Upon arriving at the 'embarking' point on Monday 16 September 2019, I observed that some BEC Damansara Utama Holy Family members were busy loading into the bus, provisions and recyclables that our BEC was taking to St Theresa Church and the Orang Asli community. And I was impressed with the cooperation displayed. We started the bus journey with the prayer of protection to God, followed by World Mission Rosary prayers (each decade was offered for a different continent) and Novena Prayer to St Therese. The bus journey to St Theresa Church in Nilai was smooth and the timing was perfect because we arrived just as we finished the prayers. Some parishioners of the church welcomed us and ushered us to the canteen where we had our simple, but delicious fried vermicilli for breakfast.
The parish priest, Fr Eugene Benedict, greeted us and mingled, getting us ready for the St Theresa Walk to reflect on the life of a patron saint of missions. Fast forward, Fr Eugene had posted some enlightening videos on St Therese of Lisieux to prepare us for the mini pilgrimage. Hence, when he explained on the life of St Therese, all of us had some basic knowledge of St Therese also known as the "Little Flower".
The original church building of St Theresa was in ruins after a fire some years ago. Presently, Masses are celebrated in the building next to the original church building. Fr Eugene explained that he hopes to raise RM5 million to build a bigger church building. He jokingly asked us to inform our parish priest to give generously to the building fund. So far, he has raised RM1.5 million. I pray and trust that our Lord will provide for the glory of His name.
We left St Theresa Church after adoration and Mass to have lunch before proceeding to St Aloysius Church in Mantin for a short visit and a stopover at durian and fruits stalls. From there, we continued our journey to visit the Orang Asli community from the Temuan tribe at Kampong Belihoi in Mantin. I was pleasantly surprised that the Orang Asli community was very organised. There was a car waiting for our arrival to load the provisions we brought as it was not possible for the bus to be driven into the village.
We were all prepared to walk for about 2 km to the village and I was impressed when another car was dispatched to fetch some elderly persons. In addition, another five young men on motorbikes came down to carry some of us. What amazed me was Aunty June, the oldest active BEC member at 80 plus years of age, turning down the comfort of the car and sitting on a motorbike handled by the youngest among the bikers! I quickly said a little prayer for her safety. She was so very sporting.
We spent some time mingling with the Orang Asli families upon our arrival. They were all so friendly and not shy. The children were all so cute and adorable. After mingling, we sang praise and worship songs in the chapel. We had so much fun while praising God. The children out sang us! After singing our hearts out to the Lord, we gave the children a small goodie bag each. The smiles and happiness I saw on their faces brought joy to my heart. Before saying our goodbyes, our BEC formally handed over the provisions of rice, cooking oil, biscuits, instant noodles, vermicilli, Milo, sardines and baby milk powder to be distributed to 30 Catholic families residing in the village.
We proceeded for shopping and dinner at Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA before returning to our homes. Reflecting on the mini pilgrimage and outreach, I see Jesus and angels in our midst. The whole entourage was very cooperative, helpful, caring, tolerant (even tolerating the smell of durians in the bus) and most of all loving, especially when there was a mishap of falling into an earth drain. Vivian told me she was glad it happened to her and not Pat. Don't you think that is love? Which our spiritual journey is all about.
Thank you Lord for this wonderful experience when You opened our eyes to see You, our ears to hear You and our hearts to know and love You. All praise and glory to God in the highest.
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