Editor’s Note

Sep 06, 2024

By Patricia Pereira
As HERALD, The Catholic Weekly, marks its 30th anniversary on September 8, 2024, we find ourselves reflecting on a journey that began three decades ago. A journey that has seen the paper evolve from humble beginnings into a cherished voice within the Malaysian Church and beyond. As we mark this milestone, we reflect on our history, our mission, and the road ahead.

HERALD’s story began on September 8, 1994, with a fortnightly publication of just 12 pages in English, sold at 70 sen per copy. It was a modest start, yet one that carried the hopes of a growing Catholic community eager for a publication that could connect them to both parish and global Church news. In the next issue, two weeks later, the paper expanded to 16 pages — a sign of the growing demand for Catholic news and teachings in Malaysia. One year later, HERALD goes multilingual with an additional four pages thus increasing the price to 80 sen.

The journey has been one of continuous growth and adaptation. In January 1999, HERALD’s price increased to RM1.00, reflecting rising production costs and our commitment to quality content. A significant turning point came on March 25, 2001, when HERALD transitioned from a fortnightly to a weekly publication, rebranding as HERALD, The Catholic Weekly. This evolution mirrored the changing needs of our community and the dynamic nature of the Church, both locally and globally. It allowed us to provide our readers with more timely and relevant news, commentaries, and teachings of the Catholic Church.

The digital era beckoned in August 2001, when HERALD first became available online. This move was not just about embracing new technology, it was about reaching a broader audience, particularly younger generations who were increasingly engaging with content through digital platforms.

By September 28, 2003, HERALD expanded to 24 pages and went partially colour on October 5, 2003. The following year, on August 15, 2004, the paper further increased to 28 pages, demonstrating our commitment to providing comprehensive coverage of Church events, both local and global.

The opening of our office in the Diocese of Keningau in 2011, dedicated to serving the Bahasa-speaking community and incorporating news from East Malaysia, marked another significant milestone. This expansion reflects our commitment to addressing the diverse linguistic and cultural needs of our Catholic community across the nation.

Since November 30, 2011, HERALD has maintained a steady 32 pages, comprising 19 pages in English, three in Mandarin, two in Tamil, and eight in Bahasa Malaysia. This multilingual approach underscores our mission to be a paper of the people, inclusive and representative of the rich tapestry of Malaysia’s Catholic community.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges. On March 22, 2020, HERALD was forced to stop printing and move fully online, a decision that was necessary but painful. The pandemic tested our resilience, yet it also highlighted the enduring need for a trusted Catholic voice in times of uncertainty. We resumed printing in September 2022, with the price increasing to RM2.00 — a reflection of the changing economic landscape.

HERALD’s journey has also been marked by significant leadership transitions. On October 28, 2020, we mourned the loss of Cardinal Soter Fernandez, our first publisher, whose vision and guidance were instrumental in the paper’s early years. June 30, 2021, marked the retirement of Fr Lawrence Andrew SJ, our founding editor, after 27 years of dedicated service. Under his leadership, HERALD grew in scope and influence, becoming a vital part of the Malaysian Church.

On July 1, 2021, I was appointed as HERALD’s first female and lay editor, ushering in a new chapter in the paper’s history. This transition from a clergy editor to a layperson editor reflects the broader changes within the Church, where laypeople are increasingly taking on leadership roles. My appointment is a testament to the Church’s recognition of the talents and contributions of the laity.

Today, as we celebrate 30 years, HERALD goes full colour, a fitting tribute to our vibrant and diverse community. But as we look to the future, we must also confront a sobering reality — our circulation has decreased from over 12,000 pre-COVID to less than 6,000 today. This decline is a reminder of the challenges we face in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Yet, HERALD remains committed to its mission of providing parish and global Church news, commentaries, and teachings of the Catholic Church. We are a paper of the people, inviting laypeople to share their thoughts and insights, and fostering a sense of community and shared faith.

As we celebrate this milestone, we encourage more people to read HERALD. Whether in print or online, HERALD is your paper, a voice for the Catholic community in Malaysia. Together, let us continue to support and strengthen this vital publication as we journey forward, heralding the future with faith, hope, and love.