Past Events

Caritas MJD held its second bi-annual Kindness Bazaar on 7th September 2024 at Pangsapuri Merak, Bandar Baru Kangkar Pulai. Organized in collaboration with Pertubuhan Kebajikan Shechinah Johor Bahru and the Salt and Light Centre, the event featured a variety of pre-loved items for sale, with a focus on eco-friendly initiatives like "bring your own bag" and "take what you need."

The bazaar began with a prayer by Reverend Father James Rajendran, followed by lively festivities, including music, clowns, and goodies for children. Over 40 volunteers participated, representing various local churches and ministries.

Dr. Maria Lee from the Malacca Johore Creation Justice Commission (CJC) gave a presentation on plastic pollution, educating attendees about the harmful effects of plastic waste and promoting the use of sustainable alternatives.

The youngest volunteer, 12-year-old Louis Jong, expressed joy in helping others and praised the spirit of collaboration at the event. Caritas MJD looks forward to hosting future kindness bazaars and encourages those interested to get involved.

Read more: Caritas Kindness Bazaar (heraldmalaysia.com - English)

Mangrove Restoration ++

On 28th July 2024, excited participants gathered at the Church of The Immaculate Conception in JB for a bus ride to the mangrove planting site in the Sungai Pulai Forest Reserve, Pontian. The group, including Bishop Bernard Paul and 13 staff from MAJODI Centre, along with participants from diverse backgrounds, embarked on this meaningful journey. Upon arrival, they were briefed by the friendly staff from Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Johor and got down to planting 450 saplings, 250 of which were sponsored by MJD. The event, supported by the Malaysian Nature Society of Johor, saw participants planting saplings, enjoying the camaraderie, and learning about the importance of mangroves in protecting coastlines and supporting ecosystems.

Following the planting, participants enjoyed a hearty lunch and fellowship at Kukup, discussing the importance of environmental preservation. They then took a boat ride to Taman Negara Pulau Kukup, exploring its unique mangrove ecosystem and engaging in a picture-taking competition. The day concluded with a visit to Uncle Tan Orchard and Stingless Bee Farm, where participants sampled organic fruit and honey, and learned about the crucial role of bees in pollination. As they boarded the bus home, participants left with a renewed appreciation for nature and a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Read more: Mangrove Restoration ++ (heraldmalaysia.com - English) & (heraldmalaysia.com - BM) 

Hospital Patient Care Programme

Caritas MJD launched its inaugural Hospital Patient Care Programme on July 21, 2024, marking a significant step in its mission to provide compassionate support to those in need. The event was highlighted by the donation of two urgently needed ECG machines to the hospital, enhancing its ability to care for patients with heart conditions. The ceremony was attended by Bishop Bernard Paul and underscored the importance of community involvement in improving healthcare facilities. Additionally, Caritas volunteers distributed over 80 hygiene goodie fun packs to children in the pediatrics ward, bringing joy and comfort to young patients.

The programme's origin is rooted in the experiences of Caritas members who have faced hospital stays or cared for loved ones, revealing the need for supportive presence and cheer for patients. This initiative was made possible through collaboration with Pertubuhan Kebajikan Sulaman Kaseh Negeri Johor and the generous donations from Caritas supporters, addressing the hospital's urgent equipment needs. Caritas MJD is committed to continuing its support through further volunteer opportunities, aiming to enhance patient care and wellbeing. The organisation extends its gratitude to all volunteers and donors, whose contributions made this impactful programme possible.

Read more: Hospital Patient Care Programme (heraldmalaysia.com - English) & (heraldmalaysia.com - BM) 

In the spirit of caritas (charity and love in Latin), over a hundred participants from the Malacca Johore Diocese, representing 11 different organizations, gathered for the Caritas MJD Assembly 2024 at MAJODI Centre, Plentong, Johor from July 13th to 14th. The event, themed "Serving with Love," featured sharing of real-life experiences, formative talks, and report updates, along with fun activities to foster togetherness. The assembly began with a procession and enthronement of the Word of God, followed by praise and worship led by the youth from the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Johor Bahru. Bishop Bernard Paul highlighted the importance of Caritas' work, emphasizing the need to empower the poor to fend for themselves. Fr. Paulino Miranda shared his experiences with the Orang Asli, focusing on "Caritas In Veritate" (Love in Truth) and the relevance of Catholic Social Teachings in Asia.

