Sri Seronok and Hospis Malaysia — to care for the elderly and infirm

Nov 04, 2020

Sri Seronok and Hospis Malaysia were constructed about the same time in 1996 on land belonging to the Archdiocese in Cheras. Both of these facilities were developed with the encouragement and support of then Archbishop Anthony Soter Fernandez. Both these endeavours reflect the concern and care His Eminence had for the elders in society and the terminally afflicted.

Sri Seronok is owned and managed by the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur and was built as a centre to provide affordable, independent, chalet-type accommodation for retirees (including clergy).

Unlike Seri Seronok, Hospis Malaysia is an NGO that was founded in 1991 using premises initially provided by Assunta Hospital. Hospis Malaysia was formed to provide palliative and hospice care home services to terminally ill patients. It moved to its own premises built on land belonging to the Archdiocese in 1996 at token lease rates. –– By Brig-Gen (Rtd) Dato’ Richard Casimir Robless

Approachable despite his status
Cardinal Soter Fernandez was an affable person and approachable in spite of his status. He had a soft spot for the Catholic Doctors. On his retirement he stayed at the Little Sisters of the Poor Home for the Aged at Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. He was very happy to see us when we did our weekly clinic sessions to treat the residents of the Home.

“He used to counsel us and prayed over us. I feel that he has some power given by the Almighty God because when he held my hand and prayed over me, I felt some power/energy spreading over me.

“I still remember and follow his advice to me: If you want something, pray to St Joseph. He will answer your call… but it may take time.

“He was indeed a great man, teacher and friend to us. We will surely miss his cheerful smile and friendliness. We thank our Lord Jesus for giving him to us. — Dr Freddie Loh

In honour of a fearless, faithful and friendly shepherd
In a world where courage is a virtue so rare
And only few show that they really care
You often prompted your flock on to dare.

In a world where arrogance rules the day
And only the powerful seem to hold sway
You showed us being meek is the only way.

In a world where faith easily falters into fear
And life can be blinded by too many a tear
You would remind us that God is very near.

In a world where the poor have no voice
And the marginalised have little to rejoice
You often made clear the Church’s choice..

In a world where values turn with the tide
And people with clay feet, skeletons hide
You have been our sturdy moral guide. 

In a world obsessed with achieving fame
And profits and self-glory the only gain
You have selflessly served in His name.

In a world of tongues fierce and forked
And people the corridors of power stalk
You humbly, quietly, walked the talk.

To the rich and poor you gave your time
To one and all, you had enough wine
You kept us in touch with the Divine.

Our lives you have taught and touched
Even beyond the flock you mean so much
Seldom has this nation seen a leader as such.

From parish to public arena, one and all
We honour you shepherd, faithful to the call
Pastor and pilgrim, amongst us, you stand tall.

Composed by Martin Jalleh on behalf of the staff of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur
In dedication to Archbishop Emeritus Soter Fernandez
Dated May 30, 2003.

Champion of the laity
“Cardinal Soter was to me a holy, humble, hopefilled, humorous, high-minded, heroic, herald of the Good News, and most of all, an honourable man of God. Champion of the Laity!

“In my personal encounters with Cardinal Soter over many years, the thing that stood out about him was that he was fully convinced of the role of the laity in the Church.

“Such was his commitment to lay participation and involvement that he was even ready to financially support those who were willing to be full-time layworkers – something which was very new in the Malaysian Church then!

“Indeed, I would say that Cardinal Soter was very instrumental in me deciding (and risking) to go full-time into Youth Ministry!

'“Even after his retirement as Archbishop, he gave me the necessary confidence and motivation to soldier on and to serve faithfully and fruitfully!

“Cardinal Soter was also very inspiring and motivating to me when it came to my lay involvement in politics through the articles I wrote and which appeared in the social media!” — Martin Jalleh