3 SDB with the archbishop John Ha (left) and his Auxiliary bishop Simon Poh Hoon Seng.

By Fr. Noel Villafuerte, SDB
Malaysia Adventure Team reporter

Kuching, Malaysia - During last weekend, January 24-26, three Salesians strong exploring 'Malaysia Adventure Team' accomplished the second historical prospection trip. This time the non-formal invitation to the Salesians came from Kuching archbishop John Ha. The FIN provincial Fr. Paul Bicomong, his Economer Fr. Elu Ulandal and Surabaya (ITM) based Filipino missionary Fr. Noel Villafuerte are happy with the fruits of this short visit.

During a short courtesy visit to Kuching, the most Western Catholic diocese of Eastern Malaysia, the met in a cordial family mood the Archibishop, his Auxiliary Bishop Simon Po Hoon Seng. Our three visitors were deeply impressed by the heartfelt welcoming attitude and future oriented talks with the two bishops.

The diocese of Kuching is characterized by family spirit among the clergy and faithful, with a small presence of male religious (Franciscan Friars, De La Salle Brothers, Claretians and Jesuits), Mill Hill missionaries together with 70+ female religious from different congregations.

Apparently the needs of the local Church and its youth are matching the Don Bosco Malaysia dream. Among the major challenges of the pastors is the field of education, especially in the rural areas of the archdiocese. At the end of the day a concrete proposal for the Salesians would be to start a vocation training education (technical) with a special focus on the indigenous youth population as well our possible contribution to the Youth ministry and Catechetics.

At the territory of the Kuching archdiocese is living more than 1.200.000 population, with 180.000 Catholics organized in 11 parishes and 355 mission stations. There are 22 diocesan priests and 5 diocesan seminarians. There are about 20 different Catholic education institutions, usually private schools or kindergartens.

This visit will be followed up by the EAO regional councilor within next few months. With a more concrete target ahead of us, we are asking your prayers and also some missionary minded confreres from the different provinces of our Region.

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Cat = symbol of Kuching (Kuching means Cat)