Third Malaysian IFFAsia Graduates Gathering

“It is the beginning of unity between East and West Malaysia, bringing hope to the community, walking towards one mission in one country. There is also a better structure that will take care of the growing community in Asia.”

PORT DICKSON : This year, the third Malaysia IFFAsia Graduates Gathering was held at Champagnat Youth Centre (Marist Brothers), Port Dickson on September 27th to 29th, 2013. Eight members of Fondacio Malaysia and ten IFFAsia graduates attended the gathering. This is the first "joint venture" gathering which is one of the fruits during the 6th Fondacio Asia Pastoral Gathering held last October 26 - November 5, 2012 at Oblates of Mary Immaculate Formation Center in Quezon City, Philippines. During the gathering, Fondacio Malaysia members and Malaysian IFFAsia graduates, came together to discuss, explore and discern on how best they could journey together in the mission.

Morning Prayer

The main purpose of this yearly gathering is to reflect on one's vocation and direction after the formation process in IFFAsia, Philippines. On the second day, Charles Bertille, the Fondacio Asia Coordinator facilitated the two-day event, moving us towards greater integration in our mission journey.
During the 'integration' session, we were asked to reflect on our goal and how do we see ourselves five years from now. Not only that, we were also asked to reflect on our limitations and our uniqueness. We were given given time to reflect on 'This is who I am' and to later share it within the group.

Charles also shared to us about the three characters in the Acts of the Apostles. Peter, someone who is relational, Stephen who is efficient and Paul who is effective / balance. We were told to reflect on this three characters and to see where we are and to ask grace from any of them if we need blessings from Peter or Stephen or Paul. He also reminded us that our faith is a covenant and if we do not live the covenant, it will slowly die. Therefore, everyone need to check or balance their life. He also said that, our discipleship is not based on other people's opinion and goals but on values. The gospel values will change us to 'This is how I am'.It was a wonderful time for each and everyone of us. Not only we were able to have our "me" time with God and to be refilled in our spiritual life, but we were also able to strengthen the relationship bond between the graduates and the Fondacio members. Alice Tan the current acting director of IFFAsia, Philippines was also present during the gathering to lend support to all graduates of IFFAsia. The next gathering will be in October 2014 in Kuching, Sarawak.

Video: Mukah Youth Camps

A Continuing Journey with the Young People of Mukah, Sarawak

Facilitators and participants, together with Fr. Michael Lee, Youth Chaplain of Sibu Diocese.

Sts. Peter and Paul, Mukah – Once again, the graduates of the Institute of Formation Fondacio Asia came together to facilitate the follow-up Youth Leadership Camp Program at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Mukah, Sarawak.

Previously, on the 26th to 28thApril 2013, IFFA graduates Mag Chin (Batch 1), Nina Chan (Batch 3), Cecilia Ong (Batch 4) and Anna Teresa (Batch 5), together with Annie Yap, Country Coordinator of Fondacio Malaysia, and Br. Joseph Lim of the Congregation of The Disciples of the Lord (CDD) animated a Youth Leadership Camp in Mukah. With the theme ‘Servant Leadership in Me’, 34 youth from 5 parishes (Mukah, Dalat, Julau, Kapit and Selangau) gathered to experience God’s love through the Camp.

Held from 15th to 16th June 2013, the follow-up Camp was meant to integrate and recollect the experiences of the youth leaders from the 5 parishes, especially their one-month experience after the Camp in April. At the same time, these two days gave them the opportunity to equip themselves with leadership skills that can help them in their ministry. This follow-up program was conducted by Ezekiel Raj (Batch 2), Nina Chan (Batch 3), Cecilia Ong and Roselinah Francis (Batch 4). Nineteen youth leaders (Mukah - 10, Julau - 2, Kapit - 2, and Selangau - 5) participated in this Camp.

Integration of the previous Youth Leadership Camp, by Nina Chan.

