Latest news with #SebastianFrancis
Herald Malaysia
20-06-2025
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Penang diocese welcomes Flame of Love Movement
On June 2, Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, formally approved the establishment of the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary movement during a presentation meeting at the Minor Basilica of St Anne. Jun 20, 2025 Cardinal Sebastian Francis and Deacon Lazarus Jonathan with the team. BUKIT MERTAJAM: On June 2, Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, formally approved the establishment of the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary movement during a presentation meeting at the Minor Basilica of St Anne. With this endorsement, the Diocese of Penang becomes the first in Malaysia to officially recognise this international Marian movement, which is currently active in more than 50 Flame of Love movement originated in Hungary, inspired by messages reportedly received by Elizabeth Kindelmann, a Third Order Carmelite, from Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her spiritual diary, later published under the title The Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, includes the Unity Prayer and a special petition to be added to the Hail Mary: 'Spread the effect of grace of thy Flame of Love over all of humanity.'The mission of the Flame of Love is to lead individuals to a deeper consecration to Jesus through Mary. The movement promotes a life rooted in prayer, fasting, frequent attendance at Mass (beyond weekends), regular confession, Eucharistic Adoration, and family prayer. Members also commit to praying for world peace, clergy and religious vocations, the souls in purgatory, and conduct home visits with a pilgrim statue of Our the event, Cardinal Sebastian invited members of the movement to share personal testimonies about the impact of the Flame of Love, especially through its unique Rosary Tan shared how the Rosary has helped her grow in meditative prayer and establish a consistent spiritual routine. Elizabeth Lim highlighted how praying together as a community has deepened their sense of unity and faith. Winnie Gracia gave a moving testimony of seeing the Blessed Virgin Mary in a dream, smiling with a rosary surrounded by fresh roses. She also described frequently smelling roses and jasmine during prayer, even when none were physically Raymond spoke about her commitment to fasting every Monday and Friday to support the movement's mission of 'blinding Satan and spreading love worldwide.' Ester Ooi expressed how meaningful it is to recite the Hail Mary with the added Flame of Love petition. Cecilia Lee, from a devout Hakka family, shared the joy of being invited by Cardinal Sebastian to recite the Hail Mary in her native Hakka dialect, bringing back cherished memories of her childhood prayers with her mother in Changloon, Ann Oh summed up the testimonies by stressing the urgency of praying for humanity in today's troubled hearing all 13 heartfelt testimonies, Cardinal Sebastian remarked, 'As the English saying goes, 'He who bakes the cake eats it,'' suggesting that those who have nurtured the movement are now ready to enjoy its spiritual fruits. He affirmed his full support, along with Deacon Lazarus Jonathan and the People of God of the Penang Diocese, in uplifting and promoting the Flame of Love Movement. The members present were filled with joy and Mercie Lai, of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM), also offered her reflections: 'As we read the signs of the times, it is alarming to witness humanity under constant attack — families in crisis, and widespread suffering. The Flame of Love Movement is timely, offering us assurance and hope. Jesus is the Door of Hope, and through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, we are called to spread the Flame of Love and pray for humanity.' Since March 2025, Sr Mercie has been providing spiritual guidance to the group, which gathers weekly at the Minor Basilica of St. Anne for prayer and Nadaraj, the national coordinator for Malaysia, also expressed her gratitude: 'With this official recognition, we pray that Our Blessed Mother's mission will spread across the nation. Through her intercession, we will extinguish the fire of hatred with the fire of love. Let us allow her to lead us to the Flame of Love, who is JESUS HIMSELF.' In 2013, Pope Francis granted his Apostolic Blessing to the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In 2023, the Archdiocese of Singapore officially accepted the Flame of Love as a recognised ministry.
