A Photo Tour of Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur

Thean Hou temple is a popular tourist attraction and is located at 65, Persiaran Endah, Taman Persiaran Desa, 50460 Kuala Lumpur. Also known as the Temple of the Goddess of Heaven, it is one of the oldest and largest temples in Southeast Asia. Built by the Hainanese community in 1987 and completed on 3 September 1989 at a cost of RM7 million, it is the property of the Selangor and Federal Territory Hainan Association. Situated on Robson Hill, the temple overlooks Jalan Syed Putra and offers panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur. For many years, I didn't visit this temple but this year is different - I want to visit this place again because it is one of my favorite photography venues in the past and the past always brings me beautiful memories. I used to pose for photographs there many years ago and and decided to do the same again this Chinese New Year.

Thean Hou Temple with its beautiful roofing art and red pillars symbolizing prosperity and good fortune

Walking to the temple can be very tiring (something I would never do) even though the students staying nearby do not mind going up the steep hill to pose for photos because this place is indeed a popular photography venue. If you are a tourist, the easiest way to get there is to take a train to NU Sentral, Bangsar LRT, or Mid Valley KTM and from there, you can easily book a Grab Car at RM5. However, if you enjoy walking for fitness and sight-seeing, you can always take a monorail to the Tun Sambanthan Station and from there you can take a half-an-hour walk to the temple. You will see an overhead bridge outside the station - just cross the bridge and walk straight towards the PJ (Petaling Jaya) direction. When you arrive at the foot of Robson Hill, just go up the hill and you will see the temple.

Beautfiful Chinese New Year decorations.

Thean Hou Temple with its magnificent lanterns during the Chinese New Year 2020 (Year of the Rat) season

The best time to visit Thean Hou Temple is during the Chinese New Year season as it is vividly decorated with countless beautiful red lanterns. When these lanterns are lighted at night, they create an incredible sight that could amaze you by its beauty. On other days, the six-tiered temple with its magnificent architecture combining the elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism is still worth visiting. Hundreds of tourists flock to the temple every day to take photos of its marvelous architectural designs. In actual fact, the panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur alone are sufficient to make this venue worth visiting. If you find the place too crowded during Chinese festivals such as Chinese New Year, Wesak Day, and Mid Autumn Festival, you can always go to the backyard to find some peace. I always prefer the backyard because I can take beautiful scenery photos without having to compete with others for good backgrounds for my photos.

The ground floor of the temple

Those who wish to buy souvenirs can go to the ground floor of the Temple as there are many souvenir stalls there. There is also a food court at the ground floor. Thean Hou temple is open seven days a week from 8.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m and entry is free. If you want to avoid the crowd, do arrive there early.

The statue of Kuan Yin at the right of the prayer hall in the temple

A larger statue of Kuan Yin at the entrance outside the temple

The statue of Yue Lao

The 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac in the temple's garden.

The dragon is the most prominent zodiac sign

To avoid the crowds, you can go to the backyard to relax and take some amazing photos

At the backyard - a peaceful place surrounded by greenery

A panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur from the temple

From the Depths of Our Hearts: Priesthood, Celibacy, and the Crisis of the Catholic Church

At last, former Pope Benedict XVI could no longer remain silent and has come out to defend the value of priestly celibacy in the Catholic Church even though he vowed to "remain hidden from the world" when he resigned in 2013. To reaffirm the necessity of a celibate priesthood, he has recently coauthored a book entitled From the Depths of Our Hearts: Priesthood, Celibacy, and the Crisis of the Catholic Church with Cardinal Robert Sarah. Both authors honestly address the challenges faced by our priests today as well as their struggles with celibacy and wrote in a joint introduction to the book, "Like Augustine we can say: 'Silere non possum! I cannot remain silent!'" They also wrote that they have offered their reflections "in a spirit of love for the unity of the Catholic Church" and "an attitude of filial obedience to Pope Francis."

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is one of the greatest authors, theologians and spiritual leaders of our time and has written many influential books. These include the best-selling Jesus of Nazareth, Introduction to Christianity, Eschatology: Death and Eternal Life, Called to Communion: Understanding the Church Today, and The Spirit of the Liturgy. In his latest book entitled From the Depths of Our Hearts: Priesthood, Celibacy, and the Crisis of the Catholic Church, he clearly addresses the issue of priestly celibacy today and argues in favor of the 1000-year tradition of celibacy within the Catholic Church. The section written by our beloved former pontiff is titled The Catholic Priesthood. According to him, "The priesthood of Jesus Christ causes us to enter into a life that consists of becoming one with him and renouncing all that belongs only to us. For priests, this is the foundation of the necessity of celibacy but also of liturgical prayer, meditation on the word of God and the renunciation of material goods."

