OLF Welcomes Delegates from the 3rd Southeast Asia Dialogue Cities Conference

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.

OLF Safeguarding Session – 24 October 2026

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/

Pilgrims from Singapore Welcomed at OLF – 26 October 2026

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.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026: Every Story Is Unique, Every Journey Matters

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.

OLF EMHC Pilgrimage to Melaka – 10 October 2026

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.

Season of Creation 2026: The Call to Care Continues

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.

An Unexpected Visit to OLF

The Church of Our Lady of Fatima received an unexpected visit on the evening of 30 September from approximately 40 pilgrims from Trichy, India, accompanied by a Capuchin friar and a diocesan priest.

The group was spending four days in Malaysia and had expressed a desire to visit a Catholic church where they could pray and recite the Rosary. After initially being taken to an Anglican church by their tour leader, they eventually found their way to OLF, arriving at around 5.00 p.m.

Fr. Andrew Manickam welcomed the group and learnt about their brief visit to Malaysia and their desire to spend some time in prayer.

Reflecting on their unexpected arrival, Fr. Andrew remarked, “Somehow, the Blessed Mother had led them to us.”

The pilgrims prayed together and were also able to venerate the sacred relics of St. Padre Pio and Blessed Carlo Acutis.

Following their prayers, the parish prepared some simple refreshments for the visitors. Fr. Andrew also spent time in fellowship with the two accompanying priests at the parochial house.

Before departing, members of the group asked for blessings, while Fr. Andrew in turn invited the visiting priests to bless him and those gathered.

What began as an unexpected arrival became a simple but meaningful encounter between fellow Catholics from two countries, united through prayer, hospitality and faith.

May our visitors return home with beautiful memories of their time in Malaysia and their unexpected visit to OLF.

May God be praised.

Carrying Your Cross with St. Padre Pio: Faith, Suffering and Silent Trust

About 200 faithful gathered at the Church of Our Lady of Fatima for Holy Hour, the recitation of the Rosary, Mass and Veneration of the Holy Relic of St. Padre Pio as the parish celebrated the Feast of St. Padre Pio.

The Eucharist was celebrated by Parish Administrator Fr. Andrew Manickam, with visiting priest Fr. Simon Agbo concelebrating.

In his homily, Fr. Andrew reflected on the crosses that form part of human life — illness, loss, family struggles, uncertainty and moments when we may wonder where God is in the midst of our difficulties.

He recalled that St. Padre Pio himself knew what it meant to bear heavy crosses. As his reputation for holiness and reports of miracles drew increasing numbers of people to him, Padre Pio also endured personal struggles, spiritual dryness, investigations and periods when restrictions were placed upon his ministry. He nevertheless remained faithful and obedient.

Padre Pio also lived with the continuing physical suffering of the stigmata, bearing the wounds of Christ upon his body.

Fr. Andrew reflected on Padre Pio’s understanding of spiritual struggle and highlighted three practices that anchored his spiritual life: frequent Confession, the daily Rosary and complete trust in God’s will, even when God’s purposes may be difficult to understand.

Among Padre Pio’s best-known words are the simple encouragement:

“Pray, hope, and don’t worry.”

His life reminds us that suffering and struggle need not separate us from God. They can instead become occasions to deepen our faith, place greater trust in Him and remember that He remains with us through our difficulties.

At the conclusion of the celebration, Fr. Andrew thanked Devid Rejah and his wife Vanitha for the many ways they have served OLF behind the scenes during their two years with the parish, as they now embark on their Flame of Love vocation in Kulim.

Fr. Andrew also expressed the parish’s appreciation to the Church of St. Francis of Assisi for lending OLF the statue and relic of St. Padre Pio for the celebration.

The Veneration of the Holy Relic of St. Padre Pio has been extended until Friday, 25 September 2026.

Plans are also underway to purchase a statue of St. Padre Pio from Vietnam for OLF. Parishioners and friends who wish to contribute towards the purchase of the statue are welcome to do so.

Discovering the Amazonian Church: The Four Dreams of Querida Amazonia

On 22 September 2026, Rev. Fr. Andrew Manickam, Ecclesiastical Assistant for the Creation Justice Ministry of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, delivered a two-hour presentation on Pope Francis’ post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation Querida Amazonia (Beloved Amazonia).

Held at Loyola Hall, Church of St Francis Xavier, Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya, the talk was organised by the parish’s Firm Foundation Ministry.

Published in 2020 following the 2019 Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazonian Region, Querida Amazonia reflects upon a region spanning Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.

Fr. Andrew explained that the concerns raised in the document also have relevance beyond the Amazon, including the need to care for the earth, safeguard traditional family values and defend indigenous peoples and the poor.

He explored Pope Francis’ vision through the Four Dreams:

The Social Dream
A call for a just society that protects the poor, excluded and indigenous peoples whose rights and livelihoods may be threatened by powerful economic interests.

The Cultural Dream
The importance of preserving and valuing the artistic, historical and cultural heritage of indigenous communities and protecting their distinctive identities.

The Ecological Dream
A call for integral ecology and greater care for our common home. Fr. Andrew spoke about the importance of water, the effects of deforestation and exploitation of natural resources, respect for indigenous peoples who have cared for their lands for generations, and the relationship between the wellbeing of creation, families and communities.

The Ecclesial Dream
A vision of a missionary Church attentive to the particular circumstances of the Amazon. Fr. Andrew spoke about inculturation, incorporating appropriate elements of local culture while preserving the Catholic sacraments and liturgy.

He also touched on discussions surrounding the proposed ordination of married men (viri probati) and female deacons in response to the severe shortage of priests in remote communities, some of which may see a priest only once a year.

Referring to CCC 1577, Fr. Andrew spoke about the reservation of ordination to baptised men while also highlighting the important leadership roles exercised by women within the Church. In the local parish context, he noted the active leadership of women within bodies such as Parish Pastoral Councils (PPC), Parish Coordinating Councils (PCC) and Parish Finance Committees.

The evening invited participants to consider how the Four Dreams of Querida Amazonia speak not only to the realities of the Amazon but also to our own responsibility towards faith, people, culture and creation.

🙏 Let us keep the Amazonian Church and the work of creation justice in our prayers as we seek to care for our common home and its people.

Inter-BEC Gathering: Growing Together as One Family in Christ

On 22 September 2026, St Gabriel BEC, Bangsar Park, welcomed members of St Jacinta BEC for an Inter-BEC Gathering centred on prayer, reflection and fellowship.

Members of both communities reflected on the month’s theme, “Family: Reaching Out,” sharing their thoughts, experiences and perspectives with one another.

The gathering also provided an opportunity for members of the two BECs to become better acquainted and strengthen the relationships between their communities.

Inter-BEC gatherings are an opportunity to build connections beyond individual neighbourhood communities and foster a deeper sense of belonging to the wider parish family.

May our BECs continue to grow as communities of faith, friendship and service, supporting one another as one family in Christ.