吾之家 Rumah Keluarga Kami

恭贺加影圣家堂圣文生济贫会欢庆成了五十周年金庆，及该会创办的『吾之家』新大楼开幕典礼。

『吾之家』（Rumah Keluarga Kami）是一所住宿护佑所，专收容那些弱势，被遗弃及受虐待的儿童，在1990年6月1日成立。

教廷大使若瑟马力诺总主教主持了祝圣典礼，出席的尚有加影圣家堂赫佐治及伯铎神父，及超过150位来自各地的贵宾、教友及恩人。

马力诺总主教在开幕礼的致辞中，邀请信众走出教会，为耶稣作证。他引用了在孟加拉服务时，一位官员对他说的话：“基督徒无论走到那里，一定有好事发生”。

“这所新大楼，是教会关爱这社会的一个标志。”总主教有感而说。

从一间租用的洋房开始，经过整23年的艰苦经营，如今有了自己的家，是加影圣文生会员们值得骄傲的成就。

在这期间，超过两百位儿童在这里成长，接受小、中学教育，进入大学、技能学院，如蒙福城，融入社会，建设社会。

十多年前，我曾义务为这里的小孩剪头发。男的有时会要求我为他们修剪如著名足球明星的发型，而女的也会作出各种要求，也尽量恳求我不要把他们的头发剪的太短。

因当时我的技术有限，也是院方的规定，所以男的一律陆军装短发，女的短到耳垂。

我在开幕礼上，见到了已经长大成人的两位当年的女孩，她们已经结婚，各有一名孩子。她们嬉笑说：“安哥，你当年因头发，弄得我们都哭了！”。

祝愿新大楼落成之后，能够收容更多面对不幸的孩子，让他们过得幸福，共同为社会作出更大的贡献。

（更是照片Facebook）

Congratulations to St. Vincent de Paul Society, Conference of the Holy Famaly Kajang on its 50th Golden Jubilee and the official opening of the New Wing of Rumah Kelaurga Kami (RKK - Our Faimly Home) , a residential Home for underprivileged, abused and abandoned children founded by the conference in 1990. 

The ceremony was officiated by His Excellency, Archbishop Joseph Marino, Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia at 11:30 am attended by parish priest Rev. Fr. George Harrison, Fr. Peter and more 150 Vincentians, guests, well-wishers and benefactors from other places.

Many years ago (may be 15?), I was the "barber" for the children, boys and girls alike. The hair style then was "short and neat". Sometimes certain boys would request certain hair style like the sports stars ... girls would make request too. But due to my limitation of skill, boys would end up with standard GI hair-style and girls short hair only.

Today I met two girls of that era, Miki and Chintamani, both are married with a child each. They remembered me :" uncle made us cry over our hair.."

(See more pictures in Facebook)

加油，安东尼 Be strong Anthony

请原谅我，假如我说我对自己的乾女儿的父母不是很认识。

惠银（Lucia）是我的五位云顶乾女儿的其中一位。。。参阅旧帖子。

她来自柔佛州的乌鲁地南，离开加影大约320公里。这就是我与她的父母不是很熟悉的原因吧！

九月十八日，星期三，我到乌鲁地南探访了她的爸爸安东尼黄顺利（Anthony）兄弟，他患上末期癌症。

大约一年半前，医生诊断他患上了第三期的鼻癌。经过更进一步的检验，又发现在脑的后部，有一粒肿瘤。

经过一番思考及咨询之后，他决定不要接受该病必然的电疗/化疗及可能的肿瘤切除手术。

这是个不容易的决定。医生说不接受这些治疗，病情恶化的后果，会在较后一段时期出现。我虽然不是医生或医务人员，但我认为安东尼的决定是正确的。

电疗/化疗可以去除受影响的部位或全身的癌细胞，但其伤害身体程度非常严重。它会影响病人的起居生活素质，还可能加快及加重病人的痛苦，也可能缩短病人的寿命。作为圣母军，我探访这类病人无数，也有某程度上的知识了。

