SG SIPUT, Perak – Fr Mark Michael has released a new catechetical book that boldly confronts a growing concern within the Church: the unchecked influence of pride. Titled simply Pride, the book sheds light on what Fr Mark describes as a “playground” for this cardinal sin to operate freely, even within sacred spaces and ministries.
Drawing from his 24 years of priestly ministry, Fr Mark writes with clarity and urgency about a spiritual condition that has silently taken root. “Over the past 24 years of my priesthood, I have witnessed a singular, persistent challenge across every facet of Church life: the cardinal sin of PRIDE,” he notes. “It often creeps in unnoticed and hides behind pious facades.
Fr Mark’s reflections go beyond superficial warnings. He observes that pride can subtly distort intentions and cloud the Gospel truth, even among those called to serve. “It tempts even those within the Church to abandon Gospel values in favour of self-preservation, control and illusion. Responsibilities within the Church become opportunities for self-glorification,” he warns.
He goes on to explain how pride builds what he calls a “counterfeit spirituality”— an external appearance of faith that lacks genuine encounter with Christ. “Pride blinds the heart to truth and fosters a dangerous imitation of faith, a kind of artificial belief that lacks depth, humility, and Christ-like authenticity.”
In a striking commentary on contemporary culture, Fr Mark introduces a new term: “artificial illusionary intelligence.” In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping the world and social media narratives influence identity, he cautions against allowing these forces to redefine spiritual truth. “Many are being swept into a wave of false and illusionary selfhood,” he notes, urging readers to reclaim a faith rooted in humility and authentic relationship with Christ.
Fr Mark’s latest book is a timely call to self-examination and renewal. It challenges the faithful to recognise the subtle ways pride may manifest and invites a return to Gospel humility.
The book is available for RM10 at the Catholic Information Service in Penang and the Minor Basilica of St Anne, Bukit Mertajam.
As Fr Mark reminds us, we are called to live in Christ’s humility, not the world’s pride. – Herald Malaysia
