Spotlight on …... Dr Steven Selvaraju

During the Malaysian Catechetical Commission (MCC) meeting from August 1 to 4, Dr Steven Selvaraju was appointed as its new chairperson.

Aug 12, 2022


During the Malaysian Catechetical Commission (MCC) meeting from August 1 to 4, Dr Steven Selvaraju was appointed as its new chairperson. HERALD caught up with him for a short Q&A session.

HERALD: Congratulations on being elected chairperson. Are you the first lay person to be appointed to this post?
Dr Steven Selvaraju: Honestly, I am not sure. As far as I can recall, I have been attending Malaysian Catechetical Commission (MCC) meetings off and on since 2004 — both as an observer, and a member. During this period, the chairperson has been a priest. When my name was nominated for the chairperson’s position, the first question I asked was “Can a layperson be elected as a chairperson?” It is because I thought only a priest could become one. However, the MCC Constitution states that any member of MCC, not necessarily a priest, can be elected to the position. So, I prayed silently saying, “Lord, may your will be done.” The election was held and I was chosen.

HERALD: How do you see your appointment in light of the Church’s synodal journey?
Dr Steven Selvaraju: Interestingly, when I asked the question “Can a layperson be elected as a chairperson?” Archbishop Julian Leow, who is President of the MCC, responded by saying, “I don’t think this should be an issue. After all, since we are moving on the synodal journey, we should be open to the laity taking on leadership roles at this level.” I agree with Archbishop Julian. We have many capable, committed and experienced lay persons who can take on such responsibilities. Of course, it depends on the nature and role that he or she is called to carry out. I was confident of accepting the position of chairperson because I felt I have the proper qualifications, experience and sense of dedication in the area of catechesis.

HERALD: What is your vision for the MCC? What do you hope to achieve during your tenure?
Dr Steven Selvaraju: While each diocese has its own personnel in charge of catechesis, its catechetical strategies and structure, it is my hope there will be a greater collaboration and networking among the dioceses in Malaysia, and even with Brunei and Singapore.

Although the MCC is made up of directors, heads and lay representatives from the nine arch/diocesan catechetical commissions and offices in Malaysia, Fr Paul Shie from the Apostolic Vicariate of Brunei Darussalam has been attending the MCC meeting every year.

This year, we also had Fr Terence Kesavan and a lay representative from the Archdiocese of Singapore participating as observers. It was really wonderful to have them with us. There is much that we can do together with regards to promoting the vocation of catechists and their formation, preparation and sharing of catechetical resource materials, exchange of knowledge and expertise and others.

HERALD: Is there a connection between catechesis and liturgy in the current syllabus?
Dr Steven Selvaraju: There are numerous lessons on the liturgy in the syllabus. These lessons aim to help the learner understand the importance and meaning of liturgy as well as the sacraments. Special emphasis is placed on lessons where the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist are taught. We want to help the learners know that the goal of catechesis is not about receiving the sacraments, but in becoming disciples of Jesus Christ. However, the catechetical lessons on liturgy only happen once a week and for an hour or so. What the catechists teach is but supplementary to what takes place at home and in the parish community.

Actually, the best “syllabus” from which our young ones can learn about liturgy and to celebrate it meaningfully is not the one found in the textbook but the one they learn from observing the attitude of their parents, as well as other adult members of the community, towards liturgy and the way they participate in it, especially at the Holy Mass.

It is easy to say that children are not taught well in their catechism about the liturgy and this is why they are not interested in coming for Mass. This may be so in some cases. But more essentially, each adult member of the community serves as a “role-model” from whom children learn about worship, reverence for God, repentance, personal and communal prayer and other aspects of the liturgy. The way the presider celebrates the Mass and delivers his homily are also catechetical lessons from which children learn.

Therefore, liturgy, like so many other areas in the Church, is not only taught but also “caught”. The catechists can teach the lessons, but the main way children and young people learn about the liturgy and to celebrate it meaningfully is by “catching” these from their parents and a vibrant worshipping community.

HERALD: How will the new motu proprio (Antiquum Ministerium) by Pope Francis affect the situation in Malaysia?
Dr Steven Selvaraju: The Consultation meeting on the implementation of the Apostolic Letter, Antiquum Ministerium, organised by the FABC Office of Faith Formation and Education (OEFF) was held on June 8 and 10. It is evident from the findings of the survey conducted before the meeting, and from the sharing and discussions among the participants at the meeting that a single response or approach to implementing the lay Ministry of Catechist as proposed by Pope Francis in Antiquum Ministerium would not be feasible. This is due to the rich, varied and complex contexts within which the local dioceses in Malaysia exist and carry out the evangelising mission of announcing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

The key question will be “What difference would the installed lay catechist bring to the parish and diocese at large, especially since we already have so many lay people, who voluntarily serve with dedication as catechists are already providing faith formation to the young and adults?” In response, it would be easier for some of us to immediately or without in-depth reflection to refuse to consider its implementation by saying that it is not relevant. However, the establishment of the lay Ministry of Catechist by the Holy Father is a call for us to take the step of faith and to discover whether a new form of lay ministry is possible in Malaysia.

Therefore, it falls upon each diocese, under the leadership and guidance of the bishop, to study the document, and seriously and sincerely discern, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, on the necessary process of implementation, or perhaps in certain cases, the non-implementation of the ministry in our dioceses.

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