• About
  • Contact
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Catholic Sabah
  • News
    • All
    • Asia
    • Focus
    • Local
    • Nation
    • Vatican
    • World
    Hebrew and Arabic-speaking Catholic youth gather to celebrate hope and unity

    Hebrew and Arabic-speaking Catholic youth gather to celebrate hope and unity

    An advocate in a veil: Catholic sister defending justice in Kenyan courtrooms

    An advocate in a veil: Catholic sister defending justice in Kenyan courtrooms

    Sri Lankan Church renews call for Special Prosecutor for Easter Sunday attacks

    Sri Lankan Church renews call for Special Prosecutor for Easter Sunday attacks

    Arms trafficking escalating amid Sudan’s humanitarian crisis

    Arms trafficking escalating amid Sudan’s humanitarian crisis

    ArchKL volunteers join nationwide ‘Hari Cuci Malaysia’ cleanup

    ArchKL volunteers join nationwide ‘Hari Cuci Malaysia’ cleanup

    KL archdiocesan staff empowered through CPR and AED training

    KL archdiocesan staff empowered through CPR and AED training

    Pope: Be inspired to imitate the new saints

    Pope: Be inspired to imitate the new saints

    Mozart’s masterpieces lift hearts in honour of Our Lady

    Mozart’s masterpieces lift hearts in honour of Our Lady

    Lay movements in Bangkok renew commitment as ‘missionaries of hope’ on World Mission Sunday

    Lay movements in Bangkok renew commitment as ‘missionaries of hope’ on World Mission Sunday

  • Opinion
    • All
    • Im on my Way
    • Kanou Monuhid Lahan Koposizon
    • Making A Difference
    • Mantad Di Katekis Peter
    • Reflection: Straight Talking
    Losing a loved one to suicide

    A tradition of the heart: Roman Catholic devotions

    Losing a loved one to suicide

    A father’s blessing

    ‘Never Again’ – A promise the world keeps breaking

    ‘Never Again’ – A promise the world keeps breaking

    Christians must resist the spread of fake news

    Christians must resist the spread of fake news

    Hungry Ghost Festival through Christian eyes

    Hungry Ghost Festival through Christian eyes

    Part 2: Porn – a silent addiction?

    Humanity of our priests

    Our over-complex, tortured selves

    What makes a good marriage?

    Asia reminded me that life is about more than the carnal and secular

    Asia reminded me that life is about more than the carnal and secular

  • Feature
    Pope Leo’s ‘Dilexi Te’ challenges the Church in Asia

    Pope Leo’s ‘Dilexi Te’ challenges the Church in Asia

    Profits over people: The moral crisis of our time

    Profits over people: The moral crisis of our time

    Nuns of Mother Teresa celebrate 75th anniversary of foundation

    Nuns of Mother Teresa celebrate 75th anniversary of foundation

    Pope to Pauline Sisters: Don’t let burdens deter your precious work

    Pope to Pauline Sisters: Don’t let burdens deter your precious work

    No life is beyond redemption: Renewed efforts to end death penalty in Respect Life Month

    No life is beyond redemption: Renewed efforts to end death penalty in Respect Life Month

    Inside Carmel Monastery in KK: A life apart, yet for all (Part 1)

    Inside Carmel Monastery in KK: A life apart, yet for all (Part 1)

    Indian Jesuits dump fossil fuels to mitigate climate change impacts

    Indian Jesuits dump fossil fuels to mitigate climate change impacts

    ‘Guided by God’: One woman’s journey from refugee to a life of giving

    ‘Guided by God’: One woman’s journey from refugee to a life of giving

  • Statements
    Violence and Bullying Have No Place in Malaysia CFM Demands Swift Action

    Violence and Bullying Have No Place in Malaysia CFM Demands Swift Action

    Banns of Sacerdotal Ordination

    Banns of Sacerdotal Ordination

    World Day of Social Communications 2025 message by Pope Francis

    World Day of Social Communications 2025 message by Pope Francis

    Banns of Sacerdotal Ordination

    Banns of Sacerdotal Ordination

    Perutusan daripada Presiden Persidangan Uskup-Uskup Katolik Malaysia sempena Hari Malaysia

    Pastoral Letter on Earthquake in Myanmar and Regional Solidarity Appeal

    Chancery Notice

    Chancery Notice

    FABC Pastoral Letter to the local churches in Asia

    FABC Pastoral Letter to the local churches in Asia

    Commotion in Church: Press statement from Archbishop Simon Poh

    Commotion in Church: Press statement from Archbishop Simon Poh

  • Chinese
  • Bahasa Melayu
  • Kadazan Dusun
  • JUBILEE 2025
  • About
  • Donate
No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • All
    • Asia
    • Focus
    • Local
    • Nation
    • Vatican
    • World
    Hebrew and Arabic-speaking Catholic youth gather to celebrate hope and unity

