Sept 2014 BERITA Issue 2/14

VINCENTPAUL For Members Only serviens in spe

IN THIS ISSUE

01 A Short History of The Formation of The National Society of A SHORT HISTORY concerted national drives for funds, St. Vincent De Paul, OF THE FORMATION Government approval for exemption 02 Editor’s Letter of income tax on donations to the OF THE NATIONAL Society, etc. 03 President’s Message SOCIETY OF 05 Conferences In Malaysia The need for an early formation of and Year of Formation ST.VINCENT DE this National Society being agreed, 06 1934: The First SSVP Conference In PAUL, MALAYSIA the task of calling meetings of Malaysia: Conference of the Assumption, Penang representatives from all conferences Since the early 1950’s Conferences to draw up a constitution, etc. 08 As I Look Back of the Society of St. Vincent de fell on the Particular Council of Paul were in existence in most of 09 The Heart and Mind of a Selangor. It was encouraging that Vincentian: A Historical the states of Malaya, and Particular Perspective all concerned rose to the occasion Councils were formed in Penang, and at two preliminary meetings 10 Less Food for Thought Selangor and Singapore. The Snapshot of SSVP In Penang Today on 5th and 29th June 1963 in desirability to form a national , presided over by 11 The Past, Present and Future body with a common constitution Journey of a Vincentian Bishop Mgsr. Vendargon, a draft to ensure its growth as one unit constitution was drawn up. An 12 50th Anniversary of Aggregation was, therefore, discussed at various of the National Council of Malaysia: Inaugural Meeting of the National levels for several years, but the Thoughts for Moving Forward Society was then called on 27th July need for such formation became 14 My Vincentian Journey 1963 in Kuala Lumpur at which 42 imperative only in 1963 when the delegates were present including 4 16 SSVP MALAYSIA - Federation Government sponsored A Journey of Hope Spiritual Directors and 2 observers the establishment of the Malayan from Singapore. This meeting 17 2014: The Newest Conference In Welfare Council to coordinate the Malaysia – Holy Trinity, Tawau approved the draft constitution activities of all national voluntary with some amendments, and the 18 Micro Credit Community Pilot organizations in the country. Project Segamat, Johor protem committee was given the Membership of this Council would task of registering the Constitution 20 The Our Lady of Fatima Education be confined only to organizations Programme with the Registrar of Societies. formed at national level and the The Constitution provides for the 21 SKF Bearing Donation for need to organise was urgent. Conference of St. Joseph, Melaka formation of a National Society for the whole nation, State Councils 22 3 Activities at SSVP Conference Membership of this Council would of St. Theresa, Serian for each state, and Conferences in mean Government recognition of the parishes. Under the Rules any 23 Migrants Converge at St. Joseph the National Society as a voluntary Church, Sentul new conference that is formed in a charitable organisation, and parish will only have to inform its 24 Our Lady of Good Health would have many benefits such – NKF Dialysis Centre State Council, which in turn will as grants from the Government report to the National Council. 25 Changing Lives etc. Organising at national level This procedure will simplify the 26 October 2013 Visit to would also mean simplification of formation and registration of Conferences in Nepal registration of new Conferences, conferences as the Constitution 27 September 27 publication of news bulletins to Feast of Saint Vincent De Paul of the National Society covers the keep all informed of its activities, whole organisation at every level. page 2 >> EDITOR’S LETTER .

The Society of St. Vincent de Our members have matured with to enable them to make choices Paul Malaysia has grown over Vincentian experience and inched and improvement changes for the years: from 1934 to 1964 and closer to God with Vincentian themselves, their families and to 2014. These are milestone spirituality. Vincentian virtues have communities. We have cast our years in our history. The number guided us in the way we work. In nets wide …. and, a line to a of conferences has increased. “Reflections”, the veterans share country-in-need. Geographically the Society has their pearls of wisdom. spread out to the other states In this issue, we get a sense of and onto East Malaysia. 61 active We remember our retired and how the Spirit has moved through conferences with almost 800 departed members who gave the Society. Stepping into the members in 80 years, a National themselves to help form the future, we have to be more open Council for 50 years, the count Society to what it is today. We offer and more ready to take the leap of continues! our gratitude and prayers as we faith to follow and do God’s Will. observe St. Vincent de Paul Feast This growth can be attributed to Day. women membership. In 1964, women still needed the approval Work has evolved with more of the Spiritual Advisor to become services and special projects for members. When the response by friends-in-need. Providing the young men to join SSVP was poor, fish is just an interim, teaching God bless, the restriction was dropped. them how to fish and keep fish is ~ Editorial Team

CORRECTION

In the last issue of Berita Vincent Paul in May 2014, the article “Kuching’s New SSVP Thrift Shop” was written by James Ting, Publicity Officer, Conference of St. Joseph, Kuching and not Aloysius Lai as previously noted. The error is regretted.

<< page 1 In the meantime efforts were made It is hoped that with this important to form State Councils for the states event in the activities of the Society having more than one conference, in Malaysia, the work of charity Golden Jubilee 1964 - 2014 and resulted formation of State for God’s poor in this country will Councils of Penang, Selangor and grow. No work of charity is foreign Malacca. to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul National Council and the need is great. The spirit The Constitution of the National of charity from young men in the Society was registered on 4th parishes is appealed to for service December 1963. Annual General in the running of the Society which Lapel pin made for the anniversary. The National Council of SSVP Malaysia Meetings of all conferences will provide an opportunity to was aggregated on 6th August 1964. were then held under this new young people to work for the glory Constitution, and the First General of God and for their own personal Meeting of the National Council sanctification. ~ Adapted from the 1964 archives of The was held on 18th April 1964 in National Society of St. Vincent de Paul Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia

2 | berita vincentpaul PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE .

servant, and whoever wants to be Our visionary role must necessarily first among you, must be slave to lead us to a fundamental question all – just as the Son of Man did not ― where do we like to see our come to be served but to serve”. Conference/Council in the future? A clear vision provides direction; This, my friends, is not an option; it is without a clear vision, our leadership a command by Our Lord. would be no more than a passage of time. Knowing most of our current leaders personally, the aforesaid itself would While the vision and mission of our make us even more afraid of the Society as a whole may be clear to challenges ahead. us, we must correspondingly have a clear vision of where we would like But fear not; have faith in Him. Did our individual Conferences/Councils He not say through St. Matthew the to be in the future and then make the following: “Come to me, all of you choices and/or decisions that would who are weary and burdened and lead us to achieving that vision. I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for Remember in Alice in Wonderland, TOGETHER WE CAN I am gentle and humble of heart; when Alice came to a fork on the and you will find rest. For my yoke road and asked the Cat which way My dear Brothers and Sisters, is good and my burden is light.” to go, the Cat asked her where she was going. When she said she didn’t As other senior Vincentians have So I say to my friends, fear not for know, the Cat replied that then it looked at the past in this issue the Lord is with us in every step of didn’t matter which way she took. of Berita VincentPaul which is in our Vincentian journey. He will not conjunction with the 50th Anniversary allow us to fail. We should have real On the other side of the coin, you of the Aggregation of our National faith that we are following Our Lord’s may recall the words of Robert Frost, Council, I would take this opportunity command when we act “for the least one of my favourite poets, when he to address leaders at all levels of our of our brethren”. said: Society as to how we should move from here. Remember, we did not choose to be “Somewhere ages and ages hence: Vincentians; He chose us. Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, Although our National Council is I took the one less travelled by, already 50 years old this month, as and that has made all the difference.” It is really important to ask ourselves a Society we are really, in substance, what is the core of our intention or in our infancy or at most, in our A retired General once famously motivation to take up leadership adolescence. stated that he loved wartime better positions in our Society. Why am I than peacetime. It was not because a Vincentian leader? This question Having been a member of our he loved war but he observed that has to be answered with absolute Society since the late 70’s, I have in wartime everyone in the army honesty and it should come from our seen painfully slow growth caused knew why they were there, what their hearts not our minds. principally by a lack of vision, fear purpose was and how they should of new challenges and general accomplish that purpose. However, Our journey as Vincentian leaders complacency of our leaders; except in peacetime, the sense of purpose, which starts in our hearts as to our in a few Councils and Conferences. direction and accomplishment was motivation and/or intention, must then sorely missing. travel to our heads to map out two In his direction to His disciples, Jesus important roles: a visionary role i.e. sent a clear message that leadership Similar conditions challenged Blessed to do the right things in furtherance of was first and foremost an act of Frederic Ozanam and his colleagues our vocation and an implementation service. This is exactly what our in the formative years of our Society roles i.e. to do the said right things in Vincentian vocation calls us to be: - ― our faith was challenged and that a right manner; in ordinary parlance servant leaders. It would be useful to challenge was met by showing our – our ends and our means should recall the words of St. Matthew, when faith through works of charity as our fall within the four corners of our our Lord said, “…whoever wants to Lord told us through St. James that Vincentian vocation. be great among you must be your “faith without deeds” is “dead”.

