Archives October 2026

On Tuesday, 27 October 2026, the Church of Our Lady of Fatima (OLF), Brickfields, welcomed approximately 70 delegates attending the 3rd Southeast Asia Dialogue Cities Conference, led by Dr Amir Ishak, Chairman of INSaf.

The conference, held in Kuala Lumpur from 26 to 28 October 2026, was co-organised by the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) and ACCIN (Coordinating Council of Islamic NGOs Malaysia). It aimed to strengthen interfaith and intercultural dialogue as a means of addressing challenges faced by urban communities.

Representing different faith traditions and Southeast Asian countries, the delegates were welcomed by Rev. Fr Andrew Manickam, OLF Parish Administrator; Mr Santhana Rengan, representing the Parish Pastoral Council; and members of OLF PMEIA.

During the hour-long session, delegates participated in an interactive exchange, raising questions and expressing interest in understanding the Catholic faith, its beliefs and practices.

The discussion provided an opportunity for participants to learn more about the Catholic community and engage directly with parish representatives.

Malaysian delegates were subsequently invited to return to OLF for further dialogue and exchanges.

The visit reflected the importance of fostering mutual respect, understanding and friendship among people of different religious and cultural backgrounds.

Through such encounters, OLF continues to contribute to a spirit of dialogue and harmonious relations within the wider community.

On Saturday, 24 October 2026, the Church of Our Lady of Fatima conducted a Safeguarding Session attended by 52 parishioners, parish ministry representatives and Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) coordinators.

The session aimed to promote appropriate standards of conduct, strengthen safeguarding awareness within the parish and uphold the dignity and well-being of every individual.

Facilitated by Fr Gregory Chan and his team, the session introduced participants to the safeguarding guidelines of Tutela Minorum, the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.

Fr Gregory guided participants through the criteria and indicators associated with the guidelines and explained key terminology used in the Universal Guidelines Framework (UGF).

The session provided participants with a better understanding of the Church’s safeguarding framework and the shared responsibility of parish communities in protecting children and vulnerable persons.

OLF extends its appreciation to Fr Gregory Chan and his team for their time, guidance and contribution to the session, as well as to the 52 participants who attended.

Reference: https://www.tutelaminorum.va/

On Monday, 26 October 2026, the Church of Our Lady of Fatima (OLF), Brickfields, welcomed a group of pilgrims from various parishes in Singapore for a morning of prayer and worship.

The visitors were welcomed by Fr Andrew Manickam on behalf of the parish community.

Each pilgrim lit a candle at the grotto of Our Lady of Fatima before participating in Eucharistic Adoration, the Holy Rosary and Holy Mass.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr Michael Adawai and Fr Andrew Manickam, with prayers offered for the intentions of the pilgrims, those attending Mass and the intentions of the day.

During his homily, Fr Michael reflected on the day’s Gospel, highlighting how individuals can sometimes become spiritually crippled by their own thoughts, words and habits. He explained how seemingly small behaviours, such as gossip and procrastination, can gradually develop into patterns that negatively affect daily life and relationships.

Fr Michael reminded the congregation that God sees the struggles, fears and pain that burden His people. Through His mercy, God offers healing and restores human dignity. He encouraged everyone to consciously surrender their struggles to God, strive to do good and seek His will.

Following Mass, the pilgrims venerated the sacred relics of St Carlo Acutis and St Padre Pio.

Each pilgrim received a rosary and a prayer card of St Carlo Acutis as a memento of their visit.

The Church of Our Lady of Fatima extends its prayers and best wishes to the visiting pilgrims for a blessed and memorable pilgrimage.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary continue to intercede for them and guide them in their journey of faith.

The Church of Our Lady of Fatima marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month with prayers and expressions of solidarity during the weekend Masses of 17–18 October and the Holy Hour on Monday, 19 October 2026.

Reflecting the theme “Every Story Is Unique, Every Journey Matters”, the observance acknowledged the different experiences of individuals and families affected by breast cancer.

During the weekend Masses, prayers were offered for those undergoing treatment, breast cancer survivors and their families. The congregation also recited a prayer to St Agatha, patron saint of those affected by breast cancer.

Parishioners were encouraged to wear pink in support of Pink October, with many attending Mass in pink attire as a visible expression of solidarity.

On Monday, 19 October, the parish community continued praying for these intentions during Holy Hour. The Rosary was recited, seeking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for those experiencing pain, undergoing cancer treatment and supporting family members affected by illness.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was administered.

The observance served as a reminder of the importance of compassion, prayer and continued support for those affected by breast cancer.

Throughout October, parishioners are encouraged to keep these intentions in their personal and communal prayers.

On Saturday, 10 October 2026, the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) of the Church of Our Lady of Fatima organised a pilgrimage to Melaka, with parishioners and friends of the parish also joining the journey.

Departing from OLF early in the morning in two buses, the pilgrims made a breakfast stop along the way and prayed the Rosary before arriving at the newly built Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Krubong.

Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr Andrew Manickam. During his homily, Fr Andrew emphasised the importance of spending time in the presence of the Lord. He encouraged those gathered to pause, listen and discern before making decisions or taking action, whether in their personal lives or in the exercise of their ministries.