Deacon Anthony Chua presented on the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, outlining legislative measures and guidelines to protect their rights and welfare. Participants found this session particularly relevant and engaged in discussions on protection channels. The second day included another praise and worship session led by young adults from Melaka and a presentation by Fr. Martinian Lee on "Conversations in the Spirit – Being a Light of Hope," emphasizing the need for synodality in ministry. The assembly concluded with a commissioning mass celebrated by Bishop Bernard Paul, encouraging Caritas members and all organizations to illuminate the world through their ministries.

Read more: Caritas MJD Assembly 2024 (heraldmalaysia.com)

Appeal For Sabah Floods
On Sunday, July 7, 2024, Caritas MJD made an appeal to all the South Johore Vicariate parishes for new or pre-loved blankets, bedsheets, and pillowcases to support families adversely affected by the recent Sabah floods. The collection dates were set for July 8-9. The first batch of collected items, amounting to 60kg, was delivered on July 13 by Nisah, one of our volunteers who flew to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, to hand-deliver the items to Sr. Anita, who is coordinating the flood relief efforts. On July 16, another shipment of 201kg of collected items was sent to Kota Kinabalu via cargo. In addition to the goods collected and sent, we received over RM11,000 from parishes that generously responded to help financially. Caritas MJD matched that sum, resulting in a total donation of RM20,000 to assist our brothers and sisters in Sabah.

Children Camp @ Kampung Tanah Gembor Bekoh, Tangkak 10th-11th May 24

Twelve CSS Fly students from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) Pagoh Campus organised a 2-day, 1-night program for nearly 40 children. The event successfully kick-started a program that had been halted due to the pandemic and provided a valuable opportunity for campus students to engage in community service. The first day's activities included ice breakers, a Canva session, telematch games, preparation for a community dinner, Mass, and a cultural night featuring performances by both campus students and village folks. The second day's activities began with praise and worship, followed by the presentation of gifts to the participating groups, speeches, and a group photo. The program fostered a sense of community and collaboration, leaving a lasting positive impact on both the children and the student organisers.

Nearly 140 attendees, comprising both FINs and SSVP/POHD members from South Johore Vicariate, gathered for the outing, creating a vibrant atmosphere of camaraderie and enjoyment. The event offered a perfect blend of leisure and excitement for children and their families. Participants eagerly immersed themselves in the refreshing waters of the sea, relishing moments of laughter and joy. Organized games added an element of friendly competition, fostering teamwork and spirited engagement among attendees of all ages. As the day progressed, appetizing aromas filled the air as families gathered around for a delightful barbecue lunch, sharing stories and bonding over delicious food. To conclude the memorable day, everyone delighted in the simple pleasure of indulging in cool, refreshing ice cream treats, capping off a truly unforgettable outing filled with laughter, warmth, and cherished memories.

On March 16, 2024, the Church of St. Joseph in Plentong, Johor Bahru, hosted a pivotal training session on Psychological First Aid (PFA) organized by Caritas MJD, aimed at empowering individuals to provide immediate support to those affected by natural disasters. Led by certified counselor Pastor Lydia Goh, the session, attended by over 75 eager participants including from Segamat, offered valuable insights into trauma recognition and counseling methods essential for PFA providers, emphasizing the principles of Look, Listen, and Link. Dr. Maria Lee expressed satisfaction with the training, highlighting its importance in community response efforts during crises. This successful session underscores the significance of proactive measures in building resilient communities and calls for continued investment in such training opportunities to ensure widespread preparedness and support for tomorrow's challenges.

The Spiritual Recollection organized by Caritas Malaysia of the Diocese of Malacca Johore on March 12, 2024, provided parishioners, including Helena Low from the Church of the Holy Family, Ulu Tiram, and Philip Packium from the Church of St. Philip, Segamat, with a rejuvenating opportunity to deepen their faith amidst the demands of ministry. Held at the tranquil St Pio Spirituality Centre in Ulu Tiram, Johor Bahru, Friar John Anandan, OFM Cap., led the event, emphasizing the importance of prayer and communion with God, drawing inspiration from biblical passages. Participants, such as Vincent Ley and Jessica Kee, reflected on their roles within the Church and the necessity of cultivating an intimate relationship with the Divine. The recollection concluded with a renewed commitment to trust in Jesus and to recognize the Holy Eucharist as central to Christian life, inspiring discussions on community inclusivity and reverence for the Eucharist. Departing with a sense of peace and determination, attendees resolved to embody the pillars of prayer, the Eucharist, the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit in their missionary endeavors.

Read more: Spiritual Recollection (heraldmalaysia.com)