Guests at the anniversary dinner held at Kelab Golf Negara Subang. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/ The Star
THE Catholic Prison Fellowship Association (CPFA), a social service movement that supports prison inmates and their families, held a 40th anniversary celebration at Kelab Golf Negara Subang in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
CPFA volunteers, ex-volunteers, clergy and guests, numbering about 330, celebrated four decades in an atmosphere where camaraderie and laughter abounded.
A slide presentation of CPFA’s work, carried out by parishes within the Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese and supported by committed volunteers and priests, took the guests on a walk down memory lane.
Themed “Compassion of Hope and Healing”, the dinner celebration was graced by several distinguished attendees, namely the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur Reverend Julian Leow; chief guest His Excellency Apostolic Nuncio for Malaysia and East Timor and Apostolic Delegate to Brunei Darussalam Archbishop Reverend Wojciech Zaluski; ecclesiastical assistant Father George Packiasamy and CPFA president Gnadass Amaldass.
Leow, in his address, expressed gratitude to all the volunteers, past and present, as well as priests who had dedicated their time and compassion to prisoners.
“CPFA volunteers play a vital role in assisting with rehabilitation services in prison settings, helping inmates reduce reoffending and reaching out to their families,” he said.
“But the crucial aim must be to offer guidance to at-risk youths to deter them from criminal activity and keep them out of prison.
The Night Birds providing entertainment at the Catholic Prison Fellowship Association celebration.
“Working with local communities to address root causes of crime, such as lack of opportunity and substance abuse, with a focus on prevention and alternatives to imprisonment, is important.”
Gnadass said the celebration was a moment of gratitude and renewed commitment to the work entrusted to the association.
“In 1985, our founders took a bold step. They believed that every person, no matter their past, is worthy of dignity, hope and the possibility of a new beginning.
“Their courage and faith laid the foundation for CPFA,” he said.
Gnadass thanked past and present ecclesiastical assistants, volunteers, priests and clergy.
“Our association thanks the Malaysian Prisons Department for their cooperation, trust, long-standing partnership and mutual respect.
“They continue to welcome our programmes and allow us to serve with purpose and integrity,” he said.
Dinner was accompanied by music from the Night Birds, a four-member band featuring Thomas William (vocals), Gregory William (vocals), John Anthony (guitar) and V. Subramaniam (lead guitar).
CPFA member Daniel Lew also entertained guests with a song titled People Need the Lord.
CPFA was established in 1985 as a parish-based initiative at the Church of the Holy Family in Kajang Selangor.
It was initiated by Sister Catherine O’Sullivan, an Irish nun, following her transfer to Kajang and the start of operations at the Kajang Prison Complex that same year.
CPFA has been recognised as an essential part of the Catholic Church’s mission.