The pilgrims also learnt about the history of the church before proceeding to the Church of St Theresa, where they spent time in prayer and were introduced to aspects of the church building and its surroundings.

The afternoon included lunch and fellowship at Jonker Street, with opportunities to enjoy local delicacies, including cendol, and some shopping. The group also visited the Portuguese Settlement before beginning their return journey, during which evening prayers were offered.

The pilgrimage provided an opportunity for spiritual reflection, fellowship and the strengthening of friendships among the participants.

In expressing their appreciation to Fr Andrew, the EMHCs shared:

“It was truly a meaningful and spiritually enriching experience for everyone involved. Your careful planning, guidance, and the thoughtful moments of prayer made the journey so special and memorable. We deeply appreciate the time, energy, and care you poured into making this pilgrimage a blessing for our community.”

The day served as a reminder that amid the demands of daily life and ministry, taking time to pause, pray and journey together can deepen both faith and community bonds.

On 8 October 2026, Fr Andrew Manickam, together with the Tamil Apostolate and BECCOT, visited St John Paul II BEC, Jalan Ang Seng. This was the fourth of five visits to Tamil-speaking BECs.

In his opening prayer, Fr Andrew asked our Heavenly Father to bless the community with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, helping members to encourage, guide and support one another as they grow in faith. He also invoked the intercession of St John Paul II, praying that the BEC would continue to walk faithfully as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Members from three generations gathered for the occasion. The Holy Rosary was recited in Tamil and English, bringing those present together in prayer and devotion to Our Blessed Mother.

In his closing remarks, Fr Andrew reaffirmed his pastoral care and support for all BECs. He encouraged members to contact him regarding Baptism, the Anointing of the Sick, pastoral care for the homebound, marriage and the convalidation of marriage, as well as Sunday school for children.

The gathering continued over dinner and included a celebration of Emmanuel’s seventh birthday. We pray that God will bless him with good health and joy as he grows in faith and love.

May this visit strengthen the bonds of faith and fellowship within St John Paul II BEC and the wider parish community.

On 6 October 2026, St Jude BEC, OUG, welcomed members of St Andrew BEC, Bangsar Baru 1, for an inter-BEC Rosary gathering in conjunction with the Marian month.

Members of both communities took turns leading the Rosary, reflecting on the Sorrowful Mysteries and praying the Litany of the Saints. The evening also included the singing of hymns and prayers for various intentions, including those facing health challenges, the elderly, young people, pilgrims travelling to Assisi, and Archbishop Julian Leow and Archbishop Emeritus Murphy Pakiam on their episcopal ordination anniversaries.

Fr. Andrew Manickam joined the gathering and administered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

As a gesture of friendship, each visiting member of St Andrew BEC received a handmade car Rosary, crafted by a member of St Jude BEC together with her spouse.

The gathering provided an opportunity for members of both BECs to pray together, build friendships and strengthen their sense of belonging to the wider OLF parish community.

Such inter-BEC initiatives continue to encourage greater participation in parish life while nurturing the bonds of faith and fellowship among parishioners.

BEC St. Faustina hosted the St. Rebecca BEC members on September 30 and reflected on the theme ‘Family – Reaching Out’.

Praise and Worship hymns were sung in Tamil and English. The members reflected on the Gospel Reading from Acts 2:44 – 47 and had a ‘Conversation in the Spirit’ session. Views were shared freely during the bilingual gathering and members assisted in translation. Thoughts around building bridges in the family and neighbourhood and stepping beyond boundaries were highlighted.

The evening was anchored in love, fellowship and friendship.

The Church of Our Lady of Fatima marked the closing of the Season of Creation 2026 with a morning of prayer, Eucharistic celebration and reflection on our responsibility as stewards of God’s creation.

The celebration began with Holy Hour and the recitation of the Rosary, followed by Benediction and Holy Mass. The hymns chosen for the Mass reflected the theme of creation and thanksgiving for the beauty and abundance of God’s handiwork.

During his sharing, Fr. Andrew Manickam reflected on the seven capital sins and reminded the congregation that our actions and choices can also have consequences for creation. Our responsibility extends beyond avoiding deliberate harm; negligence and indifference towards the environment can also reflect a failure to care for what God has entrusted to us.

Fr. Andrew encouraged parishioners to become more conscious of how we live, what we consume and what we leave behind for others. The Season of Creation, he reminded those gathered, calls us beyond simply appreciating the natural world towards developing a deeper sense of stewardship.

The morning concluded at 10.00 a.m. with a special Blessing of Pets, recalling the closeness of St. Francis of Assisi to animals. The gathering was a joyful reminder that animals too form part of God’s creation and that our responsibility extends to the creatures entrusted to our care.

From prayer and Benediction to the Eucharistic celebration and the Blessing of Pets, the morning brought together worship, thanksgiving and stewardship.

As the Season of Creation draws to a close, may its message continue to shape the way we live throughout the year.

The Season of Creation closes, but our call to care for God’s creation continues.