Transmission.......Malaysia/Singapore
FMM in KB celebrates 60 years presence in Kota Bharu
Standing on the shoulders of the FMM giants who blazed the trail before us, we proudly
celebrated on May 8th 2022, the Diamond Jubilee of continued FMM presence from May 1st
1962 in this remotest State of Malaysia, among the 90% Muslim population.
A committee of parishioners and Sisters Enid Lopez and Mary Anne Fletcher prepared for the
celebration: The Mass and slides of FMM history/ministries down the years; the decorations
so well done by a university student; the ordering of the packed lunch menu; audio-visual
setups to enjoy the occasion; the physical preparation of the Church. How much the laity
were with us was seen in the quiet practice of the altar servers; the practice of the Choir
members with Sr. Angeline Poh; the humble preparation of the tables and tableware by one of
the Basic Ecclesial Community; the gorgeous flower decorations of roses; Our chairperson
who quietly took our plans for a simple cake to another level, by contacting the owner of a
bakery who donated a beautifully decorated 3 kilo cake. Later, on invitation to our convent,
he shared how much he had been touched by the kindness of especially two Sisters to him, a
poor boy needing accommodation, and finding more care than he imagined, and gave him
values to this day
The Mass was solemnly celebrated as it was also the 5th Sunday of Easter. We FMM were
introduced as “Lamps burning our lives out before the Eucharist. '' The Church was fairly full
with people wanting to share our joy. Unfortunately, the slides could be shown only the next
week. It touched many people while reviving memories of associations with the Sisters. The
recreation was enlivened by Sr. Enid’s adaptation of “Happy Wanderer”, It appreciated
individuals and families who had specially helped the Sisters in varied ways. Spontaneous
clapping of hands and waving to the mood of the song and other music kept up the spirit of
joy and oneness of the people with us. They even started a line dance called “Jerusalema
Dance”! Many stayed on for fellowship and karaoke singing.
The next week, the updated slides were shown in the Church, accompanied by a nostalgic
commentary by Sr. Enid, who had researched the history. It depicted the early humble
beginnings by Sisters of different nationalities and languages, and the tremendous
groundwork laid by the pioneers. By going to live and work among the Muslims, the Srs
dared what no other religious congregation at that time would do: as our Constitutions says:
‘to the most dangerous remotest places where Christ is not yet known”. To today, people
years later will tell us how they experienced Christ’s love though the love of the Sisters, in
the deep relationship of friendship and concern in so many situations. Even the former
pre-schoolers say this; so do those who were accompanied in their faith formation in Chinese,
English and Bahasa. Lay persons will accompany Sisters to do marketing; to collaborate
teaching sewing classes; in the camaraderie and picnic atmosphere after Mass. All bound
together in love. The Sisters’ outreach to families in the outstations, often staying overnight
with them after Mass and catechesis; the many poor boarders who lived in the hostel needingaccommodation as well as professional and university students who later stayed, all speak of
being cared for and accompanied.
Perhaps the words of the song, “You raised me up’’ best depict the peoples’ feelings when
they think of the Sisters:
“You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains,
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas.
I am strong when I am on your shoulders,
You raised me up to more than I can be”
Thanks be to God who accomplishes things through us, of which we never thought we could
do!
Mary Anne Fletcher, fmm
.
celebrated on May 8th 2022, the Diamond Jubilee of continued FMM presence from May 1st
1962 in this remotest State of Malaysia, among the 90% Muslim population.
A committee of parishioners and Sisters Enid Lopez and Mary Anne Fletcher prepared for the
celebration: The Mass and slides of FMM history/ministries down the years; the decorations
so well done by a university student; the ordering of the packed lunch menu; audio-visual
setups to enjoy the occasion; the physical preparation of the Church. How much the laity
were with us was seen in the quiet practice of the altar servers; the practice of the Choir
members with Sr. Angeline Poh; the humble preparation of the tables and tableware by one of
the Basic Ecclesial Community; the gorgeous flower decorations of roses; Our chairperson
who quietly took our plans for a simple cake to another level, by contacting the owner of a
bakery who donated a beautifully decorated 3 kilo cake. Later, on invitation to our convent,
he shared how much he had been touched by the kindness of especially two Sisters to him, a
poor boy needing accommodation, and finding more care than he imagined, and gave him
values to this day
The Mass was solemnly celebrated as it was also the 5th Sunday of Easter. We FMM were
introduced as “Lamps burning our lives out before the Eucharist. '' The Church was fairly full
with people wanting to share our joy. Unfortunately, the slides could be shown only the next
week. It touched many people while reviving memories of associations with the Sisters. The
recreation was enlivened by Sr. Enid’s adaptation of “Happy Wanderer”, It appreciated
individuals and families who had specially helped the Sisters in varied ways. Spontaneous
clapping of hands and waving to the mood of the song and other music kept up the spirit of
joy and oneness of the people with us. They even started a line dance called “Jerusalema
Dance”! Many stayed on for fellowship and karaoke singing.
The next week, the updated slides were shown in the Church, accompanied by a nostalgic
commentary by Sr. Enid, who had researched the history. It depicted the early humble
beginnings by Sisters of different nationalities and languages, and the tremendous
groundwork laid by the pioneers. By going to live and work among the Muslims, the Srs
dared what no other religious congregation at that time would do: as our Constitutions says:
‘to the most dangerous remotest places where Christ is not yet known”. To today, people
years later will tell us how they experienced Christ’s love though the love of the Sisters, in
the deep relationship of friendship and concern in so many situations. Even the former
pre-schoolers say this; so do those who were accompanied in their faith formation in Chinese,
English and Bahasa. Lay persons will accompany Sisters to do marketing; to collaborate
teaching sewing classes; in the camaraderie and picnic atmosphere after Mass. All bound
together in love. The Sisters’ outreach to families in the outstations, often staying overnight
with them after Mass and catechesis; the many poor boarders who lived in the hostel needingaccommodation as well as professional and university students who later stayed, all speak of
being cared for and accompanied.
Perhaps the words of the song, “You raised me up’’ best depict the peoples’ feelings when
they think of the Sisters:
“You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains,
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas.
I am strong when I am on your shoulders,
You raised me up to more than I can be”
Thanks be to God who accomplishes things through us, of which we never thought we could
do!
Mary Anne Fletcher, fmm
.
Sr Susan's Farewell in Singapore/Malaysia...
Online MassSingapore:
Archdiocese of Singapore St Mary of the Angels Parish Information about Mass Booking for Singapore Malaysia: Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur
Vatican
Mass at Casa Santa Marta presided by Pope Francis: www.vaticannews.va |
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