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Sanctum Pilgrimages, Suite 1010, Block A4, Level 10, Leisure Commerce Square, Jalan PJS 8/9, Petaling Jaya (2026)

11/06/2026

Day 10 – 9 June

Today marked the final day of our pilgrimage in Japan.

Before our departure, the owners of the hotel once again came personally to bid us farewell. Together with their staff, they stood at the entrance of the hotel, warmly waving goodbye as we boarded our coach. Their hospitality throughout our stay had been exceptional, and their farewell reflected the genuine care they had shown us over the past few days.

Just before the bus departed, their son, who now manages the hotel, came aboard to thank us personally. He shared how happy his parents were to host our group. Apparently, we were the first organised group from Malaysia to stay at their hotel. While individual Malaysian guests may have visited before, ours was the first Malaysian group they had welcomed. His words made us feel especially honoured and appreciated.

We then began our journey towards Masuda City. Along the way, we stopped at Tsuwano, often referred to as the "Little Kyoto of Western Japan." Tsuwano also holds an important place in the history of Japanese Christianity. During the final persecutions of Christians in the nineteenth century, many believers from Urakami were exiled here and subjected to severe suffering because of their faith.

Some of the Christians were imprisoned in small wooden cages measuring only about three feet square. They were often left exposed to the cold weather with little clothing and endured tremendous hardships in an attempt to force them to renounce their faith. Despite these cruel conditions, many remained steadfast in their devotion to Christ.

Upon arriving in Tsuwano, we walked to Tsuwano Catholic Church, where we were warmly welcomed by Sr Margaret, who had kindly prepared the church for our visit and Mass. The parish priest, a Jesuit, was away attending a meeting and was therefore unable to join us.

During the homily, Fr Alvin Ng. SJ, noted the remarkable connection between the readings on the first day of our pilgrimage and those on our final day. Once again, we encountered the image of a widow who possessed almost nothing, yet was willing to share what little she had.

Drawing from the spirituality of St Ignatius of Loyola, Fr Alvin reminded us that the purpose of human life is to praise, reverence, and serve God. Everything we have and everything we are should ultimately lead us closer to Him.

Reflecting on the Gospel, he spoke about Jesus' call for His disciples to be the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world." Salt enhances and preserves what it touches. Likewise, Christians are called to bring out the goodness in others and positively influence the world around them.

Light, on the other hand, serves a purpose only where there is darkness. Jesus Himself is the true Light of the World, and as His disciples, we are called to reflect His light to others through our words, actions, and witness.

Fr Alvin explained that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and therefore possesses an inherent goodness. Our task is to nurture that goodness and allow it to shine forth in service to others.

He also reflected on the history of Christianity in Japan. Over the centuries, some Japanese Christians blended elements of Christianity with local customs and traditions as they sought to preserve their faith during times of persecution and isolation. While this sometimes led to practices differing from the Catholic faith, it also demonstrated the determination of many believers to keep some form of Christian identity alive despite immense challenges.

Father then shared a personal story about his own vocation journey.

As a student in a La Salle school, he initially hoped to become a La Salle Brother. However, at that time, the Brothers were not accepting candidates. Later, at the age of eighteen, after attending a vocation programme, he felt called to the priesthood. Yet he was advised that he was still too young and should continue discerning.

After completing his university studies, he worked for approximately ten years in the airline industry. During that period, the call to religious life remained in his heart.

Eventually, the vocation resurfaced strongly. Before accepting him, the Jesuit superior in Singapore encouraged him to continue discerning carefully, even suggesting that he meet and get to know young women to determine whether God might instead be calling him to marriage.

After submitting his resignation from work and preparing to enter religious life, Fr Alvin unexpectedly met a young woman and dated her for a period of time. However, despite this relationship, he found that his call to religious life and the priesthood remained stronger than ever. Eventually, they parted ways amicably, and he entered the Society of Jesus, beginning the journey that would ultimately lead him to the priesthood.

His story served as a reminder that discerning God's will often takes time, patience, and openness to wherever God may lead.