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI clearly emphasizes that those who wished to be ordained as priests ought to "put oneself completely at the disposition of the Lord". He strongly believes that celibacy has "great significance" and is "truly essential" as "the call to follow Jesus is not possible without this sign of freedom and of renunciation of all commitments." This brings up the question of whether a family man priest can have the freedom to serve God and renounce all his commitments. (To answer this question, please click here to read SHOULD CATHOLIC PRIESTS BE ALLOWED TO MARRY?) Of course a married man has to give himself totally to his family and it is therefore not possible for him to serve God and his family at the same time. As what our dearest Pope Emeritus says:

... the married state involves a man in his totality, and since serving the Lord likewise requires the total gift of a man, it does not seem possible to carry on the two vocations simultaneously. Thus, the ability to renounce marriage so as to place oneself totally at the Lord's disposition became a criterion for priestly ministry.

From the Depths of Our Hearts: Priesthood, Celibacy, and the Crisis of the Catholic Church is a book with a lot of truth in it. What kind of truth? Please click here to read about the taxi driver who wanted to become a married Catholic priest and you will understand why Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Cardinal Robert Sarah can no longer remain silent and have no choice but to come out with this book. Can you respect a family man priest who is busy serving his family at the expense of the Church? Of course this taxi driver is not the only man who wanted to become a married Catholic priest - there are lots of them out there hoping and waiting for the opportunity to become a married Catholic priest so that they can have a better "job" and their family can have a better life. Recently, I met a church member who used to be an altar boy during his school days. He is married with 2 children and is working as a salesman now with a basic salary of RM1200 per month. Like the taxi driver, he also said that he would love to become a Catholic priest (if priests could get married) so that he could provide well for his family. Most of all, he does not have to worry about buying a house because houses are very expensive in the Klang Valley. OMG! Is this the kind of priest we want? It is thus obvious that if a priest cannot renounce marriage, he cannot give himself totally to the Church. What is even worse is that he would be busy serving his family at the expense of the Church because a married man is always busy planning how to increase his income. How can a priest increase his income? Doing direct selling in Church, getting paid a commission for Church projects, receiving money / gifts from Church members,  just to mention a few. And can anyone imagine what will happen if he is a "Queen Control" and has a wife who likes to collect Birkin bags? Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is right as it is NOT possible for a man to serve his family and the Lord simultaneously and this is also his greatest concern (Please click here to read why Pope Benedict XVI clarifies, reaffirms, reinforces, and defends celibacy and here to find out why Cardinal Sarah says that the Priesthood today is in mortal danger).

The two authors dedicated this precious book "in homage to the priests of the entire world" and urge them to persevere. They also call the faithful to support them in their celibate ministry. According to them:

It is urgent and necessary for everyone - bishops, priests and lay people - to stop letting themselves be intimidated  by the wrong-headed pleas, the theatrical productions, the diabolical lies and the fashionable errors that try to put down priestly celibacy. It is urgent and necessary for everyone - bishops, priests and lay people - to take a fresh look with the eyes of faith at the Church and at priestly celibacy which protects her mystery. 

Would marrying off priests prevent sexual transgressions? If this tactic really works, why do married men still commit adultery? It should be noted that sex crimes are not confined to the Catholic Church alone as one cannot deny the fact that protestant pastors / married men can be much worse when it comes to sexual abuse (Please click here to read Corrupt Religious Leaders: Pastors and Sex Crimes). In a way, it may also be true to say that sex scandals have nothing to do with priestly celibacy but rather it is sexual license that breeds sexual abuse.

The 175-page book includes an introduction and conclusion by both authors and one chapter by each of them written individually. Below is a synopsis of the book from the publisher, Ignatius Press:

The Catholic Church faces a major crisis and the turmoil in priestly ministry is at the heart of it. "The priesthood is going through a dark time," write Pope Emeritus Benedict and Cardinal Robert Sarah. "Wounded by the revelation of so many scandals, disconcerted by the constant questioning of their consecrated celibacy, many priests are tempted by the thought of giving up and abandoning everything."

In this book, Pope Emeritus Benedict and Cardinal Robert Sarah give their brother priests and the whole Church a message of hope. They honestly address the spiritual challenges faced by priests today, including struggles of celibacy. They point to deeper conversion to Jesus Christ as the key to faithful and fruitful priestly ministry and church reform.

From the Depths of Our Hearts is an unprecedented work by the Pope Emeritus and a Cardinal serving in the Vatican. As bishops, they write "in spirit of filial obedience" to Pope Francis, who has said, "I think that celibacy is a gift for the Church ... I don't agree with allowing optional celibacy, no."

Responding to calls for refashioning the priesthood, including proposals from the Amazonian Synod, two wise, spiritually astute pastors explain the biblical and spiritual role of the priesthood, celibacy, and genuine priestly ministry. Drawing on Vatican II, they present priestly celibacy as more than "a mere precept of ecclesiastical law". They insist that renewal of the Church is bound to a renewed understanding of priestly vocation as sharing in Jesus' priestly identity as Bridegroom of the Church. This is a book whose crucial message is for clergy and laity alike.


