A life of faith, service, and ecological commitment

Feb 14, 2025

By Elvina Fernandez
As Fr Andrew Manickam, OFM Cap, prepares to celebrate the 28th anniversary of his sacerdotal ordination this year, his journey reflects a profound dedication to the priesthood and an enduring passion for serving others. Ordained on July 17, 1997, Fr Andrew’s life has been marked by a deep sense of purpose and an enduring connection to his calling. From a young age, he was drawn to the priesthood, inspired by a priest in his own family.

Growing up in Butterworth, Penang and spending time at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he had the opportunity to have personal encounters with priests like the late Fr George Belleville MEP, Fr Patianathan and the late Fr Alexander Edwin.

The sight of a priest celebrating Mass, particularly his granduncle, the late Fr Jonathan, OFM Cap, left an indelible impression on him. “I must be like him,” Fr Andrew recalls thinking at the age of 14.

A Change in Direction
Despite his interest, Fr Andrew initially pursued a different path, working with Malaysia Airlines for six years after completing his schooling. However, a sense of dissatisfaction and a yearning for deeper meaning led him to the Franciscan order.

“There was no sense of satisfaction in what I was doing in the corporate world, and I was searching to fill the void, which led me to the Franciscan order.” His journey took him to training in various places, including the Philippines and to the old College General seminary in Jalan Kelawai.

Discerning his vocation was not without challenges. The journey required deep introspection, prayer, and the support of mentors. “My faith grew stronger through the guidance of key figures like the late Fr Jonathan and my time at College General.”

He added that the wisdom and encouragement of various priests during his seminary days helped him navigate the uncertainties and solidify his calling.

Fulfilment in Service
Fr Andrew’s priesthood has been deeply fulfilling. Serving as an assistant priest for four years and later as a parish priest for ten years, he found inspiration in journeying with the people. As the administrator of a parish in Sungai Petani, he embraced pastoral care and formation, drawing satisfaction from his prayer life and the ability to minister to his parishioners.

The vibrant community at the Church of Our Lady of Fatima (OLF), Brickfields, where he currently serves, reflects his passion for pastoral care.

“With 2,000 parishioners and services in both English and Tamil, the parish is a hub of activity, we welcome visitors and provide support to migrants from Myanmar and the local underprivileged community in Kuala Selangor.”

Fr Andrew's efforts extend to Kasih meals for street cleaners with the collective support from the parish BECs, PIHDM, and BECCOT.

Strength from God and the Faithful
Strength, Fr Andrew notes, comes from the Lord and from the people who empower him through their prayers, faith, and dedication. Parish life can be challenging and demanding, but it is all part of the parcel of priesthood.

Witnessing the spiritual growth of parishioners as they pray the novena and rosary strengthens his own spiritual journey. “I try my best to be there for the Divine Office and the devotees of Mary,” he shares. “Their faithfulness and willingness to go the extra mile inspire me.”

Embracing Change for the Future
When asked about the driving force for the Church moving forward, Fr Andrew shared that he believes in the importance of adaptability. “The Church must be flexible to meet the needs of its people, whether youth or seniors.”

Brave changes, he asserts, are necessary for growth and transformation. “We must come to understand that the way our youths today express their love for God may not be similar to the previous generation and we must be open to embracing these expressions for the betterment of the community.”

Nurturing Vocations: A Hands-On Approach
To young people considering a vocation in the priesthood, Fr Andrew advises, “Seek a spiritual director, cultivate a prayer life, and explore monasteries to discern where the Lord is calling you.”

He emphasises the importance of being content with oneself before taking on the responsibilities of priesthood. “Remember that hesitation is a natural part of the discernment process, and it is essential to explore one’s calling thoroughly.”

The vocation group at OLF with about six young people, serves as a nurturing ground for future priests. Fr Andrew’s approach is experiential: “We invite young men to witness and participate in the work being done, from pastoral care to ecological efforts.”

Fostering vocations, Fr Andrew said, requires a drastic approach, as merely talking about vocation is not enough. “We must invite young people to come aboard and experience firsthand what is being done.” He added that efforts should start from school life, nourishing vocation from a young age.

“For example, organising road trips to seminaries to talk to seminarians and bringing young people to witness the work of sisters with B40 communities or Orang Asli communities, as well as the efforts of priests with migrants and in ecology, are essential steps.”

Innovative Approaches to Youth Engagement
He shared that at OLF, catechism students were taken to Lake Gardens, where their classes were held outdoors. “I truly believe that in today’s world, it’s essential to continuously explore innovative and enjoyable ways to engage the younger generation in their faith.”

Caring for Creation: Ecology and the Church’s Mission
Fr Andrew, who is the ecclesiastical assistant for the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur’s Creation Justice Ministry, also proposed that every parish should have an ecology ministry, allowing young people to participate and understand the importance of taking care of Mother Earth.

His commitment to ecology is evident in his efforts at OLF. Inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si,’ he has spearheaded various initiatives in the parish, the surrounding neighbourhood, and in collaborations with government agencies and NGOs. He added that “the Church's spirituality is inherently connected to caring for creation.”

“Our Creation Justice Ministry has planted over 1,000 mangrove trees with guidance from Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, and we note that many more individuals have responded to the call to care for creation, including those who had not previously been involved.”

He shared that the OLF team has also conducted a palm oil education study in collaboration with the Malaysian Rubber Board and networked with government agencies to raise awareness on both sides — marking the first time the Church has joined such efforts.

“The ministry has also initiated used cooking oil collection and distributed brochures to neighbouring shops to encourage participation.” Additionally, they have organised beach cleaning activities and school visits to create awareness about tree planting, including efforts with Tamil schools through Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, helping students learn to care for creation.

Fostering Family Life and Strengthening Church Communities
Fr Andrew’s vision for the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur includes fostering vocations through direct engagement and nourishing the faith of young people. Family life ministry plays a crucial role in his plans, aiming to establish strong connections within families and support those going through crisis.

“Ensuring all families come together is vital, as everything begins with family, whether they are widows, single parents, or those separated or divorced.” The Church, he asserts, is also a family, sharing in its members' struggles and joys.

He emphasises the importance of fostering connections, spiritual affirmation, celebration, and support, particularly for families facing challenges. “Every parish must stress the significance of these aspects, ensuring that all members feel included and valued within the Church community.”

Fr Andrew’s story reminds us that the priesthood is not just a vocation but a profound calling to make a difference in the lives of those we touch.