做了决定，安东尼依持信德，家人的爱护，以平常及坦然的心态，喜乐的与家人度过一段平安的日子。其中当然还是会出现一些状况，进出医院及需要服食药物等。

今年初，他的病情有些恶化，极度头疼是令人难以忍受的，但他仍然还可以支撑。

在七月，他及家人还一同到大山脚圣妇亚纳堂朝圣，整个路程超过1300公里 。。。就是全靠一家人坚强信德的推动，得以完成。

过去的两个月，他的病情更进一步恶化，肚子肿胀。除了头疼，还要面对肚子肿胀的痛苦，真的的有点受不了。

他不能坐在椅子上，躺在床上也不是件舒服的事。他得站立，把上身匍匐在一张高椅子上（其实是坐垫叠高），来纾解痛苦。

当我抵达他家时，他热情的欢迎我，脸上带着平安，喜乐的微笑。假如没人告诉我他是癌症病患，癌细胞正在蹂躏着他的身体，我还不相信他有病呢！

他的口腔布满白膜（疱疹），进食也疼痛，但不能妨碍他与我们分享他与癌病挣扎及斗争经历。

他没有埋怨，口里出来的是对天主的赞美及感恩。他感谢上主在这个痛苦的时期，给予力量及宠爱，让他能够背起这个病带来的痛苦及忧伤。

在最痛苦的时候，他会呼唤耶稣圣名来扶助，耶稣就在他身边。

他最常用的短诵是：“耶稣的苦难，求你助我”。他深信天主圣神常常在伴随着他。

信德是他的力量，主耶稣是他的救赎，圣母玛利亚是他的依靠，家人是他的暖锅。

我对他非常的敬佩及赞赏。他是一位勇敢的战士，天主喜悦的儿子。

祈求天主继续的呵护你，给你力量，平安及喜乐。
愿圣母妈妈常常伴随着你，照顾你。
愿家人及朋友们对你的关爱，化成力量，在你最痛苦彷徨的时候，看到前方，得到安详。

加油，安东尼！

阿门。

安东尼与家人欢庆生日。右一，二，三为惠银及丈夫光辉，妈妈。左一为妹妹Lisa
Anthony celebrating birthday with family. Right Lucia and husband John

Pardon me if I tell you I do not know my god-daughter's parents well.

Lucia is one of my Genting God-daughters ... see old posting HERE.

She is from Ulu Tiram, Johor, 320 kms from Kajang. This spoke volume why I do not know her parents well.

On September 18, Wednesday, I was in Ulu Tiram to visit Lucia's father who is suffering from terminal cancer.

About one and a half year ago, he was diagnosed with 3rd stage nose cancer. With more tests followed, a lump was found at the back of his brain.

Through consultation and discernment, he decided not to undergo usual radiotherapy and related treatments, including a possible head surgery.

He enjoyed a period of quality time with the family despite regular hospital visits and admission.

At the beginning of this year, his condition worsened. He experienced constant severe headache and physical discomfort.

He struggling on, and face each day with optimism and thanksgiving.

He even managed to go for a pilgrimage to St. Anne's Church in Bukit Mertajam with his family in July, a journey of more than 1300 kms.

His condition took a worse turn last month. His stomach bloated, acute headache around his ears and nose area and sitting on a chair is a painful act.

He has to prostrate his upper torso on a high chair standing in order to rest and relieve his headache.

When I visited him at his house, he greeted me smiling, looked peaceful and cheerful. You wouldn't know if not told that he is suffering from terminal cancer with nasty cells ravaging his body.

He has difficulty in eating because of ulcers of the mouth. This couldn't stop him from sharing with us his struggle and fight with the disease. 

He complained none, but giving praises to God for the strength and Graces given to him to withstand the sufferings and pains brought by the sickness.

During the hours of despair, extreme pain and helplessness, he called out the name of Jesus repeatedly, no shouting and moaning.

His favourite ejaculation (short prayer) under such circumstances is :" The Passion of Jesus, strengthen me !".

My great respect and admiration to a great fighter and faithful son of God.

Pray that Lord Jesus have mercy, grant you peace and strength in this period of pain and suffering.  Mother Mary be your side, console and comfort you. 
The love of your family and friends be your strength and support, giving you the serenity and hope in time of need. 

Lord hear us and have mercy. Amen. 

Playing with Facebook

Social media like Facebook is a useful tool for sharing information. And it is a double-sided sword.