After Mass, Fr Alvin presented an omiyage (gift from Malaysia) to Sr Margaret as a token of our gratitude for her hospitality and assistance.

We then made our way up the hill to the Maria Seido Chapel. This sacred site commemorates the suffering of the Christians who were imprisoned and tortured during the Tsuwano persecutions.

Among the stories associated with the site is that of a prisoner named Yamasuta, who was confined in a cage and reportedly experienced an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary that strengthened him in his suffering. Another moving story tells of a young Christian girl who was offered sweets and other incentives if she would renounce her faith, yet she courageously refused.

Standing at this place of suffering and witness, we reflected on the courage of those who remained faithful despite persecution and hardship.

We then continued our journey to Masuda, where we enjoyed our final lunch together as a pilgrimage group. During the meal, we shared farewell speeches and expressed our gratitude to our guide and coach driver, presenting them with small tokens of appreciation for their dedication and service throughout the pilgrimage.

After lunch, we proceeded to the airport for our journey home. With a transit through Tokyo's Haneda Airport, we eventually began our return to Malaysia.

As our pilgrimage came to an end, we carried home not only photographs and souvenirs, but also a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices of the missionaries, the courage of the martyrs, the perseverance of the Hidden Christians, and the enduring faith of the Catholic Church in Japan. May their witness continue to inspire us to remain faithful to Christ in our own daily lives.

10/06/2026

Japan pilgrimage: Day 9 – 8 June

After a good night's rest, we set out to explore Yamaguchi and later journeyed to Hagi City to follow the story of the Urakami Kuzure—the persecution and exile of the Christians of Urakami, Nagasaki, during the years leading up to the Meiji Restoration.

Our first destination was the Xavier Memorial Church in Yamaguchi. This visit was particularly meaningful as it brought our pilgrimage, Following the Footsteps of St Francis Xavier, full circle. Yamaguchi was one of the most important centres of St Francis Xavier's missionary work in Japan, and it was fitting that we would conclude this part of our pilgrimage here.

During Mass, Fr Alvin Ng SJ reflected on the life of St James Berthieu SJ, the French Jesuit missionary whose feast day was celebrated recently. St James Berthieu devoted his life to missionary work in Madagascar and remained faithful to Christ despite increasing hostility and violence. During a period of political unrest and anti-Christian sentiment, he refused to abandon his flock and was eventually martyred in 1896.

Fr Alvin then connected the saint's witness to the First Reading, which recounted the story of the Prophet Elijah and the widow of Zarephath. During a severe famine, Elijah asked the widow for water and bread, even though she herself had almost nothing left. Yet she trusted God's promise and shared what little she possessed. Because of her faith and generosity, her jar of flour and jug of oil did not run dry until the famine ended.

Father pointed out that Elijah was sent not to a fellow Israelite, but to a Gentile widow. Through this encounter, God revealed that His mercy and providence extend to all people, regardless of their background.

Reflecting on the Beatitudes, Fr Alvin reminded us that Christians are called to adopt the attitudes taught by Christ. We are blessed not simply because of what we possess, but because we place our trust in God.

He also noted how our pilgrimage itself had been blessed. Earlier forecasts had suggested that a typhoon might affect our journey, yet the storm changed course and we were able to complete our pilgrimage safely. For this, we had much to be grateful.

The widow in the Gospel and the widow of Zarephath both remind us that generosity is not measured by how much we have, but by how willing we are to share what God has entrusted to us. As our pilgrimage was drawing to a close, Fr Alvin invited us to give thanks for the missionaries who came to Japan with very little, yet through their sacrifices helped establish and nurture the Church in this land.

Their witness challenges us to consider whether we are willing to give generously of ourselves, while exercising wisdom and discernment in how we serve God and others. Above all, we are called to be grateful for the blessings we have received and for the promise of eternal life.

At the conclusion of Mass, Fr Alvin invited the married couples whose wedding anniversaries fall in the month of June to come forward for a special blessing. Coincidentally, three couples in our pilgrimage group were celebrating their wedding anniversaries in June, making the blessing even more meaningful for them.

