Melaka state service team comes a long way

Dec 04, 2014

By Percy D’Cruz
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal Melaka State Service Team held its annual fellowship dinner on Nov 21. Its main role is the local parishes’ pastoral life focusing on personal growth and inner healing.

Around 350 members including leaders from groups — five English-speaking, three (Mandarin), three Bahasa Malaysia and one Tamil along with Frs. Micheal Mannayagam and Paul Wong, graced the occasion which was also a thanksgiving event.

There were cultural and contemporary music and dance items presented by the various language groups in attendance. The loudest applause was reserved for a group of Sabahans and Sarawakians clad in native costumes who took to the floor with a series of traditional East Malaysian dances.

According to local state service team chairman Richard Hendricks, the event was meant to generate charismatic awareness among new members. This would foster a personal relationship with Jesus and encourage them to become part of the ecclesiastical community.

Incidentally, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) movement emerged in 1973 following the Second Vatican Council. The faithful experienced the power of the Holy Spirit and brought the fruits of the Spirit into their families and communities.

The existence of Charismatic renewal in Melaka goes back about forty years and the local team is regarded as one of the oldest functioning prayer groups in the country. It all began when a small group of local parishioners, led by Andrew Carvalho, went to Taiping to garner first hand experience of a local CCR movement. The now 84 year old Andrew still continues to share experiences with the Lord with current CCR members, noted Richard.

The local group holds weekly prayer sessions, followed by healing services.Following requests from individuals, the praying team also makes visits to homes while its music ministry also sings at Eucharistic Celebrations, weddings, wakes, funerals and other parish events.