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A JOURNEY OF GRACE: WALKING WITH MARY
From 28 September to 11 October 2026, 23 pilgrims embarked on a Marian pilgrimage through France, Spain and Portugal, organised by TOPAZ Travels. Our journey helped us deepen our faith, renew our relationship with God and grow closer to Jesus and Mother Mary through prayer, the Eucharist and the witness of the saints. We visited Paris, Nevers, Lourdes, the shrines of St Ignatius of Loyola and St James the Apostle in Spain, Nazaré, Fatima and Lisbon. We extended our two-day jo

Rev Fr George Packia
7 days ago2 min read


With Mary, We Pray and We Care
The month of October holds a special place in the heart of the Catholic Church. It is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Rosary and to our Blessed Virgin Mary, inviting us to renew our love for this beautiful devotional prayer. The Rosary is more than a repetition of prayers. It is a gentle and profound journey through the life of Jesus, seen through the eyes and heart of Mary. For centuries, the Rosary has taken deep root in the hearts of Catholics. Its simplicity makes it

Rev Fr George Packia
Oct 32 min read


MIGRANTS, REFUGEES AND THE DIGNITY OF EVERY CHILD
This year, Pope Leo XIV invites us to focus especially on migrant and refugee children. His theme, “Even Just One of These Children”, comes from the words of Jesus: “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me” (Mt 18:5). Behind the words migrant and refugee is a real person with a name, a family, a story, fears, and dreams. Among them are children forced to leave their homes because of war, poverty, violence, persecution, natural disasters, and other tragedies.

Rev Fr George Packia
Sep 262 min read


A JOURNEY THROUGH DIFFERENT NAZARETHS
From 13 to 18 September 2026, I made a five-day self-directed retreat at the MAJODI Centre, Plentong, under the guidance of the Right Reverend Bishop Bernard Paul of the Diocese of Johor-Melaka as my retreat master. I arrived with many questions, inner struggles, and a troubled heart. Through Scripture, prayer, silence, and reflection, the Lord gradually helped me to look at my life and priesthood with a renewed heart. The retreat began with the question God asked Elijah: “

Rev Fr George Packia
Sep 192 min read


A TIME OF RENEWAL, LISTENING AND WALKING TOGETHER
September is a significant month for our Church in Malaysia, prompting us to pray, renew our spirit, serve others, and care for the world God has entrusted to us. As a living community, we embrace moments to pause, listen, reflect, and reaffirm our commitment to God. Let’s remember an essential truth that the Malaysian Church invites us to celebrate, listen, and walk together in unity. The Clergy in Peninsular Malaysia have started attending their annual retreat, held in four

Rev Fr George Packia
Sep 122 min read


WALKING TOGETHER AS ONE MALAYSIAN CHURCH
The first significant national-level pastoral convention will take place in Sibu, Sarawak, from 9-13 September 2026, bringing together 850 delegates – clergy, religious and laity – from all nine dioceses of Malaysia: three in Peninsular Malaysia, three in Sabah and three in Sarawak. Since Friday, 4 September 2026, the Church in Malaysia has been praying fervently during the Holy Hour in their respective parishes for the life and future of our Malaysian Church. Malaysia P

Rev Fr George Packia
Sep 52 min read


STANDING WITH THOSE WHO SUFFER
On 15 August 2026, a strong magnitude 7.7 earthquake hit Flores, Indonesia, causing extensive destruction and leaving at least 116 people dead, 1,678 injured, and over 161,000 people displaced. More than 77,900 people were reported to be living in evacuation centres, while homes, schools, places of worship and other facilities were damaged. Many families are now facing the difficult process of rebuilding their lives. Just two weeks later, on 26 August, another tragedy struck

Rev Fr George Packia
Aug 292 min read


LIVING OUR CHRISTIAN CALL TO COMPASSION
We celebrated World Humanitarian Day on 19 August 2026, a special occasion that reminds us of those who risk their lives and safety to help others. It also invites us to reflect on our own calling as Christians: to love our neighbours and, like the Good Samaritan, to recognise those who are suffering and respond with kindness, compassion, and mercy. Jesus calls us to be His hands and feet in a broken world. Catholic Social Teaching reminds us of the importance of solidarity

Rev Fr George Packia
Aug 222 min read


LOVE CAN OPEN THE DOOR TO CHANGE
This month of August, our Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, together with the Dioceses of Penang and Johor-Melaka, especially commemorate and pray for “Prospects” – prisoners and all involved in Prison Ministry. Over the last 40 years, this ministry has actively supported prospects, their families, former prospects, and individuals who are seeking a fresh start after incarceration. It is a ministry of compassion, hope, and accompaniment. At its heart, Prison Ministry mainly focuse

