Today's Catholic Vol. 33 No. 8 November 2021 by Todays Catholic

CATHOLIC today’s

A monthly publication of the Archdiocese of Kuching, Sarawak

Permit No PPK 148/01/2013(031378)

Vol 33 No 8 November 2021

Family and fellow priests bid farewell to

Rev. Fr. Dato Lawrence Chua Bishops pay Tribute

“Come, you whom my Father has blessed, take for your heritage the kingdom prepared for you.” Matt 25:34 KUCHING — Sarawak’s first local-born priest Rev Fr Dato Lawrence Chua passed away on Sunday, 24 October. He was laid to rest at the Catholic Cemetery of St Joseph’s Cathedral after the Funeral Mass on 28 October 2021. The urn containing Fr Chua’s cremated ashes was brought to St Joseph’s Cathedral from Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, Blessed Sacrament Church (BSC) at BDC Stutong, earlier that morning. Fr Chua’s remains had been lying in repose in front of the grotto altar for three days of Wake Prayers, commencing from 3.00 pm on 25 October when it was brought to the grotto by Archbishop Simon Poh. Wake Prayers comprising hourly recitation of the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet by prayer groups and ministries of Blessed Sacrament parish, were live-streamed via the Archdiocese of Kuching YouTube and Facebook channels throughout this duration. This enabled the faithful to join in the online prayers for Fr Chua during this pandemic time. The Rector of BSC, Fr Patrick Heng also celebrated Requiem Masses for the repose of the soul of Fr Lawrence Chua from 25-28 October. Parishioners who had to comply with strict SOP requirements, filled the Church to attend Mass and to pay their last respects at the grotto during the three days of Wake Prayers. Fr Chua had served as BSC Rector from 2003 until his retirement from active ministry in 2017. He remained staying at BSC where he continued his pastoral duties, albeit on a lesser scale.

Requiem Mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral At the morning Requiem Mass celebrated on 28 October, Archbishop Simon Poh led a small procession to bring Fr

Final blessing for Fr Lawrence Chua’s remains before burial. (Photo: John Lai)

Family and fellow priests at the funeral Mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Kuching. (Photo: John Lai) Chua’s remains into the cathedral to be placed in front of the altar, so he could partake of the Eucharistic celebration with his fellow priests one last time. Only priests, religious, family members of Fr Lawrence Chua, and selected community members were allowed to attend the Mass, held in accordance with strict UNIFOR SOP requirements that limited attendance to only 100. The Funeral Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Simon Poh and concelebrated by Archbishops Emeriti Dato’ Sri Peter Chung and Dato John Ha, together with about 30 priests. Archbishop Simon shared that Fr Chua’s last wish was to have

Visit us at http://www.todayscatholic.com.my

the Wake at his beloved grotto at BSC. Although he had prepared for Fr Chua’s eventual passing, he was still hit very hard by the news, especially when “I collected his remains from the crematorium and brought it to Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto at Blessed Sacrament Church,” he said. The Archbishop also read out the condolence message that he had received from the Governor of Sarawak, Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, who was an old friend and schoolmate of Fr Chua. The prelate extended his deepest condolences, together with that of the clergy and religious faithful, to the family of Fr Chua at this time of their loss.

In paying tribute to Fr Lawrence Chua, Archbishop Simon said: “He lived his priestly life faithfully, leaving behind physical buildings like Holy Trinity Church and Blessed Sacrament Church as a living legacy of his ministry as a priest. May he hear his master and the Lord say to him as a faithful servant of God (Matt 25:34) “Come, you whom my Father has blessed, take for your heritage the kingdom prepared for you.” Archbishop Emeritus John Ha who had served alongside Fr Chua for many years, paid a sterling tribute to him, considering him as one who “had the trappings of a great leader in society who gave everything up in favour of what he discerned to be God’s call on him to be a priest.” Someone who “displayed greatness and channelled all God-given talents to serving in love, serving the people God put under his charge” and “be a servant for all.” The Emeritus said Fr Chua’s philosophy of, “only the best was good enough for God and for his people” was reflected in the physical buildings and his demands on the community in the parish. The facilities he built were for his people, the community, to share faith and be well formed in their faith. He said Fr Chua’s real legacy was “a life of obedient faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour and his desire to follow Jesus to His heavenly Father in His kingdom, led and empowered by the Holy Spirit.” Archbishop Emeritus John echoed Archbishop Simon’s scripture quote: ‘Come, you whom my Father has blessed, take for your heritage the kingdom prepared for you.’ “Our faith and hope give us the confidence that Fr Chua will be in God’s kingdom,” he surmised. In a parting address to Fr Lawrence Chua, the Emeritus asked him to “pray for us when you enter the Lord’s kingdom.” Ivy Chai

NEWS

PAGE 2

EDITORIAL

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

O Lord, hear our prayers

With a heavy heart, many of us bade farewell to a much beloved shepherd, fellow priest, spiritual father, confessor, friend, brother and uncle, last month. On 24 October 2021, the Lord called home Fr Lawrence Chua, aged 86, the �rst local-born priest from Sarawak. Archbishop Simon Poh took great pains to ensure Fr Chua’s last wish to have the Wake Prayers and repose of his remains at his monumental ‘Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto’ at Blessed Sacrament Church, BDC Stutong was carried out. Wake Prayers, Funeral Mass and burial at St Joseph’s Cathedral Cemetery were live-streamed to enable the Christian community to participate in prayers for the soul of Fr Chua, during this pandemic time. On 4 November, Miri Diocese lost their beloved priest Fr Basil Entili Anak John, aged 53, also to the Covid-19 infection. He went home to the Lord while undergoing treatment at the Miri General Hospital.

This year, All Saints Day and All Souls Day Holy Masses were again live-streamed from St Joseph’s Cathedral, Kuching. The ‘no visiting’ ban on Christian cemeteries last year took on a less subdued tone this year as parishioners were allowed to pay their respects to their dearly departed, while adhering to strict SOPs. In conjunction with the launching of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in every diocese in the Archdiocese of Kuching on 17 October, Kuching Archdiocese, on 16 October, held a joint recollection day with priests, religious and the laity with a focus to build a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission. You can read the article on Page 7. Let us offer up our prayers in this month of November in remembrance of our dearly departed loved ones.

CATHOLIC today’s THE TEAM PUBLISHER The Archbishop of Kuching ADVISOR Fr Felix Au EDITOR Ivy Chai ASSOCIATE EDITOR (Chinese) Magdalene Yeo EDITORIAL TEAM Freddy Bohari (BM) Mabel Salin (English Children’s Section) James Lo (Chinese) Cecil Yong (Chinese) Margaret Bong (Chinese Children’s Section) STAFF Shannon Wei

M E S S AG E From Archbishop Simon Poh Dear brothers and sisters, This month, we celebrate All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on 1 November and 2 November, respectively. In the Apostles’ Creed, handed down to us from the Apostles down the centuries, we profess: “I believe in the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.” ALL SAINTS’ DAY When we think of saints, we immediately think of the Holy men and women in heaven. There are many famous saints like St Francis of Assisi, apostles like St Peter, St Paul, St James, evangelists like Saints Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and many whose names that we frequently chose for baptism. Saints Joseph, Teresa, Dominic, Francis Xavier and many more. When we profess: “I believe in the communion of saints…,” we believe there is a relationship between the saints assembled in heaven and the church community here on earth. In theology, those in heaven are part of the Mystical Body of Christ and have not been separated from us by death but are surrounding us as a great cloud of witnesses (Heb 12:1). These saints stand before the throne of God and offer our prayers to God (Rev 5:8) and they encourage us to keep faithful and run the good race to the end, that we may one day be counted among the saints above. On All Saints’ Day we rejoice with all who have died and are now in heaven. These saints can be the of�cial saints whose names are inscribed in our Church Calendar or they can be departed persons who had once lived on earth, loving God and neighbours and they have been found worthy and are now counted among the saints in heaven. These departed persons could be—priests, religious brothers and sisters, grandparents, colleagues, neighbours and friends who were known to us personally. These are our ‘homegrown’ saints together with all the of�cial Saints of the Church. This heavenly court of saints is an assembly of ordinary people throughout the ages who have been faithful to God. The saints were real people who had sincerely seeked to live according to God’s commandments and Beatitudes, while living on earth. These saints are like guides who show us how we can follow them in holiness and sainthood. In communion with the saints, let us rejoice with the saints in heaven. Let us seek their intercession so that when we complete our life’s journey on earth, we too will see God face to face and be joined with the saints and reunited with our departed loved ones, to worship our Lord in heaven. ALL SOULS’ DAY We believe in “the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.” There is life after death and thus we pray for our faithful

departed. On this important subject of life after death, the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) presents the doctrines of Heaven, Hell and Purgatory. HEAVEN: “By his Death and Resurrection, Jesus Christ has ‘opened’ heaven to us.” (CCC n.1026). “Those who die in God's grace and friendship are perfectly puri�ed live forever with Christ. They are like God forever, for they ‘see him as he is,’ face to face in heaven.” (CCC n.1023). These are the saints in heaven. HELL: “The teaching of the Church af�rms the existence of hell and its eternity.” (CCC n.1035). “To die in mortal sin without repenting and accepting God's merciful love means remaining separated from him forever by our own free choice. This state of de�nitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed is called ‘hell.’” (CCC n.1033). The de�nition of HEAVEN and HELL are clear. When a person dies, there will be a �nal judgement that determines whether this person goes to HEAVEN or HELL. What if I wanted to do good but because of my weakness, I have sinned. It seems unfair to be condemned to hell for eternity. Would God be merciful to consider me as a good person? Do we need to bargain with God especially when we are not yet perfect to enter heaven? The good news is that Jesus reveals to us that our God is a loving and merciful Father. “In the Eucharistic liturgy and in the daily prayers of her faithful, the Church implores the mercy of God, who does not want ‘any to perish, but all to come to repentance.’” (CCC n.1037). God offers Purgatory as a process of puri�cation before being admitted into His presence. The word purgatory comes from the verb “to purge” which means “to clear of guilt or to free from moral or ceremonial de�lement”. PURGATORY AS THE FINAL PURIFICATION: All Saints’ Day celebrates all who are already in heaven and in the presence of God now. All Souls’ Day commemorates all who have died but are on the way and are now in purgatory. “All who die in God's grace and friendship are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo puri�cation, in order to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.” (CCC n.1030). “The Church gives the name ‘Purgatory’ to this �nal puri�cation for these souls, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned in Hell.” (CCC n.1031). In Purgatory, these souls are being cleansed of their venial sins and the temporal punishments for the mortal sins which they had confessed. They are being made pure before entering into the presence of God in Heaven, to be counted among the saints. Thus throughout this month of November, we offer prayers and Masses for all the faithful departed who are still in purgatory, especially for our departed family members. Continued on p5

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

NEWS

PAGE 3

First Sarawak local born priest goes home to the Lord, aged 86 PROFILE of Fr Lawrence Chua Date/Place of Birth: 5 September 1935, Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia Citizenship: Malaysian Domicile: Sarawak First Language: Chinese (Hokkien) mother tongue Written: English, Latin, Bahasa Malaysia Spoken: Mandarin, Hakka, Melanau, Bidayuh, Iban Studied: Italian

Fr Lawrence Chua’s remains lying in repose at Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto. (Photo: Stephanie Chua) KUCHING — The Catholic community reacted with much grief when news broke of the passing of Rev Fr Dato Lawrence Chua at 7.13 pm on 24 October, at the Normah Medical Centre in Kuching. Prayer groups had been holding prayer vigils and online prayer sessions for him since the announcement that he was diagnosed with Covid-19 several weeks ago while in Mukah, and later transferred to Bintulu General Hospital. By the grace of God, he recovered well enough to make the trip back to Kuching where he wished to continue his treatment. Fr Lawrence Chua was born in Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia on 5 September 1935 to William Chua Thamby and Josephine Eyaw Chai Luan. His fateful decision to continue his secondary school studies in Kuching led to his vocation to the priesthood.

EDUCATION Primary: Sacred Heart School, Mukah, Sarawak Secondary: St Joseph’s School, Kuching Overseas Cambridge Junior School Certificate 1953 Overseas Cambridge Senior School Certificate 1955 Overseas Cambridge Higher School Certificate (Private Candidate, Singapore) 1958 St Peter’s Preparatory Seminary, Kuching 1952 – 1955 Tertiary: St Francis Xavier’s Minor Seminary, Singapore, 1956 – 1958 Preparatory studies for Roman Catholic priesthood General College, Major Seminary Penang, Malaysia: 1959 – 1960 Philosophy, Sacred Scripture and allied subjects: 1961 – 1964 Theology (Dogmatic & Moral), Sacred Scripture, Law & allied subjects Ordination: Graduated – December 1964 Ordained Priest – 13 December 1963 Fu-jen Jesuit Chinese Language Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan: 1969, 6 months’ Course in Mandarin Jesuit Gregorian University, Rome Italy: August 1975 — June 1977 Graduated 1977 (June) with Masters (Hons.) in Theology (Oral & Written Examinations) & Teaching Licentiate (STL)

In memory of Fr Lawrence Chua’s earlier days as a priest. He was ordained a priest by the Vicar Apostolic of Kuching, Bishop John Vos, D.D.C.B.E. on 13 December 1964 in his hometown of Mukah, becoming the first Sarawak local-born to be ordained a priest. To celebrate this historic and memorable occasion, Fr Chua’s family chartered an MSA twin pioneer aircraft to ferry the Vicar Apostolic, 13 Mill Hill priests, and 13 Franciscan nuns to accompany him to his hometown. Fr Chua officially retired from active ministry in 2017 after serving 53 years in the Lord’s vineyard, although his doors remained open to serve whenever there was a need for it. Ivy Chai

APPOINTMENTS 1965 – 1966: Vice-Rector, St Teresa’s Church, Serian, Sarawak covering 2nd Division (Bandar Sri Aman) 1966 – May 1967: Assistant Rector, St Joseph’s Church, Kuching 1967 – 1969: Vice-Rector, St Ann’s Church, 10 Mile, Kuching School Supervisor, St Lucas’ School, Kuching 1970 – 1971: Rector, St Peter’s

Church, Padungan, Kuching 1971 – 1972: Rector, St Peter’s Preparatory Seminary, Kuching 1972 – 1975: Rector, Holy Trinity Church, Kenyalang Park, Kuching covering 7 Mile area 1974 (May) – 1975 (July): Vicar-General to Bishop Charles Reiterer 1975 – 1977: Pursued Masters degree in Theology (STL) Jesuit Gregorian University in Rome, Italy 1977 (Sept.) – 1979 (Aug.): Vicar-General & Rector of Holy Trinity Church, Kuching 1979 (Aug.) – 1981: Professor of Theology (Ecclesiology & Homiletics) General College, Penang, Malaysia 1982 – 1984: Vice-Rector of and then Rector of St Joseph’s Cathedral, Kuching, Sarawak 1984 – 1986: Member of State of Sarawak Social Planning Board, appointed by the Chief Minister of Sarawak 1985 – 1986: Missionary service in Diocese of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, based in St John’s Church, Tuaran, Sabah 1986 – 1988 (May): Professor of Theology (Ecclesiology & Christology) St Francis Xavier’s Major Seminary, Singapore 1988 (June) – 2002: Rector of Holy Trinity Church, Kenyalang Park, Kuching, Sarawak 1997–2017: Chairman, Board of Management St Joseph’s School, Kuching 2003 (February): Rector, Blessed Sacrament Church, Kuching 2017: Retired, Blessed Sacrament Church, Kuching AWARDS 1979 (Dec.): Sĳil Khidmat Bakti ( State Board of Adult Education, Sarawak) 1982 (June): ABS (Ahli Bintang Sarawak) 1988 (August): PTJ (Pingat Terpuji Jubli Perak) 1995 (September): JBS (Johan Bintang Sarawak) 2007: PSBS (Panglima Setia Bintang Sarawak) Wake prayers were held and live-streamed from Fr Lawrence Chua’s much loved ‘Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto’ which he erected in honour of Mother Mary, at Blessed Sacrament Church, BDC, Stutong from 25-27 October.

NEWS

PAGE 4

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

St Joseph’s Cathedral celebrates Commemoration of All Souls in ease of pandemic restrictions

Archbishop Simon Poh preparing to incense the cemetery. (Photo: Today’s Catholic/Shannon Wei) KUCHING — The easing of Covid-19 restrictions finally allowed Catholic burial grounds across Sarawak to open for All Souls Day on 2 November, the first time since the start of the pandemic. St Joseph’s Cathedral Cemetery, which allowed a maximum of 100 visitors at a time, was visibly filled with more flowers, candles and

visitors to the graves, compared to last year’s closure. The Commemoration of All Souls was livestreamed beginning at 8.00 am from the Bishops Memorial Park located at the entrance to the Cemetery. Archbishop Simon Poh presided over the service for the blessing of the cemetery, assisted by Fr Galvin Ngumbang, Fr Benard Bujang and Deacon Mark

Flowers in memory of departed souls. (Photo: TC/Shannon Wei) Bonchol. In remembrance of those who had passed, the Archbishop invited all to pray for their departed loved ones, and to comfort one another with the assurance of faith. “The cemetery next to the church is a reminder for us that those who have gone before us are also a part of our living community,” he said.

“Today on All Souls Day, we remember all who have gone before us in faith, that God will see them and bring them to the Father’s house. “And so it is by faith that we who believe in Jesus and who die with Him are assured of rising with Him.” Watching over the scene was a statue of Jesus the Good Shepherd, honoured with a ring of flowers and lighted candles in commemoration of the departed. In annual tradition, the Archbishop blessed the holy water and incensed the area surrounding the graves of the departed, starting with the recently completed Bishops Memorial Park. The priests then made their way to the cemetery, sprinkling holy water as they walked past rows of graves. The All Souls Day Mass celebrated at the Cathedral immediately after the blessing of the cemetery was presided over by Fr Galvin with Deacon Mark assisting. Shannon Wei

Obituary Notice: Rev Fr Basil Entili Anak John 14 MARCH 1968 – 4 NOVEMBER 2021

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Rev Fr Basil Entili Anak John on 4 November 2021 at 4:01 am in Miri General Hospital due to Covid-19 infection. Fr Basil was admitted to Limbang Hospital on 25 October 2021 and tested positive for Covid-19. His condition deteriorated and he was transferred to Miri General Hospital on 28 October and intubated. His lungs and kidneys were badly affected and despite treatment, they were unable to save him. He went back to the Lord at 4:01 am, 4 November 2021 at Miri General Hospital. Basil was born on 14 March 1968 to John Anak Ajin and Ranggu Anak Saban from Rumah Boniface Bada, Sungai Sengga, Suai, Niah. Basil has a brother and three sisters. He had his primary education in Chung

Hua Primary School, Bakong and his secondary education in SMK Bakong and SMK Lutong. He joined the Miri Diocesan Seminary in the year 2000 and graduated at the end of 2006. He was ordained deacon on 30 March 2007 at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Miri and priest on 6 January 2008 by Bishop Anthony Lee at his longhouse in Suai, Niah. Fr Basil first posting was to St Joseph’s Cathedral (2008-2013); and subsequently he served in Good Shepherd Church, Marudi (2014-2015); St George’s Church, Sebauh (2016-2020) and finally in St Edmund’s Church, Limbang from January 2021. He was a true shepherd, full of pastoral zeal and love for the people. He was often travelling to visit the many outstations with the catechists and organised many seminars, talks and formation courses for the people in the longhouses. As a person, Fr Basil was good natured, joyful, kind, soft spoken, humble, generous and caring. He was a man of few words and most people will remember him as a kindly and holy priest in his 13 years of priesthood. He will be sorely missed. Fr Basil is survived by his mother and three sisters. He will be buried today at the Lambir Catholic Cemetery No. 3,

Miri in a private ceremony due to Covid-19 restrictions. On behalf of the clergy, religious and faithful of the diocese, I offer my deepest condolence to the family of Fr Basil for their loss of a son and brother. No words can adequately express our sorrow at his sudden passing. May we draw consolation and strength from the reassuring words of Jesus in scripture: “I am

the resurrection and the life. If anyone believes in me, even though he dies he will live, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11:25-26. May the soul of Fr Basil and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Fraternally in the Lord, + Bishop Richard Ng Bishop of Miri 4 November 2021

Community leaders at Diwali “Malaysian Family” event

KUCHING — A “Malaysian Family” Unity event was organised at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Batu Kawa Kuching, on 29 October 2021 in conjunction with Diwali 2021 Celebrations in Kuching. It was attended by Heads of Government Departments and other Community leaders, including the Catholic Archbishop of Kuching, Archbishop Simon Poh (4th right).

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

NEWS

PAGE 5

Blessing and launching of restored St Joseph’s Secondary School Mill Hill Block Official launch of restored Mill Hill Block The launch on 2 November was officiated by the chairman of the Old Josephians’ Association (OJA) Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, on behalf of the Sarawak Chief Minister. Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is also

Newly restored Mill Hill Block. (Photo: Maryjane Tendahal) KUCHING — The RM5.5 million newly restored Mill Hill Block of St Joseph’s Secondary School was given a blessing on 30 October, and it was officially launched on 2 November 2021. The Mill Hill Block is iconic not only to St Joseph’s School but also to the history of Sarawak. It is made up of three buildings—the main building in the centre (gazetted as a heritage building) and its two wings. Archbishop Simon Poh, after celebrating Mass concelebrated by Fr Felix Au, Fr Nicholas Ng, Fr Galvin Richard Ngumbang and Deacon Mark Bonchol at the

new Chapel on 30 October, proceeded to bless all the newly restored rooms. In describing the school, he said, “Everyone has a place in this school, a school that opens its doors to the people.” He attributed this legacy from the Mill Hill Missionaries and La Salle Brothers as a symbol of God’s love and mercy. In the newly restored Mill Hill Block, the living quarters of the Mill Hill priests have been preserved as a history gallery. They started the school in 1882 and it was handed over to the La Salle brothers in 1950.

Message from Archbishop Simon Poh Continued from p2 In every Mass, we offer the Sacri�ce of Jesus to take away the sins of the world and all humanity. So, listen carefully to the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass. After the Consecration, you will hear the priest praying an intention for the faithful departed: “To our departed brothers and sisters and to all who were pleasing to you at their passing from this life, give kind admittance to your kingdom,” (Eucharistic Prayer No.3), “And welcome them into the light of your face.” (Eucharistic Prayer No.2). I invite all Catholics to be fervent in offering Masses and prayers for departed souls, especially in this month of November. Do note that your Mass offering is your donation and it is NEVER a price that you have to pay for Mass.