When an organisation set up a Facebook page, prepare to face the good, the bad and the ugly. 

Recently, a post was on the Facebook page of The Church of the Holy Family Kajang (HFK). It attracted many comments or rather arguments back and forth. 

I read with interest responses from the parishioners of the HFK. 

Facebook is not a place for argument.  Facebook is not for apologetic.

I looked with amusement the parishioners are argueing with a "non-persona", a person in the cyberspace with no face and identity.

Jason Anthony Wong could be a Chinese? Indian? Eurasian? .... it is just a name. 

I would not make Facebook friend who is without a face, more so picking up a quarrel !

The arguments are still on-going !

Wisdom and discretion is greatly needed !

Warning: One "Wong" is not The Chinese.  PLEASE LEAVE OUT THE CHINESE IN YOUR ARGUMENT although Chinese bashing is the in thing in Malaysia right now !

寻灵之旅 Peregrination Pro Christo

两个支团的团员，与本堂管理彭睿明神父合照

 加影晓明之星圣母军支团，在22/9/2013星期天，到文丁圣类思教堂，展开一项寻灵之旅活动。

“寻灵之旅”是圣母军的一项支团活动。

圣母军手册上说，每一个支团，在可能范围了内，奉献至少一个主日，到一个不很远的地方，举行这个活动。

这个活动的目的是让团员到本身的堂区之外，一个不熟悉的环境理，完成一些“辣手，困难及不受欢迎的传教工作”。(手册360页）

团员们透过这活动，能够提升福传技巧，扩大视野，加强信心。除此之外，也可以与当地的信众及圣母军团员交流，学习及认识。

文丁离开加影大约35公里，车程只需35分钟，非常适合作此活动的地点。

晓明之星的九位团员，当天一早就抵达圣类思教堂，参加了早上八时的弥撒。 在用过早点后，活动在十点开始。

晓明之星支团的团员们，共分成五组，由文丁加尔默罗支团的团员带领下，总共拜访了14个家庭。

活动结束后，团员集合做个检讨，体验归纳如下：

• 一些疏离教友，拒绝军友们的拜访；有些则以冷漠的态度，接待他们。
• 很失望的见不到大部分教友家庭里的非教徒成员，他们特意离开，没机会“把基督的平安”传递给他们。
•  一些教友，心怀陈年旧创，不能释怀，乘军友的拜访，大吐辛酸。
• 有些热情的家庭，对军友的拜访，非常的高兴及感谢。
• 教会（圣职，堂区领袖）有意或无意中，曾伤害一些信众，但没有给予理会或和好，修补关系。
•  当地的教会，需要更努力的，更有效的，更积极的把基督的爱，在这个安静的小镇里，传送的更广，更深入。

 这是一个收获良多，大家都受益的圣母军活动。

主客双方都非常珍惜这次的合作，在互相道谢后，寻灵之旅在下午两点左右就圆满的结束了。·

我本人非常喜欢文丁，因为它环境清幽，人情味浓厚，生活淳朴。圣类思教堂歌德式建筑，非常的优美，已经有112年的历史了。

圣类思堂是一个充满历史，也背负着历史包袱的堂区。

我的个人印象，觉得该堂区的地位，就好像是一块鸡肋（三国曹操故事）。它的命运有点坎坷，也有点传奇。

随着新的教宗上任，祈望本地教会能感受到新气息。我期望天主圣神能够刮起一阵革新之风，送来新气息，新作风，新思维，让这个美丽的堂区，以崭新的风貌，迎接一个新的春天。

一个拜访，一个握手，一个拥抱，一笑泯恩仇 。。。 这是圣母军的使命！

(更多照片 Facebook）

与主人家合照

Morning Star, the Mandarin speaking Legion of Mary praesidium in Kajang, held an Exploration Dominicalis at St. Aloysius's Church in Mantin Negri Sembilan on Sunday, September 22. 

Exploratio Dominicalis is a mini Peregrination Pro Christu which might be translated as the Sunday traveling in search of souls.

Handbook of the Legion stipulated that "every praesidium if possible as a body, to devote at least one sunday in the year to an expedition to some place - possibly a problem area - at a little distance in traveling " .

The main aim of this expedition is for members to engage themselves in the delicate, difficult, unpopular mission work of evangelisation in some areas where "the religious conditions are bad."