Day 1 started in the afternoon of 15th June. The participants were led by Nina Chan to look back at their experiences after the Camp in April. Through the questions on ‘The changes in me’ and ‘The changes of my other youth leader friends’, the youth were invited to realize and to see the graces that God gave to them and to see the growth in their friends. They were also able to see their own limitations and take steps towards improving themselves.

The Dialogue on Youth Ministry was facilitated by Nina. It gave the Youth Leaders the opportunity to understand the meaning of Youth Ministry and to see the situation of the youth in their own parishes. The presence of Fr. Michael Lee, Youth Chaplain of Sibu Diocese, Ezekiel Raj, Pastoral Assistant, Campus Ministry Office and Penang Diocesan Youth Network 2008-2010, Roselinah Francis, Youth Coordinator of Keningau Diocese, and Cecilia Ong, Youth Coordinator of Mukah Parish, as panelists during the dialogue opened their minds to see the reality experienced in youth ministry. Using SWOT analysis, they learned to analyze the situation happening in the parishes.

Dialogue on Youth Ministry.

Ezekiel Raj started the evening by inviting the leaders to see that doing a program of activities for the young people require skills. Without skills, they will not be able attract the young people. The participants were then challenged to plan and facilitate games through the session on Facilitation, which was facilitated by Roselinah Francis. It was meant to equip them with skills and prepare them for their mission on the ground. They prepared Structured Learning Experiences and facilitated these themselves.

Finish the Line! - Participants encouraging teammates to reach the finish line.

Day 2 started with a recap of the previous day from Nina Chan and followed by the session ‘Introduction to Youth Clubs, a Fondacio Pedagogy’ by Cecilia Ong. In this session, she emphasized that a Club is a place where young people experience life and a place where they can feel a sense of belonging. She tackled the four principles in creating and implementing a club: Fun, Food, Sharing Time (Input) and Spiritual Time.

Group Discussion - Each group was asked to conduct a game.

The participants were then divided into four groups and assigned to plan and implement the club to the whole group. This was really a learning process so that they could actually apply the facilitation skills that they learnt the day before. With the theme “The Power of Hand” the participants worked as one community in planning and facilitating a club. It was a remarkable experience for all the young leaders to work as a team and to accept feedback from each other.

Learning to animate in small groups.

Finally, the Camp ended with a commissioning Mass by Fr. Michael Lee. In his homily, he invites each one to follow the example of the Sinful Woman, being humble before the Lord.

A message from Fr. Michael Lee, Youth Chaplain of Sibu Diocese
“Go down from the mountain to reach out…
We need to understand who we are…
We need to become the Salt and Light of the Church.
How can you serve the youth if you are not confident with yourself?
We are God-given youth. Be one.
Show to others that we are different from the world because of our Faith.
Sometimes we underestimate our life.
Go, bring joy to others. You can do it wherever you are.
But if we don’t have God’s love, we can do nothing.

L-R: IFFAsia graduates Ezekiel Raj, Cecilia Ong, Roselinah Francis, and Nina Chan

Roselinah Francis belongs to Batch 4 of the Basic Formation Program at IFFAsia. She is currently the Youth Coordinator of Keningau Diocese.

Malaysian IFFAsia Graduates Join Forces for Servant Leadership Camp

The facilitators together with the youth leaders from Julau, Dalat, Selangau, Mukah and Kapit.

Mukah, Sarawak – Four Malaysian graduates of the Institute of Formation Fondacio Asia, namely Mag Chin (Batch 1), Nina Chan (Batch 3), Cecilia Ong (Batch 4) and Anna Teresa Amandus (Batch 5) joined hands together with Annie Yap, member of Fondacio Malaysia, and Bro. Joseph Lim of the Congregation of The Disciples of the Lord (CDD) to facilitate a 3-day Youth Camp at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Mukah, Sarawak.

This is one of a few team-ups carried out by graduates of IFFAsia and members of Fondacio in organizing programs with and for the youth. This was previously done in the Diocese of Handan, China, where Mandarin-speaking graduates from both Malaysia and China came together to organize a camp for the youth.