Christ has already paid the priceless ransom with his life on the cross to save us once and for all. Salvation cannot be bought with money—but only faith in Jesus our saviour, who has died and risen from the dead. Church Canon Law No.946 instructs: “The Christian faithful who give an offering to apply the Mass for their intention contribute to the good of the Church and by that offering share its concern to support its ministers and works.” Eternal rest grant unto all our departed brothers and sisters, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in Peace. Amen.

✠ Archbishop Simon Poh

Heritage Corner

Local Government and Housing Minister, read out the speech of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, an old boy of the school. “It is a privilege and an honour to be a part of this legacy,” the Chief Minister had written. Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari also recorded his appreciation to the Mill Hill Fathers, not only for their missionary work, but also for bringing education to the people in Sarawak. He considered the Mill Hill Block a priceless historical building, making St Joseph’s School one of the 10 oldest mission schools in Malaysia. Ivy Chai

Fr Felix Au installed as new Rector of Sacred Heart Church

Archbishop Simon Poh flanked by Fr Felix Au on his left and Fr Lucas Ng, CDD on his right, with Sacred Heart Church PPC and the committee from St Mark Church, 6 November 2021. KOTA SENTOSA Fr Felix as the new Pastor to — Parishioners attending the Sacred Heart Church Sacred Heart Church’s Sunset Parish Pastoral Council, and Mass on 6 November witnessed the committee from St Mark’s the installation of the new Church who were also parish Rector, Fr Felix Au, by present. Fr Felix then made his Kuching Archbishop Simon pledge “to seek your counsel, Poh. Fr Felix has recently returned guidance, and advice in the from his studies in Taiwan, and spiritual and temporal care of his appointment is effective 1 my pastorate” to his new November 2021. His new pastoral councillors who parish community includes St acknowledged him with a Mark’s Church, Batu Kawa bow. The new Rector in his which has been placed under the pastoral care of Sacred speech in Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and English, Heart Church, Kota Sentosa. Archbishop Simon Poh thanked Fr Stephen Chin and presided over the multi-lingual Fr John Chong for all they had Holy Mass which was done in building up the parish concelebrated by Fr Felix Au, community as past rectors of and Fr Lucas Ng from the Sacred Heart Church. Fr Felix Au was the Congregation of the Disciples of the Lord (CDD), based in previous Rector of Blessed Sacrament Church before Sacred Heart Church. Preceding the Mass, going on study leave in 2020. Archbishop Simon introduced

NEWS

PAGE 6

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

Substantial increase in Lenten Appeal Collection for 2021 KUCHING — The Catholic Welfare Services Council Sarawak (CWS) is pleased to report a total collection of RM733,745.65 for its Annual Lenten Appeal this year. The amount is a forty-four percent (44%) increase from last year’s collection of RM510,782.09. CWS would like to thank all the contributors of its Lenten Appeal for their generosity and support in caring for the poor and needy. Of the total collection, RM 340,820.00 was channeled to the poor and needy through the five Conferences of St Vincent de Paul namely, St Ann’s Kota Padawan (RM45,000.00), Holy Spirit Lundu (RM53,000.00), St Joseph’s Kuching (RM50,000.00), St Stephen’s Bau (RM135,520.00) and St Theresa’s Serian (RM57,300.00). Another sum of RM80,000.00 was disbursed to the rural parishes which do not have the Conferences of St Vincent de Paul, namely, Bunan-Tebedu (RM50,000.00) and Sri Aman (RM30,000.00). The rural Chinese apostolate received RM 40,800. CWS has also disbursed RM 42,266.00 to the parish of Bunan-Tebedu to finance the payment of salaries of the kindergarten teachers (RM4,226.60 x 10 months) besides disbursing to other charitable causes such as financing kidney dialysis treatments, food baskets and medical and funeral costs. CWS also needed to cover the operation cost of the Home of Peace which amounts to approximately RM600,000.00 per annum. The Lenten Appeal collection was insufficient to meet all the welfare needs in the Archdiocese. Thankfully, with the Friends of the Home of Peace program, CWS was able to cover all. As in prior years, ten percent (10%) of the total Lenten Appeal collection has been set aside for disaster relief and this will be disbursed upon the discretion of our Archbishop. CWS

ITEM

AMOUNT AMOUNT 2020 2021

SOURCES

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

FROM CHURCHES Online banking / Sarawak Pay St Stephen’s Church, Bau St Ann’s Mission, Kota Padawan Sacred Heart Church, Kota Sentosa St Theresa’s Church, Serian St Joseph’s Cathedral, Kuching Holy Spirit Church, Lundu Holy Trinity Church, Kenyalang St Jude’s Church, Bunan Gega Archbishop of Kuching’s Office St Peter’s Church, Padungan Queen of Peace, Sri Aman Carmelite Chapel, Kuching St Peter’s College Chapel of Mother Mary, Stutong Blessed Sacrament Church, BDC St Mark’s Church, Batu Kawa

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

FROM SCHOOLS St Joseph’s Private Primary School, Kuching St Joseph’s Private Secondary School, Kuching St Joseph’s Private International School, Kuching St Teresa’s Kindergarten, Kuching Tadika St Joseph, Kuching Catholic English Primary School, Kuching SK St Teresa Primary School, Kuching SMK St Teresa Secondary School, Kuching SJK Sam Hap Hin, Kota Sentosa SMK Sg Tapang, Kota Sentosa SK St Paul, Kuching SMK St Joseph Secondary School, Kuching SK St Joseph Primary School, Kuching

TOTAL LESS: TRANSFER 10% TO DISASTER RELIEF FUND BALANCE FOR WELFARE ACTIVITIES

UNIFOR help for Tadika Juara

ADUN (Semuja) YB Tuan John Ilus (R3) handing the one million Ringgit government grant from UNIFOR to the Headmistress of Tadika Juara Sr Jane Mbang (L3), Director of the Building Fundraising Committee Dr Kiu Chiong Chin (Middle) and Sr Flora (L2). SERIAN — The Tadika Juara YB Tuan John Ilus, on 30 October of St Joseph’s Convent received 2021. Among those present to a government grant of one receive the grant were the million Ringgit from UNIFOR Headmistress of the kindergarten presented by ADUN (Semuja) Sr Jane Mbang, a Director of the

New Kindergarten Building Fundraising Committee Dr Kiu Chiong Ching, and Sr Flora. Dr Kiu Chiong Chin was very happy and thankful to UNIFOR and many of those who had helped in one way or another to raise funds for the new building. Wellknown architect Mdm Ivy Jong was invited by the Committee to plan for the whole project and agreed for free. Since its establishment in 1957, St Joseph’s Convent has been serving the community including the needy children and orphans under the care of the late Mother Veronica Lee in the 1970s. A home-based Nursery was started around 1974, to help with the care and education of the young children both sent by the Social Welfare Department as well as from the local community. In 1998, the Maternity Home ceased its operation and evolved into a kindergarten. The kindergarten which occupies the existing Maternity Home building has been registered as Tadika Juara with the Education Department since 2002. All these years, the daily running needs and maintenance of the

162,110.44 87,076.40 25,473.00 32,389.20 34,975.95 16,235.00 23,835.65 37,786.00 16,582.00 7,250.00 9,439.10 4,200.80 5,565.15 1,725.30 1,100.00 18,596.85 1,496.00 485,836.84

364,952.90 99,317.65 58,265.25 45,889.70 33,411.60 28,686.00 27,475.00 17,838.00 17,100.00 10,221.30 6,550.00 5,255.00 3,475.75 2,935.00 2,784.00 724,157.15

12,987.00 4,365.00 2,631.00 1,249.25 2,183.00 238.00 1,292.00 24,945.25

4,366.50 3,639.00 1,154.00 429.90 9,588.50

510,782.09

733,745.65

(51,078.00) (73,374.55) 459,704.09 660,371.10

school buildings are sourced and managed by their own congregation. The demand for enrolment to Tadik a Juara has increased over the years. With the encouragement of the local community and benefactors, the Franciscan Sisters decided to extend their current premises to cater for the increasing demand. The current premise is becoming inadequate for the religious Sisters and the qualified teachers to provide a holistic and contemporary education. As such, a new building project is planned. Financial contributions and donations are welcome and can be made via the following: By cheque payee to Sister of St Francis of Sarawak (Tadika Juara) or Direct bank transfer to the registered Maybank Account no. MBB: 5 11235 010157. To ensure proper issuing of receipts for contributions/ donations, please k indly identify full-name and personal contact details via transaction reference and/or email notification to alopez389@gmail.com. Joseph Then

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

NEWS

PAGE 7

Joint Recollection Day for Priests, Religious and Laity with focus to build a Synodal Church KUCHING — The Archdiocese of Kuching held its first online Joint Day of Recollection on 16 October 2021 via Zoom, attended by about 300 participants comprising members of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council (APC) commissions and committees, priests, religious, seminarians, parish councillors and church leaders. In her opening address, APC Chairperson Christina Eng pointed out that the main event to focus on for the next two years would be the Synod of Bishops, called by Pope Francis. She expressed her desire for everyone to “get on with living with the virus in our midst and with our agenda—that is to be a Church with a Mission to bring Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth.” We are “Church: Disciples of the Word in Communion for Mission”, she added. In a poignant tribute to all priests, Christina said: “Dear Reverend Fathers, how we need you! For the sacraments, for confession, for the Eucharist, when we are sick or just to be reminded that there is a loving and merciful God in your homilies every Sunday.” Archbishop Simon Poh on the other hand, noted how blessed he felt to have two bodies to assist him in the pastoral care of the People of God. He has the Priests’ Council comprising 40 priests incardinated in the Kuching Archdiocese, and the support of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council which includes the 12 Parish Pastoral Councillors from the whole Archdiocese, working in close collaboration with their respective parish rectors and priests.

Archdiocese of Kuching The prelate touched briefly on the history of the Catholic Church, starting with the day the first Mill Hill Missionaries stepped foot on Kuching soil on 10 July 1881 (140 years ago) to the establishment of the Archdiocese of Kuching on 31 May 1976, making it just over 45 years old. The Vatican Council II in 1962-1965 presented a new model of the Church, one that was highly pre-vatican institutional and hierarchical, to one that focused on Communion. This is Vatican II renewed vision of the Church as the People of

God, called to be the Light of the World “Lumen Gentium”. The Archdiocesan Pastoral Council that was later formed, now includes the Commissions for Bible & Faith Formation, Christian Family Life, Youth & Campus, Mission & Human Development and Committees for Vocation, Counselling and Social Communications. Archbishop Simon singled out some notable events that had been organised: •Archdiocesan Eucharistic Congress (1989-1990) •Archdiocesan Bible Congress (1991-1993) •3-year focus on the Trinity in preparation for Jubilee Year 2000 As these events involved the grassroots in the villages and parishes, it gave impetus to the formation and building up of the whole church in the Archdiocese of Kuching. He referred to this as “a process of synodality”.

1st Kuching Archdiocesan Pastoral Assembly The Archbishop summed up the process of coming up with the theme: “WE ARE the CHURCH: DISCIPLES of the Word, in COMMUNION for MISSION,” for the 1st Kuching Archdiocesan Pastoral Assembly (1st KAPA) in 2017, as a sort of synodal experience for the Church. The theme, now embraced by bishops, priests, religious and lay leaders in the Church, was coined by combining both his predecessors, Archbishops Emeriti Peter Chung and John Ha’s visions of “We are the Church” and “The Church— Disciples of the Word, in Communion for Mission”. Archbishop Simon said the Holy Spirit had brought about greater realisation that evangelisation is not only the responsibility of bishops, priests or religious. The Assembly discerned that the lay faithful too, is called to be part of the Church on this mission. To prepare for the 2nd KAPA in 2022, the Church’s task now is to review the performance and challenges faced since 2017.

For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission In Rome on Sunday 10 October, Pope Francis launched the Synod of Bishops 2021-2023 with the theme: “For a Synodal

Screenshot of a section of the 300 participants, 16 October 2021 via Zoom. Church: Communion, MISSION,” was formulated. He Participation and Mission”. then gave a breakdown of the The word Synod is a Greek journey towards PMPC 2026, word sunodos which means mapping out the dates and ‘assembly’ or ‘meeting’. It comes process of the various from sun–‘together’ + hodos Assemblies to be held, leading ‘way’. Hence, we are coming up to the PMPC. together as a synodal church to The Vision for PMPC 2026 is: seek the way to move forward in “The Catholic Church of communion, participation, and Malaysia coming together as mission. clergy, religious and laity to celebrate, listen and walk in the What is the Synod of Bishops? light of the Lord (cf. Isaiah In the Catholic Church, through 2:2-5).” The taskforce will adopt the Synod of Bishops, the Pope a See-Act-Judge methodology calls bishops from different with a set of questionnaires to be regions of the world to an distributed to all parishes in ASSEMBLY. This fosters closer January – March 2022. COMMUNION between the Pope Fr Galvin Richard Ngumbang and Dioceses and invites dioceses supported the unveiling of the to PARTICIPATE in the growth of roadmap by revealing the Aim of faith, morals, and MISSION of the the Synod and expounding on Church. The Synod of Bishops the Diocesan phase of the Synod. 2021-2023 will culminate in Sr Rose Wong SSFS, Rome in 2023. representing the Religious Archbishop Simon opined, Orders/Congregations in “Our Archdiocesan experience has Sarawak, reported she has a given us some background working committee of 11 experience of being a Synodal representatives from different Church—Communion, Participation orders for the Malaysian and Mission. Accordingly, we will Catholic Religious Assembly align the 2nd KAPA road map 2023. She said: “As a with the Synodal Road Map,” he communion of missionary added, concluding with some disciples, we become more the pertinent questions to reflect on salt of the earth and light of the communion, participation and world. Blessed with the different mission for a post pandemic talents and gifts, we continue this Church. He also provided a missionary journey. Our vowed selection of recommended guiding life must reflect counter cultural principles. witness or gospel values in society.” The Journey towards the Fr Ramon Borja, SDB Synod of Bishops and the Pan concluded the roadmap towards Malaysian Pastoral the 2026 Pan Malaysian Pastoral Convention (PMPC) 2026 Convention with the vision, Fr Patrick Heng, tasked to head objectives, and plans of the the journey towards the Synod in Kuching Archdiocesan Youth 2023 and the Pan Malaysian Commission, for the Malaysian Pastoral Convention in 2026, gave Catholic Youth Assembly 2025, an overview of how and when the and beyond. vision and mission of the Let the journey to PMPC Archdiocese, “WE ARE the 2026 begin… towards a truly CHURCH: DISCIPLES of the Malaysian Church. Word, in COMMUNION for Ivy Chai

PAGE 8

NEWS

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

How the Church is working to safeguard children KUCHING — Majlis Pembangunan Sosial Sarawak hosted a webinar on Paedophile Crimes: Are our children protected? (Jenayah Pedofil: Selamatkah anak-anak kita pada hari ini?) recently via Facebook Live. The objective was to raise awareness and educate parents, caregivers, teachers and counsellors on understanding paedophile sexual criminal threats to children, and on steps to protect children faced with any form of sexual criminal threat. The speakers included DSP Jennifer Atok of the Criminal Investigation Department (D11), PDRM IPK Sarawak; Dr Ng Boon Seng of the Psychiatry and Mental Health Department, Sarawak General Hospital; Rohana Binti Isnawi of the Child Protection Branch, Community Welfare Department (JKMS); and Gill Raja representing Sarawak Women for Women Society. Also on the panel was Archbishop of Kuching, Most Rev Dr Simon Poh, representing the Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS). “Mentioning the Catholic Church does raise some eyebrows, especially when media tends to highlight cases of paedophiles in the Church,” said Archbishop Simon. “It is important to keep some perspective: the statistics indicate the issue involved two percent of clergy worldwide. In any case, facing the reality of past abuses has enabled the Church today to respond positively with safeguarding

Paedophile Crimes webinar by Majlis Pembangunan Sosial Sarawak. principles and training in place.” In Matthew 19:14, it says, “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them.” We are also taught (in Exodus 20:12) that children should honour their parents and (in Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21) that parents are advised not to provoke their children to resentment. Therefore, it should be reciprocal, and parents should raise their children with the training and teachings of the Lord, said the archbishop. “I just want to add to what the earlier panellists presented—that whenever an abuse takes place, and the abused child goes to tell his or her parents that someone known to the family has abused him or her… our immediate reaction is not to believe the child. We might say: ‘Don’t tell lies’ or ‘You are talking nonsense’. This is a very wrong adult response. The child may never speak up again about the abuse. Many survivors have said that the greatest hurt was not from the abuser but from their own parents, who didn’t

believe and thus rejected him/her when he/she came for help. “Parents, adults, teachers, and religious leaders: please do not dismiss any child. We are to listen and seek help, refer them to counsellors and to the authorities,” said the archbishop. “The paedophile has coached the child to never speak out, to keep it secret. So when an abused child comes to an adult for help and is not believed, it is a great tragedy. It is within this culture of silence that the paedophile continues to abuse more children. Case in point, hardly any complaints were heard from children abused by the most wanted paedophile in Lundu, Sarawak, who has now been arrested and sentenced. “Please listen to any child who comes to you to tell you of his/her abuse. Listen and refer. “As we now have a greater understanding of the crime of paedophilia and child abuse, we need an institutional and societal response to fight this crime. While

focusing on the family is important, we must remember children are not always in the family home—they are also entrusted to day care centres, nurseries, kindergartens, schools, tuition centres, orphanages and sport coaching centres. These children also go to houses of worship, for church activities and religious instruction. Churches see all children as a gift from God who need to be safeguarded and protected. “For my part as archbishop, I have requested for the following in our churches, catechism, kindergartens, mission schools, institutions where children under 18 years attend. “All who are working with children are to sign a declaration and pledge that they have never been convicted of any crime of paedophilia and they are committed to safeguarding all children and vulnerable persons under their care, and to report any cases should it be known by them. “By signing this declaration, the Church is sending a strong message to paedophiles that they are not welcome to work or volunteer in churches and schools. We aim to prevent the May 2016 incident involving UK national Richard Huckle, who targeted children while posing as a volunteer working with Christian communities in KL. This has positively begun a paradigm shift in the mindset to consciously ensure that churches and schools are safe environments for children,” said Archbishop Simon. Source: Herald Malaysia

Pope’s November prayer intention: For those who suffer from depression VATICAN CITY — “Overwork and work-related stress cause many people to experience extreme exhaustion —mental, emotional, affective, and physical exhaustion.” Pope Francis opened the video accompanying his prayer intention for November with those words with which most people can probably identify. His intention was released in this month’s The Pope Video, prepared by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network. It comes as people living in the Northern Hemisphere enter the Autumn and Winter seasons, during which cooler weather is often accompanied by rainy days and more time spent indoors. Silent listening The Pope took note of that seasonal situation in his timely prayer intention.

“Sadness, apathy, and spiritual tiredness end up dominating people’s lives, who are overloaded due to the rhythm of life today,” he said. Pope Francis thus encouraged everyone to reach out to those around us who are depressed, desperate, or without hope. And he advised against comforting others with too many words. “Often,” he said, “we should just simply listen in silence, because we cannot go and tell someone, ‘No, life’s not like that. Listen to me, I’ll give you the solution.’” “There is no solution,” remarked the Pope. Jesus’ offer of comfort However, he continued, besides “indispensable psychological counseling”, Jesus’ words can help us and others to find solace: “Come to me, all who

labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” With that advice in mind, Pope Francis wrapped up his prayer intention video message with a renewed invitation to assist those around us. “Let us pray that people who suffer from depression or burn-out will find support and a light that opens them up to life,” he prayed. Choosing life amid depression The November edition of The Pope Video was created in conjunction with the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers, which offers spiritual support for people suffering various forms of mental illness. According to a press release accompanying the video, around 1 in 10 people worldwide lives with a mental health disorder, amounting to 792 million people or 11 percent of the population.

