Malta and Greece

The joy and agony 2 - 喜乐与痛苦 - 完结篇 

(English version at the bottom)

我们拿到了罗马尼亚大使馆的紧急通行文件后，从雅典直接飞回吉隆坡。原本行程是完成了雅典之行过后，飞回马耳他，休息几天后，再飞往意大利的西西里，游玩几天。

雅典之行，只携带7天的行李，其余的留在马耳他。我们直飞吉隆坡，这些滞留行李如何带回去吉隆坡， 是一个头疼的问题！（一个大，两个小）

我们本来计划请陈亿赐神父把行李里面的衣服，看看有人适合，或慈善机构需要的，就分发出去。这样就不必为这行李而烦恼。

陈亿赐神父也在绞尽脑汁，想办法如何协助我们把行李弄回到马来西亚去。其中一个办法就i是他将在七月大学暑假期间回马来西亚，顺便把我们的行李带回去。但他自己本身也有行李啊！

天主巧妙的安排，刚好陈神父一对新加坡朋友，到了拜访，需要大行李箱装载他们的东西。神父就把他的大行李箱借给他们。他们在回到新加坡之后，交给陈神父在新加坡工作的教友，带回槟城还给他，而陈神父则使用我们的行李箱，在暑假装载他的行李回马来西亚。

听起来都好像很复杂，但天主的恩典，很容易就实行了！

我和太太，在1/7 星期六早上，见到了陈神父，终于领回了我们的行李。马耳他之旅画上了终止符。阿肋路亚！

在雅典，我们的护照、驾照、登记、信用卡都被盗了，所以需要重新申请。这个过程，也清楚看到了天主恩典的处处照顾。

从雅典回来后的第三天，最重要的第一件事情就是到警察局报案，叙述我们在雅典被扒的经过寄遗失的文件及现金，以备申请文件及保险赔偿之用。 

首先是申请马来西亚登记 (IC) 。申请程序很简单，高龄人士也有优先服务之便。不到45分钟就办理好了，拿了收据，一个星期后就可以领取。（可能是遗失，所以不能同一天领到）

有了登记，就立刻申请护照。之前有很多迷失及忧虑。听说回受到移民局刁难、有等3或6个月才能拿到、有效期可能很短等等。

我们直接到布城移民厅申请。同样的高龄长者有优先，一切都很顺利，不到90分钟，一切都办妥。没有刁难，没有盘问，但因为是遗失护照，不能当天拿到。我们需要在五天后（28/5)再次到回移民厅，就可以取得新护照。三天后，我们前往诗巫参加圣母军交流会，直到6/6号，才去领取新护照，五年有效期！收费是RM100，这包括罚款及新护照费（高龄者护照是RM00）。

最后申请的是驾驶执照。这个申请手续更快，当然又是拜高龄者优先所赐。不到半个小时，我就申请到10有效期的驾照。

信靠天主，相信他的恩宠，让我们度过各种的挑战与困境。感谢天主。

After obtaining the emergency travel documents from the Romanian Embassy, we flew directly back to Kuala Lumpur from Athens. The original plan was to return to Malta after our trip to Athens, take a few days of rest, and then fly to Sicily, Italy, for a few days of sightseeing.

During the trip to Athens, we only brought 7 days' usage of luggage, leaving the rest in Malta. Now, the challenge is how to bring the stranded luggage back to Kuala Lumpur – one large and two small bags – which has become a headache!

Initially, we intended to ask Father Aloysius to go through the clothes in the luggage, see if anyone could make use of them, and distribute them to charitable organizations, so we wouldn't have to worry about them.

Father Aloysius was also trying hard to find a way to help us get the luggage back to Malaysia. One option was for him to bring our luggage during his summer break in July when he returns to Malaysia. However, he also had his own luggage to carry!

In a stroke of divine intervention, Father Aloysius happened to have a couple-friend from Singapore visiting him, and they needed a large suitcase to carry their belongings. Father lent them his own large suitcase. After they returned to Singapore, they would hand it over to Father's Penang church member, who works in Singapore, to bring it back to Penang. Meanwhile, Father would use our luggage to carry his belongings back to Malaysia during the summer break.

It may sound complicated, but by God's grace, it all worked out easily!