Through this activity, members are able to enhance their skills, broaden horizon and increase self-confidence. Moreover, it is an opportunity to foster closer relationship with other fellow legionaries and knowing the life of fellow Catholics in Mantin.

9 members of the praesidium arrived at St. Aloysius's Church early to attend the 8:00 am Mass.

After breakfast, members broke into 5 groups, led by Mantin Legionaries, started visitation of homes at about 10:00 am.

14 families have been visited.

At the end of the visitation, members gathered at the church for a briefing and sharing as follows:

• Members were turned away or treated coldly by a few lapsed families.
• It was disappointing not being able to meet non-Christian members of some Catholic families. They left the house to avoid visitors. (families were being informed of the impending visits weeks earlier)
• Families took the opportunity to pour out their anger and bitterness against the church.
• The Church (priests & leaders) has caused hurt to its members, intentionally or otherwise, and ignored/refused to seek forgiveness and re-conciliation. 
• The local church must broaden and deepen its effort in spreading the Good News of Christ in this tranquil and beautiful town.

It was a fruitful and successful outing which ended at about 2 pm.

(More pictures Facebook )

Spirituality Center

Today I paid a surprise visit to Fr. Valentine at St. Pio's Friary & Spirituality Center at Ulu Tiram, Johor.

Have not seen Fr. Valentine for more than 3 years.

Fr. Valentine and Fr. Michael Ding was busy making preparation for the coming St. Pio's Feast Day Triduum starting Friday, September 20. Fr. Alvin from Bangalore, India is the feast day preacher.

The Center sits on a piece of land on top of a hill surrounded by lush greet fruit orchards and oil palm platations.

It opens for booking by organisations and lay groups for retreat and formation. It can accommodate 32 pax stay-in at any one time.

Fr. Valentine，Guardian of the Friary, welcomes all inquiry and offers himself as retreat master in English and Bahasa Malaysia when available.

Fr. Valentine can be reached via email: frval70ofm@yahoo.com or h/p: 016-7142691.

(More pictures in Facebook)

We meet again 我们又见面了

Today, almost a year after we met, six members from Bentong & KL of our Ya Ding (Yunnan) photography expedition group came to Kajang for a "re-union".

Being our precious guests, Kelvin, Elaine, Alan, Evon, Eagle and Lim were happily feted to Kajang famous Hot & Spicy Soup lunch.

After lunch, we went to Broga Rock Dato Temple for sight-seeing and photo taking.

Broga Rock Dato Temple was founded about 140 years ago. From a humble beginning, it has been developed into a tourist attraction in recent years. (see pictures)

Later we had tea with Andrew at The Farm.

Before leaving for home, we had Satey at Kajang town. They left at about 7:00 pm.

It was a beautiful and enjoyable gathering.

(See pictures in Facebook)

告别了将近一年后，2012云南亚丁摄影团队的六位来自文冬和吉隆坡的团友们，在今天来到加影相会，锐现了一年前的相约。

来到了加影，我们当然要好好的招呼他们。

首先是介绍他们享用著名的加影辣汤午餐。我也不知道加影辣汤为什么会出名，但确实是有点分量，加上其他的特别菜肴，很多慕名而来的外地人，就把它宣扬出去了。

午餐后，我们往武莱岸（Brogan）出发，参观著名的石拿督庙。它已经远近闻名，在公共假期或周末，可见许多外地香客，驾车或组团前来，上香及旅游。

过后，我们到园庄The Farm 与Andrew 共进午茶。

结束一天旅程前，我们回到加影，享用世界闻名的沙爹。傍晚七时左右，我们的访客才离开，启程回家。

这是愉快及美好的一天。

谢谢他们的到访，祈望下一次我们在文冬再见！

(更多照片Facebook)

Mossy Forest 苔藓森林

Our holiday ended on Tuesday with a visit to the mossy forest at Gunung Brinchang.

The forest is best to visit in the morning where it is shrouded by morning mist. The setback is that you cannot see the panoramic view of the surrounding hills. I shall make another trip next visit at a later time to see a good view of the surroundings.

We spent about an hour exploring the flora and fauna of the forest.

Later, we have tea at nearby BOH tea plantation cafe.