Depression and anxiety account for around 3 and 4 percent, respectively, of those illnesses. They can sometimes lead to suicide when left untreated or are severe and recurrent. Some 700,000 people commit suicide each year, making it the fourth leading cause of death in people aged 15 to 29. Covid-related difficulties As has been well-noted, the Covid-19 pandemic, and its associated restrictions on daily life, has led severely tested the mental and emotional resilience of many people. Pope Francis’ call for us to pray and assist those who suffer from depression is therefore an important and timely invitation. Vatican News

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

FEATURE

PAGE 9

THE SACRAMENTS By Fr Patrick Heng THE SACRAMENTS is a series of teachings by Fr Patrick Heng Lesson 6 – The Sacrament of Marriage (Part 3) In the Catechism of the Catholic Church no.1210, it says “Christ instituted the sacraments of the new law. There are seven: Baptism, Con�rmation (or Chrismation), the Eucharist, Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony. The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life: they give birth and increase, healing and mission to the Christian’s life of faith. There is thus a certain resemblance between the stages of natural life and the stages of the spiritual life.” The seven sacraments can be separated into three groups:

1. SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION which will bring a person into the full life of Christ (Baptism, Eucharist, Con�rmation) 2. SACRAMENTS OF HEALING which heal both the soul and the body (Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick) 3. SACRAMENTS OF COMMITMENT in which a person responds to a speci�c call of God (Marriage, Holy Orders) The grace of this Sacrament (CCC 1641) This sacrament bestows upon the spouses the grace necessary. 1. to attain holiness in their married life. 2. to accept responsibly the gift of children and provide for their education. The effects of this Sacrament (CCC 1640) The Sacrament of Matrimony establishes a perpetual and exclusive bond between the spouses. God himself seals the consent of the spouses. Therefore, a marriage which is ratified and consummated between baptised persons can never be dissolved. What is conjugal love? Conjugal love is love that exists only between husband and wife. It is sanctified, enriched and illuminated by the grace of the Sacrament of Matrimony. Conjugal love combines the warmth of friendship and erotic passion and endures long after emotions subside. Conjugal love is love with Christ’s love and a Divine Gift which makes spouses love each other as Christ loves us (Jn. 13:34). What are the expressions of conjugal love (CCC 1643-1654)? Conjugal love involves the totality of all elements of a person— body, mind and spirit. It is expressed in three ways. 1. Unity and indissolubility. It aims at a deeply personal union beyond the flesh, a union of heart and soul. This community of spouses embraces their entire lives for “they are no longer two, but one flesh” (Mt 19:6, Gen 2:24). They must continually grow in self-giving. Christ confirms this human communion by the Sacrament of Matrimony and deepens it by the Eucharist. 2. Faithfulness in mutual giving. Love is not an arrangement ‘until further notice’. Marriage itself and the good of the children demand total fidelity and an unbreakable union between them. This is based upon God’s fidelity to the Old Covenant and Christ’s fidelity to his Church. This indissolubility receives a deeper meaning from the sacrament. It can seem difficult, even impossible, to bind oneself for life to another human being. This makes it more important for the spouses to hear the Good News of God's irrevocable love for them and share in this love and witness to God’s love by their own fidelity. 3. Openness to children. Marriage, by its nature, has the goals of the procreation and education of children (the crowning glory of marriage). “Be fruitful and multiply” (Gen 1:28). Without diminishing the other ends of marriage, married love disposes

the spouses in a special way to cooperate with the Creator to increase and enrich his family. Parents are therefore the principal and first educators of their children and must hand on to their children the fruits of a moral, spiritual and supernatural life. Marriage and family are to be at the service of life. Even spouses who cannot conceive can have a conjugal life filled with the fruitfulness of charity and sacrifice. Does the Church allow the physical separation of spouses? (CCC 1649) The Church permits the physical separation of spouses and their living apart when for a variety of reasons living together becomes practically impossible. The spouses do not cease to be husband and wife before God and so are not free to contract a new union. In this difficult situation, the best solution would be, if possible, reconciliation. What about those who “Whoever divorces his are divorced and then wife and marries remarried? (CCC 1650) The another, commits Church, since she is adultery against her; and faithful to her Lord, cannot recognise the if she divorces her union of people who are husband and marries civilly divorced and another, she commits remarried. “Whoever divorces his wife and adultery.” (Mark 10:11-12) marries another, commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery” (Mark 10:11-12). The Church manifests an attentive solicitude towards such people and encourages them to a life of faith, prayer, works of charity and the Christian education of their children. However, they cannot receive sacramental absolution, take Holy Communion, or exercise certain ecclesial responsibilities as long as their situation, which objectively contravenes God’s law, persists. The Church must manifest an attentive solicitude towards Christians who live in such a situation so that they do not consider themselves separate from the Church, in whose life they can and must participate as baptised persons. The Home as the Domestic Church (CCC 1655-1657) Believing families are centres of living, radiant faith. Parents are the first heralds of the faith to their children. In the home, the father, mother, and children exercise their baptismal priesthood in a privileged way. The home is the first school of the Christian life where all learn love, repeated forgiveness, and prayerful worship. To be continued

PAGE 10

FEATURE

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

A feature on Sunday’s Mass readings: 21 November 2021: Solemnity of Christ the King, Year B (Daniel 7:13-14; Revelation 1:5-8; John 18:33-37)

“Pemerintah” vs “Kerajaan” It is interesting to note that the Indonesian term for government is “pemerintah” and not “kerajaan” which is the Malaysian word for the same meaning. The root word for “pemerintah” is “perintah”—to command, whereas the root word for “kerajaan” is “raja”— king. Malaysia has kings or sultans to rule the land albeit as figureheads, while Indonesia has a president as the leader of the country. Therefore, it makes sense to use the word “kerajaan” in Malaysia which still has kingdoms or sultanates in the land as the prevailing power. (As a side note, Indonesia has some sultanates too but they are not as influential as the ones in Malaysia with some exceptions, for example, the Sultan of Yogyakarta is also the governor of Yogyakarta.) In our contemporary sense, the usage of the royal term for Christ as king can be outdated for some cultures. Not all countries in the world have

hereditary kings or queens as their figurehead leaders. Even groups of people want to do away with royalty in their respective countries because they feel strongly that these royal families waste the taxes of the people with their lavish lifestyles. In this manner, the celebration of Christ the King may not gel well with some Catholics. So how do we identify today’s solemnity with our faith? The clue can be found in the gospel passage of today where Jesus replies to Pontius Pilate on his kingship in this way: Mine is not a kingdom of this world… I am a king. I was born for this, I came into the world for this: to bear witness to the truth; and all who are on the side of truth listen to my voice. Jesus is king, but not in the worldly sense. We can use the imagery of an earthly king who rules over the people with authority and power for Jesus, but Jesus as king is much more than that. His kingdom is not of this

by Fr Francis Lim, SJ

For the greater glory of God

world; it is a kingdom that stretches beyond our sense of country and land. The Kingdom of God is of justice, peace and love that crosses the material and spiritual, the temporal and the eternal. The Kingdom of Christ is like what the first reading from Daniel alludes to: His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty which shall never pass away, nor will his empire ever be destroyed. As Daniel also includes in today’s first reading, we belong to this Kingdom as servants of God with women and men of all peoples, nations and languages. Furthermore, the author of Revelation says, “Jesus loves us and has washed away our sins with his blood, and made us a line of kings, priests to serve his God and Father.” Not only are we mere members/servants of this Kingdom of God by the grace of Christ’s redemption, we are also raised to the order of authority and power, as Jesus is, to be kings and priests. And not only that, we are brought to this status in order to serve God. Great power comes with great responsibility and service. We look to Jesus as the

servant king. For him, to be king is to serve which is the opposite of most rulers in the world. Just as Jesus bore witness to the truth, so we are also called to bear witness to the truth by our lives. Jesus is the Truth. We bear witness to Jesus and to the values that he taught and lived—justice, peace, love. As Jesus rules over us with these values, so we too live them out in our lives and bring them to others. This is the Kingdom that Jesus initiated on earth. With the above points of reflection, Christ as King is both “raja” and “pemerintah”—Jesus is the one who rules and governs, yet he transcends beyond the common understanding of a worldly king or leader. Christ is one who is of a higher power and yet he serves with humility—the servant king; yet he makes us his co-servants, and at the same time, by our baptism, he raises us up to be kings and priests to serve others. With this understanding of the Kingdom, we can look to Christ as King in today’s sense.

World Mission Sunday: Mission with Compassion “We cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20) The Universal Church celebrates the annual World Mission Sunday on the second last Sunday in October. This year, it will be celebrated on 24 October 2021. In 1926, Pope Pius XI instituted World Mission Sunday to be celebrated in all the local Churches as the feast of catholicity and universal solidarity, so that Christians may recognise their common responsibility with regards to the evangelisation of the world through prayer, animation and offerings for the Missions. His concern was to engender a sense of responsibility in people for supporting the Missions throughout the world, through the Pontifical Mission Societies. Pope Francis, in his message for this year’s celebration, reminded how Jesus brought about the Good News of Salvation through a genuine friendship, watching him cure the sick, dine with sinners, feed the hungry, draw near to the outcast, touch the unclean, identify with the needy, propose the Beatitudes and teach in a new and authoritative way. This left an indelible mark on them, awakening amazement, expansive joy and a profound sense of gratitude. With Jesus, we too have seen, heard and experienced that things can be different. Even now, he has inaugurated future times, reminding us of an often forgotten dimension of our humanity, namely, that “we were created for a fulfilment that can only be found in love” (Fratelli Tutti, 68). As the apostles, who had seen and heard this Good News took up the mission to echo the Gospel to the ends of the earth, we too are reminded of our Baptismal calling of proclaiming the Gospel to the world, especially in this time of the pandemic which has brought to the fore and amplified the pain, the solitude, the poverty and the injustices experienced by so many people. Let us thank the Lord for the gift of our faith and vocation by living our mission to echo Christ in our daily living. There will be a special collection done on Mission Sunday every

year intended for the work of mission around the world through the Pontifical Mission Societies. Last year, the parishes within the Archdiocese of Kuching collected RM67,234.01 and this fund was later distributed to dioceses in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and also Indonesia by the Pontifical Mission Societies of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. Among the projects that was partially supported by this fund, was the Catechists’ training in the Diocese of Miri. In the month of October also, we are giving the opportunity for Children to participate in the works of mission in the spirit of “Children Helping Children” through a special collection box. Children are encouraged to give up certain amounts of their daily pocket money to help other children who are in need. These boxes will be collected during Christmas and are to be presented at the Solemnity of Epiphany, as a gesture presenting their gifts together with the Magi. Last year, children all throughout the parishes in the Archdiocese of Kuching collected RM51,603.35 and this collection was sent to support projects for children in Africa. Well done to our little ones! There are still so many areas of mission in which we can help in. Therefore, as a missionary Church, what will your mission be in this whole month of October which shall be dedicated to the works of mission and evangelisation? May Mary, the first missionary disciple, increase in all the baptised, the desire to be the salt and light in our lands (cf. Mt 5:13-14). Fr Galvin Richard Ngumbang Chairman, Archdiocesan Commission for Mission and Human Development

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

CHILDREN

PAGE 11

He l l ok i d s ! Ho wa r ey o u ?Weho pet ha tev er y o n ei ss t a y i n g hea l t hya n dha ppy .Weha v epr epa r eds o mea c t i v i t i es t ha ty o uc a nt r ywi t hy o u rf a mi l ya n df r i en ds . Doen j o yt hem!

Lo v e , Jo y So meSi b l i n g s

Fi ndournamesi nt he Cr os s wor dPuzzl e:

W ri teas hort fami pra l y orBa members. yerforyo h ur Youm toyo asaMal aywr departed urpa aysi i te n a . wi Engi thth rentsan Showthe i sh drea em. praye l di r ttog ether

Apakahyangs edang di l akukanol ehkel uar gai ni ? Cubawar nakangambardi s ebel ahdanfi ki r kanpada bi l akahki t amel akukanakt i v i t i i ni ?

CLASSIFIEDS

PAGE 12

CONDOLENCES

12TH ANNIVERSARY In loving memory of

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

5th Anniversary

In loving memory of

Heartfelt condolences to the family of REV FR DATO LAWRENCE CHUA

JOSEPH NOBUO IWANAGA who was called to eternal rest on 5 November 2009 Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord & let your perpetual light shine upon him, may he rest in peace. Deeply missed and always remembered by loving daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, foster daughters, foster son, foster daughter-in-law, foster granddaughters and all loved ones

whom the Lord called home on 24 October 2021 Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. From: Archbishop Simon Poh and the Archdiocese of Kuching Presbyterium

CONDOLENCES Heartfelt condolences to the family of REV FR BASIL ENTILI ANAK JOHN

Contact numbers you may need when a death occurs: (for the Archdiocese of Kuching) Catholic Cemetery Committee: Tel. 082-242634 / 016-8933878

Catholic Mutual Bene�t Society: Tel. 082-244493 / 019-8563438 / 016-8954201 For use of funeral parlour at St Joseph’s Cathedral: Tel. 082-423424 (St Joseph’s Parish Office)

FRANCISCA HELENA FOO AI MING 2 May 1970 - 24 November 2016 Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

We are writing this letter to you up above, To tell you how much we miss you. With all our hearts and love, we helplessly watched you go. We know it’s God’s will, but we can’t help feel great sorrow. Sometimes it is too much to bear. It is hard not to touch you, it is hard not to see you. We wish so much to hear your voice, just one more time. We hear your whisper in our thoughts, we feel you around us. We know you live on, through the lives you have touched. We know someday we will see you again, In our hearts we’ll hold you close, and keep you safe. Until then, keep sending signs.

Deeply missed by Mum, Dad, siblings, nephews, niece, relatives and friends.

12TH ANNIVERSARY In memory of

JOSEPH LIM Born: 19 March 1924 Died: 29 November 2009

Another year has gone since you left us. All those precious times with you are special memories we keep deep within our hearts. With the faith in Christ that we’ve inherited from you, we look forward to being united again someday where the Lord promises eternal life. May your soul rest in peace. Amen. Lovingly missed by children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

2ND ANNIVERSARY

DIANA AGNES MASON whom the Lord called to rest on 24 November 2019

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard but always near; so loved, so missed, so very dear. Dearly missed by children, grandchildren and loved ones

whom the Lord called home on 4 November 2021 Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. From: Archbishop Simon Poh and the Archdiocese of Kuching Presbyterium

ARCHDIOCESE OF KUCHING We are online! kuchingcatholic.org facebook.com/arch.kuching

COUNSELLING HOTLINES Calling Youths and Couples Requiring Support TELEPHONE & E-COUNSELLING SERVICES, CALL OR WHATSAPP

Office Tel: 082-258046 Kimberly 018-3539799 Nelly 018-2529899 Monday-Friday: 8.00 am – 12.00 noon & 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm Saturday: 8.00 am – 12.00 noon Email: sjckch.counsellor @gmail.com

In loving memory of

AGNES HO JAH EE whom the Lord called to rest on 17 October 2021 Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life, He who believes in me will live even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11:25-26 Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul rest in peace. Amen. Fondly remembered and dearly missed by children, grandchildren and all loved ones.

We are online! Bookmark this page for latest news:

www.todayscatholic.com.my

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

YOUTH

PAGE 13

YOUTH 2021 SJPSS Chamber Choir: An Old Folk Song and Young Voices in Harmony

Photo: SJPSS KUCHING — The Busan arranged by Dr Tracy Wong. Choral Festival & Competition Dr Tracy Wong hails from (BCFC) held in South Korea from Malaysia and is currently the 21–24 October this year brought Assistant Professor and Choral together 21 teams from China, Director at McMaster University Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines where she earned a teaching and South Korea. The success of excellence award and has taught a this festival and competition has wide range of music performance, shown that even though the research and music education COVID-19 pandemic has been courses in Canada. around since the beginning of last Upon hearing this great and year, it clearly does not stop exciting news, Dr Tracy Wong people from the four corners of immediately sent her the world to come together to congratulations to the conductor of sing as one. SJPSS Chamber Choir, Benedict Lo. BCFC has been a prestigious “The performance of ‘Ikan competition since 2005 and is Kekek’ (SATB, Cypress Choral very well-known all around the Music’s Zim�ra Poloz Collection) is world. This year, the panel of jury so clean, musical, and showcased invited to assess the different Malaysian spirit! This is so well virtual choir entries from the done! Thank you for choosing my various categories in BCFC piece and for representing our includes Anton Armstrong (USA) country. Malaysia Boleh!” who is also the President of the The SJPSS Chamber Choir Jury, Soon-Jung Kim (South members have struggled and put a Korea), Yu-Chung John Ku lot of effort into practicing and (Taiwan), Ki-Sun Lee (South mastering the rhythm of the song as Korea) and Zoltán Pad it is the key to producing an (Hungary). In South Korea, this excellent piece of virtual choir great event was held at the production. Under the continuous Geumjeong Cultural Center and guidance and support of both the Busan Cinema Center, Busan Benedict Lo and Ivy Elmira, the while participants from other teachers-in-charge of the club, the countries participated via online chamber choir members managed platforms due to the COVID-19 to put together a superb pandemic restrictions. performance, complemented with In the Award Ceremony last simple yet meaningful Saturday, SJPSS Chamber Choir choreography depicting the culture emerged Champion in the Youth of the �shermen in Malaysia. All Category in the Busan Choral their hard work and sacri�ces have Festival & Competition 2021, �nally paid off! bringing much joy and pride to Throughout these four days, the Malaysia and St Joseph’s Private SJPSS Chamber Choir members Secondary School Kuching, with watched and enjoyed the choir the song ‘Ikan Kekek’ which was performances from other countries

via YouTube and were �lled with awe when they saw how active and creative the choirs were, despite these very trying times. It was indeed an eye-opener for everyone and they were all grateful to be given the chance to represent Malaysia on an international stage. The joy and sense of achievement from this international competition has greatly motivated and inspired the chamber choir members to continue to work hard and strive for greater achievements. The SJPSS Chamber Choir was formed at the end of 2017. Its committed, passionate and funloving members are all students of SJPSS who started singing in the school’s Choir Club founded in 2014. In 2016, under the baton and direction of Benedict JC Lo, the Choir’s debut stage performance was in the school’s �rst variety concert RHYTHM and COLOUR. In 2017 & 2019, St Joseph’s Family of Schools staged THE WHITE RAJAH OF SARAWAK, an original musical production which was a resounding success and many of the members of the choir also played key roles in the musical. SJPSS Chamber Choir strives to enhance the choral experience

among the young people, hoping to build a sense of belonging and community spirit among its members. The close bonds felt among the members come from the opportunities they have to enjoy doing something positive, learning discipline and leadership, but most importantly, having a voice to contribute to the community in special performances, fund raising concerts, school assemblies and Eucharistic celebrations. SJPSS Chamber Choir garnered its �rst silver medal (Grade 1) in the 11th ‘Orientale Concentus’ International Choral Festival held in Singapore in 2018. Despite the challenges faced during the pandemic, SJPSS Chamber Choir won the gold medal at the second World Virtual Choir Festival held in December 2020 with the rendition of “Lileng”, a Sarawak Kenyah Folktune arranged by Benedict JC Lo, the Choir’s Resident Conductor and Choir Director. In June 2021, SJPSS Choir won the Gold award at the Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod 2021. St Joseph’s Private Secondary School

Here are the testimonies from a few of the participating SJPSS Chamber Choir members: I remember a few months ago when we were recording the song, we were frantically recording and practicing the moves. Despite that, we managed to pull through and I felt amazed during the performance. When I heard the announcement, I had a sense of disbelief! It’s amazing to see how much the choir has grown over the past years and I hope that we’ll continue to produce beautiful harmonies and continue to grow. - Jotham Chan (1 Eta) I was truly surprised. I never would have thought we were able to accomplish this great achievement. There were lots of dif�culties with having sessions online and we were incapable of reaching our full capacity. I believe that without all the Covid-19 restrictions, we would have done even better. - Chiew Yih Chun (2 Kappa) To be honest, I did not expect us to get the Gold Prize in BCFC. Disbelief gave way to delight after the announcement. The time and effort we put into making this was worth it. I am grateful to be able to take part in this competition and I hope that we will still be able to achieve something like this in the future. - Brandon Chan (3 Gamma)

YOUTH

PAGE 14

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

YOUTH 2021

FROM PRAYER TO ACTION A celebration of the World Day of the Poor and World Youth Day

Caritas Internationalis has created a new and exciting initiative to celebrate the World Day of the Poor and World Youth Day. This week of prayer and action, which is called “From Prayer to Action: A Celebration of the World Day of the Poor and World Youth Day”, brings together the contribution of all seven regions, and will be animated by Caritas Youth from 1321 November. This initiative will combine the themes of the 2021 World Day of the Poor (“The Poor you will always have with you”) and World Youth Day (“Arise, I appoint you as a witness of what you have seen!”), and will guide you through daily short prayers and re�ections about how you see the poor in our world and in your life, followed by simple yet profound ideas to turn your re�ections and prayers into action so that you can ‘be a witness of what you have seen’. Check out the link: https://www.caritas.org/prayeraction2021/

Check out the link: https://youtu.be/__-FIpzY80w

CMM Stutong welcomes 28 confirmands in October

Students receiving the Sacrament of Con�rmation on Sunday, 10 October (left) and 24 October (right). (Photos: Jude De’Rozario) KUCHING — Sunday, 10 October marked a historical milestone for Chapel of Mother Mary, Stutong as 11 students received the Sacrament of Con�rmation. They had their

confession on Saturday, 9 October. Another batch of 17 students received the Sacrament of Con�rmation on Sunday, 24 October, and had their

confession on Saturday, 23 Masses were celebrated by October. Msgr William Sabang, Rector These batches received the of the Chapel. sacrament after having completed one year of online Sunday School lessons. The Holy Jude De’Rozario

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

YOUTH

PAGE 15

YOUTH 2021

PAGE 16

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

『至於那日子和那時刻，除了父以外，誰也不知道，連天上的天使和子都不知道。』（谷13:32） Permit No PPK 148/01/2013(031378)

第403期

聖座禮儀及聖事部新法令主教們在拉丁禮儀書翻譯上的責任（梵蒂冈新闻网）圣座礼仪及圣事部10月22日公布一道法令，标题为《在教宗手谕之后》（Postquam Summus Pontifex），目的是为落实教宗方济各《重大原则》手谕的内涵。该圣部部长罗赫（Arthur Roche）总主教指出，教宗以这道手谕修改了《教会法典》第838条关于将礼仪书翻译成通俗语言的规则。这项修订旨在强调各主教团在与圣座交流的《重大任务》中的责任，即完成将罗马礼的拉丁礼仪文本翻译成各自的语言的复杂工作。罗赫总主教向本新闻网解释说，圣座礼仪及圣事部于当天圣若望保禄二世纪念日公布的这道法令，则解释和阐明落实教宗这道手谕，即关于修改主教们和圣座这个部会各自职权的方式。法令提到，由于「主教们在这个课题上负有重大责任，主教团必须直接负起责任，聘请合适人员予以必要的合作，包括在拉丁礼仪翻译方面受过培训的专业人士」。这样做的目的是「确保在一种特定的语言中，正确和完整地表达天主教会的信仰，依照其训导及适当的词汇来予以传播」。此外，圣座礼仪及圣事部应当负责审核（recognitio）及确认（confirmatio）程序。「审核」在于校订主教团批准的译本及所遵循程序的合法性，同时「顾及相关国家的文化、传统，以及牧灵需要的写作因素」。「确认」则在于「在证实了主教团所遵循的批准程序的合法性之后，圣座对圣经和礼仪原文

福音书，天主圣言

翻译本的认可」。教宗方济各于2017年10 月，针对正确诠释他这道手谕的内涵表明，新的规范授予主教团权力去判断从拉丁文翻译的文本是否良好和相符，「虽然还是需要与圣座进行交流」。教宗解释道，审核指的「只是核实和保护与教会的法律及共融相一致」，「不应使主教团『强迫接受』圣部提供的翻译本，因为这会损害主教们的权利」。另一方面，确认「不再假设一种逐字进行的详细审核，除非在明显的情况下，可以交给主教们做进一步的思考」。对于圣座礼仪及圣事部新公布的法令，罗赫总主教解释说，「简言之，我们可以说，《重大原则》手谕改变了《教会法典》关于用通俗语言出版礼仪书的几项准则的格式，在第838条，具体地说对第2和3项做了一系列修改。这道手谕且说明，礼仪作为教会祈祷的文字翻译的基本原则，当由教会主管当局来决定」。「基本上说，一切都是努力促使圣座与各主教团的合作更加容易且有成效。各主教团肩负翻译的重大任务，并使罗马礼的礼仪书的内容在他们的语言中有效地反映出来。这项任务体现出重大的责任，因为藉著这些翻译，启示的圣言和

教会的祈祷能以天主子民可以理解的语言宣讲出来并得以表达。」这道《在教宗手谕之后》法令是为落实教宗方济各的《重大原则》手谕，其中提出的规范都是来自于这道手谕中的修订。罗赫总主教说：「我们必须特别强调，如何解释和确定有关出版的准则、礼仪书的审核和确认，这个任务也应由各主教团和圣座负责。法令包括前言和其它两个部分，其中介绍了为出版礼仪书需要遵循的准则和程序，既有礼仪书的翻译，又有依照《礼仪宪章》第40号进行『更深入』的改编。」根据教宗方济各2017年10 月份的信函，在礼仪书翻译成通俗语言的议题上，圣座礼仪及圣事部与每个主教团之间的关系是如何发展的？罗赫总主教表示：「教宗的这项改革旨在凸显各主教团的责任和职权，包括为他们管辖的地区评估和批准礼仪改编的工作，以及准备和批准礼仪文本的翻译。另一方面，审核主教团批准的改编及确认所完成的翻译，却是我们部会的职权。这常是在一种促进拉丁礼教会礼仪生活的合作及交流氛围中进行，就如教宗在《重大原则》手谕中所指示的那样。」