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Are we then just existing or even, that if the rate of change inside an rely on our Lord to recalibrate our floundering, with no clear vision or organization is less than the rate on vision, direction and methods we also direction? the outside, then the end is in sight. need to encourage active and reliable Change is never easy and more “truth-tellers” in our Society. We are all It would be encouraging for us to importantly changing the mindset of vulnerable leaders. We all have short always remember that if we “act our members may be a monumental comings. We must not be afraid to justly, love mercifully and walk task. People, generally, do not like to admit our weaknesses, mistakes and humbly” our Lord would lead us to live outside their comfort zones. short comings. If one is a Vincentian the proper end of doing His will. servant-leader who does not have at Most people are averse to change; least one reliable truth-teller in one’s Then comes the challenge of they think they can only do so Conference/Council, then something implementing our vision and direction. much and they often underestimate is wrong with one’s leadership. We Our Lord gave us the greatest their abilities to implement change. must encourage truth-tellers; they will example of the implementation of Leaders with a clear vision and be there to tell us where and when our Vincentian vision. You would direction must be focused and be we are going wrong. One need not recall that after washing the disciples’ persistent about the changes that do everything the truth-teller says but feet, He asked them whether they have to be made; otherwise most one has to hear them out and listen understood what He had done. He people, not just our members, would with an open mind. Remember we then explained that as their Lord had revert to their old ways. are not called to lead by relying solely washed their feet, it was now over to on ourselves. Vincentian servant- them “to wash one another’s feet” There is an old Sanskrit saying: leadership is not something we do and that they should do as He had “you judge yourself by what your to people; it is something we do with done. Then He sent these fishermen are capable of achieving; others people. out to become “fishers of men”. judge you by what you have actually achieved.” Let not the above saying Therefore, my dear Brothers and Our Lord here was, by example, be of any discouragement to us. Sisters, we know that we live in helping us, Vincentian leaders, to One does not have to be a “peak really challenging times in today’s start as servant leaders and then performer” or a “high achiever” to take Malaysia. However, with clear lead our members to accomplish the up a leadership role in our Society. vision, careful planning, courageous mission of our Society through our implementation and complete respective Conference/Councils. A Vincentian leader is a servant- confidence that Our Lord is with us leader. Our faith, small as the in this our journey, we shall see our Our vision should be to grow into “mustard seed” it is, can “move Society grow properly and rapidly. something bigger and better than mountains”. As the Psalms encourage us: “Place what we already are. Remember your burden on the Lord and He Blessed Frederic Ozanam’s vision Take St. Peter, the Rock, as our shall sustain you” to embrace the whole world in example. It is good to remember that a network of love! St. James too the same Peter who denied even As one motivational speaker said: reminded us not deceive ourselves knowing Jesus, so soon thereafter “To make a difference is not a matter by merely listening to the Word but called on us to “repent and be of accident; people choose to be rather by doing what it says. baptized, in the name of Jesus different ― we are the ones we Christ for the forgiveness of our have been waiting for”. As leaders, it is imperative that we sins and that we “will receive the first recognize the realities in our gift of the Holy Spirit.” Together we can make that difference. communities (the micro level) and our country (the macro level). We It has been stated very often that most then have to manage the change successful leaders are confident, we desire and if I may, transform driven and self-reliant people. As the growth of our Society, either Vincentian servant-leaders however, incrementally or exponentially, as the we are called to be different; while we circumstances and good judgment should have commitment, confidence allow us. and competence, we are also called Remember my friends, the only to be “Still” and “Know” that He is constant in life is change; it is a given. God for whom nothing is impossible. Our Society will have to adapt or die. ~ Watson Peters The great Jack Welch once said On another note, while we need to August 2014

4 | berita vincentpaul CONFERENCES IN MALAYSIA AND YEAR OF FORMATION

Penang Perak Assumption 1934 St. Anthony, Teluk Intan 1971 Holy Name of Jesus, Balik Pulau 1963 St. Louis, Taiping 1957 Holy Spirit 1975 St. Mary, Tapah 1968 Immaculate Conception, Pulau Tikus 1955 St. Patrick, Kuala Kangsar 1977 Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 1959 Our Lady of Lourdes, Ipoh 1964 Butterworth Our Lady of Sorrows 1955 St. Anne, Bukit Mertajam 1954 Immaculate Conception, 1972 St. Francis Xavier 1955 St. Aloysius, 1972 St. John Britto 1970 St. John Vianney, 1967 Risen Christ, Air Itam 1978 Visitation, 1965

Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur Kedah Christ the King, Selayang 1991 Christ the King, Sungai Petani 1966 Holy Rosary, Brickfields 1954 Sacred Heart of Jesus, Kulim 1993 Our Lady of Fatima, Brickfields 1964 St. Michael, Alor Setar 1959 Sacred Heart, Jalan Peel 1965 St. Joseph, Sentul 1956 Pahang Divine Mercy 2012 Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Mentakab 1991 St. Thomas, Kuantan 1972 Melaka Holy Spirit, Jasin 1991 Johor St. Anne, Alor Gajah 1989 Immaculate Conception, Johor Bahru 1961 St. Anthony 1961 Our Lady of Fatima, Tangkak 1996 St. Joseph 1996 St. Andrew, Muar 1981 St. James, Merlimau 2000 St. Anthony, Chaah 2008 St. Martin de Porres 1965 St. Henry, Batu Pahat 1974 St. Theresa 1969 St. Louis, Kluang 1980 St. Philip, Segamat 1975 Selangor Assumption, PJ 1960 Sarawak Holy Family, 1962 Holy Spirit, Lundu 2008 Holy Trinity, PJ 1990 St. Ann, Kota Padawan 1990 St. Francis Xavier, PJ 1969 St. Joseph, Kuching 1989 St. Ignatius, PJ 1979 St. Stephen, Bau 1991 St. Jude, Rawang 2000 St. Theresa, Serian 1986 Holy Redeemer, Klang 1974 Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sibu 1999 Our Lady of Lourdes, Klang 1956 St. Anne, Port Klang 1963 Sabah Holy Eucharist, Batang Berjuntai 1989 Holy Trinity, Tawau 2014

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1934: THE FIRST SSVP CONFERENCE IN MALAYSIA: CONFERENCE OF THE ASSUMPTION, PENANG

In 1933, the parish priest of the Assumption Church in Farquhar Street, Penang, Rev. Fr. Jean- Baptiste Souhait, was very distressed with the number of poor parishioners. He saw the dire need for some ‘Catholic action’ to alleviate poverty. Thus, he started the first conference of the Society of St with donations or monthly when the Conference of the Vincent de Paul in Malaysia. subscriptions. Financially Assumption was the only sound, the members then conference in Penang. They Fr. Souhait, and a few senior carried out their work of giving invited representatives from church members called for a out rations and visiting the poor. other parishes to a meeting at meeting and they established They also helped pay house the Church of the Assumption. the first conference of the rent for the poor but special At this meeting, it was decided Assumption. The following focus was on the educational that the other parishes set up were the first office bearers: needs of children. conferences of their own, and President: Mr. C.A. Reutens to coordinate between these Hon. Secretary: Mr. E.G. Valberg When the Second World War conferences, a ‘Particular Hon. Treasurer: Mr. G.B. Baptist broke out and subsequently Council’ of Georgetown was with Messrs B.C. de Souza, with the occupation of Penang formed. W.A. Reid and H.L. Cutter as by the Japanese forces, works ordinary members. of the society stopped. In Note: In 1955 the Church of the September 1945, with the re- Assumption was elevated, by A request for the formation of the occupation of the Allied Forces, a Decree of the Vatican, to the Society was forwarded to the the Church of the Assumption status of the Cathedral of the SSVP Headquarters in France. re-opened and the conference Diocese of Penang. The “Letter of Aggregation” was was re-activated. received on 27 June 1934. During the post-war years, In 1955, two Vincentians the Conference had difficulty The formation of the conference from Holland, Bro. De Grys in recruiting young men as was well received and many and Bro. Bergers, joined the members. It decided to open parishioners were generous conference and were surprised membership to women.

