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New Year 2009 Comments

Christians and Muslim can agree on human rights

Meeting on Nov 6 with participants in an unprecedented Catholic-Muslim encounter, Pope Benedict XVI said that the keen public interest in the ‘Common Word’ initiative should be “an incentive for us to ensure that the reflections and the positive developments which emerge from Muslim-Christian dialogue are not limited to a small group of experts and scholars, but are passed on as a precious legacy.”

The Holy Father met with the participants in the Catholic-Muslim meeting in a private audience at the conclusion of their three-day session in Rome. The talks were the result of invitation that the Pope extended to the 138 Islamic leaders who wrote to him and to other Christian leaders in October 2007, calling for greater dialogue between the two faiths. The dialogue, the Pope said at his Nov 6 audience, should help both sides to “know one another more deeply and to grow in esteem for our shared values.”

The Pope went on to say that he had been receiving regular reports of the daily meetings of the ‘Common Word’ conference, and was “pleased to learn that you were able at this meeting to adopt a common position on the need to worship God totally and to love our fellow men and women disinterestedly, especially those in distress and need.” He observed that the Muslim tradition matches the Christian belief that “Love of God is inseparable bound to the love of all men and women.” Because of this similarity, he said, Christians and Muslims can work together in practical efforts to help those in needs, “even though our anthropological visions and our theologies justify this in different ways.”

Christian and Muslims, despite their different beliefs, can find common ground in the understanding that human life and human dignity are gifts from God, recognized as sacred by both faiths, the Pope continued. From that understanding, the two faiths can both work toward a common defense of human rights. “My hope,” Pope Benedict said, “is that these fundamental human rights will be protected for all people everywhere.”

In a gentle challenge to the world’s Islamic leaders – repeating the challenge that he had in his famous Regensburg address – the Pope said: “Political and religious leaders have the duty of ensuring the free exercise of these rights in full respect for each individual’s freedom of conscience and freedom of religion.” He condemned violence, particularly violence done in the name of religion, and said that “God’s name can only be a name of peace and fraternity, justice and love.”

Pope Benedict closed his remarks by saying that honest dialogue, motivated by goodwill, can “overcome all misunderstandings and disagreements.” He expressed the hope that Christians and Muslims alike can “overcome past prejudices and correct the often distorted images of the other which even today can create difficulties in our relations.” – CWN

News Article. CWN. “Christians and Muslim can agree on human rights”, Herald News, November 16, 2008, part “Editorial”, page 10

Catholic-Muslim joint declaration

Vatican: An important and demanding declaration was published today by the Vatican and representatives of the 138 Muslim scholars who wrote the well-known letter to the pope and other Christian leaders. Among other things, it affirms respect for life and for the dignity of each person, man or woman, which involves, among other things, respect for freedom of conscience and religion; the rejection of discrimination on account of faith; the importance of bearing witness through prayer to the transcendent dimension of life in an increasingly secularized world; an affirmation of the duty to give young people a solid moral, civil, and religious education, and teach them about the faith of others. The declaration also speaks of the possibility of creating a permanent mixed committee, and announces a second forum to be held within two years, in a Muslim majority country. The document that concludes the first forum organized by the pontifical council for inter religious dialogue and by representatives of 138 Muslim scholars, authors of the letter ‘A Common Word.’

Here is the text of declaration:

• For Christians the source and example of love of God and neighbour is the love of Christ for his Father, for humanity and for each person. “God is Love” (1 Jn 4, 16) and “God so loved the world that He gave his only Son so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3, 16). God’s love is placed in the human heart through the Holy Spirit. It is God who first loves us thereby enabling us to love Him in return. Love does not harm one’s neighbour but rather seeks to do the other what one would want done to oneself (Cf. 1 Cor 13, 4-7). Love is the foundation and sum of all the commandments (Cf. Gal 5, 14). Love of neighbour cannot be separated from love of God, because it is an expression of our for God. This is the new commandment, “Love one another as I have loved you.” (Jn 15, 12) Grounded in Christ’s sacrificial love, Christian love is forgiving and excludes no one; it therefore also includes one’s enemies. It should be not just words but deeds (Cf. 1 Jn, 4, 18). This is the sign of its genuineness. For Muslim, as set out in A Common Word, love is a timeless transcendent power which guides and transforms human mutual regard. This love, as indicated by the Holy and Beloved Prophet Muhammad, is the prior to the human love for the One True God. A Hadith indicates that God’s loving compassion for humanity is even greater than that of a mother for her child (Muslim, Bab al-Tawba: 21); it therefore exists before and independently of the human response to the One who is ‘The Loving’. So immense is this love and compassion that God has intervened to guide and save humanity in a perfect way many times and in many places, by sending prophets and scriptures. The last of these books, the Qur’an, portrays a world of signs, a marvelous cosmos of Devine artistry, which calls forth our utter love and devotion, so that ‘those who have faith have most love of God’ (2:165), and ‘those that believe, and do good works, the Merciful shall engender love among them.’ (19:96) In a Hadith we read that ‘Not one of you has faith until he loves for his neighbour what he loves for himself’ (Bukhari, Bab al-Iman: 13).

• Human life is a most precious gift of God to each person. It should therefore be preserved and honoured in all its stages.

• Human dignity is derived from the fact that every human person is created by a loving God out of love, and has been endowed with the gifts of reason and free will, and therefore enabled to love God and others. On the firm basis of these principles, the person requires the respect of his or her original dignity and his or human vocation. Therefore, he or she is entitled to full recognition of his or her identity and freedom by individuals, communities and governments, supported by civil legislation that assures equal rights and full citizenship.

• We affirm that God’s creation of humanity has two great aspects: the male and female human person and we commit ourselves jointly to ensuring that human dignity and respect are extended on an equal basis to both men and women.

• Genuine love of neighbour implies respect of the person and her or his choices in matters of conscience and religion. It includes the right of individuals and communities to practice their religion in private and public.

• Religion minorities are entitled to be respected in their own religious convictions and practices. They are also entitled to their own places of worship, and their founding figures and symbols they consider sacred should not be subject to any mockery or ridicule.

• As Catholic and Muslim believers, we are aware of the summons and imperative to bear the witness to the transcendent dimension of life, through a spirituality nourished by prayer, in a world which is becoming more and more secularized and materialistic.

• We affirm that no religion and its followers should be excluded from society. Each should be able to make its indispensable contribution to the good of society, especially in service to the most needy.

• We recognize that God’s creation in its plurality of cultures, civilizations, languages and peoples is a source of richness and should therefore never become a cause of tension and conflict.

• We are convicted that Catholics and Muslims have the duty to provide a sound education in human, civic, religious and moral values for their respective members and to promote accurate information about each other’s religions.

• We profess that Catholics and Muslim are called to be instruments of love and harmony among believers, and for humanity as a whole, renouncing any oppression, aggressive violence and terrorism especially that committed in the name of religion and upholding the principle of justice for all.

• We call upon believers to work for an ethical financial system in which the regulatory mechanisms consider the situation of the poor and disadvantaged, both as individuals, and as indebted nations. We call upon the privileged of the world to consider the plight of those afflicted most severely by the current crisis in food production and distribution, and ask religious believers of all denominations and all people of good will to work together to alleviate the suffering of the hungry, and to eliminate its causes.

• Young people are the future of religious communities and of societies as a whole. Increasingly, they will be living in multicultural and multireligious societies. It is essential that they well formed in their own religious traditions and well informed about other cultures and religions.

• We have agreed to explore the possibility of establishing a permanent Catholic-Muslim committee to coordinate response to conflicts and other emergency situations and of organizing a second seminar in a Muslim-majority country yet to be determined.