After Mass, the parish priest, Fr Paul Katanayagi SJ, warmly greeted our group. As a memento of our visit, he presented us with a beautiful photograph capturing the colourful reflections created by the church's stained-glass windows. It was a thoughtful gift and a lasting reminder of our time at the parish.

We then enjoyed another delicious Japanese lunch before continuing our journey.

Our next stop was Ube Catholic Church, where we spent some time in prayer. Here, we were warmly welcomed by Fr Alfredo from Argentina, who currently serves as the parish priest. It was another reminder of the universal nature of the Catholic Church, bringing together people from different nations in one faith.

In the afternoon, we travelled to Hagi City. Upon arriving at Hagi Catholic Church, we gathered to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet before taking time to explore the church and learn about its history.

We then visited the Hagi Christian Martyrs Memorial Park. This memorial commemorates the Christians from Urakami who were exiled to Hagi during the Fourth Urakami Crackdown. More than 300 Christians were sent to this region, enduring great hardship and suffering because of their faith. Historical records indicate that many died during their exile, while others suffered from illness, forced labour, and harsh living conditions.

Standing at the memorial, we reflected on the courage and perseverance of these faithful Christians. Despite being separated from their homes and families, they remained steadfast in their faith and became a powerful witness to future generations.

In the evening, we returned to our hotel for dinner. Before the meal began, the owners of the hotel personally came to greet our group and invited us to attend a special cultural performance that they had prepared. Although they appeared to be well into their eighties, we could clearly see the passion, energy, and dedication they still had for their guests and for the hotel that they lovingly managed.

Dinner was another delightful Japanese meal, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. During the meal, we also celebrated a surprise birthday gathering for three ladies in our group whose birthdays fell in the month of June. Together, we sang a birthday song for them and shared a delicious cake, creating yet another joyful memory during our pilgrimage.

Following dinner, we attended the cultural presentation prepared by the hotel. The programme featured traditional Japanese fan dances, drumming performances, and even a light-hearted comedy magic show. Much of the entertainment was performed by the lady owner herself, whose cheerful personality and playful humour brought much laughter to the audience. Throughout the performance, her husband could often be seen laughing heartily at her jokes and antics, as though he were enjoying them for the very first time.

The evening provided a joyful and relaxing conclusion to our final full day in Japan. It was a fitting way to celebrate the friendships, experiences, and spiritual blessings we had received throughout the pilgrimage.

After the performance, we returned to our rooms and began packing in preparation for our journey home the following day, carrying with us many cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the enduring faith of the Christians of Japan.

09/06/2026

Mongolia Pilgrimage- 7 June
Day 7: Corpus Christi Sunday

📍 Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Today, we gathered at the beautiful Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul to celebrate the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, followed by a Eucharistic Procession through the church grounds.

During his homily, Cardinal Giorgio Marengo shared that this year marks his 25th anniversary of priesthood. Having celebrated more than 9,000 Masses throughout his ministry, he reminded us of the transformative power of the Eucharist. The Lord continually offers Himself to us, but this gift can truly change our lives only when we freely say “yes” to Him with faith and trust.

He reflected on the reality of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist, recalling how Jesus’ words about giving His flesh and blood were difficult for many to accept. Yet, despite the divisions and challenges throughout 2,000 years of Christian history, we rejoice in the gift of our Catholic faith and the true presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

A touching story was also shared about a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary discovered seven years ago in a rubbish dump by a non-Christian woman. Through this unexpected encounter, she came to believe that Our Lady had chosen to reveal her motherly love, eventually leading her to embrace the Christian faith. Today, many Mongolian Catholics lovingly honor Mary as the one who always leads us closer to Christ.

The Mass became even more special as we witnessed Christina receiving Holy Communion for the first time. Together with the congregation, we renewed our faith and baptismal promises, reaffirming our commitment to walk with Christ.

After Mass, we gathered for photos and extended our birthday wishes to Cardinal Giorgio on his 52nd birthday, thanking him for his faithful service and witness to the Church in Mongolia.