On Saturday morning, 1st of July, my wife and I finally met Father Aloysius and received our luggage. Thus, our journey in Malta came to an end. Alleluia!

In Athens, our passports, my driver license, Identity card, and credit cards were stolen, so we needed to reapply for them. Throughout this process, we could clearly see God's grace taking care of us in every aspect.

On the third day after returning from Athens, the most important thing to do was to go to the police station and report the theft, detailing the loss of documents and cash, to prepare for filing applications and insurance claims.

The first step was to apply for a Malaysian Identity Card (IC). The application process was straightforward, and as a senior, I received priority service. It took less than 45 minutes to complete the process and issued with a receipt. We could collect the new IC one week later (perhaps because it was a loss card replacement, and they couldn't issue it on the same day).

Once we had the IC, we immediately applied for new passports. There were many worries and anxieties, such as possible difficulties with Passport Office, have to wait for 3 to 6 months, or having a short validity period.

We went directly to the immigration office in Putrajaya to apply. Again, with priority given to the elderly, everything went smoothly, and in less than 90 minutes, everything was done. There were no difficulties or interrogations, but due to the loss of the passport, we were not able to get our new passports on the same day but were asked to return to the immigration office after 5 days (28 of May) to collect the new one. On the 30th of May, we went to Sibu to attend the Legion of Mary gathering and then collected the new passport on 6th of June. It has a validity of five years! Being seniors, we paid RM100 for the fine and the new passport. (Passport fee for senior citizen was RM100)

Finally, I applied for the driver's license. The application process was quicker, and once again, priority was given to the elderly. In less than half an hour, I obtained a 10-year validity driver's license.

By putting our trust in God and believing in His grace, we have overcome various challenges and difficulties. Praise and thanks to our Loving Father.

(English version was translated by Chatgpt  OpenAI)

Malta and Grecee

The Joy and Agony 喜乐与痛苦 （华语在下段）

Our recent trip to Malta and Greece was an extraordinary experience, filled with grace, excitement, and surprises. Malta, a beautiful island-country, was made possible by Fr. Aloysius' invitation and ground arrangements. Fr. Aloysius, who is pursuing his Pastoral Theology course at the University of Malta, also engaging in pastoral activities wherever needed. Despite his busy schedule, Fr. Aloysius made our stay memorable. 

After spending a week in Malta, we flew to Athens on April 24, the birthplace of democracy and modern civilization. During our stay in Athens, we visited many ancient archaeological sites, ruins, museums and savoured many authentic local foods, especially Greek yogurt sand souvlaki. It was a fantastic and exciting journey. 

 

However, on the last day of our trip, May 1, 2023, our plans came to an abrupt halt.

Labor Day protests led to the closure of the metro station we intended to take the train to the airport, and the roads nearby were also blocked. In our confusion, and hurry to catch our flight, we lost our wallets and passports to pickpockets while dragging our luggage on the road. It happened within seconds.  Fortunately, we were able to return to our Airbnb, where we were allowed to stay for a few more days. 

 

We frantically informed our children and Fr. Aloysius of our situation and took the necessary steps to block our credit cards and report the loss of passports to the police. Our parish priest Fr. Michael Chua alerted Deacon Sherman, who contacted Katerina, a Greek friend of his in Athens to kindly help us with our travel documents and emergency needs. A Malta-Greece-Malaysia communication line was securely established. Praise the Lord.

 

The process of obtaining travel documents was time-consuming, as there is no Malaysian embassy in Greece, only a Consulate. All documents had to be sent through the consulate in Athens to the Malaysian embassy in Bucharest, Romania, and then couriered back to Athens if approved. 

 

On May 2, Katerina brought us to the Consulate to submit our applications. After submission, there was nothing much we could do except wait and pray. Many priests who came to know about our predicament, including our two Assistant Parish Priests, Fr. Philip Chua and Fr. Bonaventure, fervently prayed for us too.

 

Fr. Aloysius encouraged us to pray harder for a miracle, that someone found the passports and handed them over to the police station.  A miracle did happen, but not as we thought.

 

On the third day of our application (May 4 Thursday), we received a call from Katerina informing us that our new travel documents were ready for collection at the consulate! It was so surreal, but it was true. We collected the Emergency Certificates on Friday morning, booked our flight for Sunday night, and arrived at KLIA on Monday at 4:45 pm. THIS IS A MIRACLE Alleluia!