    Hebrew and Arabic-speaking Catholic youth gather to celebrate hope and unity

    An advocate in a veil: Catholic sister defending justice in Kenyan courtrooms

    An advocate in a veil: Catholic sister defending justice in Kenyan courtrooms

    Sri Lankan Church renews call for Special Prosecutor for Easter Sunday attacks

    Sri Lankan Church renews call for Special Prosecutor for Easter Sunday attacks

    Arms trafficking escalating amid Sudan’s humanitarian crisis

    Arms trafficking escalating amid Sudan’s humanitarian crisis

    ArchKL volunteers join nationwide ‘Hari Cuci Malaysia’ cleanup

    ArchKL volunteers join nationwide ‘Hari Cuci Malaysia’ cleanup

    KL archdiocesan staff empowered through CPR and AED training

    KL archdiocesan staff empowered through CPR and AED training

    Pope: Be inspired to imitate the new saints

    Pope: Be inspired to imitate the new saints

    Mozart’s masterpieces lift hearts in honour of Our Lady

    Mozart’s masterpieces lift hearts in honour of Our Lady

    Lay movements in Bangkok renew commitment as ‘missionaries of hope’ on World Mission Sunday

    Lay movements in Bangkok renew commitment as ‘missionaries of hope’ on World Mission Sunday

  • Opinion
    • All
    • Im on my Way
    • Kanou Monuhid Lahan Koposizon
    • Making A Difference
    • Mantad Di Katekis Peter
    • Reflection: Straight Talking
    Losing a loved one to suicide

    A tradition of the heart: Roman Catholic devotions

    Losing a loved one to suicide

    A father’s blessing

    ‘Never Again’ – A promise the world keeps breaking

    ‘Never Again’ – A promise the world keeps breaking

    Christians must resist the spread of fake news

    Christians must resist the spread of fake news

    Hungry Ghost Festival through Christian eyes

    Hungry Ghost Festival through Christian eyes

    Part 2: Porn – a silent addiction?

    Humanity of our priests

    Our over-complex, tortured selves

    What makes a good marriage?

    Asia reminded me that life is about more than the carnal and secular

    Asia reminded me that life is about more than the carnal and secular

  • Feature
    Pope Leo’s ‘Dilexi Te’ challenges the Church in Asia

    Pope Leo’s ‘Dilexi Te’ challenges the Church in Asia

    Profits over people: The moral crisis of our time

    Profits over people: The moral crisis of our time

    Nuns of Mother Teresa celebrate 75th anniversary of foundation

    Nuns of Mother Teresa celebrate 75th anniversary of foundation

    Pope to Pauline Sisters: Don’t let burdens deter your precious work

    Pope to Pauline Sisters: Don’t let burdens deter your precious work

    No life is beyond redemption: Renewed efforts to end death penalty in Respect Life Month

    No life is beyond redemption: Renewed efforts to end death penalty in Respect Life Month

    Inside Carmel Monastery in KK: A life apart, yet for all (Part 1)

    Inside Carmel Monastery in KK: A life apart, yet for all (Part 1)

    Indian Jesuits dump fossil fuels to mitigate climate change impacts

    Indian Jesuits dump fossil fuels to mitigate climate change impacts

    ‘Guided by God’: One woman’s journey from refugee to a life of giving

    ‘Guided by God’: One woman’s journey from refugee to a life of giving

  • Statements
    Violence and Bullying Have No Place in Malaysia CFM Demands Swift Action

    Violence and Bullying Have No Place in Malaysia CFM Demands Swift Action

    Banns of Sacerdotal Ordination

    Banns of Sacerdotal Ordination

    World Day of Social Communications 2025 message by Pope Francis

    World Day of Social Communications 2025 message by Pope Francis

    Banns of Sacerdotal Ordination

    Banns of Sacerdotal Ordination

    Perutusan daripada Presiden Persidangan Uskup-Uskup Katolik Malaysia sempena Hari Malaysia

    Pastoral Letter on Earthquake in Myanmar and Regional Solidarity Appeal

    Chancery Notice

    Chancery Notice

    FABC Pastoral Letter to the local churches in Asia

    FABC Pastoral Letter to the local churches in Asia

    Commotion in Church: Press statement from Archbishop Simon Poh

    Commotion in Church: Press statement from Archbishop Simon Poh

  • Chinese
  • Bahasa Melayu
  • Kadazan Dusun
  • JUBILEE 2025
  • About
  • Donate
No Result
View All Result
Catholic Sabah
No Result
View All Result
Home Statements

Advent Message 2020 by Archbishop John Wong (4 languages)

November 24, 2020
in Statements
Archbishop John Wong: Pastoral Instructions During RMCO Time

My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord,

I believe you would agree with me, that this year has probably been one of the most challenging years for all of us. Looking back to a year ago, no one would have anticipated this year to be what it was. From experiencing the loss of a loved one, contracting an illness, losing jobs, financial difficulties, losing our sense of purpose in life, and to constantly having fears and anxieties, it has truly been a difficult and tough year.

