𝟏 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
The Stella Maris Parish Caritas Ministry was honoured to participate in the 2nd Sabah Caritas Regional Meeting, held from 10 to 12 July 2026 at the Bundu Tuhan Retreat Centre, Kundasang. The gathering brought together 96 participants from the three dioceses in Sabah, the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu, the Diocese of Sandakan and the Diocese of Keningau, to strengthen collaboration in the Church’s social and humanitarian mission.
Representing Stella Maris Parish were Mr Julian Chia, Parish Caritas Coordinator, and Mr Edward L. Olaybal, a Caritas volunteer. They joined fellow Caritas leaders, clergy, religious and volunteers in three days of prayer, formation, reflection and dialogue centred on the theme “Integral Human Development in Love and Truth.”
The regional meeting commenced with registration and fellowship, followed by the Opening Mass celebrated by Archbishop Datuk John Wong, together with three other priests. The Eucharistic celebration set a prayerful tone for the gathering, reminding participants that all charitable works are rooted in Christ’s love and the Gospel mission of the Church.
Caritas Sabah serves as the Catholic Church’s social and humanitarian arm in Sabah under the umbrella of Caritas Malaysia. Working closely with the three dioceses, parishes, volunteers and strategic partners, Caritas Sabah reaches out to the poor, marginalised and vulnerable regardless of race, religion or culture. It also provides humanitarian assistance to communities affected by disasters while promoting justice, solidarity and care for creation.
The meeting focused on the Church’s call to Integral Human Development, inspired by Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclical Caritas in Veritate (“Charity in Truth”). Participants reflected on how authentic human development goes beyond material progress to embrace the spiritual, moral, social, economic, cultural and ecological dimensions of every person. Through this holistic approach, Caritas seeks to nurture individuals and communities grounded in love, justice, solidarity and human dignity.
Throughout the three-day programme, participants attended sessions on Catholic Social Teaching, the implementation of Caritas ministries, the principles of Integral Human Development and the practical application of these teachings at diocesan, parish, and Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) levels. The meeting also featured experience-sharing sessions by representatives from Caritas Malaysia and the various diocesan Caritas organisations. A guest speaker from Peninsular Malaysia shared valuable insights into the development and progress of Caritas Malaysia, offering practical ideas and inspiration for strengthening Caritas ministries in Sabah.
The gathering further provided an opportunity for participants to discuss common pastoral and social challenges faced by parishes throughout Sabah. Through open dialogue and the exchange of experiences, delegates explored ways to strengthen collaboration, improve outreach to vulnerable communities and deepen the Church’s witness through compassionate service.
Beyond the formal sessions, participants celebrated their shared mission through prayer, Eucharistic celebrations, personal reflection and fellowship, fostering stronger bonds among Caritas volunteers across Sabah. The meeting reaffirmed the importance of unity and mutual support in responding to the needs of society with compassion and hope.
As the meeting concluded, it was announced that the 3rd Sabah Caritas Regional Meeting will be hosted by the Diocese of Sandakan in 2029, continuing the journey of collaboration among the three dioceses in building a more compassionate and caring Church.
Stella Maris Parish is grateful for the opportunity to be represented at this important regional gathering. We thank Mr Julian Chia and Mr Edward L. Olaybal for their commitment to the ministry of Caritas and for bringing back valuable insights that will help strengthen the parish’s outreach to those most in need. May the spirit of love, truth, justice and service continue to guide our parish community as we strive to become the hands and feet of Christ in serving others.
