By Christopher Kushi
PENANG – Cardinal Sebastian Francis officially inaugurated the Dewan NCSM-CARITAS at the National Cancer Society Malaysia-CARITAS Homes of Hope in Kampung Simee on June 1.
This inauguration marks a milestone as the newly established hall is now available for seminars, functions, and meetings, providing a conducive space for various community engagements.
Furthermore, housed within the facility are the ‘Children’s Home of Hope’ and ‘Adults’ Home of Hope,’ offering free accommodation to underprivileged child and adult cancer patients, along with their caregivers. This provision aims to alleviate the burden of accommodation costs for those undergoing treatment at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun in Ipoh, facilitating their access to essential medical care.
The opening was held during a symposium on Intersectionalities between Health, Spirituality, and Sociology held at the same venue.
The bishop of Penang, who delivered the keynote address, focused on the spirituality of health, highlighting St Paul’s view that human beings are composed of body, soul, and spirit. Quoting 1 Thessalonians 5:23, he said, “May your spirit, soul, and body be kept healthy and faultless until our Lord Jesus Christ returns, and may the God of Peace Himself sanctify you.”
Elaborating, the cardinal said, “The Soma (Body) represents physical health; Psyche (thoughts, feelings, memories) encompasses psychology and sociology; and Pneuma (Holy Spirit) signifies the capacity for transcendence and divinity. The Asian holistic system of medicine emphasises universal interconnectedness and balance among mind, body, spirit, and environment, focusing on preventive strategies rather than curative ones.”
The next speaker, Assoc Prof Dr Murallitharan M., managing director of NCSM, who spoke on Unwrapping the Box of Health, outlining six components of individual well-being: mental health (coping with life’s stresses), physical health (maintaining a healthy quality of life), financial health (security and control), occupational health (engagement and satisfaction), community health (belonging and social connectedness), and social health (meaningful relationships).
Deacon Paul Kang, CEO of Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital Penang, shared personal experiences of cancer patients’ journeys, from initial screening and diagnosis to the continuum of oncology and palliative-hospice care. He emphasised the importance of emotional support for patients and families, spiritual care, community support, psychosocial support, and symptom management, particularly through pastoral care and the ministry of presence.
Dr Mary Bharathy, psychiatrist and board member of Caritas Penang, discussed the Role of Mental Health in Physical Healing, presenting scientific evidence supporting the connection between mental health and physical recovery, and advocating for integrated mental health approaches in physical healing.
Dr Jessica Canute provided an overview of the National Cancer Society of Malaysia’s services and collaboration opportunities, encouraging volunteer participation. The event concluded with a forum discussion on holistic care in the community, where panel members shared experiences and explored opportunities. This was followed by a workshop envisioning a framework for holistic care services in Malaysia. – Herald Malaysia