聖座封聖部頒布《列品案申請人規則》（梵蒂冈新闻网）圣座封圣部日前颁布了《列品案申请人规则》，其中有两个新意，一是列品案申请人同时负责正在进行中的列品案最多为30件；二是在封圣部任职的枢机、主教和高级职员不可担任列品案申请人。这个规则已于10月11日生效，那天是梵蒂冈第二届大公会议召开的纪念日。圣座封圣部部长塞梅拉罗（Marcello Semeraro）枢机向本新闻网解释说，对于列品案申请人制定的专门规则这还是头一次，迄今为止从未拟定和颁布过有关他们形

象和职责的规范性文件。在规则的开头便指出列品案申请人必须具备的条件和他们应履行的职责，同时阐明任命的形式和所面对的行政方面问题。规则中的两个新意可能看似严格，实际上是出于这样的信念，即严肃对待每一件列真福品和圣品案件所要求的义务。依照第6条的规定，在封圣部担任职务的枢机、主教，以及高级职员、历史顾问、神学顾问和医学鉴定人都不能被任命为列品案申请人。在第9 条中，则谈及一位负责「特定案件」的列品案申请人同时负责正在进行中的案件不能超过

30件。关于这份规则涉及的其它议题，塞梅拉罗枢机说，文件详述了列品案申请人先是在教区阶段，然后在罗马阶段，也就是在封圣部展开的进程中的作用。此外，文件也提到列品案申请人在册封真福和封圣，或是授予教会圣师荣衔的时刻所担任的工作。最后，规则也对列品案申请人在保存圣髑和遗骸的问题上作出几点考虑。塞梅拉罗枢机也表明，理想的列品案申请人应该将托付给他的工作视作一项服务，一项在教会内且为教会的益处和信友的益处从事的服务。教宗

月刊出版者：古晉總主教顧問：歐慶偉神父 Fr Felix Au 英語編輯：蔡愛薇 Ivy Chai 中文編輯：楊秀音 Magdalene Yeo 編輯組：羅國璋 James Lo 黃儀惠 Margaret Bong 楊清華 Cecil Yong Freddy Bohari (BM) Mabel Salin (Eng) 工作人員：魏愛沁 Shannon Wei

教宗主持追思彌撒在生命的考驗中，接近天主的人看到希望（梵蒂冈新闻网）教宗方济各为过去一年中去世的17位枢机和191位总主教和主教举行追思弥撒，邀请人们以不同的眼光看待逆境，知道在看不到意义的苦闷中，天主前来救援。在考验和困苦中「学习期待上主的艺术很重要。顺从和满怀信赖地等待祂」。教宗方济各11月4日上午在圣伯多禄大殿主持追思弥撒，纪念在过去的一年中去世的枢机和主教们，在弥撒讲道中强调了上述思想。教宗提到，在这些亡者中有的「死于新冠肺炎，艰难的处境加重了他们的痛苦」。教宗对信赖天主进行了省思，指出为增进这种信赖就需要「一个长期的内心转变，通过苦难的磨练，以致懂得在静默中等待」，怀有信赖的耐心和温顺的心境。教宗说，「我们就该这样准备生命中最后，也是最大的考验，即死亡。但在此之前还有些许一时的考验，有我们现时的十字架。我们为此恳求上主赐予知道在那里等待的恩宠，祂正是在那里施展救援」。教宗告诫道，我们每个人需要在这方面走向成熟。「在生命中的困难和问题面前，难以有耐心及保持平静。恼怒蔓延开来，而且常常沮丧。如此一来，会受到悲观和认命的强烈诱惑，看一切都是阴暗面，习惯使用气馁和抱怨的语气」。甚至「过去的美好回忆都无法抚慰我们，因为苦恼使心神停留在困苦时刻」，于是苦涩便增长，人生好似一连串的灾难。「然而，上主在此时却做出一个转折点。正是在这一刻，尽管我们继续与祂交谈，却似乎触到了底部。在深渊中，在看不到意义的苦闷中，天主走近我们，施与救援：就是在那个时刻。当痛苦达到顶峰时，希望却意想不到地再次展现出来。」此外，教宗还解释说，在极度的痛苦中，与上主亲密契

合的人会看到痛苦伸展开来。天主将痛苦转变为一扇门，人的希望则通过它进入。教宗强调，如果幸运常使人盲目、肤浅和骄傲，那么这个在信德中经过考验的过程「会使我们重生，使我们感到与过往不同，尽管它艰难和令人悲伤」。因为考验令人焕然一新，「让许多渣滓落下，教导人越过黑暗而看向远处，亲身感受上主的真正救援和祂的大能」。教宗补充道，上主「改变一切，甚至是死亡」。如果痛苦仍是一个奥秘，正是在这个奥秘中，能「以新的方式发现天主慈父的爱，祂藉著磨练来探访我们」，因为在痛苦中，天主陪伴我们，「就像一个父亲，让儿子健康成长，在困难中守在他身旁，而不是取代他」。因此，「面对蒙受救赎的死亡的奥秘」，我们需要祈求「以不同的眼光看待逆境的恩典」。「我们要祈求获得力量，知道在逆境中温顺和信赖地静待上主的救援，不抱怨、不发牢骚、不让自己陷于悲伤。那看似祸患的事将显示一份恩宠，是天主爱我们的新明证。要懂得在静默中等待，不闲谈。静待上主的救援是一门艺术，这就是走上了成圣的道路。我们要培养这门艺术。」教宗接著指出，等待天主的艺术在我们生活的这个时代更为宝贵，需要「每个人以自己的生命来见证信仰，温顺和心怀希望地等待」。教宗并强调，「基督徒不低估痛苦的严重性」，在考验中「仰望上主」，对祂怀有依恃之心，也为受苦的人祈祷，「举目望天，双手却总是伸向大地，以便具体地为近人服务」。最后，教宗方济各将思念再次转向过去一年去世的枢机和主教们，愿他们感受到天国的喜乐。

方济各于2019年12月12日接见封圣部时，谈到列品案申请人，强调他们必须意识到自己所负责的列品案件是「具有灵性特征的事件，而不只是程序性的事件」。因此，从法律的角度看，列品案申请人在封圣部和教会其它主管部门面前是一件列品案当事人的代表，他的任务正是紧紧跟随和履行列真福品和圣品程序所规定的每个步骤。但不该将他的角色只限定在法

律上。依照规则，他也应推动和协调让众人认识列品候选人的有益活动，鼓励众人请求转祷。塞梅拉罗枢机最后强调，在对正式开启关于圣德或殉道，或生命恩典的列品案提出申请前，列品案申请人必须在核实圣德的真实性、持续性和广为流传的声誉方面，予以特别和适当的关注。

PAGE 17

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

教宗敦促Cop26：選擇留給子孫一個健康的地球（梵蒂冈新闻网）圣座国务卿帕罗林枢机此刻正在苏格兰格拉斯哥，代表圣父教宗和圣座出席联合国气候变化框架公约缔约方大会第 26届会议。11月2日下午，帕罗林枢机向与会者宣读了教宗的致词，指出本届会议的重责大任在于向国际社会展现出诚恳、负责又勇敢的政治意愿，以调派更多人力、经济和科技资源来减缓气候变化的负面影响，帮助在这现象下深受其害的最贫困弱小者。这项任务越来越艰巨，因为它必须在全球疫情中实现。枢机表示，疫情教导我们，为了抗击疫情，每个人都必须参与其中。疫情后的生活肯定跟疫情前的不一样，而疫情后的生活需要我们携手建设，改正过往的错误。气候变化的全球问题也是如此。我们别无它路可走。唯有同心协力、负起责

任，我们才能达成《巴黎协定》所载明的目标。那是刻不容缓的雄心壮志，而今天这些抉择交由在座的与会者做出决定。接著，帕罗林枢机阐明，我们正在经历时代的改变、文明的挑战。在此情况下，各国需要发挥更大的能力，在气候金融的领域起带头作用。帕罗林枢机向与会者宣读了教宗的致词枢机讲述了圣座的两大零排放策略：第一、梵展与可持续文化模式，著重于蒂冈城国承诺在2050年以前实人类与自然环境之间的盟友关现这个目标；第二、圣座致力系。面对后疫情时期，我们需于推广整体生态的教育，清楚要盼望和勇气，因为人类确实意识到教育进程必须与政治、具备各种应对这个转型的方法科技和实际举措相结合，以及；而在转型的过程中，也必须特别要在青年之间推动新的生谨慎考量劳动界会受到的波活型态，鼓励以友爱为本的发及。

关于这点，帕罗林枢机吁请格外关注最脆弱的人群和他们的「生态债务」。最脆弱的群体应当受到特别照顾。在某种程度上，「生态债务」也让人想起外债的议题，以及常会阻碍人民发展的压力。疫情后时期可以也应该重新开始衡量

所有相关的方面，以创造出人人终能参与的发展。此外，圣座国务卿也痛心地指出，在对抗气候变化的问题上，我们距离众所期盼的目标还很远。然而，我们不能继续保持现状。本届气候大会的许多会前活动展现出，时间所剩不多。我们明白这个危机攸关后代子孙的权益，而且在不久的将来，环境移民的人数将会超过冲突造成的难民。因此，我们迫切需要勇敢且负责任的行动。在教宗的致词结束之际，帕罗林枢机表示，过去几年，青年敦促我们赶紧行动。青年所继承的地球只会是我们选择留给他们的样子，其基础是我们今天做出的具体决定。圣座国务卿最后转达了圣父教宗渴望亲自与会的心愿，同时也向在场众人保证，教宗将以祈祷陪伴他们。

11月为炼灵月。天主愿意所有人都得

嗨!小朋友，救，所以我们多多为已亡的亲友恩人祈祷，使他们早日进入幸福的天乡。

追思已亡日（11月2日）这一天通常我们会到亲友的墓前献花，点上蜡烛祈祷，祈求他们早日与复活的基督在天国相聚。但是现今全球被新冠病毒所笼罩，12岁以下的小孩如你们就不能去墓园为亲人点蜡烛祈祷了。然而，我们仍可在家追念他们，尤其现在很多在线ZOOM供我们参与为炼灵祈祷呢！所以非常鼓励你们在这个月内与父母及家人参与这个非常有意义的祈祷。

祝聖拉特朗大殿（11月9日）圣殿，即是圣堂是天主临在的地方，特别在举行感恩祭的时候，我们参与感恩祭时必须恭恭敬敬地参与。现在让我们一起替天主建一所圣殿。在这一周内，每天做一件天主喜欢的事（例如：帮助别人），然后把事情写在方格内，全部完成后再替圣殿填上颜色。

“三青年在烈火窑中”

请参阅若望福音11:17-27，把以下的图填上两种不同的颜色来分别玛尔大和耶稣的对话。

你能在上两图中，找出它们16个不同点吗？ “三青年在烈火窑中”的故事可在达尼尔先知书3:1-30找到。 “沙得辣客、默沙客和阿贝得乃哥是犹大被巴比伦征服后流亡在巴比伦的希伯来青年。他们在巴比伦宫廷中担任要职，但当国王要求他们拜偶像时，他们拒绝了。拿步高王随后将他们扔进了烈火窑中，但上主拯救了他们，并显示了祂对万国的主权。它揭示了上主掌管万国，是真正至高无上的天主，并会按照祂的旨意和目的保护祂的子民。

達尼爾和獅子圈（參閱達尼爾先知書第六章）你可把达尼尔被扔到狮子圈的途径找出来。

“手”是兒童祈禱的樣本（Bethany Darwine教导）用手作为祈祷的方式（如右图）是依据玛窦福音6:5-14，耶稣教导门徒们 ‘天主经’的祈祷。小朋友，按照右图的指示，把椭圆形的空位填上你的祷词，然后把图上色。以后每天这样祈祷，与主耶稣沟通，与主建立美好的关系。

PAGE 18

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

印度格拉西亞斯樞機在當地啟動世界主教會議進程

格拉西亚斯枢机

（梵蒂冈新闻网）继教宗方济各在梵蒂冈为普世教会层级启动了为期两年的世界主教会议进程后，印度孟买总教区于10月17日主日展开了地方层级的世界主教会议进程，孟买总主教格拉西亚斯枢机敦促各职务、各领域的代表们同道偕行、彼此相遇、互相聆听，分辨出圣神对教会的旨意。此前，教宗方济各已于10月10日在圣伯多禄大殿为普世教会揭开了世界主教会议进程的序幕。这个为期两年的进程的高峰将是2023年10月在梵蒂冈举行的世界主教会议第十六届常规会议。格拉西亚斯枢机在孟买总教区主教座堂为当地进程的聆听阶段拉开帷幕，主持

弥撒圣祭。枢机在讲道中指出，教会于2015年10 月17日纪念圣教宗保禄六世创建世界主教会议50 周年。教宗方济各当时表明，「天主渴望教会在第三个千年走在同道偕行的旅途上」。枢机响应教宗今年10月10日在普世层级开幕弥撒中提出的三个关键词：相遇、聆听和分辨。枢机阐明，在世界主教会议的进程中，子民并肩同行，彼此相遇，互相聆听，以分辨「天主圣神正在尝试对我们说，或是祂想要向我们传递的讯息」。孟买总主教强调，「基督渴望教会具有包容性」。「我们需要一起前行，不落下任何一个人。我们需要互相聆听，特别是那些处于边缘、陷入困境、患病受苦，甚至是离开教会的人」。身为枢机咨议会成员，格拉西亚斯枢机强调，「世界主教会议进程意味著分辨出教会的各种毛病，从而革新教会。我们将通过聆听

发现这些毛病。因此，我们甚至需要聆听那些已经离开教会，或者考虑离开教会的人。他们所要讲述的经历，能让我们好好反省」。接著，枢机列举了若干阻挠教会具有包容性的毛病。他指出，圣职人员至上的风气影响了教会：「我们是一个由圣职人员主导的教会。」对妇女的歧视也影响了教会：妇女们在社会和教会中的正确地位遭到否认。对未成年人的保护有所不足：在堂区、教会学校和机构中，缺少保护程序。印度贱民被压迫，移民遭到拒绝：我们以仇外的态度对待「自己的同胞」。除了这些毛病以外，我们「不够关心气候变化」，低估了青年的重要性。格拉西亚斯枢机表示，「我们蒙召建设天主的国」，但是所有这些缺点「有悖于天国的价值观」。枢机最后提醒，教宗方济各邀请信友们建设「聆听的教会、服务的教会、谦逊的教会、包容众人的教会」。圣父教宗期盼人人按照各自所能参与教会，依照自身的培育、环境和圣召走出去实践使命。

菲律賓獨魯萬耶穌聖嬰堂被提升為總教區朝聖地

巴科洛德主教座堂

（梵蒂冈新闻网）菲律宾独鲁万耶稣圣婴（Santo Niño）堂区圣堂自11月起，将被提升为总教区的朝圣地，并得到当地总主教若望 ·杜（John Du）的准许。本堂神父卡尔文·阿普里洛（Kelvin Apurillo）解释说，提出这项要求是为了让这个圣堂成为「一个朝圣场所，信友们在此不仅可以体验到身体上的治愈，也能体验「天主的仁慈、怜悯，以及

无限和无条件的爱」。把圣堂提升为朝圣地之前有游行活动，10月15 日至16日，将抬著耶稣圣婴像在整个城市巡游。接下来，10月20日至22日，圣婴像会在总教区的三个堂区巡游。在菲律宾，耶稣圣婴像深受信友们的热心敬礼。在宿务乙级圣殿中供奉著非常受人敬仰的圣婴像。1521年4月14日，即500年前，葡萄牙航海家麦哲伦抵达宿务，把这尊耶稣圣婴像带到那里，送给已经受洗的王后胡安娜。后来，王后的丈夫和大约800名原住民也受洗。菲律宾的第一个基督信仰团体随即形成。1565年，西班牙的德莱加斯皮抵达宿雾时，他的

一名士兵在一栋被火烧毁的私人住宅中发现了小圣婴像，但耶稣圣婴像依然完好无损，于是被高举著在整个城市游行。从那时起，菲律宾天主教徒在每年1月的第3个主日庆祝耶稣圣婴节，举行盛大游行活动纪念这个重要事件。在独万鲁的信友们的心中，除了耶稣圣婴像，肯定还有教宗方济各2015年1月的牧灵访问。在那机会上，教宗为海燕台风幸存者主持弥撒。2013 年11月那里遭海燕台风袭击，导致6千多人死亡。在某种意义上，那台弥撒的场面也令人难忘，教宗在暴风雨中为灾民主持弥撒。他在弥撒讲道中用西班牙语说，「我不知道该对你们说什么。但上主却知道。我们不孤独：我们有一位能与我们一起哭泣的上主，能在生命最艰困时刻陪伴我们的上主」。

高雄慶祝兒童傳教節兒童也是教會的傳教士「现在是21世纪新的圣神降临节，我们要一起为福传祈祷。你们每一位都是教会的小小传教士！」宗座传信善会上月在高雄屏东法蒂玛圣母堂举行儿童传教节弥撒，主礼的高雄刘振忠总主教鼓励儿童与成年人一起传福音。高雄的「圣童善会儿童传教节」庆典，由台湾的宗座传信善会主任高福南神父（Khohi Mbwi）联同当地的传教团体筹办，近100位来自 12个堂区的儿童参与。圣童善会是宗座传信善会属下机构，负责培育儿童负起传教使命。庆典分为两部分，上午为传教意识培育活动，大会安排儿童参与信仰问答游

中认识宗座传信善会的使命和工作。下午设有弥撒圣祭，由刘振忠总主教主礼，礼仪中由儿童担任读经员及圣咏团，当日洋溢着欢乐的气氛。弥撒结束后举行「小小传教士」宗座传信善会在台湾为儿童举办传教节庆典派遣礼，由参礼儿戏，以及动手做玫瑰念珠手童一起诵念祷文，并接受刘总链，并把祈祷意向写在「小天主教派遣和降福，刘总主教也使祈祷卡」上，当中内容充满勉励儿童说：「你们都是教会爱心：「耶稣我爱祢，希望祢的希望，一定要做勇敢的小小在天上保护我平平安安、快快传教士！」参礼者都获赠宗座传信善乐乐」、「我爱天主、天主爱我，希望病毒快点不会的「宗座十字架」作为纪念见」、「祝爸爸妈妈长命百品，象征一起成为「教会的希岁，爷爷奶奶天天开心」。出望」，为主踏上传教之路。席儿童的父母则观看影片，从图、文：台湾《天主教周报》

台灣教會為主教會議獻彌撒

台北總教區為主教會議奉獻彌撒。

台湾的教区于10月17日举行弥撒，开启世界主教代表会议的教区阶段。在台北总教区的开幕弥撒上，台北总主教钟安住分享当地教会如何落实共议精神：首先邀请机构和堂区成员细读主教会议预备文件，并按文件内的主题，共同聆听和辨别各种困境；其次邀请各团体主动聆听及分辨；第三是邀请全体教友，特别是青年，反思自身尚未完成的福传使命；最后总教区负责人将整合各方意见。至于新竹教区的开幕弥撒，则邀请了外劳、青年和医疗等团体的代表参礼，象征教

会要聆听所有人的意见。新竹主教李克勉弥撒上为主教会议工作的教区筹备小组主持派遣礼，而特别的是，小组邀请了两位青年代表与会以汲纳青年意见。另外高雄、嘉义、台中、台南四个教区亦于当日为主教会议奉献弥撒；花莲教区因幅员广大，教区于10 月8日神父避静时，已为主教会议奉献弥撒，主教黄兆明于10月17日前往遍远的卓溪堂区为教友讲解主教代表会议的精神。来源：台湾《天主教周报》

傳教士印度紡織廠開展環保產品扶助青年就業（梵蒂冈新闻讯）在印度泰米尔纳德邦服务的方济会修女于1994年，在当地开设纺织品工厂，以扶助残疾的待业女青年。近日工厂领会了教宗方济各《愿祢受赞颂》通谕的精神，开展环保产业，同时又打入了意大利公平贸易市场，期望扩大生意额，继而帮助更多有需要人士。意大利方济会的修女于27 年前来到泰米尔纳德邦服务伤

残女青年，并为她们开设纺织厂。最初工厂只有100名员工，现在已增至约有300名。修女为女青年提供持续培训课程等支援，旨在改善产品，也把传统、创新和保护环境三个幅度结合起来，建立了一项受国际市场认同的100%有机棉产业，期望在推动本土经济的同时，也做好环保项目。

韓國水原教區繼續製造、寄送念珠，推動祈禱和支持海外傳教工作（梵蒂冈新闻网）韩国水原教区山本洞堂区的奉献玫瑰经念珠协会，于2020年2月当地的玫瑰圣母堂庆祝25周年的机会上，决定制造1千万串玫瑰念珠，随后在网上出售或者寄往海外传教区，来鼓励信众祈祷并活出基督指出的道路。据《天亚社》报道，协会主席赵南邱（Cho Nam-gu）神父向韩国天主教时报表示，他们不但将念珠寄给在海外传教的司铎，还把念珠送给儿童，尤其是在初领圣体的机会上。他们也将念珠出售，来支持海外传教工作。该协会最初由35人组成的义工小组，去年向巴布亚新几内亚、秘鲁和南苏丹的传教区寄送了1600串玫瑰念珠。今年，则向菲律宾和巴布亚新几内亚的传教区各寄发了600串念珠。义工小组由永援圣母修女

会的金仁淑（Kim In-suk）修女带领，她坚信，制造这些玫瑰经念珠所付出的努力，能鼓励人们祈祷。这些念珠是用新的材料和回收的旧念珠制造的。修女解释，玫瑰经念珠始终伴随著祈祷，她祝愿那些收到念珠的人「成为带领诵念玫瑰经的动力」。金仁淑修女表示，「圣母玛利亚照顾我们，当我们能够把念珠寄发给海外传教区时，我们为称扬圣母圣心而感到高兴」。今年，透过出售玫瑰念珠和捐款，共收集并向海外传教区寄送了约3659000韩元（3059美元）。最后，赵南邱神父表示，「尽管新冠疫情带来困难，我们的信友们完成了一项传教活动」，堂区要为这活动能够有更大的发展而努力。

北京聖樂音樂會回顧中國聖樂本地化（本报讯）北京天主教会 10月16日在西什库主教座堂（北堂）举办「唐代以来的中国圣乐」音乐会信德网报导，音乐会延续本年神学本地化研讨活动，整理了多首具备中国本土特色与风格的圣乐曲目。音乐会上，北京教区李山主教致辞时，鼓励听众透过欣赏这些由中国古