In the afternoon, we journeyed to the magnificent Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex. Climbing the narrow stairs to the top rewarded us with breathtaking views of the vast Mongolian landscape. Some of us even dressed in traditional Mongolian attire, creating memorable moments and plenty of laughter.

Our adventure continued to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, where we experienced horse riding amidst rolling hills and dramatic rock formations. The scenery reminded many of Switzerland, while the strong winds and chilly weather only added to the excitement. Though the air was cold, our hearts were filled with joy and gratitude.

The day concluded with a farewell dinner over Mongolian Bull Hot Pot, followed by an emotional sharing session. As we reflected on the pilgrimage, many spoke of how Mongolia’s simplicity, humility, and faith had deeply touched their hearts. We also gave thanks for one another for those who quietly served behind the scenes, offered prayers, extended helping hands, and journeyed together like family.

Different personalities, different stories, different gifts yet united as one Body in Christ. “Though many, we are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.” (1 Corinthians 10:17)

07/06/2026

Japan Pilgrimage: Day 8 – 7 June

Today, we departed from Hirado and began our journey towards Yamaguchi, the region where St Francis Xavier would later continue his missionary work in Japan.

Our first stop was in Fukuoka, where we enjoyed a lunch break near Dazaifu Tenmangū Shrine, one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines. After lunch, we had some free time to stroll through the surrounding streets, browse the local shops, and enjoy a little window shopping before continuing our journey.

In the afternoon, we arrived at St Francis Xavier's Landing Site in Shimonoseki. This commemorative site marks the place where St Francis Xavier landed when he arrived in Shimonoseki during his missionary travels in Japan. It is also recognised as the furthest northern point that St Francis Xavier reached during his mission in Japan.

Upon arrival, we gathered in prayer and recited the prayer known as the "Most Powerful Prayer to St Francis Xavier", entrusting ourselves to the intercession of the great missionary saint whose footsteps we had been following throughout this pilgrimage.

We then continued a short distance to Chofu Catholic Church, where we received a warm welcome from the parish priest, Fr Hanafusa SJ, together with several parishioners. To our delight, they had even prepared a welcome sign written in Bahasa Malaysia, making us feel truly at home despite being thousands of kilometres away.

We celebrated Holy Mass with Fr Alvin Ng SJ as the principal celebrant, while Fr Hanafusa SJ concelebrated. As the Church was celebrating the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, we also prayed the beautiful Sequence for Corpus Christi, Lauda Sion Salvatorem, before the proclamation of the Gospel.

During his homily, Fr Alvin reflected on how Jesus fulfilled the events and promises of the Old Testament.

He recalled the story of the Israelites in the Book of Exodus. After being led out of Egypt by Moses, the people found themselves hungry in the wilderness. Moses interceded on their behalf, and God provided manna from heaven to sustain them. This miraculous gift was a sign of God's loving care for His people.

Fr Alvin explained that the manna was also a foreshadowing of something greater to come. In the Gospel, Jesus reveals Himself as the true Bread of Life. What was prefigured in the Old Testament is brought to fulfilment in Christ.

He then invited us to reflect on our understanding of perfection. Often, we think something is perfect because it remains untouched, preserved, and unbroken.

As an example, he described a beautiful crystal vase. It may look impressive, but it is often placed on display and never used for its intended purpose.

In contrast, he spoke of a simple broom. A broom is used daily until it eventually wears out. In earlier times, even after a straw broom had reached the end of its usefulness, it could still be burned to provide warmth. Its value came from being fully used.

Likewise, Jesus did not remain distant and untouched. Instead, He became the Bread that was broken and shared for the life of the world. His life was poured out completely for others.

Fr Alvin reminded us that we, too, are called not merely to be admired, but to be used in the service of God and others. Every gift, talent, and moment of our lives should be offered generously for God's greater glory.

This is also why we are called to receive the Holy Eucharist with reverence and gratitude, recognising the immeasurable gift that Christ has given to us.

Just before the conclusion of Mass, Fr Hanafusa presented each of us with a specially prepared postcard featuring the image of their parish church. He also warmly invited us to stay for tea and fellowship after Mass.

