Longhouse experience at Rumah Catherine Tamoh at Sungai Aup
By Pauline Yeo, Caritas Malaysia
Dec 18 2023
SIBU – Caritas Malaysia held its third National Assembly in Sibu, Sarawak from Nov 12-16, 2023. It was centred on the theme of ‘Union of Minds & Hearts’, emphasizing the pivotal concepts of Sanctity, Synodality, and Solidarity. A total of 49 representatives from all nine dioceses in Malaysia had participated in this profoundly introspective and spiritually enlightening gathering of the Malaysian Church.
The Assembly began with a two-day recollection led by Fr Alvin Ng, SJ. The aim of this recollection is for participants to spend time with the Lord and to interiorize their reflections using the fruits of their prayers as matter for the spiritual conversations.
DAY 1 – 2: Recollection
Spiritual Development and Sanctification as Caritas Identity
The first session highlighted the significance of saintliness or sanctification as the ultimate goal of integral human development, referencing papal encyclicals like Populorum progressio (1967), Sollicitudo rei socialis (1987), and Caritas in veritate (2009). The core principles highlighted the intrinsic connection between human and social well-being as pivotal aspects of holistic human growth.
The participants delved into the essence of charity, taking the cue from Pope Francis, who emphasised that charity, or ‘caritas,’ defines the Christian identity. Embracing God’s love and extending it to others unveils the depth of individual and communal identities.
The focus was on practising charity in everyday life – in personal, familial, and ministerial roles. To strive to live the sanctify that is part of our identity as children of God leads us to growing awareness of other people’s dignity, a taste for the spirit of poverty, an active interest in the common good and a desire for peace.
Charity – caritas – is our very life; it is what makes us “be” what we are. When we embrace God’s love and when we love one another in him, we plumb the depths of our identity, as individuals and as Church, and the meaning of our existence. We understand not only how important our own lives are, but also how precious too are the lives of others. We perceive clearly how every life is unique and inalienable, a marvel in the eyes of God.”
Synodality in Action and Centering on Christ
The second session on Synodality stressed the importance of fraternal collaboration and discernment-in-common as the way of proceeding, by using the image of the Exodus journey to the Promised Land.
It is a way of communion, participation and mission, emphasizing the unity of the Church’s journey in one direction and prioritizing listening to grass-root members on the collective journey without judging, centering actions on Christ, seeking inspiration from God’s love as the driving force behind charitable actions. It is also a means to actively respond to our changing world by reading the signs of the times.
During the Spiritual Conversation, participants were reminded on learning how to hold prayerful, truthful and safe conversations which value gracious listening and courageous speaking and importantly, to consciously seek the Holy Spirit’s inspiration.
Participants were encouraged to listen without the intent to reply, respecting uniqueness and being mindful. The willingness to listen to each other is to respect that God does not see hierarchy, rank and file, but works through all; manifesting St Paul’s idea of “many gifts and talents but the same Spirit”. Participants were urged to engage in synodality, partnership, and networking while working together with the universal Church to spread goodwill.
Implications of Losing Sanctity and Synodality
A cautionary note was struck, warning against the consequences of losing sanctity, such as the potential replacement of human discernment by artificial intelligence and the human inclination to desire god-like powers.
The importance of sanctity by remaining connected to the divine, even while being fully immersed in the world, was underscored.
A “technocratic paradigm” is how Pope Francis describes our present reality. It is “a certain way of understanding human life and activity that has gone awry, to the serious detriment of the world around us…as if reality, goodness and truth automatically flow from technological and economic to accept the idea of infinite our unlimited growth, which proves so attractive to economists, financiers and experts in technology (Laudato Deum, 20)
Synodality and Solidarity: Collaborative Paths
The concept of synodality was presented as fraternal collaboration, emphasizing listening, dialogue, and making space for differing opinions. Solidarity was depicted as being united; unity in diversity, valuing pluralism and diverse perspectives while working toward the common good. Solidarity defined as “firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good; that is to say to the good of all and each individual, because we are all really responsible for all.”