典诗词和音乐改编而成的圣乐，认识教会先贤为圣乐本地化和传教所作出的努力，从而步武前人芳踪。音乐会善用琵琶和二胡等中华传统乐器，同时展现西方宗教音乐的魅力，以及本地化的风采。压轴一曲《中华合一弥撒．天主经》为音乐会落下帷幕。

PAGE 19

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

修葺完成的聖若瑟中學彌赫爾樓舉行祝聖及啟用禮（古晋讯）耗资五百五十万令吉翻新的圣若瑟中学弥赫尔楼于10月30日祝圣，并于11月2日正式启用。该弥赫尔楼不只对圣若瑟学校，对砂经翻新的弥赫尔楼。朥越都是标志性的建（图：Maryjane Tendahal）筑物，它由三座建筑物组成 - - - 位于中间的主楼 1882年创立了该校，并于1950 （已被收录入宪报为文化遗年交由拉萨修士接管。 10月31日的启用礼由圣若产）及两翼楼。 10月30日，傅云生总主瑟学校校友会主席拿督沈桂贤教在欧庆伟神父、黄伟乾神医生代表砂朥越首席部长主父、高尔文·理查·龚邦神持。沈桂贤医生也是地方政府父及马克·庞佐执事在新小圣堂共祭弥撒后，祝圣了所和房屋部长，宣读也是该校校友的首席部长的致辞，首席部有经翻新的房室。傅总主教在形容该学校长写道：「成为这个遗产的一时说，这所学校为所有人敞份子是一份特权和荣幸」。首席部长也表达他对弥赫开门户，每个人都可以在这里找到位子。他将这个传统尔神父们的感恩，不仅因为他归功于弥赫尔传教士和拉萨们的传教事业，也为他们将教修士们所代表的天主的爱和育带给砂朥越的人民。他称弥赫尔楼是一座无价的历史性建仁慈。在经翻新的弥赫尔楼，筑物，使圣若瑟学校成为马来弥赫尔神父们的宿舍已被保西亚最古老的教会学校之一。留作为历史画廊。他们在（蔡爱薇报导）（译文）

歐慶偉神父接任聖心堂區主理就職禮

傅云生总主教（前中），欧庆伟神父（前右），黄天赐神父（前左）与圣心堂牧灵议会及圣马尔谷堂理事会2021年11月6日合摄于就职弥撒后。

（哥打圣淘沙讯）参与圣心堂11月6日的黄昏弥撒的教友们见证了由傅云生总主教主持的该堂新本堂欧庆伟神父的就职礼。欧神父最近甫从台湾返回古晋，他担任圣心堂区主理的委任从11月1日生效。他的新堂区团体包括被转调入圣心堂区辖区的石角圣马尔谷堂。当晚以多语举行的弥撒由傅云生总主教主祭，欧神父及调驻圣心堂的主徒会会士黄天赐神父共祭。傅总主教向圣心堂区牧

灵议会和圣马尔谷堂的理事会成员们介绍他们的新主理神父欧庆伟。欧神父接着向他的新牧灵议会承诺「在我的牧灵职务的属灵和世俗的照顾中寻求你们的忠告、指导和劝告」，牧灵议会成员旋即回应以一鞠躬。最后，欧神父以国语、华语及英语致辞，他感谢圣心堂的前堂区主理陈联瑞神父及张金良神父在圣心堂区团体所作的建设。欧神父2020年前往台湾进修前担任圣体堂区的主理。（蔡爱薇报导）（译文）

聖三堂主理劉子健神父晉鐸十週年 ( 古晋讯)2021年11 月7日是古晋肯雅兰园圣三堂主理刘子健神父晋铎10周年。当日正是常年期第三十二主日。弥撒圣三堂主礼刘子健神父晋铎10周年圣三堂主礼刘子健神父晋铎10周年后，圣三堂华语联委会主席陈华祥兄弟请神道者、歌咏团等等和前主理王父从祭台坐到教友席，继而大博弟神父陆续祝贺神父的录影荧幕播出圣三堂所有华文团体短片。华语联委会、儿童礼仪包括圣母军、慕道班老师与慕组和青年团代表也送上礼物。

神父感动地向大家致谢，他呼吁更多会说华语的男青年慷慨接受司铎圣召，作传播福音的工具。刘神父的晋铎座右铭是若15：16 「不是你们拣选了我，而是我拣选了你们，并派你们去结果实，去结常存的果实。」愿被召选的刘神父在接下来的岁月，带着主足够的爱继续带领祂的羊群走向永生的道路。（罗新玲报导）

聖三堂主日學結業典禮 (古晋讯)古晋肯雅兰园圣三堂主日学在本堂刘子健神父的鼓励下，没让疫情阻挡，以线上方式开班。从二月二十一日的第一堂课到结业典圣三堂主礼刘子健神父晋铎10周年礼，师生们共在线上聚集了三十圣三堂主日学结业礼片段照片次。十月三十一日，全体师生与神父共庆结业祷掀开序幕，接着有唱謡，圣典礼。节目以俊翔同学的开前经常识游戏和各班级学生上课

后感言分享。随着儿童礼仪、青年团和辅祭员负责人分享他们的团体生活后，就是大家最期待的颁奖典礼。奖项有每班的测验前三名，模范奖，和全体师生和神父都有的鼓励奖。组长Kelvin老师也播放一个老师们事先录制好恭贺神父晋铎10周年的短片，给神父加油打气。结业礼就在神父充满感动和惊叹的致谢词和降福后结束。 (罗新玲报导）

寶光村華文家庭玫瑰經團聖母無原罪始胎之后四十週年慶舉行線上感恩彌撒（古晋讯）古晋总教区宝光村华文家庭玫瑰经团圣母无原罪始胎之后，于十月二十六日晚间八时正在zoom线上平台，恭请黄伟乾神父主祭这台40 周年感恩弥撒。当晚在zoom线上参礼的兄弟姐妹大约40位。黄神父在证道时首先恭祝在线上的团员们周年快乐。回想四十年的岁月要坚持延续保留一个团体的运作是一件不容易的事，但也很感恩天主赐足够恩宠引导大家度过。黄神父又强调「四十」在圣经中真是一个很特别的数字，比如：以色列人在旷野漂流40年；耶稣在旷野禁食了四十昼夜后，受

魔鬼的试探。他还引用当晚福音「芥子和酵母的比喻」来形容一个团体的生命和成长力量。芥子虽然是所有种子中最小的，却能长成一棵枝叶茂密的参天大树，而揉进面团里的少许酵母却能使整个面团发酵膨胀。回顾本玫瑰经团的成长旅程中，虽然很多位创始前辈都先我们而去，但是他们的精神永存，因此，我们应当承接他们创团的初衷延续使命，才不

辜负先辈的意愿。今晚很感恩看到不少的年长团员虽然不太擅长操作手机或平板电脑，不用怕！天主常与我们同在。俗语说得好：「活到老，学到老！」因此不要太担心团员逐渐老化与减少，只要依赖天主珍惜当下所拥有的，做该做而能做的每周一起祈祷念玫瑰经，同时也让年轻一辈自由空间发挥，相信天主藉着圣神会引导他们走正道。黄神父同时也嘱咐团员们彼此坚强内心颇有的信德去传扬福音的使命，举心向上，同道偕行，迈向天国。弥撒结束后，大家「开麦」对着摄像头与黄神父线上互相交流，请安问候，气氛融融，并唱生日歌，由黄神父降福和彼此互祝平安后离线。（李永国报导）

2021年世界傳教節：懷著憐憫心傳福音『我們不得不說我們所見所聞的事』（宗4:20）普世教会每年在十月的倒数第二个主日庆祝世界传教主日。今年它落在2021年 10月24日。 1926年，教宗庇护十一世钦定了世界传教节，予在所有地方教会庆祝作为普世性与普世团结的一个庆典，使基督徒能认出他们藉着为传教祈祷、热忱和奉献对在世界传福音的共同责任。他的意愿是要在人们中间滋生一种藉支持宗座传教会向全世界传福音的责任感。教宗方济各在他今年传教主日的文告中，提醒大家，耶稣如何将救赎的福音藉着真挚的友谊，看祂治愈

病人，和罪人共餐，给饥饿的人吃的，亲近被排斥的人，摸触不洁者，自比作有需要的人，提倡真福八端，及以一个新的和权威性的方式教导。这給他们留下了不可磨灭记号，唤醒惊愕，广泛的喜悦和深刻的感恩之情。有了耶稣，我们也已经看到、听到和体验到，一切是可以不同的。甚至到现在，祂已设定了未来，提醒我们，我们经常被遗忘的基本人类特质，即「我们受造是为了获得圆满的生命，而这生命只能在爱中实现。」（众位弟兄68）如宗徒，他们见到和听到这个福音，而扛起将它带到地极的使命，我们也被提醒，我们的圣洗带来的向世界宣讲福音的召叫，特别在这个新冠大

流行给许多人带来痛苦、孤独、贫穷和不公的时候。为我们在日常生活中活出我们宣讲基督的使命的信德和召叫，让我们感谢主！每年的传教主日都会为普世的传教事业筹募特别的捐献。去年，古晋总教区内各堂区共收到67234.01令吉，该款项后来由马来西亚、新加坡和汶莱的宗座传教会分配给马、新、汶，以及印度尼西亚。该捐款所资助的活动包括在美里教区举行的传道员培训项目。也是在十月，我们为儿童们提供机会，以「儿童帮助儿童」的精神，藉着特别的捐款盒参与传教工作，鼓励儿童们拿出他们的零用钱的一部分来帮助别的有需要的儿童。

这些捐款盒将在圣诞节收回，并在主显节奉献，作为和贤士们一起奉献的礼物。去年，古晋总教区的所有堂区的孩子们总共收集了 51603.35令吉，这款项被寄去支持非洲的儿童计划。孩子们，好样的！仍然有许多传教事业方面的工作我们可以帮上忙的。因此，作为一个传教的教会，在这整个十月你为传教和福传工作上的使命是什么呢？愿玛利亚，第一位传教的门徒，增加受过洗的人们做我们的土地上的光和盐的意愿。（参阅玛 5:13-14）

总教区传教与全人发展委员会主席高尔文·理查·龚邦神父（译文）

PAGE 20

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

傅雲生總主教的訊息亲爱的主内兄弟姐妹们，本月一日和二日，我们分别庆祝诸圣节和追思已亡节。在从宗徒传下来的宗徒信经中，我们宣称：「我信圣而公教会，诸圣的相通，罪过的赦免。肉身的复活。永恒的生命。阿们。」诸圣节当我们想到圣人，我们立刻想到的是在天堂的圣人圣女。有许多著名的圣人，如亚西西的圣方济各，宗徒如圣伯多禄、圣雅格伯、圣使如圣玛窦、马尔谷、路加、若望，和许多名字我们常选作领洗圣名的圣人。圣若瑟、德丽莎、多米尼克、方济·沙勿略，等等。当我们宣称：「我信诸圣的相通…，」我们相信，聚集在天堂的圣人和在世上的教会团体是有关联的。在神学上，那在天堂的是基督奥体的一部分，没有因死亡而和我们分离，而是如云的证人围绕着我们（希12:1）。这些圣人站在天主的宝座前奉献我们的祈祷（默5:8），他们鼓励我们保持忠信，好好赛跑直到终点，使我们有一天加入圣人的行列。在诸圣节，我们和已去世的、现在在天堂的人们一起欢欣。这些圣人可以是名列我们教会的日历的公认的圣人，也可以是已离世，他们曾活在世上，爱天主爱近人，他们被认为值得名列天堂圣人的。这些已离世的可能是我们认识的人---司铎、修士修女、祖父母、同事、邻人和朋友。这些是我们「土生土长的」圣人，他们和教会所有公认的圣人并列。天庭圣人是历代对天主忠贞的平常人的汇集。圣人是在世上时忠实地按天主的诫命和真福八端生活的真实人们。他们就像向我们显示我们可以如何在成圣路上跟随他们的向导。在诸圣相通中，让我们和天堂的圣人们一起欢欣。让我们寻求他们的转求，使我们在走完世上的旅途时，我们也将与天主面面相对，加入圣人的行列，并和我们已逝的亲人团聚，在天堂敬拜我们的主。追思已亡节我们相信「肉身的复活和永恒的生命。阿们。」人死后是有生命，因此，我们为已亡的信友祈祷。在死后的生命这个重要的课题，天主教教理如此阐释天堂、地狱和炼狱。天堂：「耶稣基督以祂的死亡和复活为我们『开启』了天堂」（天主教教理1026）。「那些在天主的恩宠和友谊中过世的人，在完全炼净之后，將与基督永遠生活在一起。他们將永远地肖似天主，因为他们是面对面地看到天主『实在怎样』」（天主教教理1023）。这些就是在天堂的圣人。地狱：「教会训导声明地狱的存在和永久性」（天主教教理1035）。「若人在大罪中过世时沒有悔意，沒有接受天主的慈爱，这表示他藉着自由的抉择永远与主分离。換言之，就是將自己排除与天主和真福者的共融之外，这种決定性的、自我排除的境况就称为『地狱』」（天主教教理1033）。

天堂和地狱的定义很明确。当一个人死了，将会有一个最后的审判以决定他是去天堂还是地狱。如果我有心为善，但因为软弱而犯罪。因为这样而永远下地狱仿佛不公平。天主会仁慈地考虑我是好人吗？我们需要和天主讨价还价，特别是当我们要去天堂还不够完美？好消息是，耶稣向我们启示，我们的天主是慈爱而仁慈的父。「在感恩祭和信友每日的祈祷中，教会恳求天主的仁慈，祂并不愿意『任何人丧亡，只愿众人回心转意』」（天主教教理1037）。天主提供了炼狱作为一个被接受进入祂的临在的净化过程。炼狱purgatory这名称来自purge（净化）这个字，意指「涤除罪或从道德或礼仪上的污秽的洁净。」炼狱为最后的炼净：诸圣节庆祝所有现在已经在天堂、在天主的临在中的人们。追思已亡日纪念所有已死但还在路上现在在炼狱中的人们。「那些死在天主的恩宠和友谊中的，但尚未完全净化的人，虽然他们的永远得救已确定，可是在死后仍须经过炼净，为得到必需的圣德，进入天堂的福乐中」（天主教教理1030）。「教会称被选者最后的炼净为炼狱，那绝不可与被判入地狱者的处罚相比」（天主教教理1031）。在炼狱中，这些灵魂被炼净他们的轻微的罪，以及他们已经告解过的大罪的暂时的惩罚。他们在进入天堂天主的临在前被洁净，而堪列入圣人的行列。于是，在整个的十一月，我们为所有已亡但仍然在炼狱中的信徒奉献祈祷和弥撒，特别是我们已逝的家人。在每台弥撒中，我们将耶稣的苦难奉献以除免世界和全人类的罪。因此，仔细地聆听弥撒中的感恩经。在祝圣饼酒后，你会听到神父为已逝的信徒代祷：「求祢垂怜我们的祖先，已亡的亲友，和所有在祢宠爱中去世的人，恩准他们进入天国」（感恩经第三式）「并求祢垂念他们，使他们享见祢光辉的圣容」（感恩经第二式）。我愿邀请所有天主教徒热诚地为已亡者的灵魂奉献弥撒和祈祷，特别在这十一月内。请注意，你献弥撒的奉献金是你的捐献，它绝不是弥撒的代价。基督已经用祂的性命在十字架上偿还了无价的补赎，一次过地救赎了我们。救赎是不能用金钱买到的---只有对死而复活的耶稣我们的救主的信德。教会法典第946条指示：「信徒给献仪为按自己的意向作弥撒，不但为教会有益，而且亦因奉献而参与教会照顾圣职人员和支援教会的工作。」求主恩赐我们所有已逝的弟兄姐妹永久的安息。并以永恒的光辉照耀他们。息止安所。阿们。

✠傅云生总主教（译文）

家人與司鐸兄弟告別蔡欽友神父「我父所祝福的，你们來吧! 承受自創世以來，给你们预备了的国度吧!」（瑪 25:34）（古晋讯）砂朥越首位土生司铎劳伦斯·蔡钦友神父于10月24日安息主怀，并于 10月28日举行殡葬弥撒后安葬于圣若瑟总主教座堂天主教墓园。弥撒当天上午，蔡神父的骨灰瓮从BDC圣体堂的露德圣母石窟被带到圣若瑟总主教座堂。蔡神父的骨灰瓮自10月 25日下午三时开始被安奉在圣母石窟前让信友前往致敬及守灵。每小时由圣体堂的祈祷会和各职司领念玫瑰经和上主慈悲经的守灵活动都藉古晋总教区的优管和脸书直播，让众信友在新冠肆虐的情况下得以参与守灵活动。圣体堂主理王博弟神父也从10月25日至28日为蔡神父奉献安灵弥撒，众多教友们在严守标准作业程序下在圣堂参与弥撒，并到圣母石窟前向蔡神父致敬。蔡神父自2003年一直担任圣体堂的主理神父，直到

他于2017年从活跃的职务退休。退休后仍居留圣体堂继续执行比较轻松的牧灵任务。 10月28日举行殡葬弥撒当天早上，以傅云生总主教为首的一支游行小队将蔡神父的骨灰接到圣若瑟总主教座堂，安置在祭台前，让他最后一次和他的司铎兄弟们参与弥撒庆典。弥撒在严守其他宗教委员会的标准操作标准下举行，只有不超过一百位包括司铎、修会人员、蔡神父的家人及少数团体成员被允许参加。弥撒由傅总主教主祭，锺万庭荣休总主教、夏长福荣休总主教及约卅位司铎共祭。傅总主教分享说，蔡神父最后的愿望是在圣体堂他最心爱的圣母石窟举行守灵活动。他说，虽然他对蔡神父的离世已有心理准备，但接到噩讯时仍心神大恸，特别是当他从火化场领出他的骨灰送到圣体堂的露德圣母石窟时。傅总主教也读出蔡神父的一位老朋友暨校友，砂朥越州元首的挽词。总主教也联同全体司铎，对蔡神父的家人致以最深的哀悼。傅总主教说，蔡神父忠实地活出他的司铎生涯，留下了

从上午八时至晚间九时从露德圣母石窟直播守灵活动。（图：赖德基）

（图：赖德基）

他作为司铎的职务遗产---辉煌的实体建设如圣三堂和圣体堂。愿他的主人对他这位忠实的天主仆人说的：「我父所祝福的，你们來吧!承受自創世以來，给你们预备了的国度吧! 」（瑪25:34）。曾与蔡神父一同服务多年的荣休夏长福总主教在向蔡神父的致敬词中，称蔡神父为一位「拥有社会伟大领导人特质，但放弃一切，选择他认定为天主召叫他作一位司铎」。一位「在以爱服务，服务天主

参与蔡神父的殡葬弥撒的司铎兄弟、修会人员及家人一瞥。（图：赖德基）

让他管的人们中显示那份伟大和灌注所有天主赏赐的才能，」及「作所有人的仆人。」荣休夏长福总主教说，蔡神父的方针「只有最好的配给天主和祂的子民」反映在堂区的实体建设和他对堂区团体的要求。他所建设的设备都是为他的人民—团体来分享信德及在他们的信德上获得良好的培育。总主教说，蔡神父的真正遗产是「一生在耶稣基督我们的主和救主服从的信德，和他

在圣神的领导和给与的力量中跟随耶稣到天父的国度的意愿。」夏总主教重复傅总主教引述的圣经摘文：「我父所祝福的，你们來吧！承受自創世以來，给你们预备了的国度吧! 」他总结：「我们的信德和望德让我们深信，蔡神父将在天主的国度。」夏总主教最后向蔡神父致别时请他进入主的国时为我们祈祷。（蔡爱薇报导）（译文）

PAGE 21

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

聖事

主啊！請聽我們的祈禱！

王博弟神父《天主教教理》的第1210条说：「新约圣事是由基督建立的，共有七件，就是圣洗、堅振、感恩(圣体)、忏悔、病人傅油、圣秩以及婚姻。七件圣事涉及基督徒生命中的所有階段，以及一切重要时刻：它们产生、滋长、治愈基督徒的信仰生命，並赋予使命。这样，自然生命的各階段与灵性生命的各階段之間，有着某些类似之处。」这七件圣事可分为三组： 1. 2. 3.