 

During our free time in Athens, we discerned on the whole incident. As seasoned travelers, we pondered how and why it happened. We have been traveling on our own for years, praying for God's guidance and protection in every journey. However, in Athens, we experienced the agony of losing our passports and possessions, but also the grace of experiencing the love, kindness, assistance, and support of the community, including our Airbnb hosts, foreign friends, and our CHURCH!

 

In conclusion, our journey to Malta and Greece was an unforgettable adventure filled with beauty, excitement, and surprises, including the unexpected loss of our passports and the miraculous quick issuance of our travel documents (Emergency Certificate).

Despite of all the difficulties, we are thankful to God for all the wonderful experiences and knowledge gained, and the people that we met along the way on our travels. Above them all, we saw the presence of Our Lord.

To Katerina, our kind Greek sister and guardian angel, Deacon Sherman, Fr. Michael Chua, Fr. Aloysius and many others who had rendered their great help, support and prayers, we are indebted to you all.

 

We will continue to travel, with the Grace of God.  Amen.

  

我们最近的马耳他和希腊之旅是一次非凡的经历，充满了恩典、兴奋和惊喜。美丽的岛国马耳是因为受到在马耳他大学念书的陈忆赐神父（Fr.Aloysius）的邀请和帮忙地面安排而实现的。陈神父目前正在马耳他大学攻读牧灵神学课程。繁重的课业之外，他也积极参与当地教会各种牧灵活动。虽然我们见面时间不是很多，但他让我们的逗留感觉舒服、美好。除了美丽回忆，我们也认识了数位当地的居民朋友。

在马耳他度过了一周后，我们于4月24日飞往雅典，这里是民主和现代文明的发源地。在雅典期间，我们参观了许多古代考古遗址、废墟、博物馆，并品尝了许多地道的当地美食，特别是希腊酸奶和烤肉串。这是一次奇妙而令人兴奋的旅程。

然而，在我们的旅行最后一天，即2023年5月1日，我们的计划突然中止了。劳动节抗议活动导致我们打算乘坐的地铁站关闭，附近的道路也被封锁了。在困惑中，我们匆忙赶往机场，拖着行李在路上时，被扒手偷走了钱包和护照。这发生在瞬间。幸运的是，我们能够返回我们的Airbnb，在那里被允许多待几天。

我们急忙的通知了我们的孩子和陈忆赐神父我们的情况，并采取了必要的措施，封锁了我们的信用卡，并向警方报案护照的丢失。我们的堂区Michael Chua蔡锦华神父警急联络上了执事Sherman Kuek，后者立刻联系了他在雅典的希腊朋友Katerina。她慷慨及热情的答应帮助我们处理旅行文件和其他紧急需求。一个马耳他-希腊-马来西亚的安全联络渠道接通了。赞美主。

我们都知道，要获得新旅行文件的过程非常耗时。马来西亚在希腊没有大使馆，只有领事。所有申请文件都必须程上雅典领事馆转交到罗马尼亚布加勒斯特的马来西亚大使馆审查。在获得批准后，大使馆将通过快递送回雅典的领事馆。

五月二日，Katerina带我们前往领事馆提交我们的申请。提交后，除了等待和祈祷，我们无能为力。许多知道我们困境的各地神父们，包括我们的两位副堂区神父，Philip Chua神父和Bonaventure神父，也为我们热切祈祷。

陈忆赐神父特别鼓励我们更加努力地祈求奇迹，希望有人找到护照并将其交到警察局。奇迹确实发生了，但不是我们所要般或想象的那样。

在我们提交申请的第三天（星期四，五月四日），我们接到Katerina的电话，告知我们的新旅行证件已经收到，可以在领事馆领取！这真的很超现实，但它是真实的。我们在周五早上领取了紧急旅行文件（Emergency Certificate)，订了周日晚上的航班，8/5 周一下午4:45抵达吉隆坡国际机场。阿利路亚！这是奇迹！

在雅典等待的空闲时间里，我们仔细思考了整个事件。作为有经验的旅行者，我们思考了它是如何以及为什么发生。多年来，我和太太一直都独自旅行（自由行），都会祈求天主在每次旅程中给予指引和保护。在雅典，我们经历了失去护照和财物的痛苦，但也经历了社区的爱、仁慈、帮助和支持，包括我们的Airbnb主人、外国朋友和我们的教会。

