Walking in His footsteps

Apr 26, 2024

By Hannah Loh
Amid this Easter season, the Youth and Parish Integral Human Development ministries of the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist joined hands to organise a street feeding initiative for the homeless in the heart of Central KL, April 6.

A group of 14 young and not-as-young volunteers, including parish priest Fr Gerard Theraviam, began the night by congregating at the parish house after sunset Mass. We equipped ourselves with bags of water bottles, Milo cartons, mosquito coils, buns and hygiene products such as body soap, shampoo, combs, toothbrushes, shaving kits etc ready to be distributed to the street friends. Our intentions were clear yet simple from the onset, to extend a helping hand to those in need.

Throughout the night, we encountered individuals from diverse backgrounds, each carrying their own burdens and stories of hardship. Items such as mosquito coils, shampoo and shaving kits were in higher demand than food, especially during this festive Raya season where other groups were seen donating warm food packets to the less fortunate. Despite the abundance of food donations, the less fortunate individuals we encountered were grateful when receiving basic hygiene items. For them, these seemingly mundane and basic items were valuable treasures. Looking back, it is where encounters like this shift our perspectives on things we can easily obtain and often take for granted.

While providing sustenance and temporary companionship may not eradicate the root causes of the homeless crisis, it represents a crucial step towards addressing the immediate needs of our vulnerable neighbours and breathing life into the Gospel message of spreading compassion and service within our church community.

As we reflect on the profound significance of Easter, we are reminded of Jesus’ teachings to feed the hungry, and to care for the least among us. Through communal initiatives like this, we are rekindled to carry forward the spirit of heeding the call to serve our brothers and sisters with love and humility. May this initiative and many others like it catalyse further acts of kindness and compassion, one small gesture of love at a time.