Leaving comfort for the call of the jungle

Dec 01, 2024

Why a well-loved diocesan priest
traded city life for a hut in Malaysia’s
forests - and the people who now call
him family.

He was the youngest in his graduating class of 1968 at College General, the regional major seminary in Penang, then under the care of the MEP Mission.

Following his ordination, Fr Anthony Naden seemed to have everything a parish priest could hope for — a vibrant congregation, a strong connection with parishioners, and fluency in both Tamil and English, which allowed him to engage deeply with his community. Serving in several parishes in the city, he was young, well-loved, and highly respected. Yet, despite these blessings, he felt unfulfilled, haunted by a sense that he had not yet found his true calling. He realised he was meant for something beyond the comfortable life he was leading in Kuala Lumpur.

In a decision both radical and inspired, Fr Naden chose to follow in the footsteps of St Francis of Assisi, leaving behind the comforts of parish life to live among the Orang Asli, Malaysia’s indigenous people. Over 30 years ago, with a somewhat reluctant blessing from the then archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, Most Rev Soter Fernandez, Fr Naden packed his meagre belongings, left the city, and ventured into the jungles of Malaysia — without bidding farewell to anyone. Among the forgotten, underprivileged, and underserved, he sought the deeper purpose that had long evaded him.

With the support of a generous Catholic businessman, Fr Naden was gifted a five-acre plot of untouched, forested land (over 20,000 square metres) to establish his ministry. He began with a humble hut as his shelter and a small adjacent hut, which served as a chapel for any visitors who might arrive.

Grateful and determined, Fr Naden employed members of the Orang Asli community to help clear and cultivate the land, planting coconuts, rambutans, mangosteens, durians, and a variety of vegetables. Together, they also dug a large pond, stocking it with fish for sale at local markets. This farm not only provided a sustainable income but also restored a sense of dignity to the Orang Asli, many of whom had faced poverty and limited job opportunities. The fishpond, in particular, became a reliable source of income, with local restaurant owners regularly purchasing fresh fish for their menus. Fr Naden was proud that he could offer employment and a better future for the community’s members.

Unfortunately, the venture encountered a devastating setback when a neighbouring farmer began cultivating an acre of dragon fruit.

Heavy rainfall caused fertiliser runoff from the plantation to flow into Fr Naden’s pond, resulting in the sudden death of over 800 fish overnight. Following this incident, the pond was closed, bringing that part of the business to an abrupt halt.

Fr Naden devotes much of his time to personal prayer and meditation, spending an hour each day in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in a small hut which serves as a chapel, where he celebrates daily Mass, often alone. For guests seeking quiet reflection and spiritual guidance, he offers a simple, unassuming hut with minimal comforts —a wooden bed and a straw mat. These humble conditions, however, are not for the faint-hearted, and many politely decline, especially after hearing him tell of one unforgettable morning, when he awoke to find a massive python curled up beside him, resting near his bed as if it too had come to seek sanctuary. Responding to his call for help, the villagers arrived quickly, skilfully capturing the serpent and selling it to the Chinese medicine man for RM50.00, leaving Fr Naden with yet another remarkable tale from his life in the wilderness.

During a recent visit from a clergy friend, Fr Naden spoke with remarkable joy and serenity about his own death, viewing it as a natural passage rather than an end. With characteristic simplicity, he shared his wishes for his funeral. His nephew, who is also a priest, visits him monthly, and Fr Naden has carefully instructed him about carrying out these final requests.

“Make it simple,” he said with a peaceful smile. “No coffin — just wrap me in plain cloth.” He envisions his nephew leading the funeral service, offering heartfelt Scripture readings, psalms, and final prayers before gently lowering him into the grave. This final act of love and devotion reflects the humility and simplicity that have defined Fr Naden’s life of faith and service.

He remains an avid reader and, as he says, a lifelong student of theology. His love for books took root in his seminary days when, as a major seminarian, he was appointed chief librarian and given the task of building a complete library of English Scripture and Theology books following Vatican II’s shift away from Latin, which he carried out with dedication.

As Fr Naden lived out his faith through acts of kindness and service, his nightly teachings drew the interest of the Asli community. Small groups soon started gathering, and several individuals embraced Christianity. This journey of faith culminated in the first of many baptisms, held during the Easter Vigil the following year.

Beyond just providing work, Fr Naden became a father figure to the community, offering fair wages while teaching the people of his new home essential skills like fishing, farming, and financial independence. His efforts have transformed countless lives, enabling some families to move to urban areas, provide education for their children, and break free from the cycle of poverty. One poignant success story is that of a family whose daughter, now a registered nurse in Singapore, credits her achievements to Fr Naden’s unwavering support and encouragement. The entire family visited him recently to express their heartfelt gratitude.

At 81, Fr Naden, now frail and struggling with mobility issues, continues his ministry of prayer, offering intercessions for those who reach out to him by mail or on his humble firstgeneration mobile phone. His prayers extend to his classmates, fellow priests who are now retired or facing illness after years of dedicated service in parishes across Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Despite his health challenges, Fr Naden remains steadfast in his commitment to the people and the place he calls home. Archbishop Julian Leow, the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, makes time to visit him in the jungle, offering opportunities for a quiet retirement back in the city. Yet, Fr Naden declines each time, finding his peace and purpose in the simplicity of his surroundings and the community he loves and cherishes.

When asked if he worries about his legacy, Fr Naden responds with a gentle smile and a slight shrug, pointing heavenward. “He knows,” he says simply. And indeed, God does. The archdiocese is deeply committed to continuing Fr Naden’s mission. Diocesan priest Fr Paulino Miranda is currently working with the Orang Asli in another location, carrying forward this vital ministry. Moreover, Fr Naden has spent years equipping native leaders to minister within their own communities, ensuring that the seeds he has planted will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.

With every soul touched, Fr Anthony Naden’s life speaks of faith, service, and a deep-rooted sense of belonging that transcends the allure of city comforts. He remains a truly joyful priest — a rare gem who reflects the heart of Jesus, the Eternal High Priest. --JF