Wednesday, July 29, 2009

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...

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

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)

Sunday, July 19, 2009

The Sky Angel Cowboy

A little reminder for us to always remember.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

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

Friday, July 17, 2009

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)

Thursday, July 16, 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

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

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.

Monday, July 13, 2009

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.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Mission 101 - Day 6

Back to back updates!

As usual, opened with a morning prayer which was good. They had a "Desert Day" (which is something like a self reflection/personal time individually) at Sapi Island. They did some snorkeling which created a huge appetite for lunch and then headed back to town to do a simple "prayer-walk". Attended an evening Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral. It felt refreshing (not sure why, got to ask Anne ;p), followed by dinner with some KK Lifeliners (our sisters!)

Mission 101 - Day 5

Sorry guys, the update is slightly lagging. Must be the "time-zone" in Sabah. The pace there is way slower than KL. :p

They had a debriefing guided by Sr. Imelda which was awesome! They shared about how God spoke to each one of them in their experience throughout the mission trip. They gave their individual feedback on areas to improve in the program in future. They left Tuaran for Martin's parents' house to stay, wash clothes and rest. Evening came, they met up with the KK Lifeline crowd where Alex shared about Saints while Crisabel, Jennifer and Stacie gave testimonies. The session was Spirit filled which called for supper after that :p

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Yuli shares, "I believe miracles will always happens and even can beyond our imaginantions."

Just Yuli being her smily self

I would like to share about one of my experience with Jesus.

I remembered when last semesters, all my hozmates which also my best fren from the first time since I was in Malaysia left me to further study. To be honest, at the first place there's feeling of released because I just feel too bonded while I was with them.

At first week they left me, I spend my holiday with doing internship and therefore feeling of being alone is disappear. However, the first thing start to worries me when the sem start after my break finished. Then, everday I keep worries about everything as now I doing everything alone, things like: lunch, dinner, frens to study, to share, etc. I feel unsecured, uncertain, sadness, all d worries keeps annoyed me.

Then, one day I went to leader's outreach. In one sections, we have to take 1 paper filling with bible's verse. I get verse," Jesus is the same from the past, now and future."
I am started to think and believe that God give me this situations doesn't mean He leaves me but He sure have others purpose.

Yuli at the Potter and Clay retreat in Port Dickson

From that so on, I learned about how blessfull to have people surrounding me in every minutes. So, I changed my prayer to say thankfull everyday instead of asking giving me frens immediately. I realised that is just so ego and foolish to do that.Thus, I changed my pray to God said that I trusted Him and have faith in Him that he will give the best for me.
Now, I asking God for always give me guidance and lightening my way to suits in His way.

From that, I slowly feel peace in day to day. Now, I believe we had to put our faith in God, because when we worry too much it's just wasting time and energy. So, everything that seems misserable in our life better to only pray, hope and do our best and be humble in our prayer. As it is written in Jer 29:11. I believe miracles will always happens and even can beyond our imaginantions.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

MIssion 101 - Day 4

Started the morning with a prayer in the open (outside the chapel) with the youths. Proceeded a gotong-royong at the chapel. Had some fun rolling under the sun whilst singing. Some took time to do a one-on-one (personal ministering) as well. Some even prayed spontaneously and felt God's presence in the chapel.

They travelled back to Tuaran and by evening, had a pot bless. They shared their experiences with the youths as well as church elders. Followed by fellowship of which one of the team members taught all of them to dance ROCK! Awesome fun! At night, some of the team members stayed up late to chat and ended up having a very moving sharing. God's Holy Spirit is truly present. Praise God!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Mission 101 - Day 3

Yesterday, they had fellowship at Kampung Logub in the morning. Some went hiking in the woods with some of the youths who accompanied them the whole trip. The rest of them stayed back with the host family and shared a bit about pro-life.

In the afternoon, they travelled to Kampung Tambulaong and met up with teens and youth alike. They hung out with them fishing and played ball. Evening came and they had a pot bless with host families and youths. Again, they had testimonies but from the local youths instead. Nevertheless, we had Jennifer shared about Lifeline. Since Stacie had graced us with her awesome "Forgiveness" talk not too long ago, she also shared it with them. Great day.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

bella


Oh guys, here's a hint of what we're going to do this Friday. =D

Mission 101 - Day 2

Cock-a-doodle-doo!! Morning call is at 5.00am.

Today they took an hour to hike to the waterfalls followed by lunch thereafter. Had a mini fellowship with the teens who tagged along whilst some swam in the cool waters. After lunch, our dear missionaries cleared weeds from a pumpkin patch or slope which was pretty steep.

After weeding, it's time to take another 1-hour hike to the next village. Super exhaustion! Covered in dirt and mud only calls for a chilly shower from a pipe outdoors with no doors! Yikes! Famished, they delve into another pot bless. Tummies full and satisfied, Ee Lynn gave a powerful sharing in BM!! *gasps* Amazing! Soon after, Lei Sunn shared her testimony as well. And that was it for the day..