In the Diocese of Sandakan, Sabah, IFFAsia graduates Roselinah Francis and Cecillia Ong (both from Batch 4), together with Patrick Sta. Maria, member of Fondacio Malaysia, were invited by Anna Teresa and Sharon Tan (Batch 6) to help out in giving sessions during the recent Youth Leader’s Camp II in Holy Trinity, Tawau. It was a very positive approach to continuously be in formation and at the same time journey as one community, especially for the IFFAsia graduates from China and Malaysia.

The camp was held from the 26th to 28th April 2013 and participated in by 34 youth leaders from 5 parishes—Mukah, Dalat, Julau, Kapit and Selangau. The theme was 'SERVANT LEADERSHIP IN ME' and the objectives were: (i) to become aware of their own attitude towards themselves, the people around them, and their own life; and (ii) to experience God’s love.

Expectation Check!

Day 1: The participants were drawn into discovering themselves through sessions like ‘Who Am I?’ and ‘My Strengths and Struggles’. This allowed them to look, to discover and to acknowledge the beauty in themselves, from the inside to the outside. They were also invited to accept and embrace the good and bad in themselves, because in the end, the good and the bad are all THEM, created by God. The day ended with night prayer - praise and worship led by Anna Teresa.

My Strengths - The participants were invited to list down the positive characters of the persons whom they like and admire, and pasted these on the human form drawing.

Day 2: The participants experienced prayer with nature led by Cecilia Ong, followed by an outdoor activity ‘Treasure Hunt’. It was really a challenging event as it required them to work and walk as a team. Their communication and attitudes towards one another were also essential towards making the whole hunting a success.

Teamwork during Treasure Hunt.

This then led to a related session ‘My Attitudes in Life with Different People’ facilitated by Nina Chan. In this session, Nina helped the youth to identify different attitudes and characters in them that always appear, either consciously or unconsciously while they are in community, from as small as the family, school, working place or Church. She also shared about attitudes that help to build or destroy a Christian community. It was a very enriching moment for each one because as youth leaders it is very important to first change themselves before changing others.

In the evening, Annie Yap invited everyone to experience God’s love, especially after they had gone through the first two days in the camp. Day 2 ended with a peaceful Taize prayer led by Mag Chin.

Taize Prayer - Offering the participants' letters to God.

Day 3: Finally, the participants arrived at the peak of the camp, the Servant Leadership of Jesus—'Washing of the Feet' facilitated by Mag Chin. It was a very touching moment for everyone because they really felt Jesus' presence during the process. Washing one another's feet is an act of humility, a criterion necessary for servant leadership.

Washing of the feet, an act of humility.

Participants were given the chance to share their own experiences. They were requested to make their commitments in areas of their life that they want to change. The final day ended with a short movie ‘I Am Special’. It was a good way to end the day as the movie showed how great our God, who created humans completely, is and that uniquely and above all He does not make mistakes. He loves us so much that He made us just the way He wants us to be.

It was a fruitful camp for both the participants and the facilitators. For the youth, they experienced friendship and God’s love. For the facilitators, they learned to let go and be docile to the Holy Spirit. It has always been God’s work and He alone has made it happen.

What am I committed to change?

The camp did not end there; some of the facilitators continued their journey to Mary Immaculate Concepcion Church in Kapit, a 3-hour boat ride from Sibu, on the 30th April 2013. Nina, Cecilia and Anna took the chance to share with the youth about the Personal Development Plan (PDP). As for Bro. Joseph Lim of the Congregation of the Disciples of the Lord (CDD) and Janet, a volunteer from Kuala Lumpur, they spent their time experiencing life in the Iban Community at a long house in Julau.

After PDP session with the youth of Mary Immaculate Concepcion Parish.

On 2nd May 2013, both teams met up and headed back to Mukah. The next day, the teams had their recollection, to collect and integrate the fruits from the past days in Mukah. Each one shared about their fruits, what was awakened in them and God’s invitations for them when they return to their respective places.

"What a wonderful way to end the Sarawak Journey! The beautiful sunset, as though God is saying 'thank you' for our hearts and efforts. Simply relieved and happy - our mission accomplished!" - Nina Chan.