入门圣事将一个人带入基督的完满生命 (圣洗圣事, 圣体圣事，坚振圣事) 治愈圣事治愈灵魂和肉身 (和好圣事，病人傅油圣事) 服务的圣事，一个人回应特定的天主圣召 (婚配圣事，圣秩圣事）

第六課

婚配聖事（三）

婚姻圣事的恩宠（天主教教理1641）婚姻聖事赋予夫婦必需的恩寵为使 1. 他们在婚姻生活达致成圣； 2. 使他们负责任地接受儿女，并为兒女的教育负责。婚姻圣事的效果（天主教教理1640）婚姻圣事在夫妻间建立一个永久性和排他性的关系。婚姻关系是天主亲自建立的，于是受過洗的人之間的既成已遂婚姻，是永不可拆散的。何为夫妻之愛？夫妻之爱是仅存在夫妻之间的爱。它由婚姻圣事的恩宠所圣化、丰富及阐释。夫妻之愛包括友谊的温暖和激情，并在感情退去后仍维持。夫妻之爱是以基督的爱和天主的恩赐使夫妻互相如基督爱我们一样彼此相爱（若13:34）。夫妻之爱的表达（天主教教理1643-1654）夫妻之爱包括一个整体，整个人的構成因素都包括在內---身體、思想和心靈。以三个途径表达。 1. 结合和不可拆散。它以超越身体的深入个人结合为目标，是心与灵的结合。这个夫妻的团体要求两人以整个生命结

合为一，因为「他们不是两个，而是一体了」（玛 19:6；创2:24）。他们应该不断地在自我交付中成长。基督藉着婚姻圣事肯定了这个人类的共融并以圣体圣祭加深。 2. 在互相交付中忠贞不渝。爱情不能是「直到另行通知为止」的临时措施。婚姻本身和儿女的幸福要求他们之间完全的忠贞和不可破的结合。这是建立在天主对旧约的忠信和基督对祂的教会的忠信上。婚姻的不可拆散性从圣事获得更深的意义。与一个人一辈子结合在一起，似乎是太难，甚至視为不可能，因此，夫妻更須听到这一喜讯：天主对他们堅定不移的愛，而夫妻以他们自己的忠贞来分享及见证天主的这愛。 3. 对生育的开放。婚姻本质上便是为生育及教養子女为目标（二者形同婚姻的高峰与冠冕）。「你们要生育繁殖」（创1:28）。在不轻視婚姻其它宗旨的條件下，婚姻之爱以一个特别的方式，使夫妻们和造物主合作，使家庭日益扩展充实。因此，父母是子女最主要和最先的教育者，而必须将道德、精神和超性生活的成果，传递

给子女。在此意义下，婚姻和家庭的基本任务是为生命服务。即使那些无法生育的夫妻，他们仍可享有一个充滿慈善成果的夫妻生活。教会允许夫妻分居吗？（天主教教理1649）为了种种原因，婚姻的同居生活實際上成為不可能，在这样的情况下，教会准许夫妻分居。但夫妻在天主前仍是丈夫和妻子；他们不可与另一人结婚。在如此困難的情况下，较好的解决方法就是：如可能的话，彼此和好。离婚后再婚的又如何？（天主教教理1650）教会由于忠于耶穌基督所说的话 ──「谁若休自己的妻子而另娶，就是犯奸淫，辜负妻子；若妻子离弃自己的丈夫而另嫁，也是犯奸淫 ( 谷 10:11-12)」，而不能承认依民法离婚及再婚的人们的婚姻。教会对处于这种情况中的人们给予关切，鼓励他们保存信仰、祈祷、慈善工作的生活，并以基督徒精神教养自己的兒女。但只要这违反天主法律的情況一直持续下去，他们便不能领受忏悔圣事的和好，不可領圣体或执行某些教会的职务。对处于这种情况下的人们，教会应表示关切，使他们不至于自視为离开教会的人。他们既是受了洗的人，可以而且应该参与教会的生活。家庭教会（天主教教理1655-1657）相信了家庭为活泼信仰，散发信德之光的中心。父母是他们的子女信仰的启蒙者。在家中，父亲、母亲和子女们以特殊的方式，实行他们源自洗礼的司祭职。家庭是培养基督徒生活的第一所學校。人在家庭里学习爱、常常寬恕，以及透過祈祷钦崇天主。（译文）（待续）

上个月，我们许多人怀着沉重的心，告别一位敬爱的牧人、司铎兄弟、神师、告解神师、朋友、兄弟和叔叔。2021 年10月24日，主召回了砂朥越首位本土神父---八十六岁的蔡钦友神父。傅云生总主教竭尽所能地确保蔡神父的遗愿---将他的骨灰安置在实都东圣体堂纪念性的露德圣母石窟举行守灵祈祷--获得实现。守灵祈祷、殡葬弥撒和在圣若瑟总主教座堂墓园的安葬仪式都被直播，让教友们得以在新冠疫情大流行的情况下参与众人为蔡神父的灵魂祈祷。十一月四日，美里教区也因新冠疫情痛失他们亲爱的巴西尔·恩迪力神父。他是在美

主的

里中央医院治疗期间蒙主恩召，终年53岁。今年，诸圣节和追思已亡的弥撒再次从古晋圣若瑟总主教座堂直播。去年严禁进入墓园的禁令今年稍为宽松，教友们可准许在严守标准作业程序下去扫墓。配合10月17日古晋总教区内的每个教区第十六届世界主教会议的推展，总教区在10月16日举行了一个司铎、修会成员和平信徒的联合退省，主题集焦于一个教会的建设：共融、参与和使命。有关的报导请参阅本刊7面。让我们在这个十一月，为纪念我们已离世的亲人，献上我们的祈祷。蔡愛薇（译文）

耶穌會士, 林進才神父

(十一)

话

愈顯主榮

2021年11月21日：乙年基督君王节（達7:13-14; 默1:5-8; 若18:33-37）

Pemerintah對Kerajaan

印度尼西亚(印尼)的政府称为pemerintah而不是马来西亚相同意思的kerajaan,这很有趣。Pemerintah是源自词根 perintah -意思是命令，而 kerajaan 的词根是raja -意思是国王。马来西亚有君王或苏丹统治，尽管他们只是名义上的领袖，而印尼有一位总统作国家的领袖。因此，在仍然有国度或苏丹领地/国政权的马来西亚用kerajaan是适当的。（印尼也有一些苏丹国，但他们不比马来西亚的苏丹具备影响力，只有一些例外的，例如也是日惹总督的日惹苏丹。）在当代的意义上，用皇族的称号称基督为君王在一些文化可能是过时的。不是世界上的所有国家都有世袭的国王或女王作为他们的名义领袖。甚西連聖若瑟修女院之幼稚園（Tadika Juara）籌建新校舍至人们要废除他们国家的皇砂朥越其他宗教事務單位(UNIFOR)撥款壹百萬令吉室，因为他们强烈地感觉到皇（西连讯）此间圣若瑟由已故李维羅妮加大修女領导该园筹建理事会非常欢迎室奢华的生活方式浪费人民的修女院之幼稚园（ T a d i k a 时，也收养貧苦的小孩和孤儿各地热心教育的善士们乐捐款税收。这样的情形下，一些天 Juara）喜从武吉舍慕惹区州们，给于他们温暖正常的生项或物资。捐款可通过支票，主教徒可能对庆祝基督君王节议員约翰依鲁斯手中接过由活。受益者写明Sister of St. Francis 不那么热衷。那么，我们如何 1974年开始为政府福利部 of Sarawak (Tadika Juara) ，或使今天的大庆典和我们的信德砂朥越其他宗教事务单位 (UNIFOR)的壹百萬令吉拨和当地民众送来的兒童们提供直接匯入马来亚银行户口一致呢？在今天的福音经文中，耶款。在現场者见证者包括保护及学前教育。该院的接生 MBB: 5 11235 010157。为了方稣这样回答比拉多关于祂的君 Tadika Juara园长詹巫邦（Sr. 单位于1998年结束操作，并扩便发出收据, 请在捐款付出后， Jane Mbang）修女，新建幼稚展为幼稚園，以便更专心为孩岀示全名及联络方式，或联王身份可以找到线索：我的国不是这世界的…我是君王。我園筹款理事邱昌正医生和芙童们办学前教育。络alopez389@gmail.com. 为此而生，我也为此而来到世幼稚园在2002年向教育部洛拉修女（Sr. Flora）。西连圣若界上，为给真理作证：凡属于新建幼稚园筹款理事邱注册后便应用空下的婴儿産房瑟修女院之幼真理的，必听从我的声音。昌正医生表示非常高兴也很为教室。这些年来一直在热心稚園（Tadika 耶稣是君王，但不是世界感谢砂州其他宗教事务单位人士的资助下，应付修理建筑 Juara）園长詹所谓的那种君王。我们可以用 (UNIFOR)的壹百萬令吉拨及其他开銷。巫邦修女（左世界的君王如何以权威和权力报读幼稚园的学生人数每三）从武吉舍款。他也感谢那些各方面给于帮助的热心人士。建筑師年在增加，导至不足应付修女慕惹区州议員约翰依鲁斯（右的统治想象耶稣，但耶稣作为 Ivy Jong受邀加入筹建委員会们的服务及老师们的运作空三）手中接过由砂州其他宗教君王比这些更多。祂的王国不时，也欣然宣佈提供义务服间。因此在坡众的诚恳要求事务单位(UNIFOR)的壹百萬令是属于世界的；它伸延到我们下，圣方济修女会终决定扩展吉拨款。新建幼稚園筹款理事对国家和国土的认知以外。天务。此间圣若瑟修女院自场所以迎合当今的需求。也因邱昌正医生（中）和芙洛拉修主的国是正义、和平和爱，跨 1957年成立以来，便一直为坡此产生了筹建新幼稚园的念女(左二)。越物质和精神，当前的和永恒众服务，其中包括在1970年代头。 (邓亚玉报导）的。基督的国就像读经一的达

尼尔所暗示的：祂的王权是永远的王权，永存不替，祂的国度永不灭亡。由于今天的读经一中，达尼尔也提到，我们也以各民族、各邦國及各異語人民侍奉祂而属于这个国度。此外，默示录的作者说：「耶稣爱我们，並以自己的血解救我们脱离我们的罪过，使我们成为国度，成为侍奉祂的天主和父的司祭的那位。」我们不止藉着基督救赎的恩宠成为这个天主国度的成员/仆人，我们也被提升到权威和权力，如耶稣一样成为君王和司祭。不止那样，我们被提到这个地位来侍奉天主。伴随伟大的权力而来的是伟大的责任和服务。我们视耶稣如侍奉的君王。对祂而言，作为君王是为了侍奉，恰和世界上大多数的君王相反。正如耶稣为真理作见证，我们也受召藉着我们的生活作见证。耶稣就是真理。我们为耶稣，为我们受教和活出的价值---正义、和平、爱作见证。因耶稣以这些价值统治我们，我们也如此在我们的生活中活出它们，并将它们带给别人。这就是耶稣在世上开创的国度。按上述数点反思，基督君王即是Raja也是pemerintah ---耶稣是统治和管辖的那一位，但祂超越了世界上的君王或领袖的普通意义。基督是更高的权力的那一位但祂却谦逊地服侍---仆人君王；但祂令我们作祂的同工仆人，同时，藉由我们的洗礼，祂把我们提升到君王和司祭来服侍他人。有了这些理解，我们可以看出在今天的意义上的基督作为君王。（译文）

PAGE 22

IMAN DAN HIDUP

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

SAKRAMEN Oleh Fr Patrick Heng SAKRAMEN ialah siri pelajaran oleh Fr Patrick Heng

Ajaran 6 – Sakramen Perkahwinan (Bahagian 3) Dalam Katekisme Gereja Katolik No. 1210, ia menyebut “Kristus menetapkan sakramen-sakramen bagi undang-undang baharu. Terdapat tujuh sakramen: Pembaptisan, Penguatan (atau ‘Chrismation’), Ekaristi, Pertaubatan, Pengurapan Orang Sakit, Pentahbisan, dan Perkahwinan. Tujuh sakramen tersebut menyentuh semua peringkat dan semua waktu penting dalam kehidupan Kristian: ia memberikan kelahiran dan peningkatan, penyembuhan dan misi kepada kehidupan keimanan Kristian. Maka itu, persamaan tertentu wujud di antara peringkatperingkat kehidupan semulajadi dengan peringkat-peringkat kehidupan rohani.” Tujuh sakramen boleh dibahagikan kepada tiga kumpulan: 1. SAKRAMEN-SAKRAMEN INISIASI yang akan membawa seseorang itu ke dalam kehidupan Kristus sepenuhnya (Pembaptisan, Ekaristi, Penguatan) 2. SAKRAMEN-SAKRAMEN PENYEMBUHAN yang akan menyembuhkan jiwa dan tubuh mereka (Rekonsiliasi/ Perdamaian, Pengurapan Orang Sakit) 3. SAKRAMEN-SAKRAMEN KOMITMEN di mana seseorang itu respon kepada panggilan Allah yang khusus (Perkahwinan, Pentahbisan) Rahmat Sakramen ini (KGK 1641) Sakramen ini memberikan rahmat yang diperlukan oleh suami isteri: 1. untuk memperoleh kekudusan dalam rumah tangga mereka. 2. untuk menerima anak-anak dengan penuh tanggungjawab dan membantu mereka dalam pendidikan mereka. Kesan-kesan daripada Sakramen ini (KGK 1640) Sakramen Perkahwinan menjalin hubungan yang abadi dan eksklusif di antara suami isteri. Allah sendiri memeterai keizinan suami isteri. Maka itu, perkahwinan yang disahkan dan disempurnakan antara insan-insan yang sudah dibaptis tidak boleh dibubarkan. Apakah kasih konjugal? Kasih konjugal adalah kasih yang wujud hanya di antara suami isteri. Ia disucikan, diperkayakan dan diterangi rahmat Sakramen Perkahwinan. Kasih konjugal menggabungkan kemesraan persahabatan dengan keghairahan erotik dan bertahan lama selepas emosi reda. Kasih konjugal adalah mengasihi dengan kasih Kristus dan Anugerah Ilahi yang membuat suami isteri mengasihi satu sama lain seperti Kristus mengasihi kita (Yohanes 13:34). Apakah ekspresi kasih konjugal (KGK 1643-1654)? Kasih konjugal melibatkan kesemua elemen pada seseorang insan—tubuh, minda dan roh. Ia diekspresikan dalam tiga cara. 1. Perpaduan dan ketidakbubaran. Ia menyasarkan kesatuan yang amat peribadi melangkaui daging, satu kesatuan hati dan jiwa. Komuniti suami isteri ini merangkul seluruh kehidupan mereka kerana “mereka tidak lagi dua, tetapi satu daging”. (Matius 19:6, Kejadian 2:24). Mereka mesti senantiasa berkembang dalam pemberian diri. Kristus mengesahkan komuni (kesatuan) manusiawi ini menerusi Sakramen Perkahwinan dan mengeratkannya dengan Ekaristi. 2. Kesetiaan dalam saling memberi. Kasih bukan satu aturan “hingga dimaklumkan selanjutnya”. Perkahwinan dan kesejahteraan anak-anak menuntut kesetiaan sepenuhnya dan kesatuan yang tidak terputus di antara mereka. Ini berdasarkan kesetiaan Allah kepada Perjanjian Lama dan kesetiaan Kristus kepada Gereja-Nya. Ketidakpisahan ini mendapat makna yang lebih mendalam daripada sakramen ini. Ia mungkin nampak

susah, malah mustahil, untuk mengikat diri selama-lamanya kepada seorang manusia lain. Ini menjadikannya lebih penting bagi suami isteri untuk mendengar Berita Baik tentang kasih Allah yang tidak dapat dibatalkan bagi mereka dan berkongsi dalam kasih dan kesaksian kepada kasih Allah ini dengan kesetiaan mereka sendiri. 3. Keterbukaan kepada anak-anak. Perkahwinan, berkat sifatnya, mempunyai matlamat untuk melahirkan anak dan mendidik mereka (kemuliaan perkahwinan yang utama). “Beranakcuculah dan bertambah banyak” (Keluaran 1:28). Tanpa memperkecilkan matlamat perkahwinan yang lain, kasih dalam perkahwinan memberi cara yang khusus kepada suami isteri untuk bekerjasama dengan Sang Pencipta bagi meningkatkan dan memperkayakan keluarganya. Maka itu ibu bapa adalah pendidik-pendidik yang utama dan pertama bagi anak-anak mereka dan mesti menurunkan hasil-hasil kepada anak-anak mereka daripada kehidupan moral, rohani dan ‘supernatural’. Perkahwinan dan keluarga seharusnya berbakti kepda kehidupan. Malah suami isteri yang tidak dapat melahirkan anak dapat menjalani kehidupan konjugal yang penuh dengan keberhasilan kasih dan pengorbanan. Adakah Gereja membenarkan pemisahan suami isteri secara fizikal? (KGK 1649) Gereja membenarkan pemisahan suami isteri secara fizikal dan hidup berasingan apabila, atas berbagai sebab, hidup bersama menjadi mustahil. Suami isteri tidak berhenti untuk menjadi suami isteri kepada satu sama lain di hadapan Allah dan, oleh yang demikian, tidak bebas untuk menjalin kesatuan baharu. Dalam situasi yang sukar ini, penyelesaian terbaik adalah perdamaian, jika boleh. Bagaimana dengan mereka “Barang siapa menceraikan yang telah bercerai dan isterinya dan kemudian berkahwin semula? (KGK 1650) berkahwin dengan Memandangkan ia setia perempuan lain, dia hidup kepada Tuhannya, Gereja dalam perzinaan terhadap tidak dapat mengiktiraf isterinya itu. Dan jika si kesatuan orang yang sudah isteri menceraikan bercerai secara sivil dan suaminya dan berkahwin berkahwin semula. “Barang dengan lelaki lain, dia siapa menceraikan isterinya dan kemudian berkahwin berzina.” (Markus 10:11-12) dengan perempuan lain, dia hidup dalam perzinaan terhadap isterinya itu. Dan jika si isteri menceraikan suaminya dan berkahwin dengan lelaki lain, dia berzina.” (Markus 10:11-12). Gereja menunjukkan sikap mengambil berat terhadap orang sedemikian dan menggalakkan mereka untuk menjalankan kehidupan yang beriman, berdoa, beramal dan memberi pendidikan Kristian kepada anak-anak mereka. Bagaimanapun, mereka tidak dapat menerima pengampunan sakramental, menyambut Komuni Kudus, atau memikul tanggungjawab eklesia tertentu selagi situasi mereka, yang secara objektif melanggar hukum Allah, masih belum terungkai. Gereja mesti menunjukkan sikap mengambil berat terhadap orang Kristian yang hidup dalam situasi sedemikian supaya mereka tidak menganggap diri terpisah daripada Gereja, di mana mereka dapat dan mesti mengambil bahagian dalam kehidupan Gereja sebagai orangorang yang sudah dibaptis. Rumah sebagai Gereja Domestik (KGK 1655-1657) Keluarga yang percaya adalah pusat kepercayaan yang hidup dan bersinar. Ibu bapa adalah bentara pertama bagi kepercayaan kepada anak-anak mereka. Di rumah, ibu bapa dan anakanak mengamalkan kepaderian pembaptisan mereka dengan cara yang istimewa. Rumah merupakan sekolah pertama bagi kehidupan Kristian di mana semua belajar tentang kasih, pengampunan yang berulangulang, dan ibadah yang khusyuk. (Terjemahan) Akan Bersambung

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

IMAN DAN HIDUP

PAGE 23

Ciri pada bacaan Misa Ahad: 21 November 2021: Perayaan Kristus Raja, Tahun B (Daniel 7:13-14; Wahyu 1:5-8; Yohanes 18:33-37)

“Pemerintah” vs “Kerajaan” Ia adalah menarik untuk memerhatikan bahawa istilah dalam bahasa Indonesia bagi kerajaan adalah “pemerintah”. Kata asas bagi “pemerintah” adalah “perintah”—untuk memerintah—manakala kata asas bagi “kerajaan” adalah “raja”. Malaysia ada raja atau sultan untuk memerintah negara, walaupun sekadar sebagai pemimpin simbolik, sedangkan Indonesia ada seorang presiden sebagai pemimpin negara. Sebab itulah ia masuk akal untuk menggunakan perkataan “kerajaan” di Malaysia yang masih ada kerajaan ataupun kesultanan di negara ini sebagai kuasa yang lazim. (Sebagai nota sampingan, Indonesia juga ada beberapa kesultanan tetapi mereka tidak begitu berpengaruh seperti sultan di Malaysia, dengan beberapa pengecualian, contohnya, Sultan Yogyakarta juga merupakan gabenor Yogyakarta.) Menurut fahaman kontemporari, penggunaan istilah diraja bagi Kristus sebagai raja mungkin ketinggalan zaman bagi beberapa budaya. Tidak semua negara di dunia mempunyai raja atau ratu pewaris sebagai pemimpin simbolik mereka.

Malah ada segelintir kumpulan yang mahu menamatkan kerabat diraja di negara masing-masing kerana mereka merasakan bahawa kerabat diraja ini membazirkan cukai rakyat dengan gaya hidup mereka yang mewah. Dalam keadaan ini, perayaan Kristus Raja mungkin tidak diterima baik oleh segelintir orang Katolik. Bagaimanakah kita mengaitkan perayaan pada hari ini dengan kepercayaan kita? Petunjuknya dapat dĳumpai di dalam bacaan Injil pada hari ini di mana Yesus menjawab Pontius Pilatus mengenai kedudukan-Nya sebagai raja dengan cara ini: Kerajaan Aku bukan kerajaan di dunia ini. Aku seorang raja. Aku dilahirkan untuk ini, Aku datang ke dalam dunia untuk ini: untuk menjadi saksi kepada kebenaran; dan semua yang berada di pihak kebenaran mendengar suara Aku. Yesus adalah raja, tetapi bukan dalam erti kata duniawi. Kita dapat menggambarkan Yesus seperti seorang raja di dunia yang memerintah rakyat dengan kuasa, tetapi Yesus sebagai raja adalah jauh lebih daripada itu. Kerajaan-Nya bukan dari dunia ini; ia adalah kerajaan yang melangkaui lebih jauh daripada apa yang kita maksudkan sebagai negara. Kerajaan Allah adalah kerajaan keadilan, kedamaian dan kasih yang merentasi kebendaan

Oleh Fr Francis Lim, SJ

dan kerohanian, kefanaan dan keabadian. Kerajaan Kristus adalah seperti apa yang dimaksudkan di dalam bacaan pertama daripada Kitab Daniel: Kedaulatan-Nya adalah kedaulatan abadi yang tidak akan pernah berakhir, dan empayar-Nya tidak akan pernah musnah. Seperti apa yang Daniel turut katakan di dalam bacaan pertama pada hari ini, kita adalah anggota Kerajaan ini sebagai hamba Allah bersama wanita dan lelaki daripada semua kaum, bangsa dan bahasa. Selain itu, penulis Wahyu menyebut, “Yesus mengasihi kita dan telah mencuci dosa-dosa kita dengan darah-Nya, dan menjadikan kita keturunan raja, paderi untuk melayani Allah dan Bapa-Nya.” Kita bukan hanya sekadar anggota/hamba dalam Kerajaan Allah ini kerana rahmat penebusan Kristus, kita juga diangkat kepada perintah kuasa, seperti Yesus, untuk menjadi raja dan paderi. Dan bukan itu sahaja, kita dibawa ke status ini untuk melayani Allah. Kuasa besar diiringi khidmat dan tanggungjawab besar. Kita melihat kepada Yesus sebagai raja hamba (servant king). Bagi-Nya, menjadi raja bermaksud untuk melayan, sesuatu yang bercanggah dengan kebanyakan raja di dunia. Seperti Yesus yang menjadi saksi kepada kebenaran, kita juga

Demi kemuliaan Allah yang lebih agung

dipanggil untuk menjadi saksi kepada kebenaran menerusi kehidupan kita. Yesus adalah Kebenaran. Kita menjadi saksi kepada Yesus dan kepada nilai-nilai yang Dia ajar dan amalkan— keadilan, kedamaian, kasih. Seperti Yesus memerintah kita dengan nilai-nilai ini, kita juga mengamalkannya di dalam kehidupan kita dan membawanya kepada orang lain. Ini adalah Kerajaan yang Yesus mulakan di Bumi. Dengan perkara renungan di atas, Kristus Raja adalah “raja” dan “pemerintah”—Yesus adalah yang memerintah, namun Dia melangkaui lebih jauh daripada kefahaman lazim mengenai seorang raja atau pemimpin duniawi. Kristus adalah raja yang memiliki kuasa yang lebih tinggi namun Dia melayan dengan kerendahan hati—raja hamba; tetapi pada waktu yang sama, Dia menjadikan kita rakan-rakan hamba-Nya, dan pada waktu yang sama, menerusi pembaptisan kita, Dia mengangkat kita untuk menjadi raja dan paderi bagi melayani orang lain. Dengan kefahaman ini mengenai Kerajaan, kita dapat melihat kepada Kristus sebagai Raja dalam maksudnya pada hari ini. (Terjemahan)

TAKZIAH: Rev Fr Basil Entili Anak John 14 MAC 1968 – 4 NOVEMBER 2021 Dengan penuh dukacita, kami mengumumkan pemergian Fr Basil Entili Anak John pada 4 November 2021 jam 4.01 pagi di Hospital Umum Miri disebabkan oleh jangkitan Covid-19. Fr Basil dimasukkan ke Hospital Limbang pada 25 Oktober 2021 dan didapati positif bagi Covid-19. Keadaannya merosot dan beliau dipindahkan ke Hospital Umum Miri pada 28 Oktober dan dimasukkan tiub. Paru-paru dan buah pinggang beliau terjejas teruk dan walaupun menerima rawatan, mereka tidak dapat menyelamatkan beliau. Beliau kembali kepada Tuhan pada jam 4.01 pagi, 4 November 2021, di Hospital Umum Miri. Basil dilahirkan pada 14 Mac 1968 kepada John Anak Ajin dan Ranggu Anak Saban dari Rumah Boniface Bada, Sungai Sengga, Suai, Niah. Basil ada seorang saudara dan tiga saudari. Beliau mendapatkan pendidikan rendah di Sekolah

Rendah Chung Hua, Bakong, dan pendidikan menengah di SMK Bakong dan SMK Lutong. Beliau menyertai Seminari Keuskupan Miri pada tahun 2000 dan lulus pada hujung 2006. Beliau ditahbis sebagai diakon pada 30 Mac 2007 di Katedral St Joseph, Miri, dan paderi pada 6 Januari 2008 oleh Uskup Anthony Lee di rumah panjang beliau di Suai, Niah. Tugasan pertama Fr Basil adalah di Katedral St Joseph (2008-2013); dan seterusnya beliau melayan di Gereja Gembala Baik, Marudi (2014-2015); Gereja St George, Sebauh (2016-2020) dan akhirnya di Gereja St Edmund, Limbang, dari Januari 2021. Beliau seorang gembala yang sejati, penuh dengan semangat pastoral dan kasih bagi umat. Beliau sering melakukan perjalanan untuk melawat stesen yang banyak bersama katekis dan menganjurkan banyak seminar, ceramah dan kursus formasi bagi penduduk rumah panjang.

