of Islam and of Muslims.

The mufti who had proven to be more of a misfit, was not man enough to own up. He blamed it on an SMS sent out by a woman! Why no action was taken against the mufti, and why the authorities remained mute (on both occasions) over his “mischief” remains but a mystery. You must have been motivated by the mufti.

If indeed the Catholic Church has the conversion of Muslims as its hidden agenda, it would surely have started converting hundreds or even thousands of impressionable young Muslims through its Catholic Mission schools which have existed for as long as 100 years, But no such thing has ever happened.

The Muslim classmates and friends that I had in St Michael’s Ipoh are still good and respected Muslims today, and such was their appreciation and respect for the La Salle Brothers that they made sure that their children in turn would attend a La Salle school or a Convent!

Sacrilegious

Sadly, your disrespect knew no bounds. You chose to abandon all human and religious decency with impunity as a journalist and a Muslim. Under pretense of being a Catholic you participated in the church service and even partook of the Holy Communion (a white and sacred wafer) strictly meant only for Catholics.

You consumed the white wafer which Catholics hold as very sacred and treat with utmost reverence, and both of you spat out the remnants, photographed it and published the picture in an article entitled "Tinjaun Al Islam Dalam Gereja:Mencari Kesahihan Remaja Murtad" which was published in the May 2009 issue of the Al Islam magazine.

I shudder to think of what could happen if the reverse took place -- if for instance two reporters from the Herald were to enter a mosque disguised as Muslims, partake of the rituals and desecrate something which the congregation considers very sacred.

I can imagine Khairy Jamaluddin leading a group of Umno Youth thugs and burning the effigy of the Catholic Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur and even threatening to set fire to a few churches, and Zulkifli Nordin rousing up a mob and invading the Herald’s office and demanding that it be shut down for good; or certain Muslim NGOs insisting that the two journalists be jailed under the ISA!

It makes me wonder how does a “creature” like you exist in this country? Are you the product of the educational, social or even religious system or process created by Bolehland’s leaders (also read as “Umno”) over the past 30 years?

How is it possible that you could blatantly trespass into a place of worship, violate its sanctity, insult its adherents, even publish your transgression and completely ignore the implications and consequences (will there be any)? What gives you such audacity?

It all points to the reality of you being a cog in Umno’s machine – a political party that has politicised religion for its survival by creating unfounded insecurities amongst Muslims and a distrust of other religions. Meanwhile it dominates, dictates, decides and even defines what non-Muslims can and cannot discuss, deliberate on, and display in print.

Najib’s 1Malaysia is really Malaysia in one big mess!

As I join my Catholic brothers and sisters in forgiving you (a Catholic duty we are reminded of!), I also pray that you will feel the full weight of God’s wrath upon you.

I feel sad for the many good Muslims in this country who have a respect for peoples of other faiths, for not only have you insulted Catholics but you have insulted them too. Islam would do well without religious misfits like you!


Martin Jalleh
(15 July 2009)

Knock, knock, knocking on heaven's door

I'm sure you guys are well aware of what is happening in the case of our Catholic Paper, Herald. Let's continue to be reminded to pray and fast in vigilance for justice.

Here Father Simon Yong is imploring us to support:

Dear Parishioners

I am sorry this is coming out late. The last couple of days have been taken up by Fr OC's medical condition and over the weekend, we were busy with the Family Day celebration etc. Despite our "busyness", there is at the back of my mind an important issue which I am sure is very close to the heart of Fr OC. I am happy to report that he is on the mend and for that we thank God. I must take this opportunity to thank you all for your love and support at our hour of need when you came to pray that the operation for Fr OC would be successful. The crowd that showed up on Wednesday (8th July) was bigger than our usual Sunday 6:45am crowd. When I first saw Fr OC, I whispered into his ear to tell that that "it is not true that a prophet is not accepted in his own country". [He was sedated but he could hear what I had said. I asked him after he regained his consciousness if he had heard me, the answer was affirmative] .

With Fr OC on the mend, let me now put before you the matter which is important to us all.

Herald is the only weekly voice of the Church in Peninsular Malaysia and is in danger of being silence. According to Fr Lawrence Andrew, on Friday 17th July, the High Court will hear the application of 8 Majlis Islam and others to be co-respondents. If they come in, then the case will be disrupted, similar to the way of the "dead body" snatching sandiwara. What we need is "prayer and fasting" to reject their application to be co-respondents.

We are at a historical moment where the rhetoric of a Malaysia that is multi-religious must not remain mere words but must in reality be seen to be so. Therefore, I am calling again on heaven to help us. God can do immeasurably more than we can and our trust is in God our Lord.

This Friday 17th, Mass will begin as usual at 6:15am. After Mass, we will keep vigil before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. This time we will use Arrupe Chapel and this vigil will continue until before the evening Mass at 5:45pm.
And because fasting is asked for, there will not be our usual refreshment provided. Instead, water and some biscuits for those who cannot fast, will be provided. The tenor of the day will be prayer and fasting.

Counting on your support.
God bless
Padre

MIssion 101 - They are back and ready to rock the house!

So you guys have been following their journey throughout the past week and I'm sure you'd be anxious to hear what they have to say. And since this is the first time or rather in a very long time mission trip, it would be a great exposure as they come together in fellowship to share testimonies and exchanges of laughter!

We're heading over to St. Francis Xavier's Church along Jalan Gasing, PJ this Friday (17th July 2009). The "Missionary Experience" will be held at the Gonzaga Youth Ministry (GYM) at 8.00pm (to end approximately at 10.. It's going to be fun because Revolutionary Youth Ministry (RYM) & Junior Youth Ministry from SIC and Lifeteen SFX will also be there to come listen! It's almost like a district gathering but not really. Great time to mix and mingle around with our brothers and sisters in Christ!

Just give your CG Leaders a twinkle if you're interested to go!

*p/s: there is no central gathering or bible study this friday.

Al Islam masuk gereja cari gadis bertudung murtad

"For anyone who eats and drinks without recognising the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgement on himself" - 1 Corinthian 11: 29

I came upon an article which infuriated me tremendously. I don't understand why and how people would go to such measures. Where is that respect for each others' religion? You don't see people of other religion "kepoh" in mosque. Sometimes I blame our education system for not teaching us how to think rationally. Please continue to pray for our country and for our Prime Minister.

Here's the article that was published in May 2009.You can make a complaint here.

For further follow-ups, this blog is dedicated to this issue.