Launching of the Year of Consecrated Life in Melaka-Johor Diocese

Dec 04, 2014

By Vincent D’Silva
The Melaka-Johor Diocese launched the Year of Consecrated Life, November 21 at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

Msgr James Rajendran, V.G., was the main celebrant, as Bishop Paul Tan SJ was indisposed. Some 10 priests from the Franciscan and Jesuit orders, including Fr John Wong, OFM, president of the Conference of Major Religious Superiors of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, concelebrated in the multi-lingual Mass.

Also joining in the celebration were religious sisters and brothers from the 14 religious institutions in the diocese.

In his opening remarks, Msgr Rajendran said that as the Catholic Church prepares to celebrate the Year of Consecrated Life, it is important for families to learn about the consecrated life of religious men and women.

He said, “Our brothers and sisters in Christ, living consecrated lives, make great contributions to our society through a vast number of ministries.”

Msgr Rajendran said that we need to look at the many ways men and women serve Christ and the Church while answering the call to live a consecrated life.

Earlier, Fr Valentine Gompok, OFM, Cap said that the committee has yet to confirm the up-coming programmes lined-up for the year of consecrated life.

Fr Gompok, who is also chairman of the Association of Religious for Melaka-Johor Diocese, hoped that the clergy, religious and laity will continue this good collaboration to celebrate and participate in the programmes to be lined-up for the year 2015 to mark the year of consecrated life.

“We will try to help families learn about the consecrated life of religious men and women, and activities will focus on sharing experiences of prayer, service and community life with those living a consecrated life,” he said.

In his homily later, Fr Arul Sagayaraj, OFM said that the main reason Pope Francis has initiated this celebration is to commemorate the 50th anniversary on a document of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965).The document is called Decree on the Adaptation and Renewal of Religious Life and was issued on October 28, 1965.

“So, next year it will be the 50th anniversary and this document invites all religious to look at their charisms, spirituality and mission,” adding that it is also to revive the religious/ consecrated life in the Church so that the People of God will understand the roles of consecrated life.