Rev Fr George Packia
Aug 152 min read


LIVING THE HEART OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Every year on 4 August, the Church celebrates the memorial of St. Jean-Marie Vianney. His life reminds every priest that the heart of the priesthood lies not in success or recognition, but in faithful service to God and His people. Through his deep love for the Eucharist, countless hours hearing confessions, and his compassion for those entrusted to him, he has become a model of a true shepherd after the heart of Christ. The life of a priest today is both joyful and challengi

Rev Fr George Packia
Aug 82 min read


OUR MISSION TO EVANGELISE
Pope Leo XIV’s Prayer Intention for August 2026: “Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.” Our East Coast cities – Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu – continue to grow and develop rapidly. The expansion of new housing areas, businesses, roads and tourist attractions has created many opportunities. Life has become faster and busier, with families bal

Rev Fr George Packia
Aug 12 min read


HONOURING OUR GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY
This year, the Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly (WDGE) will be observed on 26 July 2026 (Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne), calling us to honour seniors and acknowledge their vital role in our families, parishes, and society. In his first message for this annual celebration, Pope Leo XIV emphasises that every elderly person is precious in God's sight and should never feel forgotten or abandoned. The Holy Father invites us to become a Church that listens, accom

Rev Fr George Packia
Jul 252 min read


WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU
On Sunday, 26 July 2026, the universal Church observes the 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which falls on the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. This meaningful celebration, established to overcome loneliness among the elderly and to recognise their priceless role in families and in the life of the Church, carries the comforting theme: “I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49: 15). As a Parish family, we also remember with gratitude the m

Rev Fr George Packia
Jul 182 min read


VICTORY THAT TRULY LASTS
As the FIFA World Cup reaches its thrilling semi-final stage, millions around the world are eagerly watching their favourite teams, inspired by their discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and determination. Watching this excitement unfold, I cannot help but reflect on our own Parish community. For nine grace-filled days, we gathered as one family to celebrate our Novena and Thanksgiving in honour of St. Thomas the Apostle. No medals or trophies were won, yet something far more

Rev Fr George Packia
Jul 112 min read


COUNTLESS MOMENTS OF GRACE
As we begin the month of July, the Holy Father invites the universal Church to pray for respect for human life. His intention is clear: “Let us pray for the protection and respect for human life at all stages, recognising it as a gift from God.” In a world where life is often measured by usefulness, productivity, or convenience, we are challenged to see every human person through the eyes of God. From the unborn child to the elderly, from the healthy to the sick, from the suc

Rev Fr George Packia
Jul 42 min read


WELCOMING THE FIRST-CLASS RELIC OF ST. FAUSTINA TO OUR PARISH
A relic is a sacred object associated with a saint and is treasured by the Church as a tangible connection to those who lived heroic lives of holiness. A first-class relic is a physical part of the saint’s body, such as a bone fragment. Relics remind us that the saints were real people who faithfully followed Christ and now intercede for us before God. Through them, we are encouraged to grow in faith, holiness, and devotion. After several months of communication and arrange

Rev Fr George Packia
Jun 282 min read


HYDRATION BREAK: FINDING REFRESHMENT IN CHRIST
The image is obtained from the internet The weather in Kuantan has been extremely hot and dry over the past few weeks. Day after day, many of us have endured scorching temperatures with very little rain. Whether at work, in school, at home, or attending church activities, the heat takes a toll on our bodies. Medical experts remind us constantly of the importance of staying hydrated, especially during periods of prolonged hot weather. Drinking sufficient water throughout the d

Rev Fr George Packia
Jun 202 min read


CELEBRATING 120 YEARS OF FAITH
This year, the Parish of Saint Thomas, the Apostle, Kuantan, celebrates a significant milestone – its 120th Anniversary. Over the past twelve decades, countless lives have been touched by the witness of faith, the proclamation of the Gospel, and the grace bestowed through the various sacraments within this Parish community. The earliest baptism records date back to 25 March 1906, when the first three individuals – Joseph Liao Ah Gni, Andrew Teu Ah Mau, and Lazarus Voun Sui Ts

Rev Fr George Packia
Jun 132 min read


SPORT: SCHOOL OF FRATERNITY
Image Obtained from to the Internet As the world turns its attention to the FIFA World Cup, billions of people from every continent will come together to share in the excitement of football. For a few weeks, differences of language, culture, nationality, and social status would seem to fade as people unite in support of their teams. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will commence on 11 June and conclude on 19 July 2026, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It will

Rev Fr George Packia
Jun 62 min read


CLOSER TO CHRIST THROUGH THE ROSARY
As May, the Month of the Rosary, comes to an end, our hearts are filled with gratitude to God and to our Blessed Virgin Mary for the wonderful spiritual blessings we have received throughout this lovely month. From the very beginning of the month until its conclusion, many Catholics faithfully gathered to pray the Rosary – individually, as families, and as prayer groups. It was truly a month filled with prayer, reflection, and devotion to Mother Mary. As a Parish community, w

Rev Fr George Packia
May 302 min read
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