Free Malaysia Today
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Meet the Malaysian who will help elect the next pope
Cardinal Sebastian Francis is set to be the first Malaysian to take part in a papal election. KUALA LUMPUR : As millions of Catholics around the globe prepare for one of the most sacred events in the Church – the election of a new pope – Malaysia is quietly etched into the heart of history. Cardinal Sebastian Francis, a 73-year-old priest from Johor Bahru, is headed to Rome as one of only 135 cardinals with the power to vote in the 2025 Papal Conclave. That's right – a Malaysian will be among those choosing the next leader of the Vatican. It's a moment both momentous and surreal for a country where Catholics form just a small segment of the population. This isn't just a seat at the table – it's a voice in one of the most influential decisions in global religious leadership. In a statement to FMT, Sebastian said the pope must be someone who first 'surrenders and obeys the will of God while embracing his humanness'. Pope Francis died on April 21, a day after Easter, at age 88. His body was placed in state at St Peter's Basilica for three days to allow the public to pay their respects. The funeral took place yesterday in St Peter's Square. If you're wondering who exactly Cardinal Sebastian Francis is and why this matters so much, here are five things you should know about Malaysia's recently minted man in red. 1. He's the first Malaysian cardinal elector Until 2023, Malaysia had only ever had one cardinal – Anthony Soter Fernandez. But Anthony never voted in a conclave. Sebastian is the first Malaysian in history to enter the Sistine Chapel to help choose the next pope. He was appointed a cardinal by Pope Francis on Sept 30, 2023. Sebastian receiving his cardinal's hat from the late Pope Francis at a Vatican ceremony in September 2023. (Vatican pic) 2. From Johor Bahru to Rome's inner circle Born in Johor Bahru in 1951 to a family of Indian descent from Kerala, Sebastian began his religious journey at just 16 years old, enrolling in St Francis Xavier Minor Seminary in Singapore in 1967. He continued his theological studies at College General in Penang, one of Asia's oldest seminaries. Sebastian was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Melaka-Johor on July 28, 1977, at just 26 years old. After decades of dedicated service, he was appointed Bishop of Penang in 2012, before rising to the College of Cardinals in 2023. (Source) 3. He's a key voice for Asia Sebastian is more than just a Malaysian rep: he's a respected voice across Asia. Since 2023, he's chaired the office of social communication for the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences, helping bridge communication between churches across the continent. (Source) 4. He stands for peace, dialogue and justice Known for his progressive stance on interfaith dialogue, racial unity, and social justice, Sebastian has long championed causes that resonate deeply in a multiethnic, multireligious society like Malaysia. He has served as the vice-president of the Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism. (Source) 5. He holds a state honour – and now, a global responsibility In 2021, Sebastian was awarded the Darjah Gemilang Pangkuan Negeri, earning him the title 'Datuk Seri'. Today, he holds a far greater responsibility – the power to shape the future of the global Church. And that's something no Malaysian has ever done before. (Source)
Daily Express
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Conclave countdown: Malaysian Cardinal Sebastian Francis among 135 to elect new pontiff
Published on: Friday, April 25, 2025 Published on: Fri, Apr 25, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: The 73-year-old Johor-born priest has been the Bishop of Penang since 2011. Kuala Lumpur: The next Pope will be chosen by the College of Cardinals, the Catholic church's most senior priests, following the demise of Pope Francis and out of these 135 electors, there is a Malaysian. These cardinals, who are eligible to vote, are making their way for the conclave, which comes from the Latin word cum clave, meaning the 'the key' indicating the closed, if not secretive, process of electing a Pope. Johor-born Datuk Seri Sebastian Francis will join his counterparts from various parts of the world for the voting. The 73-year-old priest, who now resides in Penang, has been the Bishop of Penang since 2011. He was elevated to the rank of Cardinal in Sept 2023 by Francis. He is the second cardinal from Malaysia after the late Anthony Soter Fernandez. Past Malaysian Catholic Lawyers Association president Datuk Joy Appukuttan said during Francis' term, 'We have seen a large number of cardinals appointed from smaller nations. 'Malaysia and Singapore stand out. Our (Cardinal Sebastian) Francis is one of them and will have to attend the conclave soon,'' he said. Another source said, 'Cardinal Sebastian is on his way to Rome for the selection of the new Pope.'' The Penang Diocese, in an entry on its website, described Francis's personal belief is that 'one must have good human and emotional maturity and balance, always be open to creative thinking, inclusive of all, especially ethic, racial and religious differences.' The Guardian reported that there are more than 250 cardinals from more than 90 countries, but only about 135 are cardinal electors (those over the age of 80 are excluded). 'About 110 of the cardinal electors have been chosen by Francis in the past 10 years and largely reflect his vision of a more inclusive church. 'Once the cardinals are assembled in Rome, usually 15-20 days after the pope's death, they gather under Michelangelo's magnificent painted ceiling in the Sistine Chapel to begin their deliberations. 'After the words extra omnes — everyone out — are declared, referring to all but voting cardinals and a handful of officials and doctors, the doors are locked. 