Sebagai seorang manusia, Fr Basil adalah peramah, penuh sukacita, baik hati, bersuara lembut, rendah hati, murah hati dan prihatin. Beliau tidan banyak bercakap dan kebanyakan orang akan mengingati beliau sebagai seorang paderi yang baik hati dan suci selama 13 tahun beliau menjadi paderi. Beliau pasti akan dirindui. Fr Basil meninggalkan ibu dan tiga saudari beliau. Beliau dikebumikan pada 4 November 2021 di Tanah Perkuburan Katolik Lambor No. 3, Miri, dalam satu upacara peribadi disebabkan oleh sekatan Covid-19. Bagi pihak para paderi, religius dan jemaat keuskupan, saya menyampaikan ucapan takziah yang tulus ikhlas kepada keluarga Fr Basil di atas kehilangan seorang anak dan saudara. Tiada kata-kata yang dapat menggambarkan dengan memadai kesedihan kami dengan pemergian beliau yang mengejut. Semoga kita mendapat

penghiburan dan kekuatan daripada sabda Yesus yang meyakinkan dalam Al-Kitab: “Akulah kebangkitan dan kehidupan. Barang siapa percaya kepada-Ku, walaupun dia mati, dia akan hidup, dan sesiapa yang hidup dan percaya kepada-Ku tidak akan pernah mati.” (Yohanes 11:25-26) Semoga jiwa Fr Basil dan jiwa-jiwa semua umat yang sudah meninggal dunia bersemadi dengan tenang. Bersaudara dalam Tuhan, + Uskup Richard Ng Uskup Miri 4 November 2021 (Terjemahan)

IMAN DAN HIDUP

PAGE 24

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

Hari Minggu Sedunia 2021: Misi dengan Belaskasihan “Tidak mungkin bagi kami untuk tidak berkata-kata tentang apa yang telah kami lihat dan yang telah kami dengar.” (Lisah Para Rasul 4:20) Gereja Sejagat meraikan Hari Minggu Misi Sedunia yang diadakan setiap tahun pada Hari Minggu kedua terakhir bulan Oktober. Pada tahun ini, ia dirayakan pada 24 Oktober 2021. Pada 1926, Paus Pius XI mewujudkan Hari Minggu Misi Sedunia untuk diraikan di semua gereja tempatan sebagai perayaan kekatolikan dan solidariti sejagat, supaya umat Kristian dapat mengiktiraf tanggungjawab mereka yang umum berhubung penginjilan dunia menerusi doa, animasi dan pemberian bagi Misi-misi. Kebimbangan beliau adalah untuk menimbulkan rasa tanggungjawab dalam umat agar menyokong Misi-misi di seluruh dunia, menerusi Persatuan-persatuan Misi Kepausan. Paus Francis, dalam perutusan beliau bagi perayaan pada tahun ini, mengingatkan bagaimana Yesus membawa Berita Baik Penyelamatan menerusi persahabatan yang tulen, menyaksikan-Nya menyembuhkan orang sakit, makan bersama pendosa, memberi makanan kepada orang yang kelaparan, mendekati golongan tersisih, menyentuh orang kotor, memahami golongan rentan, menyarankan Amalan Kebahagiaan, dan mengajar dengan cara yang baharu dan berkuasa. Ini meninggalkan tanda yang tidak dapat dipadamkan pada mereka, yang membangkitkan ketakjuban, sukacita yang meluas, dan rasa syukur yang tidak terhingga. Dengan Yesus, kita juga telah melihat, mendengar dan mengalami bahawa keadaan boleh jadi berbeza. Malah sekarang, Dia telah melancarkan masa akan datang, dan mengingatkan kita tentang dimensi kemanusiaan kita yang sering dilupai, iaitu “kita dicipta bagi kepuasan yang hanya dapat ditemui dalam kasih” (Fratelli Tutti, 68). Seperti para rasul, yang telah melihat dan mendengar Berita Baik ini dan menerima misi untuk membawa Injil ke hujung bumi, kita juga diingatkan tentang panggilan pembaptisan kita untuk mewartakan Injil kepada dunia, terutamanya pada waktu pandemik sekarang yang telah menampilkan dan menonjolkan keperitan, kesepian, kemiskinan dan ketidakadilan yang dialami begitu ramai orang. Marilah kita mengucapkan terima kasih kepada Tuhan di atas anugerah iman dan panggilan kita dengan menjalani misi kita untuk menggemakan Kristus dalam kehidupan harian kita.

Hati ke hati...

dari pena penulis jemputan,

Fr John Direk Shalom semua. Pada jam 5.00 petang, 1 November 2021, saya telah berjalan di tebingan sungai di belakang Gereja St Jude, Bunan. Tujuan saya adalah untuk merehatkan minda sebelum perayaan Misa ‘Hari Para Orang Kudus’ yang saya rayakan pada jam 7.00 petang, di gereja tersebut. Apabila saya melihat air sungai mengalir, saya ingat satu kisah yang pernah berlaku kepada saya ketika saya berumur 10 tahun. Cerita saya begini: Masa itu adalah musim kemarau. Seluruh kampung mengalami masalah ketiadaan air paip kerana empangan

tadahan air graviti di kampung kami sudah hampir kering. Orang kampung semuanya pergi ke sebatang sungai besar yang terletak di belakang kampung, untuk mandi dan mengambil bekalan air bagi kegunaan dalam rumah. Mula-mula, seperti kebiasaan, saya mandi di kawasan air yang cetek. Oleh sebab saya belum pandai berenang, saya mengelak kawasan yang dalam. Tetapi pada masa itu, saya amat tertarik melihat kawan-kawan sebaya terjun ke dalam sungai. Berulang kali, mereka naik tebingan dan terjun, lagi dan lagi, ke dalam

Kutipan khusus dibuat pada Hari Minggu Misi setiap tahun bagi kerja misi di seluruh dunia menerusi Persatuan-persatuan Misi Kepausan. Pada tahun lepas, paroki-paroki dalam Keuskupan Agung Kuching mengutip RM67,234.01 dan dana ini kemudian diagihkan kepada keuskupan di Malaysia, Singapura, Brunei dan juga Indonesia oleh Persatuan-persatuan Misi Kepausan Malaysia, Singapura dan Brunei. Antara projek-projek, yang sebahagiannya disokong oleh dana ini, adalah latihan katekis di Keuskupan Miri. Pada bulan Oktober juga kita memberi peluang kepada kanak-kanak untuk mengambil bahagian dalam kerja-kerja misi dalam semangat “Kanak-kanak Membantu Kanak-kanak” menerusi kotak kutipan khusus. Kanak-kanak digalakkan untuk memberi jumlah tertentu daripada wang saku harian mereka bagi membantu kanak-kanak lain yang memerlukannya. Kotak-kotak ini akan dikutip pada waktu Krismas dan akan disampaikan pada Hari Raya Epifani, sebagai satu cara untuk menyampaikan pemberian mereka bersama Tiga Raja. Pada tahun lepas, kanak-kanak di semua paroki dalam Keuskupan Agung Kuching mengutip RM51,603.35 dan kutipan ini telah dihantar untuk menyokong projek-projek bagi kanak-kanak di Afrika. Tahniah kepada anak-anak kecil kita! Masih terdapat banyak kerja misi di mana kita dapat membantu. Maka itu, sebagai Gereja misionari, apakah misi anda sepanjang bulan Oktober yang didedikasikan kepada kerja-kerja misi dan penginjilan? Semoga Maria, murid misionari pertama, meningkatkan keinginan dalam semua jemaat yang sudah dibaptis untuk menjadi garam dan cahaya di bumi kita. (cf. Matius 5:13-14) Fr Galvin Richard Ngumbang Pengerusi, Komisi Misi dan Pembangunan Manusia Keuskupan Agung (Terjemahan)

sungai, dan air di tempat mereka terjun itu memang dalam. Dari kawasan air cetek, entah apa yang membuatkan saya begitu berani untuk pergi ke tebingan tempat mereka terjun. Saya pun ikut terjun dan semasa tubuh saya sudah masuk ke dalam air sungai, samar-samar kedengaran suara orang dewasa di sekeliling, “Budak tenggelam! Budak tenggelam!” Apa yang pasti, mereka menjerit sesama sendiri di tebingan sungai. Sejujurnya, saya sendiri tidak pasti siapa di antara mereka yang telah menyelamatkan saya dan membawa saya ke darat. Selepas kejadian itu, saya takut pergi ke sungai selama beberapa bulan. Sampai suatu hari, ada seorang kawan sebaya saya mencabar saya, dan saya ingat apa yang dia sebut sampai ke hari ini. “Kalau kamu takut dan tidak belajar berenang, sampai bila-bila pun kamu tidak akan pandai. Mula dari air yang cetek dulu, dan perlahan-lahan masuk air yang dalam,” katanya. Ya, mulai dari saat itu,

saya belajar berenang dan saya tiada lagi masalah tenggelam dalam sungai selepas itu. Secara peribadi, saya ingat balik tindakan orang di sekeliling saya yang telah membantu untuk membangkitkan semangat dan memotivasikan saya, dengan mencabar saya untuk membangkitkan keyakinan saya agar berjalan dan maju ke hadapan. Sesungguhnya, memang ramai, dan sejujurnya sehingga dalam satu jangka masa, saya sendiri telah lupa. Pada 1 November setiap tahun, kita merayakan Hari Para Orang Kudus, untuk memperingati jasa-jasa mereka yang telah bekerja dengan penuh ikhlas dan taat-setia demi umat Tuhan di dunia ini. Mereka adalah contoh terbaik dalam kehidupan Kristiani kita kerana mereka telah menyerahkan sepenuhnya kehidupan mereka, dengan sepenuh hati serta fikiran, dengan semua kemampuan dan kekuatan, dan hidup mentaati serta mempraktiskan ajaran Tuhan Yesus.

Ingat juga bahawa para sahabat, temanteman dan saudarasaudari di sekeliling kita juga orang yang penting di dalam kehidupan kita ini. Mereka secara langsung telah membantu membangkitkan semangat kita, dan telah memotivasikan kita. Mereka jugalah orang yang telah menolong kita dan mencabar kita untuk membangkitkan keyakinan kita, supaya kehidupan kita tidak akan terus tenggelam dan lemas dicengkam macammacam perkara di dalam dunia ini. Saudara-saudari di dalam Yesus Kristus, setiap daripada kita telah dipanggil untuk menjadi saksi dan orang kudus Tuhan pada zaman kita ini. Hidup sentiasa tolongmenolong di antara satu sama lain melalui tindakan dan pertuturan bahasa kita. Kita belajar sama-sama, kita bangkit sama-sama, dan kita berjalan sama-sama menuju kesempurnaan di dalam Kerajaan Allah. Puji Tuhan!

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

Dari meja pengarang

BERITA

Ya Tuhan, dengarkanlah doa-doa kami

Dengan hati berat, ramai daripada kita mengucapkan selamat jalan kepada seorang gembala yang disayangi ramai, rakan paderi, bapa rohani, pendengar pengakuan dosa, sahabat, saudara dan bapa saudara, pada bulan lepas. Pada 24 Oktober 2021, Tuhan telah memanggil pulang Fr Lawrence Chua, paderi kelahiran tempatan pertama dari Sarawak, pada usia 86 tahun. Uskup Agung Simon Poh berusaha sedaya upaya untuk melaksanakan permintaan terakhir Fr Chua agar doa-doa arwah disebut dan jasad beliau diletakkan di Grotto Our Lady of Lourdes, Gereja Blessed Sacrament, BDC Stutong. Doa-doa arwah, Misa Pengebumian dan pengebumian di Tanah Perkuburan Katedral St Joseph distrim secara langsung untuk membolehkan komuniti Kristian mengambil bahagian dalam doa-doa bagi jiwa Fr Chua, pada waktu pandemik sekarang. Pada 4 November, Keuskupan Miri kehilangan paderi kesayangan mereka, Fr Basil Entili Anak John, pada usia 53 tahun, juga akibat jangkitan Covid-19. Beliau kembali kepada Tuhan ketika beliau menjalani

rawatan di Hospital Umum Miri. Pada tahun ini, Misa Hari Para Kudus dan Misa Hari Para Arwah sekali lagi distrim secara langsung dari Katedral St Joseph, Kuching. Larangan melawat tanah perkuburan Kristian pada tahun lepas tidak diguna pakai pada tahun ini setelah anggota paroki dibenarkan untuk memberi penghormatan kepada ahli keluarga tersayang yang sudah meninggal dunia, dengan mematuhi SOP yang ketat. Sempena pelancaran Perhimpunan Agung Biasa Ke-16 Sinod Uskup-uskup di setiap keuskupan dalam Keuskupan Agung Kuching pada 17 Oktober, Keuskupan Agung telah mengadakan hari renungan bersama paderi, religius dan umat awam dengan fokus untuk membangunkan Gereja Sinodal: Komuni, Penyertaan dan Misi. Anda dapat membaca artikel mengenainya pada Halaman 26. Marilah kita memanjatkan doa-doa kita pada bulan November ini untuk memperingati anggota keluarga tersayang yang kita sayangi. (Terjemahan)

PAGE 25

CATHOLIC today’s THE TEAM PENERBIT Uskup Agung Kuching PENASIHAT Fr Felix Au EDITOR Ivy Chai EDITOR BERSEKUTU (B Cina) Magdalene Yeo SIDANG EDITOR Freddy Bohari (BM) Mabel Salin (Halaman Kanak-kanak B Inggeris) James Lo (B Cina) Cecil Yong (B Cina) Margaret Bong (Halaman Kanak-kanak B Cina) STAF Shannon Wei

P E RU T U S A N Daripada Uskup Agung Simon Poh Saudara saudari yang dikasihi, Pada bulan ini, kita merayakan Hari Para Kudus dan Hari Para Arwah masing-masing pada 1 dan 2 November. Dalam Kredo Para Rasul, yang diturunkan kepada kita daripada Para Rasul sejak berkurun lamanya, kita mengaku: “Aku percaya akan Gereja Katolik yang Kudus, persekutuan para kudus, pengampunan dosa, kebangkitan badan, dan kehidupan yang kekal. Amin.” HARI PARA KUDUS Apabila kita memikirkan tentang santo-santa, kita segera memikirkan tentang lelaki dan wanita kudus di syurga. Terdapat ramai santo dan santa seperti St Fransiskus dari Assisi, rasul seperti St Petrus, St Paulus, St Yakobus, penginjil seperti Santo-Santo Matius, Markus, Lukas, Yohanes, dan ramai lagi dengan nama-nama yang kita kerap pilih untuk pembaptisan. Santo-Santa Yosef, Teresa, Dominikus, Francis Xavier dan ramai lagi. Apabila kita menyatakan: “Aku percaya akan persekutuan para kukus…”, kita percaya bahawa hubungan wujud di antara santo-santa yang berhimpun di syurga, dengan komuniti gereja di bumi. Dalam teologi, mereka yang berada di syurga merupakan anggota-anggota Tubuh Mistikal Kristus dan tidak dipisahkan daripada kita oleh kematian tetapi mengelilingi kita bagaikan awan (Ibrani 12:1). Santosanta ini berdiri di hadapan takhta Allah dan memanjatkan doa-doa kita kepada Allah (Wahyu 5:8) dan mereka menggalakkan kita untuk sentiasa setia dan berlari dalam perlumbaan yang baik hingga ke akhir, agar kita suatu hari nanti dapat dikira dalam kalangan santosanta di atas. Pada Hari Para Kudus, kita bersukacita dengan semua yang sudah meninggal dunia dan kini berada di syurga. Santo-santa ini dapat menjadi santo-santa rasmi dengan nama-nama yang tertulis di dalam kalendar Gereja kita, ataupun mereka mungkin orang-orang yang sudah meninggal dunia dan pernah hidup di bumi dengan mengasihi Allah dan jiran-jiran, dan mereka didapati layak dan kini dikira dalam kalangan santo-santa di syurga. Orang yang sudah meninggal dunia ini mungkin paderi, saudarasaudari religius, datuk dan nenek, rakan sekerja, jiran dan rakan yang kita kenali secara peribadi. Ini adalah santo-santa “tanaman sendiri” bersama semua SantoSanta rasmi Gereja. Santo-santa di syurga merupakan himpunan orang biasa sepanjang zaman yang hidup setia kepada Tuhan. Santo-santa adalah manusia tulen yang dengan ikhlas cuba hidup menurut perintah dan khutbah bahagia Tuhan ketika mereka hidup di bumi. Santo-santa ini umpama pembimbing yang menunjukkan kepada kita bagaimana kita dapat mencontohi mereka dalam kekudusan dan kesucian. Dalam persekutuan dengan santo-santa, marilah bersukacita

dengan mereka di syurga. Marilah kita memohon perantaraan mereka supaya apabila kita melengkapkan perjalanan hidup kita di bumi, kita juga akan melihat wajah Allah dan bersatu dengan santo-santa dan bersatu semula dengan anggota keluarga kita yang sudah meninggal dunia, untuk menyembah Tuhan kita di syurga. HARI PARA ARWAH Kita percaya akan “kebangkitan badan dan kehidupan yang kekal. Amin.” Selepas kematian ada kehidupan, dan sebab itulah kita berdoa untuk jemaat kita yang sudah meninggal dunia. Mengenai perkara penting tentang kehidupan selepas kematian ini, Katekismus Gereja Katolik (KGK) mengemukakan doktrin-doktrin Syurga, Neraka dan Purgatorium. SYURGA: “Oleh Kematian dan Kebangkitan-Nya, Yesus Kristus telah ‘membuka’ syurga bagi kita.” (KGK No. 1026). “Orang yang mati dalam rahmat dan persahabatan Allah dan disucikan sepenuhnya, akan hidup selama-lamanya bersama Kristus. Mereka serupa dengan Allah untuk selama-lamanya, kerana mereka ‘melihat Dia dalam keadaan-Nya yang sebenarnya, dari muka ke muka di syurga”. (KGK No. 1023). Ini adalah santo-santa di syurga. NERAKA: “Ajaran Gereja mengatakan bahawa ada neraka, dan bahawa neraka itu berlangsung sampai selama-lamanya.” (KGK No. 1035). “Kita tidak dapat disatukan dengan Allah, kalau kita tidak secara sukarela memutuskan untuk mencintai Dia. Tetapi kita tidak dapat mencintai Allah, kalau melakukan dosa berat terhadap Dia, terhadap sesama kita, atau terhadap diri sendiri. Keadaan pengucilan diri secara de�nitif daripada persekutuan dengan Allah dan dengan para kudus ini, dinamakan ‘neraka’.” (KGK No. 1033). De�nisi SYURGA dan NERAKA adalah jelas. Apabila seseorang itu mati, terdapat penghakiman terakhir yang menentukan sama ada seseorang itu pergi ke SYURGA atau NERAKA. Bagaimana pula jika saya mahu berbuat baik tetapi disebabkan oleh kelemahan saya, saya telah berdosa? Ia nampak tidak adil untuk dihukum di neraka buat selama-lamanya. Adakah Allah akan berbelaskasihan dan menganggap saya sebagai seseorang yang baik? Adakah kita perlu tawar-menawar dengan Allah terutamanya apabila kita belum lagi sempurna untuk memasuki syurga? Berita baik ialah Yesus memberitahu kita bahawa Allah kita adalah Bapa yang Maha Pengasih dan Maha Rahim. “Dalam perayaan Ekaristi dan dalam doa harian umatnya, Gereja senantiasa mohon belas kasihan Allah, supaya jangan ‘ada yang binasa, melainkan supaya semua orang berbalik dan bertaubat’.” (KGK No. 1037). Bersambung di ms26

BERITA

PAGE 26

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

Katedral St Joseph merayakan Peringatan Para Arwah dalam kelonggaran sekatan pandemik