“I recommend unity. Your confederation embraces many different identities. Experience your diversity as a treasure, pluralism as a resource. Compete in showing esteem for one another, and allow conflicts to lead, not to division, but to encounter and growth.”
Synthesis: Union of Minds & Hearts
To conclude the two-day recollection, Fr Alvin synthesized and summarized the theme of Union of Minds & Hearts. A profound analogy was drawn between the Holy Trinity and the essence of sanctity, synodality, and solidarity. Like the components of a lit candlelight, flame, and heat – all three attributes are inseparable, forming a singular entity. It was highlighted that each attribute complements the others, akin to the interdependency within the Holy Trinity.
The wavering flame means that all are moving as the wind (Spirit) blows. This requires us to trust the Spirit to hold us together even when we are physically apart There will be times when strong winds threaten to blow out the flame and extinguish the light.
The two-day recollection concluded with reflections on embracing a different mode of Being, going forward — one that is reflective, allowing time for intentional listening to the divine in daily life. The prospect of continuing this contemplative mode even in the fast-paced world of ministry work was proposed, drawing strength from the peace of God and probed with a question for all the participants to ponder; are we able to still trust and see the hands of God in times of trial and challenges?
Gleanings and Spiritual Insights
The participants proposed initial gleanings from the Spiritual Conversations, highlighting the importance of authenticity in sanctity, unity in diversity in synodality, and a consistent commitment to the common good and preferential option for the marginalized in solidarity.
Day 3 – 4: Sessions on Advocacy and Safeguarding
Advocacy
Josef Benedict, Asia-Pacific Civic Space Researcher at CIVICUS was invited as a guest speaker to deliver a one-day session and to share his vast experience in advocacy.
In our community, various societal problems persist, primarily revolving around unjust systems, laws, policies, and everyday practices that perpetuate discrimination, inequality, and exploitation. Advocacy serves as a potent mechanism for instigating change, targeting problems, and galvanizing individuals or groups towards meaningful action. It encompasses a planned series of activities conducted over time, aiming to address specific issues and pave the way for transformative change. The session focused on advocacy strategies, wherein several key aspects were explored to comprehend the essence and importance of advocacy.
The session provided invaluable insights into the multifaceted nature of advocacy, emphasizing its role as a potent force for change. By understanding the core elements of advocacy strategies and exploring diverse tools and tactics, participants gained a deeper appreciation and understanding of how advocacy can effectively address societal challenges. It reinforced the understanding that advocacy is not merely about raising awareness but is a calculated, strategic, and sustained effort aimed at fostering lasting, impactful change.
The Problem Tree Analysis was introduced and it was evident that it serves as a valuable tool for dissecting and comprehending multifaceted issues in a visual and comprehensive manner. By employing the Problem Tree Analysis, advocates gain a clearer understanding of power structures, interrelated factors, and the strategic direction necessary to channel advocacy efforts effectively.
By dissecting these problems, understanding their intricacies, and employing structured advocacy approaches, individuals and groups can address the stakeholders on the systemic injustices and advocate for meaningful change within their communities. Many participants shared their feedback on how this session has benefitted them and deemed it as highly relevant to their work in Caritas. The group exercises have also helped them to understand and to apply the concept and tool.
Safeguarding
On the final day of the Assembly, Domnic Selvam, a lawyer and a former Chairman of the Industrial Court of Malaysia presented a session on Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults in the context of the Child Protection Act 2001 together with Fr Fabian Dicom, National Director of Caritas Malaysia.
Discussing in depth on the legislative matters specifically dedicated to child protection, outlining measures and guidelines aimed at safeguarding the welfare, rights, and safety of minors, this session covered various aspects related to child abuse, neglect, exploitation, child labour, juvenile justice, and other issues concerning children’s well-being and vulnerable adults.
Fr Fabian Dicom also explained that the Caritas Malaysia Children and Vulnerable Adults Safeguarding Policy sets out our purpose and scope together with our responsibilities and obligations in protecting Children and Vulnerable Adults as we carry out our work in Caritas.