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In the 70s, people began Masses). Many who attended shifting from the city center to Masses at the church were the suburban areas and the visitors from other parishes. mainland. There was much difficulty in recruiting members. In 1988, the Cathedral of the Assumption was amalgamated By end of 2013, in spite of funds with three other parishes in getting low, the conference Georgetown to form one parish decided to embark on “special (known as City Parish). All works”. The special works these four churches are within included tuition for children and short distance of one another helping the poor and voiceless (about 2 km), and all four have with government administrative SSVP conferences of their own. matters (e.g. registration of identity card, birth certificate, In 2000 when the Quit Rent Act marriage certificate). was repealed, the population in the city area decreased. In Presently, there are five 2003, the status of Cathedral members in the conference. I Church held by the Cathedral of have been a member since the the Assumption was transferred early 90s. It was my late sister, to the Church of the Holy Spirit. Sr. Teresa Lai who influenced me to join the society. Although All these resulted in a we are few in number, we are 1950s. Activities with friends-in-need decrease in congregation size. dedicated to our works. Conference membership declined. The number of When membership and friends-in-need shrank. adoptees decreased over the The conference then years, there was talk to close focussed on providing down or amalgamate with one tuition to children from of the other 3 conferences in poor family. the City Parish. However, since we were the first conference In 1984, the conference in Malaysia, we were all celebrated its golden determined that it should jubilee with a 3-day event. remain. Hence we continue Guests included delegates to keep the Conference of the from ASEAN countries. Assumption, 80 years old now, strong and active. As the years went by, the church became a non- parish church with no ~ Lucia Lai Secretary, Conference of Assumption, activities (only Sunday Penang and National SSVP Webmaster

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AS I LOOK BACK I came into the Society of St. activity of the parish as a whole. Let me share these thoughts as I Vincent de Paul on the 16th of More often than not he would conclude: March 1967 while serving as return before the close to give his a teacher in Tampin (Negeri dismissal blessings. * The central thrust of the Sembilan) when I was invited Apostolate has always been one evening to join in the To me attending the weekly and continues to be the meeting of the parish conference. meetings faithfully in the evening personal sanctification of its The conference had just been week after week over the years members established two years earlier in soon became a natural thing to * In the words of the founder 1965 sponsored by Conference do. Eventually it became (to me Frederic Ozanam, we are a of the Visitation, Seremban. personally) an engagement that I “mission‐centred Apostolate There were just six members at would not set aside. I have always of the Catholic Church and that time – all middleaged men. believed that if there is indeed witnessing to Jesus has always They were warm and welcoming. a sincere desire to grow in the been the decisive element” I became the seventh member Apostolate and its works then * The Spirit of the Society of the conference after a period there is this need to be reasonably which is the core thrust of the of exposure and discernment. immersed in its history. The love Apostolate has constantly The President made the weekly for the poor can only be manifested been enhanced through meeting a learning session as well. when we give of ourselves to them. assemblies (gatherings) such He would delve on specific areas as international and national taken from the 1958 Irish Manual My tenure at the helm of the conventions, seminars, regional of the Society that served as a Society at both the state and interactive groupings, twinning, basic (yet comprehensive) guide national levels had been great formation programmes and into deeper understanding of the opportunities for me focus on more recently the Pan Asian Apostolate. Today forty‐seven formation which I believe to a fair Congress or PANASCO years later as I look back I am extent might have helped lay the * Mutual example and true thankful that the weekly sharing essential fundamentals in those friendship are (in the Society) in Tampin had set a steadfast who attended these sessions. an essential precept to “love of foundation in me and had helped God in the person of their fellow me grow into the richness of the My membership moved a number men”. Society and its mission. This had of times in keeping with my helped live out the calling as well departmental postings. Being a as help others understand. headmaster I had moved from Tampin (St. John Baptist Vianney) In my early years the conference to (St. Christopher) which spiritual director would be present I had established and then to Port for a few minutes at the onset Dickson (Immaculate Conception) of the meeting to expound the before moving finally to Seremban day’s Scripture message before (St. Paul the Hermit in ). leaving to attend to other parish With the amalgamation of the matters. This has always been a three conferences in Seremban spiritual blessing. The presence into one in the early nineties, I am of the spiritual director invariably finally in the Visitation and have linked up special activities of the been there since. ~ Eddie Joseph conference with the apostolic President (1986 – 1992), National Society of St. Vincent de Paul Malaysia

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THE HEART AND MIND OF A VINCENTIAN: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE The first thought that comes to of projects and self-help projects Let me just conclude with this little mind as I write this article is the to provide assistance and care for story: fact that as a Vincentian, I am the children, the aged and single A family of five was enjoying their taught to love first and think later. mothers, to name a few, seemed a day at the beach. The children natural progression of the Society. were bathing in the sea and making Pope Francis, in his Apostolic The National and State Councils castles in the sand when in the Exhortation, “Evangelli Gaudium” were instrumental in leading the distance a little old lady appeared. (The Joy of the Gospel) speaks charge in providing finance and Her grey hair was blowing in the about “faith working through love.” guidance for these projects to be wind and her clothes were dirty He says :“ Works of love directed launched and sustained. and ragged. She was muttering to one’s neighbor are the most something to herself as she picked perfect external manifestation of Many conferences became up things from the beach and put the interior grace of the Spirit: the “Project Conferences” and the them into a bag. foundation of the New Law is in responsibility of the conference the grace of the Holy Spirit who was to sustain the project. The parents called the children is manifested in the faith, which to their side and told them to works through love”. This brief overview will not do stay away from the old lady. As justice to the Society if I do not say she passed by, she smiled at the The essence of our work is love, something about the all important family. But her greeting was not which we are able to extend to “human element”. This “human returned. others – and this love is only element” in all its weaknesses possible with the presence of the has been and still is the body and Many weeks later they learnt that Holy Spirit in our hearts. Therefore soul of the Society. Yet, as frail the little old lady had made it her the heart of our work is the mind of human beings trying to establish lifelong crusade to pick up bits of the Holy Spirit. the Kingdom of God here on glass from the beach so children Earth, the Vincentian is called to would not cut their feet. I move on now to give you a be many things to many people. brief overview of the historic And in the process many may Let us, like this little old lady, perspective of the Society in have been hurt as this journey of continue to pick up pieces of glass Malaysia. As I reflect on the our faith takes many twists and from the streets of life so that the vocation in the SSVP over the turns. The relationship between poor can walk on them without last 35 years, I must confess that clergy and members has not getting hurt. when I joined the Society I was always been cordial but of late it not sure what I had let myself in has improved tremendously. The for. The scope of the work was so relationship between Vincentians, great and the members so few. both in and out of the conference Yet, in the vineyard of the Lord has had its ups and downs. Plans numbers are not important. We have been blocked, reduced or trudged on… The “doling” of food simply ignored. The fact that this took centre stage and the face of vocation of ours is still very much the Vincentian in most parishes alive in our country is due to the was the face of the poor. Over and abundant love of its adherents over again we were reminded of and the tremendous outpouring of the Spirit of Ozanam and the love grace of the Holy Spirit. Your will of the poor as espoused by St. be done! Vincent de Paul. We were told to teach the poor how to fish instead of ~ Peter Soosai giving them fish. Thus, the advent President, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur State Council

