Malacca Johore Diocese News Update #153

Nov 10, 2023

Greetings to you, dear friends and faithful. The first session of the Synod on Synodality ended on Sunday, October 29. HRH, the Sultan of Johore is the next Agong. The Israel-Palestine conflict worsens. The strong Singapore dollar is another cause for more brain drain from Malaysia. Malaysian staples are getting more expensive as the Ringgit gets weaker. The Pope calls for ceasefire in the Holy Land.

Jittery Times: Campaigns on humanitarianism in schools? Gun toting, flag stomping and masked like terrorists! Images of child soldiers in Africa, suicide bombers in Vietnam or Afghanistan and shootings in US schools are conjured up. Holistic reflection must take place on the evil of terrorism and wars with unprejudiced historical background. Prayer and compassion helps one to understand, not become judgemental. Only religion can teach mercy, compassion and charity. The world order needs reform. With the world, the Church also has to reform.

At the conclusion of the first session of the Synod, the Pope called for reform. He said: To reform the Church is to put God first and adore Him, to love and serve others. We are to dream the Church. “This is the Church we are called to ‘dream’: a Church that is the servant of all, the servant of the least of our brothers and sisters; a Church that never demands an attestation of ‘good behaviour,’ but welcomes, serves, loves, forgives; a Church with open doors that is a haven of mercy,” he said. Reform begins with us.

A Thought for the Week:

The Wind
The power of nature is simply awesome. But there is a peculiar thing about the wind…you cannot see it. People know it is there…they see its results and feel its effects, but it isn’t visible.

“Who Can See the Wind?” (Christina Rossetti)

Who has seen the wind? Neither I nor you: But when the leaves hang trembling, The wind is passing through.

Who has seen the wind? Neither you nor I: But when the trees bow down their heads, The wind is passing by.

Lesson from the wind: The words that people speak are a lot like the wind. They can be encouraging, helpful, destructive…and, like the wind, they are unseen, but the effect that they can have on someone can leave a lasting impression that may last days, years, or a lifetime. A person’s words of encouragement can uplift, inspire, and motivate an individual or they can also criticise, berate, and demean another person that could leave a severe and detrimental impact on their life. How will you use your words today?

Announcements for this Week

1. A two-day Advent Formation with Fr Geoffrey Plant, Archdiocese of Sydney, on the Infancy Narratives of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke will be held at the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Krubong (November 17, 8.00pm-10.00pm; November 18, 9.00am-5.00pm). This is to understand the Advent Jesus and is organised by the Diocesan Biblical Ministry. The fee is RM30.

2. The IFFAsia or Fondacio Asia invites those aged 23-38, who are discerning their life paths, seeking to deepen pastoral and leadership skills and preparing for priestly or religious initiation. It is a five-month online Self Leadership Development; 10-month on-site Leadership Development and two-year internship. Register now. Contact iffasia @gmail.com or bishop’s office: bishopbernard@ mjdiocese.my

3. Frs Devadasan and John Chia CDD, will be celebrating their 30th sacerdotal anniversary, with a thanksgiving Mass on November 13 at the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Krubong.

4. Deacon Aaron Alammalay will be ordained diocesan priest on November 20 at the Church of St Andrew, Muar.

5. The clergy will gather for their Annual Clergy Discernment from November 21-23 at the Good Shepherd Seminary.

6. The 25th sacerdotal anniversary of Fr James Rajendran will take place on December 4 at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Johor Bahru.

QnQ? Q asks:

When do we start dying?
You start dying slowly; if you do not travel, if you do not read, if you do not listen to the sounds of life, if you do not appreciate yourself.

You start dying slowly; When you kill your self-esteem, When you do not let others help you.

You start dying slowly; If you become a slave of your habits, Walking everyday on the same paths…If you do not change your routine, If you do not wear different colours, Or you do not speak to those you don’t know.

You start dying slowly: If you avoid feeling passion, And their turbulent emotions, Those which make your eyes glisten, And your heart beat fast. You start dying slowly: If you do not risk what is safe for the uncertain, If you do not go after a dream, If you do not allow yourself, At least once in your lifetime, To run away from sensible advice, Don’t let yourself die slowly, Do not forget to be happy! ~ Pablo Neruda, Chilean poet, Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971

The God of Peace says: Do not be afraid. It is I. Peace be with you! Take care. He walks with you.

Bishop Bernard Paul