This policy is formulated in conformity with Canon Law and the statutory requirements of the Malaysian state legislations of the Child Act 2001, Child (Amendment) Act 2016 and Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, Penal Code and other relevant laws in force. Caritas Malaysia adopted the Safeguarding Policy of Caritas Internationalis and included certain aspects from the Child Protection Manual of Malacca Johore Diocese. This policy applies to all Caritas Malaysia National, Diocesan, Parish staff, members and associates.
Set in place will also be an easily available public reporting system, the proper handling of information received and the prompt response mechanism for any instance of child abuse or neglect allegation.
To assist in understanding the steps and course of action to be taken, a flowchart on the Reporting and Handling of Complaints is also annexed.
The participants were given time to read and sign the Acknowledgement Form to signify that they are willing to abide with the safeguarding procedures and protocols in place. Participants from eight dioceses collectively agreed to accept this policy and hence signed the acknowledgement form.
Conclusion
The National Assembly in Sibu served as a platform for deep spiritual contemplation, emphasizing the integration of sanctity, synodality, and solidarity into personal and ministerial lives. The discussions underscored the necessity of unity, openness, and a deep-rooted commitment to charity as foundational elements of Christian identity and service.
The National Assembly concluded with a call to emulate the unity and empowerment, emboldening participants to speak the languages of the world and fearlessly proclaim the Truth amidst the diverse narratives of the contemporary world.
Praising the transformative workings of the Holy Spirit, participants were pleasantly impressed by the unique approach taken in this year’s National Assembly which kicked off with an enlightening two-day recollection which many shared, fostered a more profound understanding of their calling to serve in Caritas.
This introspective period also deepened their comprehension of the spirituality of charity and underscored their crucial roles and contributions in their dedicated ministries. Some participants openly admitted to arriving with scant knowledge of concepts like sanctity, synodality, solidarity, and advocacy. Their gratitude resonated for the Assembly, which provided them with a fresh and comprehensive understanding of these fundamental principles.
Feedback from participants of the National Assembly
The Spiritual Conversations that we shared during the two days were very edifying, heartfelt, real and enriching experience for me. I also found the Advocacy workshop on How to change the world conducted by Josef Benedict very interactive and beneficial. – Juanita Chin, Penang
It was a very formative experience. The sessions had the right balance of spiritual contemplation and practical skills learning. It met my expectations of how a faith-based organisation should conduct their meetings/gatherings. Not just going straight to the nitty-gritty, but taking a bit of time for reflection. It really made the Union of heart and mind such an apt theme for the assembly – Jubili Anilik, Kota Kinabalu
I find the programme and sessions are relevant, bertepatan dengan keperluan saya sebagai yang melayani sebagai Caritas (coincides with my needs as one who serves as Caritas). The content and the presentation of the sessions are also clear and compact with information and explanation. – Anna Teresa, Sandakan
A very spiritual time, different expectation of an Assembly. It is empowering us interiorly in order for us to serve others. I am hoping to attend the next Assembly!! And please open the next Assembly to more participants so that they can also benefit from it. – Rejina Maniam, Melaka Johore
Sanctity, Synodality, Solidarity adalah asas yang menjadikan kehidupan saya secara peribadi dan pelayanan saya bersama apa sahaja ministri memiliki kualiti terbaik dan jelas dengan hala tuju pelayanan. Belajar mengenai advokasi serta memahami hak kanak-kanak membantu saya bersedia berhadapan dengan krisis berkaitan. – Patricia Bai, Keningau
The recollection gave a deep spiritual insights and time for the participants to share during Spiritual Conversation. The spirit of “Caritas – Love” is moving throughout the Assembly. The friendship and bond created among all participants from all the dioceses show the unity and synodality of our Malaysia Church and a way of moving forward. The sessions are forming us as an individual, equipping us to build and empower the people. By being connected and in tune to the Spirit, we will be able to achieve and do more.