• We look forward to the second Seminar of the Catholic-Muslim Forum to be convened in approximately two years in a Muslim-majority country yet to be determined. All participants felt gratitude to God for the gift of their time together and for an enriching exchange. At the end of the Seminar His Holiness pope Benedict XVI received the participants and following address by Professor Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr and H.E. Grand Mufti Dr Mustafa Cerif, spoke to the group. All present expressed satisfaction with the results of the Seminar and their expectation for further productive dialogue

AsiaNews

News Article. AsiaNews. “Catholic-Muslim joint declaration”, Herald News, November 16, 2008, part “Editorial”, page 10.

Kisah dari Alkitab

Di Yerusalem, ada seorang lelaki tua bernama simeon. Dia seorang yang baik dan takut akan Allah. Dia menantikan masanya untuk menyelamatkan Israel. Roh Allah memberitahu Simeon, bahawa dia tidak akan meninggal dunia selagi tidak melihat Yesus iaitu Penyelamat yang dijanjikan oleh Allah.

Pada suatu hari, ibu bapa Yesus membawa-Nya ke rumah Tuhan. Pada ketika itu, Yesus baru berusia lapan hari. Simeon segera mengenali Yesus. Dia mengambil Yesus dan mendukung-Nya sambil memuji-muji Allah.

Ibu bapa Yesus hairan melihat perbuatan Simeon. Menurut Simeon, "Anak ini sudah dipilih orang!" oleh Allah untuk menyelamatkan ramai. (Lukas 2:21-34)

Dipetik daripada Herald News, December 28, 2008

CVSF's Official Logo

This logo was designed by our our former President, Billy Anak Sup and Gilbert.

The meaning of CVSF logo :

Purple- symbolizes pain, suffering, and therefore mourning and penitence. It symbolizes our struggle in our journey of faith in Kuantan. It reminds us that we must be tough to overcome all temptations that can jeopardize our strong bond with our Creator.

Red- the color of fire and so symbolizes the presence of God. God always helps His peoples and is always present everywhere we go. God is the Light of our journey which comes from fire.

Green - symbolizes the renewal of vegetation and generally of living things and the promise of new life. We come to Kuantan to get new fresh life. While studying for our degree scrolls, we learn many new things here. This shows that God's love never fades and is evergreen. He always gives chance to us to improve our lives.

Yellow - symbolic of renewal and hope, especially in the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus is our companion. His resurrection gives hope to us.

The elipsed cross - symbolizes the blend of cultures and races among the students which united and worshipping the same God.

commendo spirituum meum - In Luke 23:46, Christ's life on earth ended with these words (in Latin): "Pater, in manus tuas commendo spiritum meum." This means, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. All our activities, actions and decisions are guided by Father in heaven. Simply to say, whatever we do, we do them in the name of Father.

C.V.S.F- acronym for Catholic Varsity Student Fellowship.

Kuantan - means the seat of the organization is at Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.This information above is taken from CVSF forumotion site under share picture.So, get to know the CVSF much deeper? Join us in our gathering every week at St. Thomas Church, Kuantan

Christmas carolling... lalalalalaaaa....

Begining tomorrow night, all of us will join carolling in respective parishes. I know everybody excited because of candies, sweets and cookies. So, sing alound. Brighten up Christmas spirit with your voice. 11days left to Christmas. HOHOHO...

Holiday @ Vacation...

Yea holiday..... Yabedabeduuuuu..... Aram kitai pulai menoa.

Students are going home... Yet, few of them still left behind fighting with the exam. Just 3 days left... Cannot wait to see my dog, my frens, my cat, everything...

How they mering remin???? Some of them using express bus and airbus(AirAsia @ MAS @ MASwings)

Here few example how CVSF troops going back home.

Route 1: Hentian Kolej, UMP>Puduraya, KL> KL Sentral> LCCT>home

Route 2: Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah airport>KLIA>home

Route 3: Stesen Teksi Gambang>Sultan Ismail airport, JB>home

and newly created route...

