logo
Formation draws hundreds at CDM, Penang

Formation draws hundreds at CDM, Penang

Herald Malaysia20-06-2025
The Church of Divine Mercy (CDM) hosted a two-day Pre-Pentecost Experience formation on May 20 and 21, drawing more than 470 participants from CDM and various parishes across Penang Island. Jun 20, 2025
The organising team with Fr Daniel Raj VC and Fr Willliam John VC.
PENANG: The Church of Divine Mercy (CDM) hosted a two-day Pre-Pentecost Experience formation on May 20 and 21, drawing more than 470 participants from CDM and various parishes across Penang Island.Led by Fr Daniel Raj Jeyraj VC and Fr William John Bosco VC from the Divine Mercy Retreat Centre in Chennai, India, the event combined spiritual formation with daily Mass in a unique and engaging format that left many participants deeply moved.The seminar began with a warm welcome and words of encouragement from parish priest, Fr Michael Raymond OFM Cap, setting a tone of expectation and openness. Praise and worship sessions helped prepare hearts to receive what many described as 'awesome,' 'dynamic,' and 'spiritually impactful' experiences.On the first evening, Fr Daniel explored the Person of the Holy Spirit, presenting Him as the Advocate who defends and sanctifies. He challenged the faithful to walk boldly in holiness and reject the lies of the enemy, who seeks to 'steal, kill, and destroy.'The following evening, Fr John Bosco focused on the Gifts, Fruits, and Charisms of the Holy Spirit — timely teaching in the lead-up to Pentecost. During adoration, he led the congregation through a time of ministry and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Several participants reported healing and spiritual breakthroughs.A nine-day novena leading up to the formation also spiritually prepared the organising team, underscoring the Spirit-led nature of the entire experience.This Pre-Pentecost formation proved not just a moment of preparation for the feast of Pentecost, but a powerful opportunity for renewal and encounter with the Holy Spirit.
Testimonies of Healing and Encounter:
'My son Cadenn was healed of the illness that caused a metallic taste in his mouth.' — Melinda
'I came with pain at the back of my head, and now it is completely gone.' — Annie Chin
'I am the one healed when Fr called out sweaty palms.' — Mark Dawson
'I never saw the Holy Spirit as an Advocate who defends me, a criminal. I'm so glad I came.' — Carmelita Xavier
'Several Grab drivers rejected my booking, but when I prayed, the next driver accepted. I knew I had to be here.' — Ann Cardoza
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sealed with the spirit: A day to remember
Sealed with the spirit: A day to remember

Herald Malaysia

time13 hours ago

  • Herald Malaysia

Sealed with the spirit: A day to remember

On Saturday, July 12, the Church of St Francis of Assisi was filled with joy and celebration as 41 young people received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Aug 01, 2025 Confirmands kneeling in silence as Archbishop Julian prays over them. By Claudia Sze Lim Ak SalvestiorOn Saturday, July 12, the Church of St Francis of Assisi was filled with joy and celebration as 41 young people received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Surrounded by their families, catechists, and parishioners, they were sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit in a Mass that was more than just a ceremony — it was a powerful reminder of faith, love, and the unity we share as one Church. Archbishop Julian Leow led the celebration with warmth and fatherly care, joined by our parish priest, Fr Paul Cheong, OFM Cap, who had faithfully guided us confirmands throughout our journey. During his homily, the archbishop didn't just speak — he connected. His message was clear and heartfelt: never lose sight of your faith, because God walks with you through every step, every struggle, and every joy. You could feel his love in every word, and many of us were moved in ways that words can't fully capture. As one of the confirmands, standing at the front, I felt a mix of nerves, awe and peace. Some of us were quiet while others a little shaky but all of us were present in that sacred moment. When the chrism oil touched our foreheads and we heard the words 'Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit,' it felt like more than a blessing. It felt like a promise that will walk with us for the rest of our lives. However, this day wasn't just about us. Parents wiped away quiet tears as they recalled the memories of baptisms and First Holy Communions of their child. Catechists watched with pride, seeing the seeds of faith they had once planted now begin to bloom. Parishioners bowed their heads in prayer, knowing these young hearts had now been strengthened to stand as soldiers of Christ. As the final hymn ended, something beautiful lingered in the air. It wasn't just joy or celebration but hope. In a world that often feels divided, this day reminded us that faith still brings people together. As one of the 41 who were confirmed, I know we're not meant to walk this path alone. Together, uplifted and united by our Church family, we go forward to carry Christ's light into the world.