“REDISCOVER, RENEW and RECONNECT WITH CHRIST, being open to God, letting go of myself and letting God lead me. This made my faith journey in Mukah a refreshing and energizing experience with my teammates and the youth, with myself and God. I thank Jesus for knocking on me at the right place and at the right time. It has always been His plan...” – Anna Teresa

L-R: Cecilia Ong, Mag Chin, Bro. Joseph Lim, Anna Teresa, Annie Yap, and Nina Chan.

Anna Teresa Amandus belongs to Batch 5 of the Basic Formation Program at IFFAsia. She is currently the Director of the Diocesan Youth Office of Sandakan.

6th Fondacio Asia Pastoral Gathering

The participants of the Pastoral Gathering with Bishop Joel Baylon, IFFAsia Chairman of the Board.

The 6th Fondacio Asia Pastoral Gathering was held last October 26 – November 5, 2012 at the Oblates of Mary Immaculate Formation Center in Quezon City, Philippines. The event brought together 55 participants from 10 different countries to build communion with one another, to understand the call and challenges of mission on the ground, and to encourage co-responsibility and commitment among each one to build and sustain the one mission together.

The participants were members and friends of the different Fondacio communities and missions in Cambodia, China, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Vietnam, and the United Kingdom. Maddy Edwards of Fondacio UK was present to give a session on developing project proposals; she was accompanied by two youth leaders, Michael and Roisin, who participated actively and shared about their desire to continue to collaborate with the Asian community and help in the missions in the region. Priest friends from Japan and China, who were meeting Fondacio for the first time, also attended the event to participate, support and see how to collaborate in the future.

Reflections from Nacho Rosselot and Francois Prouteau.

Fondacio President Nacho Rosselot, Vice President Francois Prouteau, and Council member for Asia Charles Bertille provided valuable input on sustaining the call and mission by reinventing the community and putting in place new structures of working together. They challenged everyone to make this paradigm shift, and invited each one to be in an attitude of trust and faith so that Fondacio can fully respond to the mission needs in Asia and work more effectively with one another.

This paradigm shift involves creatively integrating the principles of mission with others, path of transformation and communitarian dimension in all the programs and activities of the community. These three are essential for both common and personal missions to flourish, and should be given equal importance. In front of this paradigm shift, each one is called to be Christ's co-creator in Asia.

Having fun during the community feast.

With the call of the Council to develop and implement missions to help the poor, each country looked at the different mission projects in its landscape, and started to develop a plan which will help particularly in raising needed funds for the sustainability of these projects. For the participants, the exercise was a way of concretizing “dreams”, and developing a more pastoral vision and new skills to be effective in the mission. Projects that were developed included, among others, training and social service centers and meeting places for out-of-school youth, gift shop, pre-school, English and cooking classes.

During the send-off mass, Bishop Joel Baylon, IFFAsia Chairman of the Board, challenged each one, as Jesus challenged his disciples, to exert more conscious effort to be more outward-looking, that is, being less concerned with ourselves and our members, but giving more love for our neighbors. With this admonition still ringing in everyone's ears, members of each sub-region were prayed over and sent off to the missions that are waiting for them in their own countries.

Each sub-region was sent off during the final Eucharist celebration.

Though it was a long-stretched gathering, each one actively participated, and came out feeling refreshed, encouraged, inspired and empowered. There was an experience of the sense of community and understanding more who Fondacio is. Each one felt motivated to go on and continue living this “one mission of Jesus”.

Some of the participants' testimonies after the Pastoral Gathering:

“I was inspired by the mission experiences of the other participants. I feel that our community needs to stand up by ourselves, but to open to the others.” (China)

“I can see clearly my personal call and that of my community, to move forward and meet the need in my local Church.” (Myanmar)

“It was a learning and inspiring gathering. I know more clearly Fondacio’s mission in the Asian Church and society. So, I can better take part in the mission and respond to the call.” (Cambodia)

“We are not alone in the mission; we are together with the others as one community in the one mission. I see hope for the future of laity in Asia.” (Vietnam)

“What was planted in my life is this imitation of Christ who is always on the move – searching, touching, loving everyone. A missionary is another Christ in the world. The Philippine community has opened its eyes to this.” (Philippines)

“It was the beginning of unity between East and West Malaysia, bringing hope to the community, walking towards one mission in one country. There is also a better structure that will take care of the growing community in Asia.” (Malaysia)

A time for each sub-region to come together and plan.