总结来说，我们的马耳他和希腊的旅程是一次充满美丽、兴奋和惊喜的难忘历险，其中包括意外失去护照和紧急证明书的奇迹般快速发放。尽管存在困难，我们感谢上主给予我们的所有美好经历和知识，以及我们旅途中遇到的人们。在这一切之外，我们见到了天主的临在。

我们感恩希腊的Katerina 姐妹， Sherman 执事，蔡锦华神父，陈忆赐神父，及其他许多的其他神父及教友，给与我们的相帮与支持，祈祷及鼓励。永远会记得你们，愿天主赐予你们更多的恩赐与慈爱。

我们将在天主的恩典护佑下，继续的旅行。阿们。

（华语由Chatgpt Ai 翻译，人工轻微修改）

哈啰，是为自己好！Hello, it's for your own good

Internet pictures

很多人认为很麻烦，不必要。有者认为是侵犯私隐。

因为严格的遵守标准操作程序，我国的新冠肺炎大流行疫情已经受到控制，目前朝向复苏前进。穿戴面罩，社交距离，检测-追踪-医治，是这个成功的主要因素。

不要松懈，遵守标准程序，保护自己的安全的同时，也保证他人的安全。当你进入一家商店、购物广场，餐馆时，不管有没有员工在执行，记得扫描三维码或在部子上登记您的姓名及电话号码。这是为自己好。

假如你曾经到过的地点中，有任何一家发现有确诊的事件，你将会在第一时间受到通知，最快时间进行检验，假如需要，接受治疗。这样也可以提早断绝传染的链。

保护自己，也保护他人的安全。

Many found it troublesome, un-neccessary. Some thought it is invasion of privacy.

It is strict adherence of SOP, Covid-19 pandemic in Malaysia has been brought under control, and we are on the way to recovery.  Mask wearing,  Social Distancing, Test-Trace-Treatment are the key elements to this success.

Do not let our guard down, follow SOP to keep yourself and others safe. Scan the QR quote or register your name and contact number on the book provided, even there is no one to man the counter or taking your temperature.

Should any confirmed case of Covide-19 be found in any one of the establishments you have visited, you will be traced and informed, alerted to go for early testing and treatment, and stop the chain as early as possible.

Keep yourself safe to save others.

洗手消毒液 Hand Sanitizer

新冠肺炎大流行后，防疫其中最重要的一项物品就是手消毒液（Hand Sanitizer /Disinfectant）。

除了价钱腾涨之外，品类也多；品质参差，不符合规格的也多。最近我有去了一些商店购买物品，发觉他们的洗手消毒液品质各异。但因为很多人不知道里面的分别，看到消毒液瓶子就喷射一番，以为受到了保护。

到目前为止，最有效率，也受到世界卫生组织及其他国际疾病控制中心推荐的，就是以酒精为主的消毒液。消毒液中的酒精有两种，一种是乙醇（Ethanol)，另一种是異丙醇（Isopropyl Alcohol）。

我们不需太注重消毒液里面的其他配料，如香精（味），凝胶（gel），水分（ aqua, moisture）及护肤料。最重要的是注意酒精不可少过70%。

我注意到大部分商店，门口提供给顾客的都是没有注明原料的消毒液（政府没有规定必须如此，我相信他们也是购买大瓶的，然后依需要灌入小瓶，方便使用）。问题是: 大部分都是被稀调了，水份或凝胶成分过高，变得酒精成分拉低，就不会达到效果了。

我们不可能知道消毒液里面的成分，除非送去化验。我本身以前从事工业化学品生意，对酒精略有少许认识，所有才会知道其中的一些分别。

我大约可以从酒精味道可知其浓度。酒精越多，味越重；喷射后搓手略知其水分的成分。酒精必须加入水，减低其乾化速度，有时间渗透及消毒。水分过多，就需要长一点时间搓乾。的确，市面上有着如此这样的无良商家。

所有，我们除了使用商店提供的消毒液，本身也需自带备用，若对该提供的消毒液没有信心，可使用自己携带的消毒一次。当然最好的消毒方法是使用肥皂及水洗手，我们也应该常常这样做。

With the outbreak of Covid-19, one of the most important items in epidemic prevention is hand sanitizer (Disinfectant). Besides soaring prices, there are many brands and products in the market, with different packing and prices. 

