During my recent trip to Turkiyé, I was drawn to an image of Our Lady of Grace, made from bamboo silk carpet, measuring approximately 1.2m x 0.6m. It was an attractive and valuable image, and prior to buying it, I was in a state of ambivalence. However, the moment I made the purchase, I felt a deep sense of peace. After safely bringing it home and having it framed, we, the Parishioners of St. Thomas, held a special blessing before commencing our prayer for the closing month of the Rosary, on Friday 31 May 2024. The framed image was blessed at the evening Mass during the Feast of the Visitation of Our Lady to Elizabeth. It was then placed in our Adoration Room, where it now holds a place of honour.
My heart overflows with gratitude for the unity and faith our BECs and Parishioners expressed during our communal Rosary prayer in May. Your participation was a beautiful testament to our shared devotion, which made a profound impact on our Parish community. Mary, our Mother, holds a special place in our hearts, and we are confident that she will continue to guide us, our families, and our Parish - leading us closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.
The World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests is an annual observance that coincides with the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, and is a significant event in our Church calendar. Pope Saint John Paul II instituted this special day in 2002, reminding priests to reflect on the value and nobility of their vocation. Priests have a sacred ministry to fulfil the mission of Christ. Hence, they are called to encounter Christ through fervent prayer and passionate love.
Parishioners often ask me how many times a day does a priest pray. It is hard to give an exact number, but generally, priests are encouraged to pray the Liturgy of the Hours (Breviary) at least five to seven times daily. Due to pastoral responsibilities and other commitments, I sometimes miss two to three of these prayer times. However, starting and ending the day with prayer is crucial for me, as it sets the tone for a more promising and fulfilling day. I pray the communal prayers with my Parishioners before Masses, and participate in the Holy Hour, Adoration and other spiritual exercises.
As a Parish Priest living in Kuantan, I fill my days with meaningful activities. My schedule is occupied by the responsibilities of parish work, engaging with the community, and travelling outstation for Masses with migrants and Orang Asli, which often involves long-distance driving. Occasionally, I engage in spiritual readings and meditations and make it a point to keep healthy by exercising whenever possible. There is always something to keep me occupied.
Let’s gather for Mass and Holy Hour on Friday, 7 June 2024, to offer prayers and thanksgiving for our priests, who play a crucial role in receiving and administering the Sacraments in our lives. We also pray for their strength and wisdom in their ministry and mission of proclaiming the teachings of the Gospels.
Mary, the Mother of All Priests - intercede for them.
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