Workers installing gas lines stumble upon 1,000-year-old mummy in Peru
Workers installing gas lines stumble upon 1,000-year-old mummy in Peru

New Straits Times

timea day ago

  • New Straits Times

Workers installing gas lines stumble upon 1,000-year-old mummy in Peru

LIMA: A crew of workers accidentally discovered a mummy more than 1,000 years old while installing gas pipes in Peru's capital Lima, their employer and archaeologists said Thursday. The mummy was found last week in a tomb underneath a street north of Lima, said archaeologist Jesus Bahamonde. The mummy was covered in a shroud in a seated position, arms and legs bent. Pottery was also found in the tomb which was dated to the pre-Inca Chancay civilisation that lived around the Lima region between the 11th and 15th centuries. It was believed to be part of a large, ancient cemetery. Lima, a city with over 10 million inhabitants, also houses more than 500 archaeological sites. Gas company Calidda has reported more than 2,200 chance archaeological discoveries since 2004.--AFP

Call to protect customary land and herbal heritage at Tuaran village
Call to protect customary land and herbal heritage at Tuaran village

Borneo Post

time25-07-2025

  • Borneo Post

Call to protect customary land and herbal heritage at Tuaran village

The cleared site in Kampung Lumawang. KOTA KINABALU (July 25): Urgent action is needed to protect a vital piece of Sabah's cultural and ecological heritage — the customary land in Kampung Lumawang, Tuaran, which houses Malaysia's first Customary School (SAANS) and a valuable herbal plant conservation site. Sabah Indigenous Peoples' Association (Sunduan Nabalu) president Shalmon Sanangan said the site is not only a centre of indigenous knowledge but is also slated for inclusion in the Unesco Good Safeguarding Practices, with a scheduled Unesco visit in November. However, he warned that the land is under serious threat due to ongoing development, which has already reduced Kampung Lumawang's customary land from over 150 acres to just ten acres. Shalmon Sanangan Shalmon, who also sits on the National Customary Heritage Expert Committee, said: 'This land is more than just soil — it is the heart of our efforts to preserve botanical treasures and irreplaceable traditional knowledge. The loss of this site would also mean the collapse of our unique Customary School model.' The area currently serves as the only teacher training hub for SAANS in Sabah, with 26 principals already trained and stationed across the state. The programme also plays a key role in conserving endangered native languages and indigenous knowledge systems. The historical significance of the site stretches back to pre-Japanese era settlements, serving as a traditional transport base during the British era. An oath stone still stands in the area, symbolising its undeniable status as indigenous customary land. Several local and international institutions have recognised the site's importance, including Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) — through its Native Customary School Living Lab — UiTM, the International University of Nagasaki, Japan, and the Sabah Biodiversity Centre (SaBC). SaBC is currently considering the site as part of its expansion plans for the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark to Tuaran. Shalmon added that losing the site would also undermine Sabah's efforts to earn the prestigious 'Triple Crown of Borneo' recognition, which encompasses ecological, cultural, and geological excellence. 'We urge the state government to act immediately to protect the remaining ten acres of customary land for future generations,' he stressed. Issuing a stern warning, Shalmon declared: 'If developers continue to destroy the herbs and sacred land here, I will escalate this matter to the Prime Minister and, if needed, to His Majesty, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.' He concluded that the ongoing destruction represents a tragedy threatening Sabah's rich cultural, historical and ecological legacy — one that all stakeholders must act swiftly to preserve.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store