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LESS FOOD FOR THOUGHT Eating 80% full is healthy. At the end of 2011, the world’s we have not overeaten or wasted. Donating the remaining 20% is population has exceeded 7 billion So, saving up to RM100.00 a to shower kindness. People in people. Food intake and daily month is possible. Instead of Malaysia are generally fortunate consumption are basic needs but eating out with friends, invite them to have in abundance as food global warming, overconsumption to dine at home. This saves more. shortage has never really been of resources and overdevelopment It also fosters closer relationship. an issue. Unfortunately, in many of land have resulted in drastic parts of world, millions of people reduction in food yield. If we fail to We should appreciate our good are starving and evacuating their put a stop to our wasteful habits the fortune and try to contribute to homeland as a result of natural or consequences will be disastrous. the Society of St Vincent de man‐made disasters like floods Paul by adopting the “eat 80% or civil wars. According to United At a personal level, overeating full and donate 20%”attitude. Nations 2010 statistics, there are causes drowsiness. Our level Let our Vincentian lives be more up to 925 million starving people of concentration at work drops. meaningful by giving and servicing. worldwide. Overeating causes obesity and Let us live more simply by “want overloading on the body system. It not waste not”. As a consequence, It is common practice for a causes more harm than good. So allow our wisdom to grow with self‐ Catholic/ Vincentian to self‐reflect eat lightly and healthily and only enlightenment. Allow the purified before having a meal: have we up to 80% full. mind to visualize Christ clearer. contributed enough to the society? Allow the peace and serenity in Do we realize that a bowl of rice In my view, Vincentians should us to manifest in the Society as or porridge served does not come initiate the “eat 80% full and donate we work with mutual respect, by so effortlessly? Do we really 20%” campaign. How do we self‐discipline, humility, tolerance, appreciate the food we have? practice it? Let us consider a meal love and understanding just as St Do we remind ourselves not to outside. If a normal 3‐variety and 1 Vincent de Paul himself has role‐ overeat or waste food and discard plate of rice cost RM5, by reducing modelled for us. leftovers? 1 variety we will save RM 1. With 3 meals a day we save RM3 and at ~ David Heng the same time feel contented that President, Melaka SSVP State Council

SNAPSHOT OF SSVP IN PENANG TODAY The Society in Penang started with Self‐help projects are on‐going in With the active participation, 6 members in 1933. Today, there some conferences. A thrift shop contribution and commitment of are 117 members. The old are still at the Conference of Our Lady senior and the many more young active but a younger generation of of Sorrows has been operating members in the conferences, the Vincentians have taken over and for many years. Members also future of SSVP in Penang is very are at the helm. visit “orang asli” settlements with well‐entrenched. cash aid for some of the families. The ten conferences at the various Conferences organise fund‐raising parishes in the state have activities dinners from time to time. of their own. Giving out cash aid and rations to the friends‐in‐need There are regular hospital visits. (FINs) are the common works of Members offer free tuition, legal the conferences. Most conferences aid and various social services. hold Christmas parties for the FIN. Seminars and conventions have Educational aids in the form of cash good attendances. The conferences allowances and school uniforms are also donate and contribute to available in various conferences. countries hit by natural disasters. The State Council awards students ~ Andrew Yong with excellent results. Delegate, Penang State Council

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THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE JOURNEY OF A VINCENTIAN My journey as a Vincentian began must be the order of the day, if the service centres, soup kitchens, some 43 years ago and still Society was to remain relevant dialysis centre, operate in the midst counting….. and faithful to the Rule and life of of largely secular communities. the Society. The evangelistic presence of the Early growing years were literally living Christ is aptly visible in all centred within the perimeters and The winds of change were blowing our projects. precincts of the Church of the Holy across the nation with new Family in Kajang. The Catholic emphasis in youth development. Notwithstanding, the ageing community in Kajang then was These initiatives culminated demographics of membership relatively small and closely knit. with the hosting of the first ever of the Society in Malaysia is There were several opportunities National Youth Convention on cause for great concern. In this for us as young lads to serve 1st May, 1989. Thereafter roads digital age, there appears to be and be involved in the life of the shows were held regionally where a growing lack of interest from Church. As the years went by I had young members gathered to meet, young individuals to immerse and served as an altar boy, warden, discern, share and encounter the challenge themselves in emulating commentator, BEC leader and suffering Christ in their midst. the ideals that Frederic Ozanam member of the Parish Council. who dedicated his entire life for As these developmental activities charity and holiness. The Society The early formative years of gained momentum, the 1st in Malaysia has to transform itself my faith life had laid the first Ozanam School of Charity was and return to basics if it is to sustain foundations that enabled me to launched on 16th June, 1989. The itself as an apostolate of love, embrace the Vincentian vocation. subject matters introduced was hope and charity. The demands The primary object of the Society of great interest to young people of charity and social justice have of Vincent de Paul was to preserve endeavoring to experience the been increasingly sophisticated, the Faith of young men and to purpose of life and highlighted the complex and challenging. sanctify them. In Ozanam’s own various stages of development words “The end of the Society is dealing with the psychology of The question which divides men in to enkindle and spread among the holiness. The National Formation our days is no longer one of political young the spirit of Catholicism.” Team was constituted in 1989 for forms, it is a social question. It is the sole purpose of developing to determine whether the spirit It was precisely this spirituality and disseminating information of sacrifice will gain the upper of Blessed Frederic Ozanam that on topics that included the hand; whether society will be only profoundly inspired me to follow History of the Society, the SVP a great system of exploitation for Christ through service to those in Declaration in the Modern World, the benefit of the strongest, or need and so bear witness to his Vincentian Spirituality, Conference a consecration of each one for compassionate and liberating love. Management and the Cause for the good of all specially for the During those early years it was Beautification of Frederic Ozanam. protection of the weak. apparent that the youth of the day had to be challenged. There were Interestingly today, the Society so few young individuals actively has grown from strength to involved in the Society. The strength in its outreach programs. Society had no formal structures In our daily struggle for justice, within itself to provide a platform we are constantly connected with for young persons to develop and civil society groups and in our practice their spirituality. Change search for justice, we are always had to come and reluctantly, I was mindful of the demands of charity. elected to the Board of the National From a traditional “doling out” aid ~ Bryan Perera Council as its Treasurer in the year agency, the Society has diversified Vice President (2006-2012) and 1986. Being the youngest member into several people empowering Treasurer (1986-1992) of SSVP Malaysia, Past President Selangor of the Board then, I began to projects and activities. Homes State Council, now ordinary member challenge the elders of the Society for the marginalised and the of the Conference of the Holy Family, that change was imperative and abandoned, educational and Kajang.

berita vincentpaul | 11 REFLECTIONS .