'The cardinals swear an oath of absolute secrecy, and are permitted no contact with the outside world for the duration of the election process. Their phones are removed, and no newspapers, television, letters or messages are allowed. The chapel is also swept for listening devices before and during the conclave,' it said. The votes are taken until a candidate wins a two-thirds majority, which means there will be elimination rounds. While the ballot is secret, The Guardian said 'that does not mean the process is immune from factionalising, intrigue and lobbying.' After each round of voting, the ballot cards are burned with black smoke emerging from the 60ft chimney, indicating an inconclusive ballot; white smoke announces to the world that a new pope has been elected. The election has received global attention because the Pope is regarded as the leader of 1.37 billion Catholics. Francis, an Argentine, who became the first Latin American pope, spoke up for social justice, environmental issues as well as the Palestinian cause. During his Easter Sunday address last week, he expressed his 'closeness to the sufferings of Christians in Palestine and Israel, and all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people.' He constantly criticised Israel's war on the Gaza Strip, particularly the killing of Palestinians, and in one video posted on social media, he was seen making a call to the Catholic priests in Palestine to enquire about their well-being amidst the attacks. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
![News@9 – Tuesday, April 22 [WATCH]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
22-04-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
News@9 – Tuesday, April 22 [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: Good evening. You're watching News@9. Here are today's top stories: PONZI Mobility Beyond Imagination (MBI) defrauded over 11 million victims in a Ponzi scheme, mostly from a neighbouring country, according to Bukit Aman's Anti-Money Laundering Unit. INTERROGATION Former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will meet with graftbusters again over his asset declaration amid investigations into corruption and money laundering linked to the Keluarga Malaysia programme. CONCLAVE Malaysian priest Datuk Seri Sebastian Francis is among the 135 cardinals set to vote for the next pope. TRASHED Tanjung Dawai's beach, once a popular picnic spot, is now plagued by trash, driving away visitors and harming local businesses. Traders call for more effective action. That's all for News@9.
Malay Mail
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Conclave countdown: Malaysian Cardinal Sebastian Francis among 135 to elect new pontiff
KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 — The next Pope will be chosen by the College of Cardinals, the Catholic church's most senior priests, following the demise of Pope Francis and out of these 135 electors, there is a Malaysian. These cardinals, who are eligible to vote, are making their way for the conclave, which comes from the Latin word cum clave, meaning the 'the key' indicating the closed, if not secretive, process of electing a Pope. Johor-born Datuk Seri Sebastian Francis will join his counterparts from various parts of the world for the voting. The 73-year-old priest, who now resides in Penang, has been the Bishop of Penang since 2011. He was elevated to the rank of Cardinal in Sept 2023 by Francis. He is the second cardinal from Malaysia after the late Anthony Soter Fernandez. Past Malaysian Catholic Lawyers Association president Datuk Joy Appukuttan said during Francis' term, 'We have seen a large number of cardinals appointed from smaller nations. 'Malaysia and Singapore stand out. Our (Cardinal Sebastian) Francis is one of them and will have to attend the conclave soon,'' he said. Another source said, 'Cardinal Sebastian is on his way to Rome for the selection of the new Pope.'' The Penang Diocese, in an entry on its website, described Francis's personal belief is that 'one must have good human and emotional maturity and balance, always be open to creative thinking, inclusive of all, especially ethic, racial and religious differences.' The Guardian reported that there are more than 250 cardinals from more than 90 countries, but only about 135 are cardinal electors (those over the age of 80 are excluded). 'About 110 of the cardinal electors have been chosen by Francis in the past 10 years and largely reflect his vision of a more inclusive church. 'Once the cardinals are assembled in Rome, usually 15-20 days after the pope's death, they gather under Michelangelo's magnificent painted ceiling in the Sistine Chapel to begin their deliberations. 'After the words extra omnes — everyone out — are declared, referring to all but voting cardinals and a handful of officials and doctors, the doors are locked. 'The cardinals swear an oath of absolute secrecy, and are permitted no contact with the outside world for the duration of the election process. Their phones are removed, and no newspapers, television, letters or messages are allowed. The chapel is also swept for listening devices before and during the conclave,' it said. The votes are taken until a candidate wins a two-thirds majority, which means there will be elimination rounds. While the ballot is secret, The Guardian said 'that does not mean the process is immune from factionalising, intrigue and lobbying.' After each round of voting, the ballot cards are burned with black smoke emerging from the 60ft chimney, indicating an inconclusive ballot; white smoke announces to the world that a new pope has been elected. The election has received global attention because the Pope is regarded as the leader of 1.37 billion Catholics. Francis, an Argentine, who became the first Latin American pope, spoke up for social justice, environmental issues as well as the Palestinian cause. During his Easter Sunday address last week, he expressed his 'closeness to the sufferings of Christians in Palestine and Israel, and all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people.' He constantly criticised Israel's war on the Gaza Strip, particularly the killing of Palestinians, and in one video posted on social media, he was seen making a call to the Catholic priests in Palestine to enquire about their well-being amidst the attacks. — Bernama
