Malacca Johore Diocese News Update #213

Mar 07, 2025

Dear friends of MJD, the diocese lost a dedicated priest recently. The Pope is critically ill. The RCIA Elect are getting ready for the three-week Scrutinies. Remember them in your prayers.

MARRIAGE and parenthood have long been central to society, but shifting attitudes among younger generations suggest otherwise. The declining marriage, birth and divorce rates, the dipping fertility rates, and the rise of the “4B Movement” (from South Korea) where many women reject intercourse, dating, marriage, and childbirth is concerning. But is this generation truly turning away from marriage, or are they simply redefining its role in modern life? This is what they say:

a. marriage has always been my goal: the timing must be right; the relationship should be serious and mature.
b. building a life together is appealing: don’t rush into it simply due to societal expectations
c. having a spouse and a family is my dream: a partner who is respectful, with common sense and religious values

These conversations, which reflect Gen Z’s approach to marriage is not outright rejection but rather a shift in priorities and perspectives. While some remain committed to traditional ideals of love and family, others focus on self-growth, financial stability, and emotional readiness before making a lifelong commitment. Ultimately, marriage is still valued — it’s just evolving in meaning for a new generation. (Sinar Daily)

“Just Do It” Times: It was reported that she was a rare presence in the world of caregiving. Her nightly rounds, lamp tightly clasped in hand, have become a symbol of her deep compassion and commitment to the residents under her care. When interviewed, Saraswathy Letchumanan, the manager and owner of Pusat Jagaan Warga Istimewa Kempas, said: “Even the smallest gestures can have the greatest impact, and each of us has the power to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.”

The PM again said that the government respects democracy, freedom of speech and differing views and will amend the Peaceful Assembly Act. The people wait to see.

The PAC heard horror stories of insurers hiking up health insurance premiums and private hospitals charging exorbitant bills. Profiteering continues.

A blind man was killed when he fell onto the tracks. Who is to be blamed? We need to be more sensitive to our neighbours and their needs. All of us can be environment, OKU, people and nation friendly.

A Thought for the Week:
The Reluctant Falcon
A king received a gift of two magnificent falcons from Arabia, the most beautiful birds he had ever seen. He gave the precious birds to his head falconer to be trained. Later the falconer reported that one flies high, while the other refuses to budge from the branch.

Healers and sorcerers were summoned from everywhere to make the falcon fly. But to no avail. In desperation, the king told his court to find a farmer, familiar with the countryside.

That morning, the king saw the falcon flying. He called for the farmer to explain the miracle. Bowing, the farmer said to the king, “It was very easy, your highness. I simply cut the branch of the tree where the bird was sitting.”

The lesson from the farmer: We are all made to fly, to realise our incredible potential as human beings. But instead of doing that, we sit on our branches, clinging to the things that are familiar to us and remain undiscovered. We are happy with the familiar and comfortable. Destroy the branch of mediocrity and fear we cling to, begin to fly.

QnQ! Q asks? Is the Kingdom of God already in our midst?
The 2025 Report from the Life Way Research presents nine encouraging trends that help us see how God is moving and working in our midst.

1. Christianity is growing. Currently, there are 2.64 billion Christians, representing one-third of the world’s population.

2. The growth of the religiously unaffiliated have plateaued globally. A decline is projected from 906 mil to 867 mil by 2050.

3. Atheism is declining. Today the number has dwindled to 145 million, falling 0.2 per cent annually. By 2050, atheism is projected to drop to 133 million.

4. Evangelicals are among the fastestgrowing Christian groups. Every group within Christianity is growing.

5. Christianity is exploding in Africa and Asia. Persecution is often severe in many areas in the Global South, but Christianity is growing in every region. By 2050, Africa will be home to more than 1.2 billion Christians, and almost 600 million will live in Asia.

6. Ministers and missionaries continue to be called and sent. The total number is expected to reach 17 million by 2050.

7. Martyrdom has fallen. While persecution remains a significant issue for Christians in many areas, the number of believers who are killed for their faith over a 10-year period has declined.

8. New Testament (NT) translations are available in more languages. With a continued focus on language efforts, technological advances, and mission works, by 2050 we will have the NT in around 4,400 languages.

9. The percentage of people without Gospel access is declining. From 54.3 per cent without Gospel access in 1900, to 27 per cent currently. Zenit

The Holy Spirit @work: The most important criterion for discerning divine inspirations is the one that Jesus Himself gives us in the Gospel: “A tree is known by its fruit.” An inspiration from God, if we follow it, will produce sound fruit: the fruits of peace, joy, charity, communion, and humility.” --Jacques Philippe

Something To Tickle You: “You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you; none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul,” Swami Vivekananda

Bishop Bernard Paul