Herald Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR – The Cathedral of St John the Evangelist was filled with faith, hope and solidarity recently as Sisters in Christ, a support group comprising Catholic cancer survivors from various parishes, gathered to celebrate the Feast of St Peregrine, patron saint of those suffering from cancer, on May 2.
The day began with the recitation of the Rosary, followed by Mass celebrated by parish priest, Fr Gerard Theraviam.
In his homily, Fr Gerard reflected on his late mother’s three-year battle with cancer, sharing how the illness affected not only the patient but the entire family and community around her. He described it as a journey that became a period of spiritual growth and deeper dependence on God.
He cautioned against falling into self-pity, encouraging those present instead to place their hope and trust in the Lord, allowing God to use their suffering for His glory. Quoting Isaiah 49:6, he reminded the congregation: “… I will make you a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
Fr Gerard also spoke on the theme of Redemptive Suffering, drawing from St John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter on Salvifici Doloris and Colossians 1:24, emphasising the call to unite one’s suffering with Christ. Reflecting on Romans 8:16-17, he said: “The Spirit Himself joins with our spirit to bear witness that we are children of God. And if we are children, then we are heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, provided that we share His suffering, so as to share His glory.”
“The Cross is part of life,” he said. “Let us embrace the Cross and discover Jesus in our lives, for God is always with us.”
After Mass, members gathered for fellowship. The highlight was a sharing session where three women spoke about their cancer journeys and the strength they found through faith.
Emma (not her real name) recounted how her journey began in January 2023 following biopsy results that later confirmed metastatic cancer. Guided by Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you,” she shared how surrendering her need for control to God brought her an unexpected peace. Holding on to Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord,” Emma said she experienced calmness and strength instead of fear. Remarkably, she underwent chemotherapy without side effects, which she described as a testimony to the grace and strength she received through prayer and faith. Though still undergoing treatment, she continues to live with gratitude and unwavering trust in God, who, she said, “never left her.”
Priscilla offered a different perspective as she spoke about accompanying her mother, Elizabeth Arokiasamy, through stomach cancer. The fear of losing her mother was overwhelming, especially after Elizabeth slipped into a coma following severe bleeding after surgery.
During that critical period, Elizabeth experienced a vision of a beautiful lady wearing a crown. Today, she is cancer-free. Their testimony highlighted how cancer is never faced alone, but becomes a journey carried by family, community and prayer.
Beatrice (Susie) Jacob shared how years of caring for her sister during cancer treatment left her deeply fearful of the suffering associated with the illness. When she herself was diagnosed with cancer, her initial response was to refuse treatment entirely.
However, through prayer and surrender to God’s will, she gradually found the courage to seek treatment and pray for her own healing. Like Emma, she too underwent chemotherapy without side effects and is currently doing well. Her testimony became a living reminder that “God is good all the time.”
Cancer remains a frightening reality for many. From the moment of diagnosis begins a difficult journey filled with hospital visits, scans, surgeries, treatments and uncertainty. Yet within Sisters in Christ, many have discovered strength in walking together through shared experiences, anchored by faith.
The group continues to serve as a sanctuary where cancer warriors, survivors and caregivers can find spiritual support, encouragement and companionship rooted in the Catholic faith.
Those who are survivors, currently undergoing treatment, or caring for loved ones with cancer and wish to find a community of faith and support are welcome to join the group free of charge.
For more information, please contact Joyce Gayathree (016-6574146), Joyce Joseph (017- 3284638) or Adeline Joseph (016-3789300) – Herald Malaysia