We spent a wonderful time getting to know the parishioners, sharing stories, exchanging contact information, and learning more about the Catholic community in Japan. In return, we presented Fr Hanafusa and the parishioners with some omiyage (souvenirs) from Malaysia as a token of our appreciation. We also invited them to visit Malaysia should the opportunity arise in the future.

The warmth and hospitality we experienced reminded us that although we come from different countries and cultures, we are united as one family in Christ.

After this joyful encounter, we bid farewell to our new friends, departed the church, and made our way to our hotel for a well-deserved night's rest.

07/06/2026

🌿 Mongolia Pilgrimage, 6 June
Day 6: From Darkhan to Ulaanbaatar

Our final private Mass in Mongolia began at Mary Help of Christians Parish, where we gathered in prayer and reflection before continuing our journey back to Ulaanbaatar.

In concluding message, Father reminded us that God has planted His love deep within every human heart from the very beginning. This relationship with Him is not meant to remain stagnant but to grow, deepen, and bear fruit in our daily lives.

Reflecting on the words “I thirst”Mother Teresa’s beloved motto we were invited to contemplate Christ’s thirst on the Cross: a thirst for our hearts, our love, and our response. Divine love is never meant to remain an idea; it must become action. Like Mother Teresa and countless missionaries who serve quietly and faithfully, we too are called to love through concrete acts of service.

Throughout this pilgrimage, the Church in Mongolia has taught us valuable lessons in humility, simplicity, dedication, and faithfulness. Though small in number, their witness speaks powerfully of a faith lived with sincerity and courage.

Before returning to the city, we explored the bustling Central Market, experiencing daily Mongolian life through its vibrant displays of dairy products, fresh meat, and local produce. In the evening, we were captivated by Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage at the Tumen Ekh Cultural Show, featuring traditional music, throat singing, folk performances, and the mesmerizing mask dance.

06/06/2026

Japan Pilgrimage : Day 7 – 6 June

After breakfast, we had a special photo session together dressed in traditional Japanese yukata. A yukata is a casual summer kimono made of lightweight cotton, traditionally worn during festivals, celebrations, and visits to hot spring resorts. Before beginning our pilgrimage for the day, we gathered as a community from the Church of St Francis Xavier, Petaling Jaya, to capture this memorable occasion together.

Following the photo session, we travelled to Yamada Catholic Church on Ikitsuki Island. This church was built to serve the descendants of the Hidden Christians who returned to the Catholic Church after the ban on Christianity was lifted. While many of the Hidden Christians reunited with the Catholic Church, others chose to continue practising the faith according to the traditions that had developed during their centuries of isolation.

Ikitsuki Island is primarily a fishing community, and the sea continues to play an important role in the lives of the local people.

Here, we celebrated our private Mass. During his homily, Fr Alvin Ng SJ reflected on St Timothy, one of the closest companions of St Paul. Timothy was born to a Greek father and a Jewish mother. Because of his mixed heritage, he had not been circumcised according to Jewish custom during his youth. Despite this, he became one of the most trusted leaders of the early Church and worked closely alongside St Paul in spreading the Gospel.

Fr Alvin used this example to illustrate how diversity within the Church has always existed. Throughout history, different groups have approached the faith in different ways. Even today, people often hold differing views on various issues within society and the Church. Yet the mission of the Church is not to side exclusively with one group against another, but to bring all people closer to Christ.

He then explained the various groups that existed within Jewish society during the time of Jesus. The Pharisees were known for their strict observance of the Law and traditions. Many were sincere in their faith, and some, such as St Paul before his conversion, belonged to this group. However, Jesus criticised those who became self-righteous or burdened others while failing to practise true justice and mercy.

The Sadducees were generally associated with the wealthy and priestly classes. They were influential in religious and political affairs but often held beliefs that differed from those of the Pharisees. Tax collectors, on the other hand, were often despised by their fellow Jews because they worked for the Roman authorities. Yet Jesus welcomed even tax collectors, such as Matthew, into His circle of disciples.

