* Coloured by Monica Yeoh
Young people and matured adults who feel called to religious life often hear a gentle invitation in their hearts. While the path to priesthood or religious vocation brings both joy and questions, those who feel this calling need time to explore it.
May…
During a two-week teaching mission in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, I learned that a student had lost her home in a devastating fire. The blaze destroyed everything, including her schoolbooks and uniforms. The girl and her family were heartbroken, feeling as though they had lost everything.
But soon, help began to pour in from all corners –…
Pope Francis’ prayer intention for January 2025 is to pray for the right to an education for refugees and migrants. Refugee children are not allowed to access the local education system in Malaysia, despite lots of evidence showing the importance of education in almost every aspect of life. So, refugee children end up relying on…
As Catholic educators, we are called to be stewards of hope and advocates for justice, embodying the teachings of Christ in our mission to nurture minds and hearts. Pope Francis, in his message, has urged the global community to focus on the right to education, particularly for migrants, refugees, and those affected by war. This…
Reflecting on the Pope’s Prayer Intention for the month of January 2025, especially through the prism of a student, has certainly opened my eyes. Pope Francis has asked us to, "pray for migrants, refugees and those affected by war, that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, might always…
As an oncologist, I have frequently heard cancer survivors share that they have been given a second chance to live following their diagnosis. This often comes as an expression of gratitude, in acknowledging that one would wish to lead a better new life. While there are diversities among each individual's beliefs, attitudes and approaches to…
Drawn by Sophia K, a former child refugee
Let us strive "to ensure that the many exiles, displaced persons and refugees, who are forced to flee due to international conflicts, wars, violence, and discrimination, are guaranteed safety, access to work, and education, necessary tools for their integration into the new social context." - Pope Francis
There have been times I've felt God and hope are too far away, impossible for me to reach. Everything goes dark and cold. Yet hope found its way through the darkness that enveloped my shallow heart.
One day, while watching a podcast, I heard a priest quote these words from Pope Francis which struck me:…
For many, hope can feel like an elusive dream, especially when there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel. Talking about hope may even seem hollow or out of place, particularly when we face personal loss, illness or the harsh realities of war and civil unrest. The festive season, which is…
Have you ever met a hopeful person? They navigate life with a particularly clear sense of direction.
This Advent, we can turn our eyes to the wise men who were the original Pilgrims of Hope. We can think of the wise men as the first group of people who embarked on a journey of hope, in…
I think back to when I was 12 years old, and a schoolmate of mine was tragically run over by a car. His parents were devastated, and the whole school was in shock. Condolences and kind words poured in, and we held eulogies and a requiem Mass. Friends and classmates shared memories of him, but…
There were times in my life when things became hard and overwhelmingly difficult. The challenges felt unbearable, as though I was trapped in a tunnel with no glimmer of light at the end. Then, it dawned on me: What is left for me to do? If I am in this tunnel, what must I do?
"I…
* Coloured by Monica Yeoh
"We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision. The forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as…
Ketika membaca intensi doa Sri Paus bulan November ini, hati saya agak berat dan terluka. Namun Tuhan membuka mata saya melihat dengan doa sejagat Gereja betapa Dia sangat mengasihi umat-Nya dan tidak membiarkan kita melalui kesedihan itu sendiri. Intensi doa ini memberi saya kesempatan untuk berkongsi duka dan moga sokongan doa kita bagi mereka yang…
In the month of November, traditionally, we pray for the dead. However, this month, we offer prayers especially for parents who have lost a child. “There are no words” said Pope Francis when it comes to offering consolation to parents who have lost a child. Indeed, even the little number of reflections here testify to…