(ANS – Kuching) – During the weekend, January 24-26, a 'Malaysia Adventure Team' of three Salesians carried out a second historical exploratory trip. This time the non-formal invitation to the Salesians came from Kuching Archbishop John Ha. The FIN provincial Fr Paul Bicomong, his Economer Fr Elu Ulandal, and Fr Noel Villafuerte, a Filipino missionary based in Surabaya (ITM), are happy with the fruits of this short visit.

By F. Noel Villafuerte, SDB

During a short courtesy visit to Kuching, the most Western Catholic diocese of Eastern Malaysia, they met Archbishop John Ha Tiong Hock, and his Auxiliary Bishop Simon Po Hoon Seng in a cordial family atmosphere. The three visitors were deeply impressed by the heartfelt welcoming attitude and future oriented talks with the two bishops.

The diocese of Kuching is characterized by a family spirit among the clergy and faithful, with a small presence of male religious (Franciscan Friars, De La Salle Brothers, Claretians and Jesuits), Mill Hill missionaries together with 70+ female religious from different congregations.

Apparently the needs of the local Church and its youth are matching the Don Bosco Malaysia dream. Among the major challenges of the pastors is the field of education, especially in the rural areas of the archdiocese. At the end of the day a concrete proposal for the Salesians would be to start a vocation training education centre (technical) with a special focus on the indigenous youth population as well as a possible contribution to the Youth ministry and Catechetics.

More than 1.200.000 people are living in Kuching archdiocese. There are 180.000 Catholics organized in 11 parishes and 355 mission stations. There are 22 diocesan priests and 5 diocesan seminarians. There are about 20 different Catholic education institutions, usually private schools or kindergartens.

This visit will be followed up by the East Asia-Oceania regional Councilor, Fr Václav Klement, within the next few months.

Published 05/02/2016