Route 4: Hentian Kolej>KL Sentral> KLIA

Here some of carrier that famous among Kuantan students.

the most famous of all: AirAsia

second in line: Malaysia Airlines System

For interior trip: MASwings

for long journey: Transnasional

There are many ways going back home. Spent this holiday with your family and you beloved one. Use the 7 weeks of holiday with activities that benefit to you. Do not forget to serve your church in your kampong or city.

To all my fren out there, happy holiday. See you again next semester. Pandu cermat. Jiwa selamat.

p/s: Although we are in holiday mood, stay tune with us. I will bring some news during this semester break directly from Borneo.

Best wish for you all...CVSF members...

Approximately 24 hours before the exam start (2nov@ 10.30am) , all varsity students plus SPM & STPM students received blessing from Father Eugene before they enter to the battle field. Many were came to pray for wisdom and courage for the examination time.

And for all students...

Do your best ya...May you all have the peace in mind and calm every second in the examination hour... All the best my friends...Gambate kudasai... Aja aja fighting...Chaiyo-chaiyo...Bule bah kalau kau... Agi idup agi ngelaban... Yeah...

From St. Thomas, KUANTAN to St. Thomas, ULU REMIS, Johor.

Slightly after the farewell party, Miss Camelia Fong searching for 2 more persons for Kluang visitation. After few minutes, the searching end up with Moses and Billy (thats me...) volunteered to go with them. Our journey started at 1.00pm.

We were using costal road again which for me good to test your driving skills. We enjoyed the sceneries from the van windows. During the journey, we prayed Rosary and recited Divine Mercy prayer. Our journey was like this: Pekan> Rompin> Mersing> Renggam> Ulu Remis.

river at Rompin (don't wory. no crocs)

Bill Fish, landmark of Mersing.

We arrived at St. Thomas Chapel, Ulu Remis around 5.30pm. We was welcomed by community of Ulu Remis plantation. Father Sebastian, parish priest of Kluang also present. FYI, the chapel was deep inside in a very huge palm oil plantation owned by Sime Darby.

The chapel of St. Thomas, Ulu Remis, Kluang, Johor.

inside the chapel

Before the thanksgiving mass began, Father Eugene presented the Flag of St. Thomas, Kuantan and stone of St. Thomas to the chapel representative as a token of friendship.

The thanksgiving mass began with Rosary prayer. After the mass, everybody enjoyed their dinner prepared outside the chapel. The community also tried the St. Thomas Cake baked by parishioners of St. Thomas, Kuantan.

this is my favourite part...makan...

That night, everybody enjoyed the celebration. We depart to Kuantan at 8.30pm. We arrived at Kuantan at 2.00am. The whole day I felt very tired but I enjoy the trip. I hope I have chance to visit the chapel again.

Farewell Party...

Last Sunday 26 November 2008, the CVSF held a party to bid farewell to the senior students who will left Kuantan by end of November. Before the party started, all varsity students animated the Sunday Mass under new core team. They offer all their heart and knowledges to the Lord on that Sunday as a thanksgiving before final examination start.

Michelle as commentator

wardens from UMP

After the mass, all students proceed to Mount Temple @ gathering room for P&W session. All students from various campuses as far as UNITEN Muadzam Shah attended this gathering. This gathering was the last gathering for this semester. Gathering started with games by Wednna to choose "Bapak Ayam".

Then followed by praise and worship.

After that, there were several sharing and farewell speeches from outgoing seniors. The seniors thanked to friends for the supports and experiences that they gained in Kuantan.

Finally before lunch, there were certificate giving ceremony to the pervious core team members. All core team member of 2007/2008 received their certifcate from mentor, Aunty Karyn and Father Eugene Benedict.

Music Co-ordinator, Mr. Denis

Miss Emma, Assistant Secretary

Miss Ermilya a.k.a Jojon, the vice president

Mr. Billy, the ex-CEO

The lunch was prepared by Aunty Georgina. She cooked pork, cabbage and bihun. All students enjoyed their food very much. The party finished by 1pm.