Come Together, Share the Word, Live the Eucharist

A Reflection on the Asian Youth Day 2009

During the Days in the Diocese in Kalookan, a wonderful and beautiful opening mass was presided by Bishop Deogracias Yniguez. In his homily, he mentioned a few important points: chosen, learn, see beyond, personal growth, enthusiasm, youth needing company / a group coming together. These words touched my heart and brought me closer to the heart of God. And they were important also because I realized that my heart was awakening from this point onwards to yield to God’s words. It seems I have been away from God; I only just seek out my interest rather than God’s will, even though I am in the mission field.

On the first day of AYD, I saw the local citizens standing at the roadside and dancing to welcome us. With fireworks in the sky, all the AYD delegates, and the many bishops and priests, gathered at the Imus Cathedral for the opening ceremony and the celebration of the mass. It was such a significant moment for me, even though I had to sit on the floor (and disliked the fact that there were only two toilets in the area!). Bishop Tagle, who presided the mass, said that he was once touched when Pope John Paul II told him that Jesus, Mary, Moses… all came from Asia. It is a time now for Asia to lead the spiritual movement in the world. I liked the presentation of a little blind girl; she had a wonderful voice, and she said that all are in a JOURNEY OF THE HEART. I fully agreed with what she said, about being rather than doing.

I liked the morning prayer – the sharing of rice with one another. Bishop Dominic shared that THE EUCHARIST IS THE GIFT THAT JESUS REVEALED TO US, THE EUCHARIST FORMS THE CHURCH; JESUS IS THE FOOD OF THE JOURNEY. I liked these sentences the most – GOD IS RICE; HEAVEN IS RICE. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE EUCHARIST AND THE COSMOS IS LIKE BREAD & WINE; AND THE EUCHARIST HELPS US TO SEE THE UNITY OF GOD’S PLAN. While sharing with Fr. Frans from Indonesia and Ruth from the Philippines, I realized that my selfishness is not easy to let go. GOD IS RICE, and rice is for everybody. But I just look for those who are Catholic or who I feel comfortable with. I hope that this realization can motivate me to do something new towards my life’s direction.

The Pope’s message to us was “DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU". These were words from the scripture of the wedding at Cana. When Mary said YES to Jesus, MARY EXPRESSED HER JOY, TRUST, AND HARMONY WITH HIS WILL; SHE NEVER SAID NO. Standing up during Jesus’ trial, Mary showed us how. To be intimate with Mary, then, is to decide to say YES. I thank God for this message and for giving me a model to follow.

Another significant moment for me was when I saw Bishop Tagle shed tears in front of us. He thanked those volunteers who helped in the event. I witnessed a humble care and love from him.

Although the events made me tired because of lack of sleep, I thank God who gave me the chance to witness 4,000 youth and volunteers come together to sing and dance, and hand in hand say OUR FATHER. It was such a beautiful and touching moment for me; it gave me much hope for the future. I am happy also to have the chance once again to meet my fellow graduates of IFFAsia. It was like encountering the spirit of TOGETHERNESS. When I saw Vian, Nga, Ngui, Toeur, Sophal, Mary, Nestor, Alice, Chieko, Wilfred, Zack, Lucy and some students from the 4th batch, I felt the spirit jumping in my heart. I believe that there is something more for us in this encounter, especially for myself. I long once again for all of us to COME TOGETHER, SHARE THE WORD, LIVE THE EUCHARIST IN COMMUNITY.

Sometimes I ask God how much of the impact or fruits of the event will the youth bring back to their countries. Will these give influence to the youth? But, I believe that the first part of the theme - COME TOGETHER - means a lot from the beginning. For the rest of the theme, God will move and touch the hearts which are thirsty for HIM.