Our lives are challenged, our faith is pushed to the edge of the brink. One might ask; when is this going to end? What else is going to happen next year? Where is God? Does He not care for us? Stepping into the season of Advent, let us ask God for the wisdom, since Scripture promises that wisdom is readily found and seen for the one who seeks! (Wisdom 6:12) We need wisdom to see things as they are, to see things as God sees them, and to live with faith. When we take time to be still in our hearts, we see God’s hand at work amidst the chaos and challenges. As we witness the number of COVID-19 cases adding on every day, the number of patients who recover every single day is equally as significant if not more. God heals, through the hands of our medical frontliners. Let us not fail to see that and give thanks. While our plans have been wrecked by the pandemic and we have been asked to stay at home for most of the year, my hope and prayer is that many of us have taken this time to truly mend our relationship with the Lord, with our families, with our loved ones. What a grace we have been given. There is indeed, so much to be thankful for, amidst the turmoil.

But perhaps for us as Catholics, the most painful thing is that so many of us have been deprived of the Holy Sacraments in the Church for most of this year. A year ago, we were all privileged to be able to receive Holy Communion at the Eucharist in the Church. Now, we are robbed of that privilege and many of us can only virtually attend Mass through a screen and receive Communion spiritually. The leniency of not having to go to Church has unfortunately caused many to be complacent when it comes to our faith. We are now getting used to the idea of attending Mass virtually. But even this can be a grace for us to increase our hunger and longing for Christ, and to never take the Sacraments for granted anymore.

Many have asked regarding this pandemic, “Is this a punishment from God?” He loves us, and yet He allows suffering. We will never be able to comprehend God’s ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are our ways His ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are His ways higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9) Our minds will never be able to fully understand why God allowed this. When we look around us, we feel like our “boats” are sinking, some may even feel their boats have capsized. But Christ continues to call us to keep our gaze on Him and to have faith. (Mark 4:37 – 41) He is in control, and He knows what is going on around and within us.

As we enter this advent season to prepare and anticipate Christmas, let us take time to also ponder on two of the ‘Greatest Saints’ in our Church, Joseph and Mary. At the Annunciation, our Blessed Mother responded to the Angel Gabriel with these words that would change her life and the world forever, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38), knowing consequences and risks that would transpire. Still, one of the first things she did after Christ was conceived in her womb, was to share His joy when she visited her cousin Elizabeth. No uncertainty or fear can take away the joy of Christ for one who trusts in God.

Joseph, after knowing Mary had been chosen by God to conceive the Most Holy One, felt unworthy to have Mary, such a Perfect and Holy vessel of God. But after the angel appeared to him in a dream, affirming him that he should not be afraid to take Mary as his wife, because Mary had conceived what was in her by the Holy Spirits (Mt 1:20). Joseph humbly accepted the will of God and gave himself wholly to the plan of God to be the earthly father of His Son.

Preparing for the birth of the Saviour of the world was nothing ordinary. Both Joseph and Mary, in their humility and simplicity, were very much like us. They faced many challenges and did not have everything figured out by themselves. But they trusted, gave everything they had, and surrendered to the will of God every step of the way. Though they encountered many obstacles and closed doors in their journey, it all finally led them to a place they probably least expected, the humblest place – a manger. There, Christ was born. God’s plan was revealed to Joseph and Mary as they surrendered and placed their total trust in God.

When we look at the challenges, adversities, and hardships we face in the world today, there is no way we can face it all with our own strength. Thankfully, we are not alone! Christ has urged us in His Word to take heart, for He has overcome the world. (John 16:33)

The Lord often raises up saints during the hardest and most challenging times. Let us learn to see with the eyes of faith and strive for holiness more than ever. Let us be assured of Christ’s closeness to us in this difficult and challenging time. Let us continue to cultivate a life of prayer which will help us to fix our gaze on Christ through these times and in the hope that He may raise us up to be the saints of today.

This Advent, may we like Mary and Joseph, give everything we have, to prepare for the birth of Christ in our hearts by trusting and surrendering all to the will of God. May our longing for Christ increase more and more as we set to prepare for His birth. Let us open our hearts to allow God to take us on a journey towards Christmas. Through the challenges, the difficulties, and uncertainties, the certainty of Who God is, remains the same. He is love. He is Emmanuel, close to us, through it all.