To all seniors, do the best for practical and to all varsity students, wish you all the best for the coming final examination. The time has come to prove your ability.

Aramaitiiii et RoMpiN...

Once upon a time on 25 October, early in the morning, Walther and Billy went to met Jojon. They want to take the car at church as constructed by Aunty Katherine Boon. With enough energy only for walking to KK1, both of them walk slowly while enjoying beautiful scenery of campus in the morning.

early in the morning at Kolej Kediaman Kedua

the student who wanna rocked the day

After managed drive the car back to UMP, both of them packed their stuff then picked Denis and Edwin. On that day, 27 varsity students will enjoy themselves at Orang Asli wedding receiption at Rompin. Rompin is about 2 hours drive via costal road.

We began our journey at 0830H, stopped at Restoran Zaman for breakfast. We passed by Bandar Diraja Pekan along majestic Sungai Pahang.

We arrive at the bride's house at 1130H after fast and furious driving along "snake road" under sunny day.


The students were happy during the wedding receiption. The Orang Asli here comes from Jakun tribe. Their wedding receiption was almost like Malay but the different was the food served to the peoples were mostly based traditional food except the drink, air sirap.




And after 40 minutes waiting, finally the bride came.

Father Eugene came from Kuantan to solemnize the marriage of the bride and bridegroom. All villagers came although that day the sun appeared in full blast mode. Everybody praise God after the bride and bridegroom exchange vows and rings.

After the wedding service, everybody were served by air sirap, kerbau kurma etc...

my favourite dish

The main event was cutting the cakes and karaoke plus joget. Some of the students really enjoy the day. They sang few songs to entertain the crowd.


We also joget under the hot sun. Thats the reason Souven wear his sunglass.

The students were enjoyed their trip because this was the first time in their life attended an Orang Asli wedding receiption. Altough the wedding was not fully following the Orang Asli traditions, the student especially the juniors enjoyed the trip. They were exposed to the Orang Asli life and learn their culture.

By 2.30pm, we left Rompin with thousand of sweet memories and one day we would like to come here again.

The Fifteen Promises of Virgin Mary to Those who Recite the Rosary

1. Whoever shall faithfully serve me by recitation of the Rosary, shall receive signal of graces.

2. I promise my special proctection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the Rosary.

3. The Rosary shall be a powerful armor against hell; it will destroy vice, decrease sin and defeat heresies.

4. It will cause virtue an good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of people from the love of the world and its vanities and will lift them to the desire of eternal things.

5. The soul which recommends itself to me by the recitation of The Rosary shall not perish.

6. Whoever shall recite the Rosary devoutly, applying himself to the consideration of its Sacred Mysteries shall never be conquered by misfortune. God will not chastise him in His justice, he shall not perish by unprovided death; if he be just, he shall remain in the grace of God and become worthy of eternal life.

7. Whoever shall have a true devotion for the Rosary shall not die without the Sacrament of The Church.

8. Those who are faithful to recite the Rosary shall have during their life and at their death the light of God and the plentitude of His grace; at the moment of death they shall participate in the merits of the Saints in Paradise.

9. I shall deliver from purgatory those who have been devoted to the Rosary.

10. The faithful children of the Rosary shall merit a high degree of glory in Heaven.

11. You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the Rosary.

12. All those who propagate the Holy Rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities.

13. I have obtained from my Divine Son that all the advocates of the Rosary shall have for intercessors the entire celestial court during their life and at the hour of death.

14. All who recite the Rosary are my children and brothers and sisters of my only Son, Jesus Christ.

15. Devotion of my Rosary is a great sign of predestination.

[source: The New Rosary Book by Rev Paolo O. Pirlo, SHMI]

Parish Pastoral Assembly 2008

On 19 October 2008, the core team led by Mosses Paul Anap attended the St. Thomas Parish Pastoral Assembly. It was a review of pastoral journey for past year and planning for year 2009. Many parishioners attended the assembly which included the FMM sisters, Fr. Eugene and special guest, His Grace Most Rev. Murphy Pakiam, Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur. All parishioners involved actively giving ideas and share testimonies.

