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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We have reached the end of the Easter season after seven weeks of reflection on the mysteries and encounters with the Risen Lord. This weekend, the Church prepares for Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost is not just the conclusion of Easter but also a continuation of our spiritual journey with the Risen Lord, guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit who filled the apostles, continues to strengthen and guide the Church today. Before Pentecost, t

In his message for the 60th World Communications Day, written on the Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists and writers, Pope Leo XIV reflects deeply on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital communication on human life and relationships. The Holy Father reminds us that every human being is unique, with faces and voices that reveal identity, dignity, and relationships. Each person is called to communicate truth, love, and compassion. C

As we celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, let’s take a moment to cherish the fact that mothers are among God’s greatest gifts to the world. Just as the Holy Spirit is a divine gift that strengthens, comforts, and guides us, our mothers are also instruments of God’s love, filling our lives with warmth and maternal care. Through their sacrifices, gentle care, patience, and constant prayers, they bring hope to every family. Many mothers silently carry heavy burdens – juggling

The month of May holds a special place in the heart of the Catholic Church. It is traditionally dedicated to our Blessed Virgin Mary, a time when Catholics all over the world renew their love for the Rosary. This devotion is not simply a repetition of prayers, but a gentle and profound journey through the life of Christ, seen through the eyes of Mary. The Rosary has taken deep root in Catholic hearts over the centuries. Its origins are often linked to Saint Dominic, who is be

Pope Leo XIV, in his message for the 63rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, invites us to rediscover vocations as an inward journey of encountering God’s free gift, which blossoms in the depths of our hearts. Rooted in the image of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd, vocations are seen as beautiful paths in which life becomes meaningful and radiant when lived in close relationship with the Lord. The Holy Father highlights that God’s beauty is discovered through prayer, sile

As we journey through the Easter season—a time of renewal, hope, and new life—the Church invites us this month to widen our hearts in prayer, especially for priests. For April 2026, the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, calls the entire Church to pray in a special way for priests who are going through moments of crisis. The Holy Father’s intention truly touches the reality of priestly life. Priests, though called and consecrated for service, remain human and vulnerable. They, too, e

Our Easter Triduum celebrations this year were truly uplifting - filled with faith, unity, and mission - revealing how the Risen Lord continues to gather His people from every corner and lead them into new life. We were blessed to have two priests serving the Easter Triduum in different communities simultaneously, drawing our parishioners into deeper prayer, reflection, and participation in the sacred mysteries. Rev. Fr. Christopher Wee, SJ, led the Triduum at St. Thomas, t

The Easter Season has arrived—a season of light, hope, and new life. Today, we rejoice and celebrate Christ’s victory over sin and death. Easter is not simply a day we observe; it is a living reality we are invited to enter. The Risen Lord approaches us, refreshes our spirits, and calls us into a deeper relationship with Him. Over the past few weeks, we journeyed through Lent, Holy Week, and the Sacred Triduum. I was truly touched by the strong turnout at our weekend Masses

We have now reached the most sacred time of the Church’s Liturgical year – Holy Week. After our Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we now step into the profound mystery of our faith: the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus. Holy Week calls us to immerse ourselves in Christ’s love – a love that endures suffering, gives selflessly, and rises with hope. We begin Palm Sunday with joy, “Hosanna!” – welcoming Jesus as our King. Yet, within moments, the cry c

Now is a good time for each of us to take a moment to honestly ask: how far have I prepared my heart? Have I drawn closer to the Lord, or am I still the same? As we enter the Fifth Week of Lent, the Church gently encourages us to look more deeply at Jesus – His passion, His suffering, and His death. Lent is not just a season to pass quickly; it is a special journey that invites us to reflect and grow in faith. This Wednesday, 25 March 2026, our Parish – the Church of St. Thom

As we arrive at the Fourth Sunday of Lent – Laetare Sunday , which means “Rejoice” – we find ourselves at the midpoint of our Lenten journey. The Church gently reminds us that the joy of Easter is drawing nearer. Even within this penitential season, a quiet note of hope begins to emerge, inviting us to continue our Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving with renewed spirit. During this Lenten season, the Lord invites us to do two important things. First, to come

For the month of March, the prayer intention of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, invites us to pray that nations may move towards effective disarmament, especially nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders may choose dialogue and diplomacy over violence. We continue to witness ongoing tensions and violence in the Middle East. For more than a week, conflicts have escalated, drawing the world’s attention. The Pope urges us to pursue peace, promote dialogue, and seek solutions w