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF AGGREGATION OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF MALAYSIA: THOUGHTS FOR MOVING FORWARD

I am pleased to share some at objectively. The present candidates meeting some personal thoughts on this system, though based on minimum membership and age historic milestone of the Society democratic principles, is not criteria (to be agreed upon) can in Malaysia. A review of the conducive to producing the vie for positions, irrespective developments indicates much best results. The “principle of their status in the Society. has been done in the past 50 of ascending”, that is, being Candidates need to have been years, despite the numerous elected state representatives members of the Society, for say obstacles, shortcomings to be eligible for membership of at least 8 - 10 years, so that and limited resources faced the National Council smacks of they have adequate knowledge by the Society. One cannot elitism. The issue of the number of the Society and its ideals. also overlook the positive of delegates from a State/ Do away with the system of developments in the intangibles, Diocesan Council, determined electing delegates. Members, the spiritual enrichment of by the number of conferences, who are already holding office members. I would credit this works to the advantage of at conference and state levels, to the dedication, hard work, councils with a disproportionate should not vie for higher posts commitment and ingenuity of number of parishes. The until they complete their term of the leaders and members. Or status of delegates appears office so that they do not disrupt else, how would one have to be contrary to the “principle the status quo. This would “survived’ the test of time in such of ascendancy”. Where is leave the field open to those a challenging and, sometimes, the equity when delegates who are available without any hostile environment. can leapfrog over elected commitments (they are likely representatives to share a to have planned for this) and The focus at this crossroad of higher platform? Voting is willing and eager to assume the Society is the next 50 years. skewed by state/diocesan greater responsibilities and In short, this hinges on the blocs and is unlikely to produce rule out default candidates. National Council, Generation the best results, when regional Regional interests can be Y and direction for the next interests prevail. The gain taken care of by entrusting decade or so (50 years may of a higher council is at the council members with specific not be practical nor viable). “expense” of a lower council. portfolios. The office bearers Spirituality will continue to Performance or success at of State/Diocesan Councils be the bedrock on which conference or state level is no can continue to be members these need to be developed. guarantee of the same at a of the National Council, except All these call for foresight, higher level. The higher level that any member from the floor, courage, honesty, commitment can be beyond one’s depth. meeting the stipulated criteria, and decisive action. To gel it all With all the above, what is the can offer him/herself for office. together, requires dynamic and alternative? This would enable the net to visionary leadership. be cast wider and not restrict Let us address the core issue, choices to legacy candidates The composition and mode that is, the mode of elections. and stale baggage. This of electing the National Why not introduce open proposal can be discussed and Council needs to be re-looked elections, where intending fine-tuned by the SSVP.

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The next issue to be addressed are upheld. If they fail, all is overlooked despite all these is Generation Y. Though life not lost. We can learn from challenging developments expectancy has increased over the cause of the failure, rather is the dishing out cash or the years, one cannot ignore than write them off. So, let foodstuffs to adoptees. How do demographics. We have a us ask ourselves, who is our we justify such practice? It is mixed membership with a slant target? The depleting pond or not compatible with our current towards senior members. If we flourishing pool? status and the times. Therefore, do not recruit or attract sufficient the SSVP needs to decide how new young members and insist We have succeeded in the it will seize the opportunity and on pursuing a vanishing or past, despite some bold and move ahead. We need fresh depleting market, we face the risky decisions. In the sixties, minds, new and untested ideas possibility of eventually running we did not succumb when the and bold measures. This is out of suitable members. We U.S. Catholic Welfare Services where Generation Y comes into are fortunate in having an discontinued their shipment play. We cannot rely solely on increasingly young population of flour, milk powder, butter our present resources and the in our country. We must employ and other foodstuffs, which school of experience to make all means possible to attract and formed our main rations to the quantum leap. retain Generation Y members. our “adoptees”. During the This means giving the young same decade, we proposed to The intention in proposing members more opportunities Australia to divert their twinning these potentially provocative and positions, entrusting them grants to more deserving ideas is to invite discussions with more responsibilities, countries such as India. In the and further thought. It is providing guidance rather than interim, we started to share the hoped that members would be directions, adopting a more aid we received from Australia coaxed into some healthy and charitable stance towards with conferences in Indonesia. fruitful discussions. No malice mistakes and standing back. It The above initiatives were the or negative aspersions are also means allowing sufficient raison d’etre for our existence intended. Even, if after much time and opportunities for such and works. Yet, we decided discussions and brainstorming, members to develop. They to forgo them. In the process, the status quo is maintained, should be allowed to formulate not only did we prove all the I would consider my effort in their own plans to “entice” pundits and soothsayers writing this piece worthwhile. their kind into the Society. wrong, but renewed our zeal They may have new, radical and enthusiasm to undertake and unconventional means, more challenging initiatives. untested previously, to serve the We were trailblazers in 1987, cause of SSVP, but they must when we established Rumah be allowed room to disprove Ozanam. It was the spark our fears and anxieties. that triggered the subsequent Untested and unproven means setup of several homes and should not be the yardstick to centres. All of these appear assess their plans. The seniors’ to be a little jaded now, given responsibility is to guide them the mushrooming of similar ~ Christopher Fernandez President (1998 – 2004) SSVP (not prescribe), and not hinder initiatives by other charitable Malaysia, Past President Selangor and so that the ideals of the SSVP bodies. A moot point often Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

berita vincentpaul | 13 REFLECTIONS .

MY VINCENTIAN JOURNEY No matter how calamitous the measure of rice was poured surely provide, and provide He situation appears to be, you can into the receptacle he or she did, in such mysterious ways. In rest assured that the good Lord was holding and in addition retrospect, this episode taught will surely fashion something to that each individual was me an invaluable lesson on the from it that can be cherished; if handed what looked like tins of need to respect the dignity and not immediately, then through goodies, some really big and feelings of the FIN (friends‐in‐ the long haul. some small. need) whom we help.

Well, that was precisely what That was my very first encounter After leaving school I worked happened to me. with the Society of St. Vincent for a couple of years in Kluang De Paul. Not very edifying, you and later got transferred to In 1954 the family was utterly might say, but I was impressed Segamat, and it was here that devastated when my dad, the just the same. I was very fortunate to meet sole bread winner, passed the inimitable Rev. Fr. Felix on. Being just nine then, the Well, disenchanted with what St. Martin, a priest verily worth severity of what loomed did not the family was going through, his weight in gold. Sometime register. It must have been a my elder brother and I decided in 1968 Fr. Martin initiated constant swim upstream for my to try our luck with this group the move to form the SSVP in dear mum, God rest her soul, to in church and see if we could Segamat, and with a group of keep the family at an even keel. solicit some goodies. When we well‐intentioned people the With seven of us at school and showed up, a tough looking Society was formed. The late a little one at home she must individual gave us the once Dr. Roche Francis D’Costa had have had to scrape the barrel over and bellowed an order the distinction of being the every day to provide for the to leave at once. Just as we first President, and I had the family. What little savings she were about to leave, another privilege of being part of this had was fast depleting and it gentleman, a far more affable august group of men and was not difficult to imagine the looking one approached us women. The doctor’s humility trauma and anguish that must and inquired what the problem was the genre that endeared have held sway. was. After we had related our him to all and sundry and his predicament, he promptly took geniality managed to keep Earlier on, during our frequent us aside and gave us all kinds everyone’s ego intact. This trips to the church, I had of stuff. But it turned out to be man of God introduced a witnessed people, most of a paradox when we got home. number of innovative moves in whom looked frail and famished My mother was furious and the society, all at his own cost. patiently waiting in line to be chided us for “begging” and Notable among them was the served by a group of stern made us promise that under no “Vincentian Workshop” where looking guys. The air was circumstances would we resort young adults were invited punctuated by the shrill call of to something like that in future. to hone their skills in power numbers and the occasional Of course we were rather mechanics, motor mechanics bark of stern orders. As soon confused, but the old girl shut and carpentry. Already there was as a number was called out, a us off with the rationale that a definite depart from the doling poor emaciated soul stepped the Almighty was aware of our out of rations routine that the forward. Quite instinctively a quandary and that He would Society was synonymous with.