Recently I went to some stores to shop for necessities, and found that their hand sanitizers are of different qualities and specifications . Many people don't know the differences of products quality, they sprayed onto their hands thinking that they are safe and protected.

So far, the most efficient and recommended by the World Health Organization and other international centers for disease control is the alcohol-based disinfectant. There are two kinds of alcohol in the disinfectant, one is Ethanol and the other is Isopropyl Alcohol.

We need not pay too much attention to other ingredients in the disinfectant, such as flavors, gels, Aqua, and skin care materials content. The most important thing is to note that alcohol content must not be less than 70%.

I noticed that many disinfectants provided by the stores at the entrance are with no label of content. (The government does not stipulate that it must be so. I believed they also bought them in large bottles, and then re-bottled into small ones as needed for easy use). The main issue here is that most of them are diluted products, thus the effect will not be achieved.

It is impossible for us to know the exact ingredients composition in the disinfectant unless to sent for lab testing. However,  I was in the industrial chemicals business before and had a little knowledge of alcohol.

I can roughly know from the smell of alcohol to know it's purity.  The higher content of alcohol, the heavier the smell. Secondly, rubbing your hands after spraying to know the moisture content. Water must be added to alcohol in order to reduce its rate of evaporation to allow penetration and disinfection. If there is too much water, the water on your hands will take longer time to dry. Indeed, there are so many unscrupulous merchants on the market providing diluted alcohol disinfectant.

Therefore, in addition to using disinfectant provided by the stores, we also need to bring our own disinfectant or sanitizer. If we are not confident about the disinfectant provided, we can use own ones one to disinfect more time. Of course, the best way of disinfection is to use soap and water to wash hands.

Days without church Masses 没有教堂弥撒的日子

🙏🙏

行动管制令，已经进入了第81天。

没有教堂弥撒已经近三个月了，看来还会继续一段时期。

很多虔诚的教友已经觉得“很迷失”，“很不舒服”，“很缺乏”，“很空虚” 等等。

大约50年前，很多住在偏僻的小镇或乡区的教友，有时一年一次远途跋涉，几乎千山万水的来到教堂，参加圣诞弥撒或者复活节弥撒。但他们的信德毫不动摇，反而更坚强。

今天，仍然有很多地区，几个月一次才见到神父到来小堂，与他们一起庆祝弥撒。我相信，东马内陆地区的教友，情况更严重。

我们住在城市地区，非常的幸运。每家都有电脑，每人都有精明电话，所以参加网上直播弥撒，只是指尖之劳而已。但郊区的教友，因为网速缓慢，对他们来说，是个很大的挑战。

好好利用我们现有的资源，先进的通讯设备及器材，参加更多的网上弥撒，听听更多的道理（证道），提升自己的灵修与宗教知识。这是一个新常态，一个让我们逾越与创新的时期。

感谢天主！

以下是各地区主日网上弥撒：

1. 吉隆坡总教区主日华语弥撒 9am 

2. 槟城教区华语弥撒 10am

3.新加坡总教区华语弥撒

MCO has enrtered its 81st day.

Almost 3 months we do not have Mass in the church, and it is expected to continue further.

Many fervent Catholics are feeling "very lost", " very uncomfortable", "very deprive", "very empty" and so on.

About 50 years ago, many faithfuls staying in remote areas and towns, had to take a tedious journey to the nearest churches to attend Chritmas or Easter Masses once a year only. However, it did not weaken their faith, but instead made it stronger.

Today, there are still many faithful in rural areas, can see priests come to celebrate Masses with them once in a few months only. I believed, the situation in interior of East Malaysia is worse.

We the city folks are very much fortunate to have access to high speed internet and communication facilities and equipment. Attending online Masses is just a click of a finger. but is a great challenge to rural folks because of their slow speed internet.

So count our blessings, make full use of the modern IT technologies and equipment, to attend more online Masses, listen to more sermons or preaching of different priests, to upgrade and update our faith and knowledge.

Praise be to God !

1. KL Archdiocese Sunday Masses  10:30 am 

2. Singapore Archdiocese Sunday Masses 10:00 am

3. Penang Diocese Sunday Masses