Daughters of St Paul celebrate 50 years in Malaysia

The Solemnity of St Joseph on March 19, 2015 was a meaningful day for the Daughters of St Paul (FSP) in Malaysia as they celebrated the Golden Jubilee of their establishment in the country.

Apr 06, 2015

By Bernard Anthony
The Solemnity of St Joseph on March 19, 2015 was a meaningful day for the Daughters of St Paul (FSP) in Malaysia as they celebrated the Golden Jubilee of their establishment in the country. A Mass with the theme Celebrating Fidelity, Counting Blessings, Reinvorating Service was held in the grounds of the home of the Daughters of St Paul in Jalan Gasing.

Fifty years ago on March 19, 1965 the Daughters of St Paul first set foot in Malaysia. Since then the FSP Congregation has grown to 12 Sisters, 4 in Petaling Jaya, 4 in Sabah and 2 in Manila for further studies, 1 in Spain on mission work and 1 in Rome for further studies.

Fr Gil Alinsangan SSP from Manila presided at the Special Mass concelebrated with Fr Lucas Ng CDD Vicar for Religious, Fr Mark Tee SG, Fr Paul Cheong OFM Cap, Fr Steven Ng and Fr Justin SJ. The Eucharistic celebration was held to give thanks to God for the last 50 years of His blessings to the Religious Congregation of the Daughters of St Paul in Malaysia.

Among the 300 strong crowd that came for the Mass, were Evangelical Counsels from the different Orders, including a few of the Daughters of St Paul from the Philippines and Singapore and Pauline Cooperators. Guests were each given a 50th anniversary Bookmark and a Rosary and the latest copy of Paulines.

Fr Gil in his homily said, “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice as we are celebrating the 50th Annivesary of the Daughters of St Paul Malaysia. A little seed was planted 50 years ago, now it has grown into a bigger tree and with good fruits. It is the Lord’s doing. Let us rejoice and be glad.”

Fr Gil also mentioned Blessed James Alberione, the Founder of the Pauline Family. He was glad that Pope Francis had declared this year as the Year of Consecrated Life. Fr Gil said, “Our Pope has reminded us to look into the future with hope, as the Holy Spirit will lead us to do greater things.”

Fr Gil challenged the young members to follow the footsteps of their seniors to preach and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ boldly. Despite the reduction in the numbers of those in consecrated life, we need to renew our faith in mind and heart. “Do not be afraid. I am with you to the end,” Fr Gil quoted the very assuring words of Jesus.

After Mass, Sr Shirley Chong FSP, the Superior of the Daughters of St Paul in Malaysia gave her speech. She said, “God is good, because of the good weather He gave us this evening and the good crowd. Despite this being being a working day, yet you are here to celebrate our 50 years of existence in Malaysia.” Last year they had celebrated 25 years in Sabah and this year 100 years at the service of the Gospel and Culture in the world. The Daughters of St Paul was founded in 1915 in Italy by Blessed James Alberione and Venerable Sr Thecla Merlo.

Sr Noemi Vinoya (Manila based) who is the Mother Provincial of the Daughters of St Paul in the Philippines, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea & Thailand (PMPT) also thanked God for faithfully supporting their mission in the local Church. She alsothanked the late Archbishop Vendargon for welcoming the Daughters of St Paul to the KL Archdiocese and the late Bishop Simon Fung to Sabah. However in 1971, the FSP was closed in Sabah due to State visa problems, but Bishop John Lee welcomed them back in later years. She also thanked all the Pauline Cooperators, Benefactors, friends and collaborators in their mission the past 50 years in Malaysia.

An anniversary cake was cut by the Daughters. Next was a 15 minute video show on the history of the Daughters of St Paul in Malaysia — the past 50 years and its activities. Among these are Book Mission, Home visits and Outreach. It also highlighted the Association of Pauline Cooperators (APC), who are committed lay volunteers, in union with the Pauline Family and with the same Pauline spirit. There are about 30 of them in Malaysia.

Dinner was served at 9.00pm. The celebration continued with speeches by pioneers, cultural and song presentations and presentation of Certificates to three new APC members.

Presently there are some 2,265 Daughters of St Paul serving as missionaries of the Gospel in over 52 countries including Malaysia.

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