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I remember one instance when Thankfully the Vincentian been delightful moments of members were challenged to vocation which transcends the pure joy, bemusement and carry out some repairs to an old periphery of race and creed amazement, and you know ramshackle that belonged to an affords an excellent way to what, the stark truth is, all these elderly couple. Everyone rose fulfill the primary Christian events can become a learning to the occasion and eventually obligation of service to the poor, curve and more importantly it turned out to be a splendid hungry, homeless, abused, can be transformed into mute, job. marginalized, downtrodden spiritual expansion. Like every and the list goes on. In relation Vincentian, I too am eternally Those were exciting formative to this, I would be remiss if grateful to the good Lord for years for me. But just as there was no mention of the the immeasurable blessings things were warming up and positively progressive paradigm that have inundated my family’s I was getting second wind, a shift that the Society has rather spiritual coffers. transfer order came through boldly adopted over the years, and caused a five‐year sojourn to address the various issues Being almost three score and from Vincentian activities. plaguing the poor. ten now, I must confess that They picked up where I left my journey is at the tail end, off sometime in 1973 and the Slowly but surely the Society and I thank God for the grace journey has continued since has migrated from the recurring of being passionate about then. route of an organization that is my Vincentian vocation. One easily identified by its practice trait in me that has unwittingly Earlier on, every so often of doling out monthly rations. increased my baggage is to call we were reminded that the It has categorically made a spade a spade, and during primary aim of the Society is impactful inroads in addressing my watch I must have stepped and will always be the personal the holistic needs of the human on a number of Vincentian toes, sanctification of oneself. At first person. From mundane issues, so to my beloved sisters and glance this tenet seems flawed, like payment of school bus fares brothers out there whom I have selfish and even egotistical, and acquiring Government hurt knowingly or unknowingly, but in retrospect it does make welfare aid to more complex my profound and sincere a lot of sense, because without ones like applications for birth apologies. Christ in the equation and shorn certificates/identity cards for of a mature spirituality and irregular cases and nurturing Love you all, and God bless!!! personal conviction the task to maturity a select group of of helping others is reduced families groomed in the micro‐ to mere welfare aid. There are credit programme. numerous Biblical quotes that testify to this but allow me to In the years of belonging to quote my favorite which is taken the Vincentian family, I have from James Chapter 2, Verse witnessed abject poverty, 14: “My brothers, what good is it listened to heartwrenching for someone to say that he has accounts and seen poignant ~ Philip Packium faith if his actions do not prove sights of intense pain and Vice President (1976-1977) National it? Can that faith save him?” suffering. Thankfully it has Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Past President Conference of St. Philip, not always been a prickly Segamat and current Johor State experience, as there have Delegate

berita vincentpaul | 15 WHERE WE ARE TODAY .

SSVP MALAYSIA - A Journey of Hope

Our journey of hope began 80 years ago in the beautiful island of Penang – an important trading port of call for many traders and migrants from India, Burma, Ceylon, China, England and the Middle East who came to this land of ours in search for a better life.

SSVP Malaysia was started by the parish priest and a few foreign parishioners at the Church of Assumption in Penang. This first Conference was aggregated in June, 1934. From one conference, a few more slowly started off and after World War II, the momentum built up in different parts of the country in Malaysia to be truly independent and helping people in need of hope until the time came when the need from twinning and we ourselves sustain their families and children for a unifying superior council came stopped being a recipient country. for a better future. about. This eventually led to the We owe a great debt of gratitude formation and subsequent formal to SSVP Australia for the twinning We are living that dream of Blessed aggregation of the National Council grants which helped us grow Frederic Ozanam – to encircle the of Malaysia 50 years ago on the 6th in strength and numbers in our world in a network of charity by August, 1964. formative years. taking on the challenge to organize the gathering of Vincentians in Our journey of hope began from For the next 20 years or so, the Asia Oceania region by hosting our status as a British colony Society in Malaysia was neither PANASCO 8 in Kuala Lumpur in and by the time we were officially a donor country nor a receiving conjunction with the golden Jubilee aggregated 50 years, we were a country focusing instead on of the National Council this year. newly independent country with developing special works – primarily the economy dependant largely orphanages and homes for children A journey of hope which began 80 on rubber plantations and the tin starting off with The Ozanam Home years ago continues as we envision mining industry. The pioneer local in Petaling Jaya. After Malaysia the outcome of PANASCO 8 to be Vincentians were mainly first and was appointed a member of the results driven and action oriented. second generation migrants from International Executive Committee We hope PANASCO 8 would be India, Ceylon and China plus the (IEC) in 2010 for a two year term, the catalyst to spur us to greater mix of Eurasian and Portuguese the exposure and networking heights. communities from Penang and with members of the International Malacca. structure provided us an opportunity to become a donor country by Conferences were twinned with twinning with Nepal – a small SSVP Australia then and twinning step taken from the trading port of grants kept the Conferences going colonial Penang 80 years ago to a and dry rations through the US region where highest mountains in Catholic Welfare Services helped the world exist– the Himalayas. a lot. After about 25 years of being For us in Malaysia, this has been a receiving country, in the early truly a journey of hope as we have eighties, the leadership felt that ~ Dunstan Dominic become agents of change in Nepal Vice President, SSVP Archdiocese of the time had come for the Society through our Vincentian networking Kuala Lumpur

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2014: THE NEWEST CONFERENCE IN MALAYSIA – HOLY TRINITY, TAWAU

TAWAU: 8th June and it was Pentecost Sunday. God showered his abundant blessings on SSVP Malaysia and on Tawau with the inauguration of the newest conference in Malaysia and the first conference in the state of Sabah.

The National President Bro. Watson Peters, Vice‐President Bro. Aloysius Kee and Hon. Secretary Bro. Dunstan Dominic were present to help set up the conference. The Vicar General of Sandakan Diocese, Monsignor Nicholas Ong gave his sponsorship and spiritual advice.

The office bearers for the new conference are:

President: Sis. Angela Teoh

Vice‐President: Bro. Peter Thien

Hon. Secretary: Sis. Naomi

Hon. Treasurer: Bro. Edward Koh

Assistant Treasurers: Sis. Lucy Lim and Bro. Roland

Spiritual Advisor: Msgr. Nicholas Ong.

Seated, left to right: Matius, Sr. Anita, Sr. Liza, Angela Teoh, Datuk Watson Peters, Msgr. Nicholas Ong, Aloysius Kee, Dunstan Dominic, Francis Kamuntah, Michael Chok.

Standing, left to right: Mikihanus, Edward Koh, Naomi, Susie Tai, Pauline Lee, ~ Edward Koh Michael Wong, Augustine Chan, Grace, Lucy Lim, Margaret Soon, Gibson, Treasurer, Conference of the Holy Anceito Trinity, Tawau.

berita vincentpaul | 17 HOME NEWS .

TRAINING PROCESS MICRO CREDIT One member of our conference Choosing The Participants COMMUNITY attended the numerous As advised by Dr. Paul and PILOT PROJECT enjoyable sessions conducted Sister Mercy, we chose ten by expert, Dr. Paul Sinnapan, families to participate in the SEGAMAT, JOHOR which focused in great detail project; all spoke on the social and economic Tamil, were Hindu and lived BACKGROUND problems facing the lower relatively close to each other in As members of the small income group. Practical skills Kampung Abdullah, Segamat, Conference of St. Philip in the were also imparted to be used an area that experienced rural town of Segamat, Johor, in the project. SSVP Segamat serious flooding in December, we have diligently practised was extremely pleased when 2006 and again in January, the more common types of we were chosen in tandem with 2011. Some of these families assistance: cash, food, medical, the Parish Office for Human were FINs already known to education and sometimes Development (POHD) to us, others were more recent business aid. We realized that conduct the pilot project. acquaintances. many of the less fortunate have little, if any, savings to fall back Collecting The Information upon. When Sister Mercy Daniel Systematic home visits were of the Melaka Johor Diocesan made to each family and Office for Human Development interviews were conducted (MJDOHD) invited SSVP as advised by our trainers. As members to join the Training of Vincentians, we are used to Trainers Formation Sessions, journeying with our FINs and with the objective of forming a these proved no exception, savings group among the less sharing confidential, intimate fortunate, we saw it as a golden and often distressing details opportunity to move out of our of their lives. Their problems comfort zone. included absent fathers, unemployment, alcoholism, mental illness, truancy, juvenile delinquency, health issues, borrowing money from loan sharks and domestic violence.