At noon, we reached the foothill of Cameron Highlands, outskirt of Tapah town. We had lunch at restaurant ordering our must-have favourite dishes - Paku vegetable (Fiddlehead fern), Steamed Toujiong Tilapia fish and Toufu.

(See pictures in Facebook)

( Video on Youtube )

我们的假期，就在星期二，我们造访了柏兰璋山上的苔藓森林后结束。

这个森林最佳造访时间是在早上，当时晨雾笼罩，空气清新，又带些神秘感，但缺点是，因为雾遮盖，不能远眺群山的景观。希望下次我会在较迟些才上去，观赏另一种景色。

我们大约逗留了一个多小时，观赏树木及花草。

过后，我们到Boh茶园的咖啡屋享用茶点。

中午，我们来到了山脚下，也是打巴市的郊外，一间熟悉的餐馆享用午餐。来到这里，一定会点我们喜爱的巴姑菜，酱蒸非洲鱼及菜脯豆腐。

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( 录影 Youtube )

Detour & destress (3) 歇息及消压

金马伦的第三天，充满了惊喜。

思明夫妇为我们安排了参观花园及果园的活动。

首先，他们带领我们来到他们拥有的花园。思明是专科种植出口到日本市场的菊花。

这些花都必须经过严格的品质管理及检测才能够出口到日本。

过后，我们就到邻近的巴登威力参观葡萄园。

一进到葡萄园，大家都对满挂树上的普通所吸引住，惊叹不已。

这个果园，成功的引进了来自澳洲的品种，因为较能够适应这里的气候。

客人及游客都可以在这里购买葡萄，目前每公斤售卖马币17元。我们因为好奇，这是马来西亚出产的普通，所以就购买一些试试及品味。不过，比起外国进口品种，当然逊色及价钱更贵。

参观了葡萄园，下一站就是参观柿子 园。

这也是我们第一次参观这柿子园。

这是一个家庭式果园，已有超过四十年的历史了。

柿子每年只出产一次，通常是在八月至十月之间。柿子售卖价钱从马币九元一公斤起，以果子的大小为准。

这天学习到了许多新事物，特别是我的两个孩子。

结束满载收获的一天之前，还得到意外的收获。我们带孩子去参观加尔默罗圣母教堂的时候，意外的见到我们的前本堂廖神父，及刚在怡保参加了他的弥撒的赎主会若瑟神父。

他们是在金马伦参加神父们的年度退省。当时他们刚好在一天的活动结束后，出来外面做运动，而与我们恰巧相遇。

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（观看录影 Youtube）

The third day in Cameron Highlands was an exciting day.

Paul and Cindy had arranged flower and fruit farms visit for us.

Firstly, we went to their very own flower farm at Ringlet. Paul is specialised in Chrysanthemum farming caters for Japanese market.

The flowers has to go through stringent test before exporting to Japan. 

After the flower farm, we went to visit a grape farm at Bertam Valley near Ringlet.

All of us were excited seeing bountiful of grapes hanging on the vines.

The farm has successfully brought in species from Australia which is more adaptable to climate in Cameron Highlands.

Visitors and tourists can buy grapes from the farm which is sold at RM 17.00 per Kg. The novelty of being Malaysia grown grapes prompted us to buy some fruits to try out. It tasted not better and was much more expensive than imported ones. 

And again , it was the first time for us to visit a persimmon farm in Cameron Highlands. 

It was a small family farm with more than 40 years history.

The trees fruit once a year only. The season usually starts from August to October. 

The fruits are sold from RM 9:00 per kg, depending on sizes.

It was a learning day trip for all of us, especially my two children.

Topping up a great day with sweet icing, we met Fr. Julian Leow and Fr. Joe Stephen at the parish house of The Church of our Lady of Mt Carmel. They were attending a five-day clergy annual retreat with many other priests from different dioceses.

We were visiting the church at about 5:00 pm.

Fr. Julian was going for a run while Fr. Joe was going for a walk after a day's programme.

