Strengthening social mission and spiritual collaboration

Mar 07, 2025

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Caritas Penang organised an assembly for parish Caritas representatives and social mission ministries within the Diocese of Penang at the Minor Basilica of St Anne, February 15 and 16.

The event gathered representatives from 17 parishes and three social mission groups under the diocese. Themed Union of Minds, Hearts and Deeds, inspired by 1 John 3:18, “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth,” Caritas Penang aimed to strengthen the connection and collaboration among the parish Caritas and social mission groups by fostering spirituality, enhancing knowledge, and encouraging networking.

The assembly commenced with a recollection led by Fr Fabian Dicom, National Director of Caritas Malaysia, focusing on the spirituality of Caritas. Fr Fabian began by reflecting on Caritas’ identity, vision, and mission, before emphasising the importance of both being and doing in social mission. During the recollection, Fr Fabian led participants in a reflective session on Sanctity, urging them to revisit their spiritual motivations. He reminded them that human development is not solely economic or social — it must be spiritual, as the Church teaches. The second part of the recollection addressed Synodality and Solidarity, emphasising the importance of journeying together, standing with the vulnerable, and striving for justice. Fr Fabian highlighted that immersing oneself in the lives of the poor is essential to the Caritas mission. After each recollection session, conversations in the spirit were held in small groups, providing participants with an opportunity to pause, reflect, and deepen their spiritual grounding, which often gets overshadowed by the rush to “do.”

Fr Fabian also spoke about the integral response to the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor in Malaysia, drawing attention to the links between environmental damage, migration, and poverty. He highlighted how these crises impact jobs and livelihoods, quoting Pope Francis: “The gravest effects of all attacks on the environment are suffered by the poorest.” He reminded the participants of the Church’s moral responsibility to “cultivate and care” for the earth (Genesis 2:15) and called for a united, stronger response to the environmental and social crises.

In the afternoon of Day 1, Fr Simon Anand, parish priest of the Church of the Sacred Heart, Kampar, shared insights on the Migrant Ministry in his parish, focusing on the comprehensive needs of migrants, including sacramental, medical, and educational support, as well as assistance with documentation. Fr Simon emphasised inclusivity, highlighting how migrants serve in various roles, such as Eucharistic ministers, lectors, choir members, and hospitality ministers. He also spoke about the broader challenges migrants face, noting that their struggles extend beyond financial assistance.

Later in the evening, Magdalene Chiang, from the Creation Justice Commission presented on the topic of Ecological Parish. She outlined practical steps that parishes could take to raise ecological awareness, suggesting the establishment of ministries dedicated to ecology in every parish.

Fr Joachim Robert concluded Day 1 by synthesising the day’s sessions, helping participants see the connections between the various topics and the collective responsibilities of the Church’s social mission. Participants then engaged in a workshop focused on identifying their strengths and challenges, creating an opportunity for reflection and collaboration within their respective deaneries.

Day 2 began with shared experiences from two parishes. A migrant couple from the Church of the Sacred Heart, Kampar, shared their personal journey of overcoming challenges and helping other migrants. Representatives from the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Penang presented their “Sharing Hope” food bank and welfare aid project, which aims to improve the quality of life for vulnerable individuals. Caritas Penang also shared details about their recent Disaster Relief Response, explaining the steps for setting up Emergency Response Teams in parishes and how they can coordinate efforts in the event of a disaster.

In the afternoon, Dr Mary Barathy, a psychiatrist, discussed the psychological effects of child sexual abuse, followed by Christopher Kushi from the Professional Standards Office, who spoke about the safeguarding of minors and vulnerable persons. Both speakers emphasised the role of the Catholic Church in addressing these critical issues.

The final workshop of the assembly focused on planning for the future. After hearing from the various parishes and ministries, participants were encouraged to draft plans for initiatives they would like to undertake at their respective parishes, identifying objectives, expected results, and potential collaborations within their deaneries or the wider diocese.

The assembly concluded with a Holy Mass celebrated by Cardinal Sebastian Francis. In his homily, Cardinal Sebastian spoke about the vital role of Caritas in bringing “a bit of heaven to earth” through its work, emphasising the Church’s efforts to network with various organisations, both within and outside the Catholic community. He highlighted the importance of organisations such as St Joseph’s Home, LSP, Simee Home, Hospital Fatimah, and others that contribute to human development and outreach to the marginalised.

Cardinal Sebastian also quoted St John Paul II, urging the assembly to “cast out our nets into the deep” with the beatitudes and blessings of God as a call to put charity into action. He ended his homily with a powerful message: “God has chosen you. You are few, but you are blessed and sent on mission. The field is vast, and the ocean is big. Do not be petty — take the risk and move forward in this Year of Hope. We are on a pilgrimage, guided by the Holy Spirit, to conversion and action.”

The assembly concluded with participants reflecting on the insights shared and the potential for future collaboration. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn, share experiences, and network, which would help strengthen their commitment to the social mission of the Catholic Church.