Gambar menunjukkan Uskup Agung Simon Poh memberkati tanah perkuburan. (Gambar: Today’s Catholic/Shannon Wei) KUCHING — Tanah Perkuburan Kelonggaran sekatan Katedral St Joseph, yang Covid-19 akhirnya membenarkan maksimum membolehkan tanah 100 pelawat pada satu perkuburan Katolik di masa, jelas dipenuhi lebih seluruh Sarawak untuk banyak bunga, lilin dan dibuka sempena Hari pelawat ke kubur-kubur, Para Arwah pada 2 berbanding penutupan November, kali pertama pada tahun lepas. sejak pandemik mula Peringatan Para Arwah berlaku. distrim secara langsung

bermula jam 8.00 pagi dari Taman Peringatan Uskupuskup yang terletak di pintu masuk Tanah Perkuburan. Uskup Agung Simon Poh mengetuai ibadat bagi pemberkatan tanah perkuburan, dibantu oleh Fr Galvin Ngumbang, Fr Benard Bujang dan Diakon Mark Bonchol. Bagi memperingati mereka yang sudah meninggal dunia, Uskup Agung menjemput semua untuk berdoa bagi anggota keluarga tersayang yang sudah meninggal dunia, dan menghiburkan satu sama lain dengan jaminan kepercayaan. “Tanah perkuburan ke gereja adalah peringatan bagi kita bahawa mereka yang sudah pergi

mendahului kita juga merupakan sebahagian daripada komuniti kita yang hidup,” katanya. “Hari ini pada Hari Para Arwah, kita mengingati semua yang sudah pergi mendahului kita dalam iman, agar Allah akan melihat mereka dan membawa mereka ke rumah Bapa. “Maka itu, ia adalah dengan iman bahawa kita yang percaya kepada Yesus dan mati bersamaNya dĳamin akan bangkit bersama-Nya.” Menyaksikan suasana adalah patung Yesus Gembala Baik, yang diberi penghormatan dengan kalungan bunga dan lilin yang dinyalakan untuk memperingati mereka yang sudah meninggal

dunia. Dalam tradisi tahunan, Uskup Agung memberkati air suci dan menyucikan kawasan yang mengelilingi kuburkubur, bermuladengan Taman Peringatan Uskup-uskup yang siap baru-baru ini. Para paderi kemudian menuju ke tanah perkuburan, sambil merenjis air suci ketika mereka berjalan melintasi barisan kubur. Misa Hari Para Arwah yang dirayakan di katedrl sejurus selepas pemberkatan tanah perkuburan dipimpin oleh Fr Galvin dengan bantuan Diakon Mark. Shannon Wei (Terjemahan)

Keuskupan Agung Kuching adakan Hari Rekoleksi Bersama Paderi, Religius dan Umat Awam dengan fokus kepada pembangunan Gereja Sinodal KUCHING — Keuskupan Agung Kuching mengadakan Hari Rekoleksi Bersama dalam talian yang pertama pada 16 Oktober 2021 lalu menerusi Zoom. Ia dihadiri kira-kira 300 peserta daripada suruhanjaya dan jawatankuasa Majlis Pastoral Keuskupan Agung (APC), paderi, religius, seminarian, ahli majlis paroki dan ketua gereja. Dalam ucapan pembukaannya, Pengerusi APC Christina Eng berkata acara utama untuk diberi tumpuan bagi tempoh dua tahun akan datang adalah Sinod Uskup-uskup yang diumumkan oleh Paus Francis. Beliau menyuarakan keinginannya untuk melihat semua orang “meneruskan kehidupan bersama virus di tengahtengah kita dan dengan agenda kita—iaitu untuk menjadi sebuah Gereja dengan misi untuk membawa Yesus Kristus ke hujung bumi”. Kita adalah “Gereja: Murid-Murid Sabda dalam Komuni untuk Misi”, tambahnya. Dalam penghormatan

yang sayu kepada semua paderi, Christina berkata: “Reverend Fathers yang dikasihi, betapa kami memerlukan anda! Bagi sakramen-sakramen, bagi pengakuan dosa, bagi Ekaristi, ketika kami sakit atau sekadar untuk diingatkan bahawa di dalam homili anda setiap Ahad bahawa Tuhan Maha Pengasih dan Maha Rahim itu ada.” Uskup Agung Simon Poh pula berkata beliau rasa begitu diberkati kerana ada dua badan untuk membantunya di dalam penjagaan pastoral Umat Allah. Beliau ada Majlis Paderi-paderi yang dianggotai 40 orang paderi yang melayani Tuhan dalam Keuskupan Agung Kuching, selain sokongan APC yang terdiri daripada 12 orang ahli Majlis Pastoral Paroki dari seluruh Keuskupan Agung, yang bekerja dalam kolaborasi yang erat dengan rektor dan paderi paroki masing-masing.

Keuskupan Agung Kuching Prelatus itu menyentuh secara ringkas tentang sejarah Gereja Katolik, bermula dengan hari kumpulan Mubaligh Mill Hill pertama menjejakkan

kaki di bumi Kuching pada 10 Julai 1881 (140 tahun yang lalu) hingga penubuhan Keuskupan Agung Kuching pada 31 Mei 1976, menjadikannya berusia lebih 45 tahun. Majlis Vatikan pada 1962-1965 menampilkan model baharu bagi Gereja, daripada model praVatikan yang bersifat hirarki dan institusi kepada model yang fokus kepada Komuni (Kesatuan). Ini adalah visi baharu Majlis Vatikan Kedua bagi Gereja sebagai Umat Tuhan, yang dipanggil untuk menjadi Cahaya Dunia ‘Lumen Gentium’. Majlis Pastoral Keuskupan Agung, yang ditubuhkan selepas itu, sekarang merangkumi komisi-komisi seperti Pembentukan Iman & AlKitab, Kehidupan Keluarga Kristian, Belia & Kampus, Misi & Pembangunan Insan, dan beberapa Jawatankuasa bagi Panggilan, Kaunseling dan Komunikasi Sosial. Uskup Agung mengetengahkan beberapa acara penting yang telah dianjurkan: • Kongres Ekaristi Keuskupan Agung (1989-1990) • Kongres Al-Kitab

Keuskupan Agung (1991-1993) • Fokus Tiga Tahun kepada Tritunggal sebagai persiapan untuk Tahun Jubli 2000 Memandangkan acaraacara ini melibatkan peringkat akar-umbi di kampung dan paroki, ia memberi dorongan kepada pembentukan dan pembinaan seluruh gereja dalam Keuskupan Agung Kuching. Beliau memanggil ini “satu proses sinodaliti”.

Perhimpunan Pastoral Keuskupan Agung Pertama Uskup merumuskan

Agung proses

menghasilkan tema ‘KITA ADALAH GEREJA: MURIDMURID FIRMAN, DALAM KOMUNIS UNTUK MISI’ untuk Perhimpunan Pastoral Keuskupan Agung Kuching Pertama (KAPA 1) pada 2017, sebagai umpama pengalaman sinodal bagi Gereja. Tema itu, yang kini diterima oleh uskup, paderi, religius dan ketua awam dalam Gereja, dihasilkan dengan menggabungkan visi kedua-dua uskup agung sebelumnya, Uskup… Bersambung di ms28

CATHOLIC COVMUNITY BOOKSHOP Lot 4.08, Wisma Saberkas Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg 93000 Kuching Tel: 082 - 231741

(329947-X)

Salib Rosari Buku rohani Al-Kitab Muzik Idea hadiah Patung Altar Gambar suci

Selasa - Sabtu 10.00 am - 5.30 pm Isnin / TUTUP Cuti Umum BUKA Ahad 11.00 am - 4.00 pm

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

BERITA

PAGE 27

Paderi kelahiran Sarawak yang pertama kembali kepada Tuhan, pada usia 86 PROFAIL Fr Lawrence Chua Tarikh/Tempat Kelahiran: 5 September 1935, Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia Kerakyatan: Malaysia Negeri: Sarawak Bahasa pertama: Cina (Hokkien) bahasa ibunda Bertulis: Inggeris, Latin, bahasa Malaysia Lisan: Mandarin, Hakka, Melanau, Bidayuh, Iban Dipelajari: Bahasa Itali

Memperingati zaman awal Fr Lawrence Chua sebagai seorang paderi. KUCHING — Komuniti Katolik berkabung apabila berita diterima mengenai pemergian Fr Dato Lawrence Chua pada jam 7.13 malam pada 24 Oktober lepas di Pusat Perubahan Normal di sini. Kelompok doa telah mengadakan vigil doa dan sesi doa dalam talian untuknya sejak pengumuman dibuat bahawa beliau didapati dĳangkiti Covid-19 beberapa minggu lalu ketika di Mukah, dan kemudian dipindahkan ke Hospital Umum Bintulu. Berkat rahmat Allah, beliau pulih dengan cukup baik untuk melakukan perjalanan pulang ke Kuching di mana beliau ingin meneruskan rawatannya. Fr Chua dilahirkan di Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia pada 5 September 1935 kepada William Chua Thamby dan Josephine Eyaw Chai Luan. Keputusannya untuk meneruskan pengajian sekolah menengah di Kuching telah menjurus kepada panggilannya kepada kepaderian. Beliau ditahbis sebagai paderi oleh Vikar Apostolik Kuching, Uskup John Vos, D.D.C.B.E. pada 13 Disember 1964 di bandar asalnya Mukah, untuk menjadi warga kelahiran tempatan pertama dari Sarawak yang ditahbis menjadi paderi. Bagi meraikan saat yang bersejarah dan tidak dapat dilupakan itu, keluarga Fr chua menempah pesawat perintis berkembar MSA untuk membawa Vikar Apostolik itu, 13 paderi Mill Hill, dan 13 rahib Fransiskan bersamanya ke bandar asalnya. Fr Chua secara rasmi bersara daripada pelayanan aktif pada 2017 selepas melayan selama 53 tahun dalam kebun anggur Tuhan, tetapi pintunya tetap terbuka untuk melayan apabila keperluan itu ada. Ivy Chai (Terjemahan)

PENDIDIKAN Rendah: Sekolah Sacred Heart, Mukah, Sarawak Menengah: Sekolah St Joseph, Kuching Sĳil Overseas Cambridge Junior School 1953 Sĳil Overseas Cambridge Senior School 1955 Sĳil Overseas Cambridge Higher School (Calon Persendirian, Singapura) 1958 Seminari Persiapan St Peter, Kuching 1952 – 1955 Pengajian Tinggi: Seminari Kecil St Francis Xavier, Singapura, 1956 – 1958 Pengajian persiapan bagi kepaderian Roman Katolik Kolej Umum, Seminar Utama Pulau Pinang, Malaysia: 1959 – 1960 Falsafah, Kitab Suci dan mata pelajaran bersekutu: 1961 – 1964 Teologi (Dogmatik & Moral), Kitab Suci, Undang-undang & subjek-subjek bersekutu Pentahbisan: Lulus – Disember 1964 Ditahbis sebagai Paderi – 13 December 1963 Institut Bahasa Cina Jesuit Fu-jen, Hsinchu, Taiwan: 1969, kursus bahasa Mandarin selama enam bulan Universiti Gregorian Jesuit, Rom, Itali: Ogos 1975 – Jun 1977 Lulus 1977 (Jun) dengan Ijazah Sarjana (Kehormat) dalam Teologi (Peperiksaan Lisan & Bertulis) & Lesen Mengajar (STL) PELANTIKAN 1965 – 1966: Naib-Rektor, Gereja St Teresa, Serian, Sarawak yang meliputi Bahagian Kedua (Bandar Sri Aman) 1966 – Mei 1967: Penolong Rektor, Gereja St Joseph, Kuching 1967 – 1969: Naib-Rektor, Gereja St Ann, Batu 10, Kuching Penyelia Sekolah, Sekolah St Lukas, Kuching

1970 – 1971: Rektor, Gereja St Peter, Padungan, Kuching 1971 – 1972: Rektor, Seminari Persiapan St Peter, Kuching 1972 – 1975: Rektor, Gereja Holy Trinity, Kenyalang Park, Kuching yang meliputi kawasan Batu 7 1974 (Mei) – 1975 (Julai): Vikar-Jeneral kepada Uskup Charles Reiterer 1975 – 1977: Melanjutkan pengajian ĳazah Sarjana dalam Teologi (STL) di Universiti Gregorian Jesuit di Rom, Itali 1977 (Sept.) – 1979 (Ogos): Vikar-Jeneral & Rektor Gereja Holy Trinity, Kuching 1979 (Ogos) – 1981: Profesor Teologi (Eklesiologi & Homiletik) Kolej Umum, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia 1982 – 1984: Naib-Rektor dan kemudian Rektor Katedral St Joseph, Kuching, Sarawak 1984 – 1986: Ahli Lembaga Perancangan Social Negeri Sarawak, dilantik oleh Ketua Menteri Sarawak 1985 – 1986: Pelayanan misionari di Keuskupan Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, yang berpangkalan di Gereja St John, Tuaran, Sabah 1986 – 1988 (Mei): Profesor Teologi (Eklesiologi & Kristologi), Seminari Utama St Francis Xavier, Singapura 1988 (Jun) – 2002: Rektor Gereja Holy Trinity, Kenyalang Park, Kuching, Sarawak 1997 – 2017: Pengerusi, Lembaga Pengurusan Sekolah St Joseph, Kuching 2003 (Februari): Rektor, Gereja Blessed Sacrament, Kuching 2017: Bersara, Gereja Blessed Sacrament, Kuching ANUGERAH 1979 (Dis.): Sĳil Khidmat Bakti (Lembaga Pendidikan Orang Dewasa Negeri Sarawak) 1982 (Jun): ABS (Ahli Bintang Sarawak) 1988 (Ogos): PTJ (Pingat Terpuji Jubli Perak) 1995 (September): JBS (Johan Bintang Sarawak) 2007: PSBS (Panglima Setia Bintang Sarawak) Doa-doa arwah diadakan dan distrim secara langsung dari Grotto Our Lady of Lourdes yang begitu disayangi Fr Chua selepas beliau mendirikannya sebagai penghormatan Bonda Maria, di Gereja Blessed Sacrament, BDC, Stutong.

BERITA

PAGE 28

Perutusan daripada Uskup Agung Simon Poh Bersambung dari ms25 Allah menawarkan Purgatorium sebagai proses penyucian sebelum dimasukkan ke dalam hadiratNya. Perkataan purgatorium berasal daripada kata kerja “to purge” dalam bahasa Inggeris, yang bermaksud “untuk dilepaskan daripada rasa bersalah atau dibebaskan daripada penodaan moral atau adat”. PURGATORIUM SEBAGAI PENYUCIAN TERAKHIR: Hari Para Kudus merayakan semua yang sudah berada di syurga dan berada di hadirat Allah sekarang. Hari Para Arwah memperingati semua yang sudah mati tetapi sedang dalam perjalanan dan kini berada di purgatorium. “Siapa yang mati dalam rahmat dan dalam persahabatan dengan Allah, namun belum disucikan sepenuhnya, memang sudah pasti akan keselamatan abadinya, tetapi ia masih harus menjalankan satu penyucian untuk memperoleh kekudusan yang perlu, supaya dapat masuk ke dalam kegembiraan syurga.” (KGK No. 1030). “Gereja menamakan penyucian terakhir para terpilih, yang sangat berbeda dengan siksa para terkutuk, purgatorium (api penyucian).” (KGK No. 1031) Dalam Purgatorium, jiwajiwa ini sedang disucikan daripada dosa-dosa kecil mereka dan hukuman duniawi bagi dosa-dosa besar yang mereka telah akui. Mereka sedang disucikan sebelum dimasukkan ke dalam hadirat Allah di Syurga, untuk dikira dalam kalangan santo-santa. Maka itu, sepanjang bulan November ini, kita memanjatkan doa-doa dan Misa bagi semua umat yang sudah meninggal dunia dan masih berada dalam purgatorium, terutamanya bagi anggota keluarga kita yang sudah meninggal dunia. Dalam setiap Misa, kita mempersembahkan Korban Yesus untuk menghapuskan dosa-dosa dunia dan semua umat manusia. Maka itu, dengar dengan

teliti kepada Doa Ekaristi dalam Misa. Selepas Konsekrasi, anda akan mendengar paderi menyebut doa bagi umat yang sudah meninggal dunia: “Kepada saudara-saudari kami yang sudah meninggal dunia dan kepada semua yang menyenangkan-Mu ketika mereka meninggalkan kehidupan ini, perkenankanlah mereka untuk memasuki kerajaan-Mu.” (Doa Ekaristi No. 3). “Dan sambutlah mereka ke dalam cahaya wajah-Mu.” (Doa Ekaristi No. 2). Saya menjemput semua orang Katolik untuk, dengan bersemangat, mempersembahkan Misa dan doa bagi jiwa-jiwa yang sudah meninggal dunia, terutamanya pada bulan November ini. Sila maklum bahawa pemberian Misa anda adalah sumbangan anda dan ia BUKAN harga yang anda perlu bayar untuk Misa. Kristus sudah membayar tebusan yang tidak ternilai dengan nyawa-Nya di atas salib untuk menyelamatkan kita buat selama-lamanya. Penyelamatan tidak dapat dibeli dengan wang—tetapi hanya kepercayaan kepada Yesus, Penyelamat kita, yang telah wafat dan bangkit daripada kematian. Kitab Hukum Kanonik No. 946 menyatakan: “Umat beriman Kristiani, dengan menghaturkan stips agar Misa diaplikasikan bagi intensinya, membantu kesejahteraan Gereja dan dengan persembahan itu berpartisipasi dalam usaha Gereja mendukung para pelayan dan karyanya.” Berikanlah persemadian yang abadi kepada semua saudara dan saudari kami yang sudah meninggal dunia, Ya Tuhan. Dan biarlah cahaya abadi menyinari mereka. Semoga mereka bersemadi dengan damai. Amin.

✠ Uskup Agung Simon Poh (Terjemahan)

TODAY’S CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 2021

Keuskupan Agung Kuching adakan Hari Rekoleksi Bersama Paderi, Religius dan Umat Awam dengan fokus kepada pembangunan Gereja Sinodal Bersambung dari ms26 …Agung Emeritus Peter Chung dan Uskup Agung Emeritus John Ha, iaitu ‘Kita adalah Gereja’ dan ‘Gereja—Murid-murid Firman, dalam Komuni untuk Misi’. Uskup Agung Simon berkata Roh Kudus telah menimbulkan realisasi yang lebih besar bahawa penginjilan bukan sahaja tanggungjawab uskup, paderi atau religius. Perhimpunan itu juga menyedari bahawa umat awam juga dipanggil untuk menjadi sebahagian daripada Gereja dalam misi ini. Sebagai persiapan untuk KAPA Kedua pada 2022, tugasan Gereja sekarang adalah untuk menyemak semula prestasi dan cabaran yang dihadapi sejak 2017.

Pastoral Seluruh Malaysia (PMPC) 2026

Dalam Gereja Katolik, menerusi Sinod Uskup-uskup, Paus memanggil uskup-uskup dari berbagai rantau di dunia ke satu PERHIMPUNAN. Ini memupuk KOMUNI (Kesatuan) yang lebih erat di antara Paus dengan Keuskupan, dan menjemput keuskupan untuk MENGAMBIL BAHAGIAN dalam perkembangan iman, moral, dan MISI Gereja. Sinod Uskup-uskup 2021-2023 akan mencapai kemuncaknya di Rom pada 2023. “Pengalaman di Keuskupan Agung kita telah memberikan kita sedikit pengalaman latar belakang bagi bagaimana untuk menjadi Gereja Sinodal—Komuni, Penyertaan dan Misi. Demikian juga, kita akan menjajarkan peta jalan KAPA Kedua denan Peta Jalan Sinodal,” kata Uskup Agung Simon. Beliau menyimpul sesi dengan beberapa persoalan yang penting untuk direnungkan mengenai komunis, penyertaan dan misi bagi Gereja pasca pandemik. Beliau turut menyarankan beberapa prinsip panduan terpilih.

Fr Patrick Heng, yang ditugaskan untuk mengetuai perjalanan menuju Sinod pada 2023 dan Konvensyen Pastoral Seluruh Malaysia pada 2016, memberikan gambaran keseluruhan tentang cara dan bila visi dan misi Keuskupan Agung, ‘KITA ADALAH GEREJA: MURID-MURID FIRMAN, DALAM KOMUNI UNTUK MISI’, telah dirangka. Beliau kemudian memberi pecahan mengenai perjalanan menuju PMPC 2026, dengan memetakan tarikh dan proses berbagai perhimpunan yang akan diadakan dan menjurus kepada PMPC. Visi bagi PMPC 2026 adalah ‘Gereja Katolik Malaysia datang bersama sebagai paderi, religius dan umat awam untuk merayakan, mendengar dan berjalan di dalam cahaya Tuhan (Yesaya 2:2-5)’. Pasukan petugas itu akan mengguna-pakai metodologi Melihat-Bertindak-Menilai dengan set soal selidik yang akan dibahagikan kepada semua paroki pada Januari-Mac 2022. Fr Galvin Richard Ngumbang menyokong pengumuman peta jalan itu dengan memaklumkan tentang Matlamat Sinod dan menghuraikan tentang fasa Keuskupan bagi Sinod tersebut. Sr Rose Wong SSFS, yang mewakili Kongregasi/ Perkumpulan Religius di Sarawak, melaporkan beliau ada sebuah jawatankuasa kerja yang dianggotai 11 wakil dari berbagai perkumpulan bagi Perhimpunan Religius Katolik Malaysia 2023. “Sebagai komuni (kesatuan) murid-murid misionari, kami semakin menjadi garam bumi dan cahaya dunia. Diberkati dengan berbagai bakat dan anugerah, kami meneruskan perjalanan misionari ini. Kehidupan kaul kami mesti mencerminkan saksi ‘countercultural’ atau nilai-nilai injili dalam masyarakat.” Fr Ramon Borja, SDB menyimpulkan peta jalan menuju Konvensyen Pastoral Seluruh Malaysia 2026 dengan visi, objektif dan rancangan Komisi Belia Keuskupan Agung Kuching bagi Perhimpunan Belia Katolik Malaysia 2025, dan seterusnya. Marilah memulakan perjalanan menuju PMPC 2026… menuju Gereja Malaysia yang tulen dan sejati.

Perjalanan menuju Sinod Uskup-uskup dan Konvensyen

Ivy Chai (Terjemahan)

Bagi Gereja Sinodal: Komuni, Penyertaan dan Misi Di Rom pada Ahad 10 Oktober lalu, Paus Francis telah melancarkan Sinod Uskup-uskup 2021-2023 dengan tema ‘Bagi Gereja Sinodal: Komuni, Penyertaan dan Misi’. Perkataan Sinod merupakan perkataan Yunani sunodos yang bermaksud perhimpunan’ atau ‘pertemuan’. Ia berasal daripada sun—‘bersama’ + hodos ‘jalan’. Maka itu, kita datang bersama sebagai sebuah gereja sinod untuk mencari jalan bergerak ke hadapan dalam komuni, penyertaan dan misi.

Apakah Sinod Uskup-uskup?

Published by: The Archbishop of Kuching, Batu 1, Jln Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93000 Kuching. Printed by: Bahagia Press Sdn Bhd (86546-K), Lot 225, Section 49, Jalan Padungan Utara, 93100 Kuching. Tel: 082-238900