See pictures in Facebook

See video on Youtube

Detour and destess （2） 歇息及消压

第二天，我们从怡保，使用新邦波赖-金马伦公里，在午间抵达了金马伦高原。

我们在甘榜拉惹牛记饭店享用午餐。这餐馆以河鱼著名，但它的罗惹（水果及酱参拌小吃）也非常的好吃。

进宿了酒店后，我到附近的露天菜市场逛逛。这里售卖各种本地的蔬菜及果实。

草莓是金马伦目前最流行的物品。除了到处都有摊档售卖草莓意外，还有许多相关产品，如草莓玩具，草莓枕头，草莓装饰物等，当然这些都是来自中国啦。

傍晚，我们到冷甲回家老朋友吴思明夫妇。

思明因为要去巴登威利教导一组学生要理，所以我们也跟着去。

这是我第一次到这里的耶稣圣心小教堂。

根据思明所说，这件教堂比加尔默罗圣母堂（金马伦的主要教堂）更老，大约超过80年的历史了。在天主教通信录里，没有这件教堂的任何资料。

我想探寻及查看这小教堂的历史，但得到的却是疑问比答案多。

我希望金马伦的信众们，能够提供或更新这小堂的完整资料，以保留及保存这一项重要的历史。

(更多照片Facebook )

Arriving noon time at Cameron Highlands via Simpang Pulai-Cameron highway.

We stopped at Ah Niu Restaurant at Kg Rajah for lunch. The restaurant is known for its river fish dishes, and its Rojak is great too.

After checking into the hotel in Brinchang, I went out to explore the nearby Kea Farm market. It sells all types of local vegetables and fruits.

Strawberry is the IN thing of the highlands. Everywhere you can find strawberry stalls, strawberry toys (of course it is Made In China), strawberry pillows and so on.

We went down to Ringlet to say hello to Cindy and Paul Ng in the evening.

We followed Paul to a chapel in Bertam Valley where he was teaching Catechism to a group of students.

It was the first time I came to this chapel.

According to Paul this chapel is about 80 years old, which is older than the Chapel of our Lady of Mt Carmel. However, this chapel is not listed in the church directory, no information can be found ....

Searching deeper into the history of the chapels in Cameron Highlands, rendering more doubt than answer. Hope the faithful in Cameron Highlands can do something more to update and preserve this precious piece of history.

(Pictures in Facebook)

Detour and destress 歇息及消压

The Gen Y life style is nothing but stress and pressure ... it is a rat race!

They are busy the whole day, routine is to them ... upside down; working and resting means the same thing. Hypertension , heart disease are found at younger age groups.

My two kids are among this category albeit without health issues so far.

Their typical working day starts at around 6：30 am and ending easily after 8:00 pm. At times we do not see them for 2 to e weeks. Home is only for a night stay during weekends, and has recently upgraded to restaurant ... come back for meal on Sundays and then off they go.

On recent National Day holidays, we pulled them out for a short holiday to detour and de-stress from the rat-race and also rekindle the family spirit.

Ipoh and Cameron Highlands were the best choice.

We did not contact any of our old friends in Ipoh， including Peter Cho, we went around town by ourselves.

Ipoh is famous for its hawker food ... Touke Chicken (Bean sprouts & chicken), Kueh Tiuh (rice noodle), Salted herbal chicken ... and many many more.

We have a great feasting tour of Ipoh.

See pictures in Facebook. 

现在的年轻人，工作繁忙，生活方式纵横交错，东奔西跑，有时日夜颠倒，工作与休息没有分别。高血压，心脏病等问题，也就越来越年轻化了。

我的两个孩子，可以说是在此类之内（目前健康还没问题）。

他们工作忙，有时两或三个星期都没见面一次。家里犹如酒店，周日回来住宿一晚就离开，现在更甚的，已经“升级”为饭店，回来吃顿晚餐及沙友那纳了！

乘着国庆假期之便，拉了他们往外走一趟，离开他们的繁忙日程，除了解压，也可以来个家庭小团聚。

怡保，金马伦是最佳的选择。

到了怡保，没有联络好朋友，包括朱兴文，我们来个自由行。

两天一夜的怡保，只能够品尝美食，当然包括怡保芽菜鸡，河粉，盐锔鸡等。

孩子们还特地去乘热闹，排队购买咖吖角(Kaya Puff) ....

怡保美食满街都是, 没有时间一一品尝.

让照片来述说吧！ ( 更多照片Facebook )