Analyzing The Information The information, meticulously analyzed by Sister Mercy, identified three main common areas of need: medical, education and budgeting.

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Holding Sessions/Events We were then advised to hold a series of sessions/events to build trust between the FINs and also SSVP. We applied the suggested formula of ice breakers/games, small and large group sharing of experiences of both FINs and experts, learning new skills, afternoon tea and our own addition, the very popular lucky draw.

The sessions were: Session 1: Let’s talk about Diabetes selflessness, SSVP Segamat By providing skills that build Session 2: Let’s talk about Education are glad we have ventured upon the skills that they already Session 3 - 5: Let’s talk about Budgeting into unknown territory and will possess and in the process Evaluation: Home Visits to obtain continue to support this project. giving people a voice, we have feedback and to encourage FINs to continue saving. With hindsight, we would witnessed the empowerment Session 6: Setting Up Small Businesses recommend increasing the of our FINs; they are making Session 7: Empowering Women To Be number of families participating success happen for themselves. Entrepreneurs from ten to twenty families to Session 8: Collective Savings maximize the use of human and SSVP Segamat is very grateful financial resources. At the risk to MJDOHD, Sister Mercy Current Evaluation of stating the obvious, families Daniel, Dr. Paul Sinnapan and SSVP Segamat is satisfied that in lower socioeconomic status other animators without whom savings are continuing despite groups are often in a state this venture into the field of minor glitches. We are pleased of flux; they can move away Micro Credit Community Project that our FINs can better from the area due to work, would not have been possible. differentiate between needs remarriage or other reasons and wants. They report that often beyond their control. they are stronger resisting the power of advertising, keeping This project is well‐suited to up with others and avoiding the our small conference; we lack clutches of loan sharks. capacity to build and maintain large projects but by the grace Despite the challenges and of God, we are willing and able difficulties where we were to invest our time, effort and constantly called upon to limited resources in building practise the Five Vincentian and strengthening human ~ Suzanne Sia Virtues of zeal, humility, relationships. President, State Council of Johor and gentleness, simplicity and SSVP Conference of St. Philip, Segamat Johor.

berita vincentpaul | 19 HOME NEWS .

THE OUR LADY OF FATIMA EDUCATION PROGRAMME

KUALA LUMPUR January 2014: The Conference of Our Lady of Fatima, Kuala Lumpur started an education programme for underprivileged children from ages of 3-12 years. About 40 children attend the English Language and Mathematics classes on Sunday afternoons. Teachers are volunteers from the parish.

Transport is provided for the children. They also get a meal at break time.

Sundays became Sundaes for the children! ~ Angela Francis Treasurer, Wilayah State Council and Conference of Our Lady of Fatima

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SKF BEARING DONATION FOR CONFERENCE OF ST. JOSEPH, MELAKA

MELAKA: Conference of At the completion of the Step Dario commented “This initiative St. Joseph was one of the Challenge, winners had the is in line with SKF “We Care”. recipients selected to receive opportunity to choose the The Management Fitness and donation from SKF Bearing organization or individual to Charity Challenge reflects our Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd.’s make charity donations to. commitment to promote health “Successful Management The money collected were and fitness to our employees. Fitness and Charity Challenge contributions by both the It also helps to improve the 2014.” Five members attended participants and SKF . It bonding and camaraderie this function and Bro. Peter totalled RM 26,000.00. among the management team, Fam, Vice President received at the same time contributing to the cheque on behalf of the On 25th June 2014, SKF Nilai a social cause. I am convinced conference. invited all the 13 chosen charity that our colleagues are proud organizations and individuals to to be associated with such an The article below is extracted attend the cheque presentation initiative. “After the event, the from the SKF Group Website. ceremony held at the SKF recipients were invited to tea at Auditorium. Amongst the the canteen. They expressed “This year, SKF Nilai, recipients were organizations their sincere gratitude for the Management team took up that are committed to helping donation. The employees were the challenge to improve their the sick, elderly, handicapped, very pleased to be given the fitness and well‐being through orphans and others. Each opportunity to help the needy in a 20‐week Step Challenge received a RM 2,000 cheque the community”. initiative and at the same time, from Dario Cardone, Country contribute to local charities in Manager of SKF Malaysia. ~ Anthony Tan the community. Hon. Secretary, Conference of St. Joseph, Melaka.

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3 ACTIVITIES AT SSVP CONFERENCE OF ST. THERESA, SERIAN

ACTIVITY 1: Bro. Terrison Taum ACTIVITY 2: Bro. Justin Julian, ACTIVITY 3: Bro. Simon Siar Anak and Bro. Simon Siar Anak Manyus Bro. Terrison Taum and Bro. Simon Manyus visited the home of FIN visited our FIN at Kampung Merian Siar Anak Manyus visited FIN #2 #3 at Kampung Kakeng Karuh, Bedup. He was involved in the at Kampung Rayang, Serian. The Serian. She is a single mother road accident along the Kuching – FIN’shouse was burned down in with five children. Her husband Serian road while going to work a the morning of 21 July 2014. left her when their children were few years ago. still young. Her parents passed According to the FIN, he was in away a few years ago. Besides He is paralysed from waist down the living room with his wife and giving her monthly allowance, and can move around using grandchildren when he saw smoke SSVP, Conference of St. Theresa, wheel chair. He stays alone near from his bedroom. He alerted the Serian, bought some building his sister house. His sister helps rest of the family. The fire spread materials for repairing the kitchen to cook and do washing for him so fast that they had no time to and verandah of her house. besides looking after her own salvage their belongings. The family. SSVP, Conference of St. fire brigade from Serian station Theresa, Serian, takes him as a stopped the fire from spreading FIN and bought building materials to the kitchen. SSVP, Conference for his house. The house was built of St. Theresa, Serian, donated with the help of the relatives and some cash, good quality second friends. hand clothes and some food to ease the burden of the family.

Bro. Simon Siar with FINs.

Bro. Terrison Taum visiting home of FIN at Kampung Merian Bedup. FIN’s house after the fire.

~ Simon Siar FIN resting on his bed. The kitchen was not damaged. Delegate, SSVP Kuching Archdiocese.

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MIGRANTS CONVERGE AT ST. JOSEPH CHURCH, SENTUL

take charge of the Migrant Ministry. The Myanmareses are mostly The migrants are Africans, Sri political and religious refugees. Lankans and the majority is from They are from the Kalay Diocese Myanmar. known as the Zomi (Chin) from the north western part of Myanmar. Most of the Africans are students They have become members of who come for Sunday Mass. Their the Myanmar Catholic Community main is shortage of funds. Due Malaysia (MCCM) at St John’s to large sum of money needed, Cathedral but the group worship we refer them to their respective at our St Joseph Church, Sentul embassies. twice a month.

Majority of the Sri Lankans claim Recently on 27th July 2014, the to have been deceived into Myanmares celebrated their SENTUL: The Conference of coming to Malaysia. They paid Parents Day with Mass, variety St Joseph is one of the oldest almost 10,000 - 20,000 Sri Lankan show, fellowship and gifts for in Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Rupees to agencies for promise of parents. Lumpur. It has been providing work and better life. In the many shelter, food, medical aid, cases we faced, we helped them education assistance and other find jobs and provided food rations necessities to the poor for 58 years every month. ~ Patricia Rasiah now. In 2011, the parish priest Secretary, Conference of St. Joseph, appointed the conference to also Sentul

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OUR LADY OF GOOD HEALTH – NKF DIALYSIS CENTRE

The OUR LADY of Good Health – It is managed and maintained by NKF Dialysis Centre in Kampung NKF’s medical and technical staff Pandan, Kuala Lumpur is a joint and assisted by members of SSVP venture between the Society Conference of the Sacred Heart. of St. Vincent de Paul (project To date, the Centre has 7 staff of Conference of the Sacred The project started in 2007 with nurses, 6 dialysis assistants, Heart) and the National Kidney the necessary approvals from 1 nephrologist attending to 80 Foundation of Malaysia. The the various parties (church, patients receiving treatment on Centre’s main objectives are SSVP, NKF) and sponsors. The regular basis 3 times a week. The to provide life saving dialysis main sponsor, Tex Cycle Sdn Centre operates from 7.00am till treatment to poor patients with Bhd purchased the land and 10.00pm Monday to Saturday on final stages of kidney failure and to helped SSVP financially with 3 shifts create public awareness of kidney- the construction of the building related health problems. and acquisition of machines and equipment. Doors opened to The Centre has 20 dialysis patients in mid-2009. The Centre machines and can cater to 96 was officially opened by the then patients at any one time. The facility Archbishop Murphy Pakiam in ~ S. Perry Project Manager at SSVP Conference is comfortable and conducive for September 2009. of the Sacred Heart and at the Our Lady patients undergoing treatment. of Good Health-NKF Dialysis Centre

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CHANGING LIVES

Crime invades every aspect of our lives. The rate of crime continues to escalate. The number of criminal cases registered each year keeps increasing and threatens to overwhelm our criminal courts. Our prisons are oppressively overcrowded and grossly understaffed. Tragically, an individual who commits a crime is likely to commit that crime again.

