Since my Solemn Profession on 17 September 2024, I have been going to Johor Bahru on weekends. While I continue my studies at St Francis Xavier Seminary and remain a member of the Greccio Friary community, as part of my ministry, I serve the Bahasa Malaysia community of St Joseph Church in Johor Bahru.
It has been a life-giving experience to serve this community, most of whom are from Sabah and Sarawak, and I am grateful to Fr Matthew Bun, parish priest of St Joseph Church, Plentong, for welcoming me into his parish. I have been involved with the choir, participated in the Basic Ecclesial Community, held retreats for communion ministers, accompanied the young adult community, and joined in the Parish and Melaka-Johor Diocese Harvest Festival celebration, which is a celebration of culture, nature, humanity and faith as part of integral ecology.
If there is one thing God has invited me to respond to in my ministry this year, it is the ministry of presence. In giving formation, sharing sessions and retreats, I find myself focusing on the importance of being present and deepening our relationship with God. In this digital and demanding age, we need to hear the true voice of God so that we can stay grounded in Him.
This call is not only for the people to whom I minister. It is also an invitation for me. I find myself often sitting with God in the adoration room, saying “Dear Lord, what do You want me to share?”.
What gives me hope in my ministry is seeing that conversations about faith, vocation, family and ministry are still relevant. These deeper conversations are when the promise of Jesus in Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” – comes alive.
In response to the Malaysian Brothers Gathering in January 2025, I try to be with the St James of the Marches community in Johor Bahru on weekends. I am blessed to spend time with Friar Sixtus Peter, who serves at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Johor, and Friar Claurence Motoyou, who serves at the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
Whether it is joining them for prayers and meals, or accompanying Friar Sixtus for Mass or ministries, these are for me ways of supporting the community and living out the ministry of presence. In all of this, I can hear God’s voice clearly saying, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).
As I go about my studies and ministry, I am thankful to my mentor, Friar Gerard Victor, for helping me to stay grounded, and reminding me to maintain balance as a friar, between studies, ministry and prayer life.
Friar Marvin Voo OFM
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