By Our Own Correspondent

Kuching, Malaysia, 30 September 2016 -- Fr. Andre Belo (35 years, originally from ITM Province, Timor Leste) is the first member assigned officially to the FIN – Malaysia mission for the disadvantaged youth in the Kuching Archdiocese. His previous experience of Bangladesh, his knowledge of English and Bahasa Indonesia – Malay, helped him to explore quite deeply the future mission field in August – September 2016:

“I was happy to meet in Kuching city and rural parishes many local diocesan priests and some religious and understand little by little the situation of the local Catholic community. Warm welcome by the bishops, priest, religious and local lay people is the most encouraging experience during past one month.

I was warmly welcomed by Fr. Felix, native diocesan priest and staying with him I understand how the Catholics in Sarawak are trying to encounter Muslim people not only at the level of socio-political relations, but also at the grass-root level, among the ordinary people. All priests, both religious and diocesan expressed their happiness with my visit here. In the morning also I met the archbishop John Ha in his office. He was really happy to see me and expressed his gratitude to come to make this first direct experience in the archdiocese. He is working on the necessary documents for our invitation.

In dialogue with some parish priests I realized the need for technical education of young Catholic from rural areas, especially welding and automotive skills would be most appreciated and needed. Also the knowledge of English would be very helpful in order to get the job quickly. It's not yet clear if is more realistic to start the Vocation Training Center in the city or in the rural area.

After two weeks of permanence in rural parishes I spent also two weeks in Kuching city, based in St. Joseph’s. Since the parish priest left to Rome pilgrimage, I had the chance to celebrate the Mass, visit the sick in hospitals or care houses as well to visit the migrants from Indonesia, mostly from Flores. My presence in their houses was helpful to know about their not-so-easy life, but they need to help their families financially, to raise their life standard of life. Listening to them, I realize they want to have a regular meeting, sharing, fellowship and Mass.

Observing also the commitment of Catholic lay people in the parish life, on some occasions I talked about Salesian Family especially the Salesian Cooperator vocation. And indeed some Catholics were quite interested to know more about this vocation.

Please, continue to pray for our Malaysia dream and the other members of our incoming community!”

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