Statistically, if there is no intervention, as many as 80% of those completing prison terms will backslide and find themselves in the dock again, facing new charges.

In July 2008, the Second the passage from incarceration skills building and Christian Chance Community Home to freedom making it easier education have made a great (SCCH), a special project of the for them and safer for the difference in touching the Conference of the Holy Family, community as they rebuild their lives of these men. The visible Kajang, opened its doors to self-esteem to reintegrate into good works and testimony of accord second chances to those mainstream society. We have lives transformed give us the who had spent time behind seen successes and failures. encouragement to continue the bars, grappled with addictions Residents are reconciled journey into the years ahead. and were in need of a special with family. Others gained place to make a clean start. employment or embarked on small business ventures. In the past 6 years, more than 100 discharged prisoners, parolees and ex-inmates of The growing support and government rehabilitation sponsorship by different centres have been provided churches, church groups, residential care with dignity individuals and corporations in ~ Daniel Lew and respect. Residents are Home Administrator, Second Chance the form of financial donation, Community Home, Project of the given assistance to navigate Conference of Holy Family, Kajang

berita vincentpaul | 25 HOME NEWS .

OCTOBER 2013 VISIT TO CONFERENCES IN NEPAL

The Mission: A team of five from SSVP Malaysia travelled to Nepal to visit our twin conferences for formation and training. Sister Elizabeth Loo, National Twinning Coordinator of SSVP Malaysia shared the concept of “Twinning of Conferences”. Bro. Andrew Leo presented the “5 Vincentian Virtues”. The local parish priests Our Vincentian Brothers and Formation and Training: and religious made sure that Hosts: We were joined by Bro They were conducted for the none was lost in translation. Joseph Pandian from India – Conference of St. Ignatius in We were also loaded with good the International Territorial Vice Banayater, the Conference of condition used clothes, food stuffs, President of SSVP West Asia, Bro John Vianney in Godavari and stationary and cash for friends- Gabriel Mondial from Bangladesh the SSVP Conference in Dharan. in-need. The funds were mainly – the West Asia SSVP Coordinator The session for the Conferences donated for education, provision, and Bro VMJ Balaswamy – the of Damak, Maheshpur and Bagan medical needs, purchasing National President of SSVP India. were held at the Cluny Convent in building materials for homes At our main base in Katmandu, Damak. and sponsoring work by local we were very well taken care of conferences. by Father Robin, Parish Priest of Our FINs: We visited the old, Assumption Church. The local the paralysed, the blind, the SSVP members in the other sick, widows and orphans. Many locations turned out in numbers women have husbands working and were wonderful hosts. abroad, leaving them to look after aged parents and young children.

Our Twin Conferences: They are new, eager to learn and need helping hand. They need more formation and training, more advice and sharing of experiences, moral and financial support for their work.

Memories from the Trip: New friends, breathtaking awesome sights, flavourful cuisine, potholes in roads, some fatigue but generally a great time!

~ Grace Lim Secretary, Conference of St. Henry, Batu Pahat

26 | berita vincentpaul SEPTEMBER 27 FEAST OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL

PRAYER TO OUR PATRON SAINT Noble Saint Vincent de Paul, beloved servant of the poor, may we follow your example and do good works among those whom society has abandoned, enslaved, or forgotten. Inspire us to feed the hungry, to love a child, to provide comfort and medicine to the sick, to clothe those whose garments are threadbare, and to offer hope and our Lord’s words to all who need respite. Pray for us to our beloved God that we may commit ourselves selflessly to doing the same charitable acts that you did all your life, and intercede with him that we may have the favor of his guidance and strength and love upon this important and meaningful work. Amen.

OFFICE OF READINGS Second Reading: From a writing by Saint Vincent de Paul, priest (Epist. 2546: Correspondance, entretiens, documents, Paris 1922-1925, 7) SERVING THE POOR IS TO BE OUR FIRST PREFERENCE Even though the poor are often poverty. He went so far as to say It is our duty to prefer the service rough and unrefined, we must that he would consider every deed of the poor to everything else and not judge them from external which either helps or harms the to offer such service as quickly as appearances nor from the mental poor as done for or against himself. possible. If a needy person requires gifts they seem to have received. Since God surely loves the poor, medicine or other help during On the contrary, if you consider the he also loves those who love the prayer time, do whatever has to be poor in the light of faith, then you poor. For when one person holds done with peace of mind. Offer the will observe that they are taking the another dear, he also includes in deed to God as your prayer. Do not place of the Son of God who chose his affection anyone who loves or become upset or feel guilty because to be poor. Although in his passion serves the one he loves. That is you interrupted your prayer to serve he almost lost the appearance of a why we hope that God will love us the poor. God is not neglected if you man and was considered a fool by for the sake of the poor. So when leave him for such service. One of the Gentiles and a stumbling block we visit the poor and needy, we try God’s works is merely interrupted by the Jews, he showed them that to be understanding where they are so that another can be carried out. his mission was to preach to the concerned. We sympathize with So when you leave prayer to serve poor: He sent me to preach the good them so fully that we can echo Paul’s some poor person, remember that news to the poor. We also ought to words: I have become all things to this very service is performed for have this same spirit and imitate all men. Therefore, we must try to God. Charity is certainly greater Christ’s actions, that is, we must be stirred by our neighbors’ worries than any rule. Moreover, all rules take care of the poor, console them, and distress. We must beg God must lead to charity. Since she help them, support their cause. to pour into our hearts sentiments is a noble mistress, we must do of pity and compassion and to fill whatever she commands. With Since Christ willed to be born poor, them again and again with these renewed devotion, then, we must he chose for himself disciples who dispositions. serve the poor, especially outcasts were poor. He made himself the and beggars. They have been given servant of the poor and shared their to us as our masters and patrons.

berita vincentpaul | 27 வரவேற்பு 오신 것을 환영합니다 WELCOMEeргeмжлeгдсeн нь Dobrodošli ようこそ eргeмжлeгдсeн нь SELAMAT DATANG Chào Mừng CHÀO MỪNG

To: PANASCO 8 Delegates c/o Federal Hotel 35, Jalan Bukit Bintang 55100 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

Bienvenue 欢迎光临 BIENVENUE BEM-VINDO DOBRODOŠLI ようこそ BEM-VINDO 欢迎光临 오신 것을Welcome 환영합니다 வரவேற்பு Selamat Datang

EDITORIAL TEAM Editors : Sis Veronica Gan, Sis Doris Fernandez, Bro Jonathan Dason, Bro Laurence Rayappan, Bro Peter Soosai National Office : Sis Doris Fernandez Contributions and Enquiries : [email protected]

OUR CONTACT National Society of St. Vincent de Paul K3 Bangunan Khas, Lorong 8/1E, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Tel +60 3-79564531 Fax +60 3-79564533 Email [email protected] Website www.ssvp.org.my