Archbishop John Ha and his auxiliary Simon Poh, Kuching archdiocese

By Fr Vaclav Klement, SDB

Kuching, Malaysia, 12 May 2016 - One and half year after the first green lights for the Malaysian mission dream, the EAO Regional councilor was able to visit this country for the first time. He spent two full days (May 10-11) in the archdiocese of Kuching in the state of Sarawak, Eastern Malaysia. First visit in Malaysia was guided by Fr. Guillermo Basanes in January 2015 and second visit to Malaysia was realized last January by Fr. Paul Bicomong (FIN) cfr. in BoscoLink

Kuching archdiocese with 1.200.000 population is characterized by wonderful cultural, religious and linguistic diversity (Malay, Bidayuh, Chinese ethnic groups - Muslims and Christians). Some of the 22 diocesan priests speak not less than 8 different languages in order to reach the hearts of 200.000 Catholics located mainly in the rural areas (11 parishes and 350 substations). Thanks to the wise leadership during past 40 years there is a well formed laity (26 full time catechists, well formed BEC and many ecclesial movement groups) and good number of local indigenous (Bidayuh) clergy and religious sisters. Thanks to the policy of the present archbishop John Ha Tiong Hock (2003-) also other religious are being welcomed (Jesuits, Franciscans, Claretians). The field of education is the major focus of the Catholic church today.

Kuching is the capital of the Sarawak State that held certain degree of autonomy within the Malaysia federal government (immigration, regulations, education). Although the Eastern part of Malaysia is some 15 years behind the development of the Western Malaysia side, an overall industrial development is visible in the urban area of Kuching. Expected and possible Salesian contribution to the local Church would be the mission for the majority of rural Catholic youth, especially in the field of human, faith and technical education.

A short time of the prospect visit happened within a warm welcoming and family spirit that characterizes the Catholic community of Kuching. Don Bosco is welcome and the young people in need are waiting for us as well. Daily joined meals at the St. Joseph Cathedral Presbytery bring together many diocesan and religious priests. In the concrete search about possible venue-opportunity for the first Salesian presence we are helped by the auxiliary bishop Simon Poh Hoon Seng and the archdiocesan offices.

Only God knows when our arrival time will come. However we ask the EAO Salesian Family to pray especially during this month of Mary 2016. While the province of FIN is happy to take the responsibility about this possible incoming mission, we are looking at least for two Salesian priests and one Salesian brother - founders of this possible new presence. The profile of the possible Malaysia missionaries is clear: good grasp of English (if possible British English) and eagerness to learn few local languages; deep faith and openness to learn within the new environment and cultures; fidelity to the entrusted mission at least for the first 10 years of the permanence.

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Kuching - Cathedral of St. Joseph - Fr. Jerome (diocesan priest)

Kuching - Auxiliary bishop Simon Poh, pastoral visit to one Chinese family

St. Therese primary school - cultural and linguistic diversity (English, Malay, Arabic blending together)

Chinese school in the suburb of Kuching - harmonius relationship in daily life

Major seminary (for all 35 theology students from all of Malaysia and Singapore) near the Cathedral

Kuching archdiocese celebrates 40 years 

Jesuit confreres entrusted with the Private primary-secondary school of St.Joseph

Division of Sarawak State

Kuching sun set 2016