Fr Alvin then turned to the Gospel account of the Widow's Offering. In the society of Jesus' time, widows were among the most vulnerable members of society. Without a husband to provide protection and support, many faced poverty and uncertainty. Yet it was precisely this widow whom Jesus chose to highlight as an example of true generosity.

While wealthy individuals contributed large sums to the Temple treasury, the widow quietly offered two small copper coins. Though her gift appeared insignificant in the eyes of the world, Jesus recognised that she had given far more because she had offered everything she possessed.

Fr Alvin invited us to reflect on our own lives. The Gospel does not necessarily ask every person to give away all their possessions. Rather, it challenges us to examine what we are willing to offer back to God. Do we only give what is convenient and left over, or do we offer our time, talents, resources, and hearts generously in service to the Church and to others?

The widow's example reminds us that God measures generosity not by the amount we give, but by the love and trust with which we give it.

Following Mass, we made our way for lunch. After lunch, we enjoyed a brief tour of Hirado town, taking in the atmosphere of this historic port city that once served as an important gateway between Japan and the outside world. We also had the opportunity to soak our feet in a public onsen, a relaxing experience that allowed us to appreciate one of Japan's most cherished traditions.

We then walked to St Francis Xavier Church, one of the most recognisable landmarks in Hirado. Dedicated to St Francis Xavier, the church commemorates the missionary efforts of the great Jesuit saint, who spent time evangelising in this region during the early years of Christianity in Japan. We spent some time in prayer, reflecting on his missionary zeal and the lasting impact of his work.

Afterwards, we boarded our coach and travelled to Himosashi Catholic Church and Hoki Catholic Church. Both churches were built to serve the Christian communities that emerged from the Hidden Christian tradition after the prohibition against Christianity was lifted in the late nineteenth century.

One striking feature of many churches in this region is their location on elevated ground or hillsides overlooking the sea. During the period of persecution, Christian communities often settled in remote and isolated coastal areas where they could practise their faith in secret. When religious freedom was eventually restored, churches were frequently built on the hills above these villages, becoming visible symbols of the faith that had survived centuries of hardship and persecution.

As we visited these churches, we were reminded of the courage and perseverance of the Hidden Christians who kept the faith alive for more than two centuries without priests, churches, or public worship. Their witness continues to inspire Catholics around the world today.

We then returned to our hotel for the evening. The remainder of the day was spent resting, packing, and preparing for the next stage of our pilgrimage, grateful for another day of fellowship, prayer, and discovery in the rich Christian history of Japan.

06/06/2026

Mongolia Pilgrimage, June 5
Day 5: Love for Love

Today we celebrated Mass at Holy Family Parish, where we were warmly welcomed by Fr.Jaroslav’s parish community and children. Their joyful performances, simple interactions, and even their cheerful “Apa khabar?” brought smiles to our faces. Some of the young people even searched for and sang a Bahasa worship song for us.

We were then introduced to the missionary work in one of Mongolia’s most remote regions. Listening to the stories of life in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +40°C, without running water, proper heating, or many of the comforts we often take for granted, was both humbling and inspiring. Yet amid these hardships, the missionaries spoke not of sacrifice, but of blessings.

Like Saint Paul and Saint Boniface before them, they continue planting seeds of faith among the first generation of Christians in their communities. This year, four young people received baptism, a small number perhaps, but a great sign of hope. We were reminded that mission is not always about great achievements, but about faithfully loving and serving where God has placed us.

Over lunch, the parish community generously prepared a delicious meal for us. Once again, we experienced how love is often expressed through simple acts of hospitality and care.

In the evening, we visited the Don Bosco Centre in Darkhan. More than a school or daycare, it is a home away from home for many children. Through education, sports, friendship, and faith formation, the Salesian community creates a safe space where young people can grow and learn. It was beautiful to see how a simple futsal court, a classroom, or even a shared meal can become a place where lives are transformed.

As we ended the day with dinner alongside the community. Love is not measured by convenience or comfort. It is seen in missionaries who remain in difficult places, in children who welcome strangers with joy, in volunteers who serve quietly, and in communities that continue to give despite having little. Love responds to love. Having first received God’s love, we are called to pass it on to others.

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