I thank God for allowing me to witness and take part in this wonderful event. I received marvelous graces from God through the youth. I also thank Him that I witnessed HIS LOVE for the youth of Asia.

Mag Chin
Fondacio Malaysia

For more information, please visit the official website of the latest Asian Youth Day 2009.

Couples Renew Their Marriage Vows

In the get-away weekend for the couples at Fraser Hill, 14th & 15th November 2009, four couples from Fondacio Malaysia renewed their covenantal love by re-declaring their marriage vows to one another.

At the start of this weekend the couples shared in awe of their first meeting and how they got started in their relationship. Each of the couples sure had their story to tell!

Father Moses Yap, OFM, from Kuching, Sarawak, led the couples into a special moment of reconciliation including four-year-old Joshua Foo. It was a touching moment to see Joshua accepting apologies from his parents as well as saying sorry to Daddy and Mommy for his unintentional misbehaviors.

This weekend gathering was possible through the openness and availability of two couples to animate and facilitate it: Huey Jen, recently baptized, with her spouse, James, and Raymond Sii with his spouse, Anna. They were a gift for the couples’ gathering, for as they discovered their goodness, they awakened the best in the others, too.

Meanwhile Patricia, Florence and Annie, became the support to the organizing committee, giving not only advice, but along the way, also doubling as baby-sitter and moderator.

To conclude, the gathering gave an opportunity for the couples to celebrate each other as they did in the alpha of their relationships. Additionally, it was successful in setting their hearts on fire to be disciples of Christ for other couples, too.

Florence Alexius
Fondacio Malaysia

A Leadership Program for Myanmarese Migrants

“To be a leader is to be a servant.” This was shared by a participant who attended the Leadership Program for Myanmarese migrants last 4-5 July 2009 in Kuala Lumpur.

Fifty Myanmarese from four parishes of the KL Archdiocese attended a weekend program for leaders and core members of the Myanmar Catholic Communities in Malaysia (MCCM). This program was conducted by Fondacio Malaysia and co-facilitated by the members from MCCM, with the support of Msgr. James Gnanapiragasam of St. John’s Cathedral.

The program started with a time of recognizing one's gifts and that of each other. The participants, though shy at first, enjoyed the time to appreciate each other in the affirmation circle. Many shared that it was a personally renewing experience to be affirmed of one’s goodness in a culture where one is surrounded by harsh realities that belittle the person.

It was followed by a group dynamics to understand the positive attitudes of both leaders and followers to build a stronger community. It challenged each one in the group to unite in a way to bring their makeshift boat from one end to the other end of the court without losing the life of anyone in the team. After, there were much insights shared and learned about what makes a good follower and leader.

The two-day stay-in program had also other lighter moments. The evening was dedicated for telematches that were filled with fun and laughter. The groups continued to compete and have fun to beat each other. It was also a time to take a personal look at the challenges each one faces as both leader and follower in a community, and to pray...

A distinctive aspect of this program was the focus on the process, for the members of the group to experience learning for oneself. The variety of group dynamics was a learning tool in itself. After each activity, participants were eager to share their insights and reflections, and their life experiences, too. Language was not a major barrier as instantaneous translation from English to Burmese was done for every session.
In addition, there was a workshop facilitated by MCCM members on how to handle different situations faced by migrant workers in Malaysia. It was amazing to see how much they are prepared to face the challenges today as a community. The program ended with the Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Philip Muthu who reminded all that “to be good leaders, we need to pray always.”

The following were some of the participants’ feedbacks:

“The program helped to awaken my responsibilities as leader and follower.”

“I can accept myself and gain confidence to come forward to serve the others.”

“It stirs the desire in me to serve others and to participate more in the community.”

“I feel touched by the Holy Spirit and closer to God.”

The participants interacted well with each other and were fully engaged in all the activities. And they are very much eager to have such programs at least twice a year.

Florence A. Alexius
Fondacio Malaysia