By Christopher Victor Roch
THE Ministry of the Poor under the Archdiocesan Office for Human Development (AOHD), organised a unique Lenten experiential session titled Giving Up Your Sight at the Church of St Joseph on Feb 28 as part of the Lenten Campaign 2026 themed “In the One, we are one.”
The program was jointly supported by the National Council for the Blind Malaysia (NCBM), Eagle’s Wing Ministry and the Parish Integral Human Development Ministry (PIHDM) of the Church of St Joseph.
The session began with a sharing by Reena from the Eagle’s Wing Ministry, who spoke about the daily challenges faced by the blind community and highlighted how people can offer assistance in more appropriate and respectful ways.
Participants were then introduced to Braille by Wong Yoon Loong, executive director of NCBM, who guided them in deciphering simple words such as Love, Joy and Peace. They were also given the opportunity to touch and experience a Braille Bible, prompting reflection on the privilege many have of being able to read Scripture.
Wong also demonstrated how visually impaired individuals identify Malaysian banknotes using a Ringgit Cash Test Card to distinguish the different sizes of currency during daily transactions.
The session concluded with a lunch, where the 38 participants were blindfolded to experience dining without sight, relying instead on touch, smell and taste.
Many shared that the activity deepened their appreciation of the challenges faced by the visually impaired and fostered a greater sense of empathy and gratitude during the Lenten season. – Herald Malaysia