The participants of the assembly

The parishioners especially Familty Life Ministry praised the varsity students for their active participations in church activities such as animating the mass, visiting to Orang Asli village etc. There also a testimony from Billy Sup, a senior student from Universiti Malaysia Pahang about undergraduate life in Kuantan. He shared the strengths, challanges and threats of being a university student in Kuantan.

Below was the sharing by Billy during the assembly.

Good evening Your Grace Archbishop, my dearest parish priest and all members of the hall. Praise to God because I able to stand here to share something 2 u all.

Back dated on 2 July 2005, I was landed in Kuantan after along journey from Kuching. I was accepted into KUKTEM 4 my 1st degree. Many things playing inside my mind. There were 2 questions need to be answered:

1. Where was the Catholic Church???

2.Where was the KUKTEM???

According to the address showed : Church of St. Thomas, Jalan Gambut, Kuantan. Aiya, where was Jalan Gambut??? I was so shy to ask the taxi driver where was the church coz the taxi driver wear kopiah ba... So, while searching for hotel, suddenly my eyes catch a blue light cross (late evening already) Luckily... the bell tower was quite high. I can see the cross from far. So I found my church oredi. Hepi sakan... :-) Yeah... That a story of me. From there we can see when a foreigner set foot on a foreign land eg; Burkina Faso, Timbuktu; Pakistan, Afghanistan or Tanjung Rambutan, sure 1st thing to find is CHURCH... Same goes to me. Church is the place for people like me to seek help when I'm in trouble. Church act as our umbrella.

Since I was here, I received lots of support from parishioners of St. Thomas, Kuantan. I met Father Eugene, who was very friendly and supportive. Thats why he won the title, THE BEST CATHOLIC PRIEST IN KUANTAN. During my years in Kuantan, all of you give us, the varsity students full support in many ways. We were given chance involved in mass animation, visit to the Orang Asli village which some of these activities were new to us. We also manage to organize activities which promote our culture here in Kuantan. Thanks to the parish leaders who gave us this chance to learn and improve our relationship with church.

We came far from our home. We left our loves one to obtain our scroll. So, as we far from home, we need your support in our journey of faith in Kuantan. Varsity students like me quite easy to surrender if there is a temptetion comes especially about faith and believes. We heard so many stories about lost sheperd among the varsity students. We need to struggle to survive in journey of faith. I think with the help from you all, we can survive here in Kuantan. We can overcome all the temptations with help from all of you here.

As I standing here, I urged all of you to continue your full support to the varsity students especially to the new generations. I'm sure I will leave Kuantan one day leaving my juniors, my sweet memories and stories behind. I will always remenber all your kindness and hospitality. I will never forget St. Thomas Parish, Kuantan.

I'm sure my juniors will happy to see this kind of relationship. Share to them your ideas, knowledges, experiences and skills. May this relationship will continue forever and enrich the unity among all of us here. Do give us some advises. We have "big ears" to listen to your advises.

Lastly, thanks again for your support and do continue to support us. God bless. AMEN...

During his remarks, Archbishop Murphy happy to see parishioners in Kuantan under Father Eugene's leadership had grew stronger. The sense of family life was began to live among the parishioners in Kuantan. He also loves to hear that varsity students and East Malaysian were very strong in faith and taking part actively in pastoral activities.

(L-R): Dexter, Wednna, Archbishop Murphy, Mosses.

Lastly, all the assembly participants had their dinner at breakfast corner. Thanks for Ismail Cathering for the nice dinner.

before makan

after makan

After that, we have our own post assembly chit-chat at Red Cafe together with Aunty Katerine Boon. Later, Aunty Katerine sent the core teams back to campus.