In the spirit of the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025 with the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ and in communion with the 98th World Mission Day 2025, Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, led a pilgrimage to the Orang Asli villages, nestled deep in the jungle of Gua Musang, Kelantan from 13-15 October 2025. This pilgrimage resonates with Pope Leo XIV’s message on World Mission Sunday: “This October 19th, as we reflect together on our baptismal call to be “missionaries of hope among the peoples”, let us commit ourselves anew to the sweet and joyful task of bringing Christ Jesus, our Hope to the ends of the earth”.
Accompanying Cardinal Sebastian on this pilgrimage of hope were Msgr. Henry Rajoo, Rev. Deacon Dave Kameron, Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (FSIC) Sr. Florence Nemesius, Sr, Lucynia Jeprin, together with Antonius F. Neonnub and Christopher Kushi. The pilgrimage was made possible by the orang asli community led by Joseph Boon Chai and his team from the Light of Shalom Society (LSS), who transported the group in three specially modified 4-wheel drive vehicles. The LSS operates the Shalom Marian Hostel at Tambun, Ipoh which supports Orang Asli children, primarily from the Temiar group, in completing their education and attaining the SPM certificate. This pilgrimage is both spiritual and a gesture of fraternity and solidarity with the Orang Asli communities whose children are staying at the hostel.
Cardinal Sebastian reminded all missionary disciples that our presence was not as “Santa Claus” but rather as true Pilgrims, bearing and sharing the light of Hope to those who anxiously seek it. He emphasized that the villagers should genuinely experience the glow of joy, love, care and hope. Cardinal Sebastian further highlighted the importance of respecting the Orang Asli’s deeply rooted values, culture, and traditions ‘adat’, urging not to subconsciously impose urban values, but to inspire culture according to the values of the Gospel.
The journey began with a rugged five-hour off-road trek from Kg. Kuala Betis, plunging deep into the jungle where there are no electricity, pipe water or telecommunications. We were without internet for 3 days! The first stop was Kampung Jader, where we were warmly welcomed by the Tok Batin and treated to a hill rice lunch featuring frog soup (‘sup katak’). The journey continued with a tea break at Kampung Gawin, before arriving at Kampung Pinchung for dinner and an overnight stay. At each village, the pilgrims engaged in meaningful exchanges: sharing scripture, deepening understanding, and building connections. Bathing was done in the river, adding to the sense of immersion in the natural surroundings.
Heavy rain the next morning made the journey even more challenging. The group navigated fast-flowing river, deep muddy potholes, and slippery tracks, testing both their resolve and their vehicles. Early morning we reached Kampung Rang Pos Gob. The entire day was dedicated to pastoral ministry by Cardinal, clergy and the FSIC Sisters. The highlight was the celebration of Mass in a ‘ruang ibadah’ prayer hall, constructed by the villagers from bamboo and raised on stilts—a testament to their faith and resourcefulness. The day was filled with sacred moments: Baptism preparation, guidance for sponsors, the administration of Baptism and Anointing of the Sick, Confirmation, faith formation, motivational sharing, and joyful singing. All conducted in Bahasa Malaysia, fostering a deep sense of unity and belonging. Rosaries were distributed to the congregation as a symbol of faith, devotion, and tool of prayer.
Sister Nemesius and Sister Lucynia formed deep bonds with the women of the community, assisting in the meal preparations with the mothers of the community. All the foods are obtained from jungle resources and subsistence farming. The Sisters shared heartfelt conversations, while also spending time with the children, who delighted in their warmth and presence. Meanwhile, Cardinal Sebastian, Msgr. Henry, and Deacon Dave engaged with the men, with Joseph Boon facilitating introductions and sharing in prayers and spiritual guidance.
On Tuesday 14th October, the community of around 60 people gathered at the prayer hall for Mass. Cardinal Sebastian introduced the missionary disciples and the FSIC Sisters began with prayers, singing and a Q&A session which was enlightening as there was a deep desire to know more about the Word of God. Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Sebastian and concelebrated with Msgr. Henry and Deacon Dave. This was followed by the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. The evening concluded with a fellowship dinner featuring hill rice, tapioca leaf and jackfruit, fried ayam kampung, river patin fish with tempoyak, kayu rok, and sambal kulim—a feast of gratitude and communion.
The next morning, additional baptisms and confirmations were held for those unable to attend the previous day. After a final lunch, the pilgrims of hope bid farewell. Cardinal Sebastian gifted his cross to the Tok Batin - a symbol of faith and remembrance. Cardinal also informed the community, that after consultations with the elders, that the ‘rumah ibadah’ will be converted into a chapel, with the name of the chapel to be discerned by the community from their dreams and visions. Msgr. Henry Rajoo, Deacon Dave, and the FSIC Sisters will continue this mission of accompaniment and hope.
We also honor the memory of Rev. Fr. George Lee (1918-1990), a local missionary, and affectionately known as Bapa Orang Asli. He devoted his life to the Orang Asli Apostolate, serving communities across Perak, Selangor, Pahang and Negeri Sembilan. He planted seeds of hope, education and faith with these efforts:
(i) 1946 – Set up vernacular school for Orang Mantra.
(ii) 1954 – Renovated Chapel Bonda Maria on orang Asli reserved land.
(iii) 1955 – Started Orang Asli Apostolate in Church of St. Joseph, Batu Gajah.
(iii) 1965 to 74 – Orang Asli Ministry in Church of the Sacred Heart, Kampar.
(iv) 1974 to 85 – Orang Asli Ministry in Church of St. John the Baptist, Sg. Siput.
(v) 1980’s – Established 8 outstations including 2 Mass centers in Perak.
” HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT” (ROMANS 5:5)
by Christopher Kushi