Have a blessed Advent!
Archbishop John Wong

 

Pesan Adven 2020

Pason Adven 2020

Advent Message 2020 (Chinese)

Previous Post

Maharashtra: Lockdown harsher on fishermen than monsoon storms

Next Post

2020 Advent Message by Archbishop John Wong: Give everything we have, like Mary and Joseph

Related Posts

Hebrew and Arabic-speaking Catholic youth gather to celebrate hope and unity
News

Hebrew and Arabic-speaking Catholic youth gather to celebrate hope and unity

October 22, 2025
An advocate in a veil: Catholic sister defending justice in Kenyan courtrooms
News

An advocate in a veil: Catholic sister defending justice in Kenyan courtrooms

October 22, 2025
Sri Lankan Church renews call for Special Prosecutor for Easter Sunday attacks
Asia

Sri Lankan Church renews call for Special Prosecutor for Easter Sunday attacks

October 22, 2025
Next Post
Archbishop John Wong: Pastoral Instructions During RMCO Time

2020 Advent Message by Archbishop John Wong: Give everything we have, like Mary and Joseph

Recent News

Hebrew and Arabic-speaking Catholic youth gather to celebrate hope and unity

Hebrew and Arabic-speaking Catholic youth gather to celebrate hope and unity

October 22, 2025
An advocate in a veil: Catholic sister defending justice in Kenyan courtrooms

An advocate in a veil: Catholic sister defending justice in Kenyan courtrooms

October 22, 2025
Sri Lankan Church renews call for Special Prosecutor for Easter Sunday attacks

Sri Lankan Church renews call for Special Prosecutor for Easter Sunday attacks

October 22, 2025
Arms trafficking escalating amid Sudan’s humanitarian crisis

Arms trafficking escalating amid Sudan’s humanitarian crisis

October 22, 2025
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Minor reshuffle and new appointment of priests

Minor reshuffle and new appointment of priests

July 15, 2024
Enggan punya anak, antara sebab perpisahan suami-isteri

Enggan punya anak, antara sebab perpisahan suami-isteri

May 20, 2025
Minor transfer of priests

Minor transfer of priests

November 11, 2023
Tender Notice St Catherine of Laboure Church, Putatan

Tender Notice St Catherine of Laboure Church, Putatan

April 29, 2025
The Church wants to be more the ‘inn’ of the Good Samaritan for the sick

The Church wants to be more the ‘inn’ of the Good Samaritan for the sick

Parishioners are invited to help form prophetic and servant priests

Parishioners are invited to help form prophetic and servant priests

Archdiocesan Notice on SSPX

Archdiocesan Notice on SSPX

April 28 2020

April 28 2020

Hebrew and Arabic-speaking Catholic youth gather to celebrate hope and unity

Hebrew and Arabic-speaking Catholic youth gather to celebrate hope and unity

October 22, 2025
An advocate in a veil: Catholic sister defending justice in Kenyan courtrooms

An advocate in a veil: Catholic sister defending justice in Kenyan courtrooms

October 22, 2025
Sri Lankan Church renews call for Special Prosecutor for Easter Sunday attacks

Sri Lankan Church renews call for Special Prosecutor for Easter Sunday attacks

October 22, 2025
Arms trafficking escalating amid Sudan’s humanitarian crisis

Arms trafficking escalating amid Sudan’s humanitarian crisis

October 22, 2025
Catholic Sabah

Catholic Sabah is a media organization based in Sabah Malaysia. We bring you the latest Catholic news right to your doorstep!

Follow Us

Browse by Category

  • Asia
  • Bahasa Melayu
  • Borneo: Ordinary Person, Extraordinary Faith
  • Chinese
  • Feature
  • Focus
  • Im on my Way
  • JUBILEE 2025
  • Kadazan Dusun
  • Kanou Monuhid Lahan Koposizon
  • Local
  • Making A Difference
  • Mantad Di Katekis Peter
  • Nation
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Readings
  • Reflection: Straight Talking
  • Statements
  • Vatican
  • World

Recent Additions

Hebrew and Arabic-speaking Catholic youth gather to celebrate hope and unity

An advocate in a veil: Catholic sister defending justice in Kenyan courtrooms

Sri Lankan Church renews call for Special Prosecutor for Easter Sunday attacks

Arms trafficking escalating amid Sudan’s humanitarian crisis

ArchKL volunteers join nationwide ‘Hari Cuci Malaysia’ cleanup

KL archdiocesan staff empowered through CPR and AED training

  • About
  • Contact

© 2024 Catholic Sabah - Powered by KK Top Web.

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Feature
  • Statements
  • Chinese
  • Bahasa Melayu
  • Kadazan Dusun
  • JUBILEE 2025
  • About
  • Donate

© 2024 Catholic Sabah - Powered by KK Top Web.