POINTS OF INTEREST

• An unprecedented book coauthored by a former Pope.
• Looks seriously and unflinchingly at the crisis in the Catholic Church
• A forthright discussion of priestly celibacy and its role in the Catholic Church
• A book for clergy and laity alike concerned about the Catholic Church

Chinese New Year in Kuala Lumpur

Happy Chinese New Year 2020

When I was a child, I loved to celebrate Chinese New Year because it meant holidays, new clothes, ang pows (lucky money), and lots of good food to eat. But since I left school and started my first job as a temporary teacher, Chinese New Year meant a different thing to me. Since I was a part-time law student at that time, I looked forward to Chinese New Year because I needed the holidays to study. After I left the Teachers' Training College and became a permanent teacher, I continued with my law studies (LL.B.), followed by the B. Ed., MA and Ph.D. programs and many years have gone by before I could really celebrate Chinese New Year wholeheartedly without having to worry about my studies. After getting my Ph.D. in October 2017, I finally regained my freedom and now there is nothing to interfere with my Chinese New Year celebration because I don't have to watch New Year movies with a book in my hands anymore. 

Every Chinese New Year reminds me of my grandmother and her Chinese New Year Story entitled The Legend of  "Monster Nian" which she kept repeating year after year. I am not sure whether this creature really existed but when I was a little girl it seemed so real to me. This is how the story goes:

According to my grandmother, there lived a monster known as "Nian" (which means year) in China a long time ago. This ferocious creature used to come to the village at the end of the lunar year and caused a lot of damage to the property of the villagers. It also ate their livestock and even children should it come across anyone of them. All the villagers retreated to the mountains every New Year Eve because they did not want to be harmed by this creature. One year, as the villagers were preparing to flee to the mountains, a strange old man came to the village. When an old lady told him about Monster Nian, he was not scared at all but insisted to stay in the village to help the villagers get rid of this creature. Although the old lady did not believe him, she let him stay in her house which he decorated with red papers, burning candles and firecrackers. When Monster Nian arrived at the village, it went straight to the brightly lighted house and was terrified by the red papers, candles and the sound of firecrackers. Instead of creating havoc in the village, it was so frightened that it fled from the village never to return again. When the villagers returned the next morning, they were surprised to find that their property and livestock were safe. The old woman hastened to her house and was surprised to find red papers on her windows and doors, candles in her house and firecrackers in the courtyard but the strange old man was nowhere in sight. From that year onward, the villagers did not flee to the mountains again on New Year Eve but welcomed the Lunar New Year by decorating their homes in red, lighting candles, and burning firecrackers. They also dressed in red and visited each other to celebrate their triumph over Monster Nian.  That is why the Chinese New Year is also known as "Guo Nian" which can be translated as "surviving Monster Nian's attack"

The story may sound a bit childish or even unbelievable today, but, when I was a little girl, I couldn't help thinking how Monster Nian looked like and was worried that it might come out again some day. Irrespective of whether Monster Nian really existed in ancient China, one thing is for sure and that is the Lunar New Year is a time of new beginnings. The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals (Melody Beattie). What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the new year (Vern McLellan). All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them (Walt Disney). The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams (Eleanor Roosevelt).

Although I love to take Christmas photos in the shopping malls, I have never taken Chinese New Year photos before. This year, I am going to celebrate Chinese New Year with the kind of feelings that I used to have when I was a child. And of course the beautiful Chinese New Year decorations in the shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur really help to enhance my festive mood. In this article, I would like to share the photos taken in the shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur City Center during this festive season. These decorations are among some of the best in the world comparable to that in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore. These photos are accompanied by New Year quotes to motivate and inspire my readers - Happy New Year!

1.  Chinese New Year 2020 at Mid Valley Megamall

Let's celebrate Chinese New Year at Mid Valley Megamall to enjoy its spring festival atmosphere and experience  the sights and sounds of its LEGO-themed village market. Mid Valley Megamall is located at Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City and is easily accessible via KTM Komuter. 

Enormous cherry blossoms at the North Court

Traditional Chinese buildings at the North Court

And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been - Rainer Maria Rilke

Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending - Carl Bard.

Peonies and cherry blossoms - good fortune flowers

Chinese New Year Decorations at the Center Court

Welcome to the LEGO-themed village market at Centre Court

This year, be structured enough for success and achievement and flexible enough for creativity and fun - Taylor Duvall

Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction -Germany Kent

2.  Chinese New Year 2020 at The Gardens Mall, Mid Valley City

The Gardens Mall is just next to Mid Valley Megamall. The Chinese New Year decorations at the ground floor centered around meticulously folded origami as shown in the photos below.

You are never too old to reinvent yourself - Steve Harvey 

The beginning is the most important part of the work - Plato

Meticulously folded crane origami - symbols of longevity and good fortune

An amazing portrait background.

Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions - Dalai Lama

A beautiful background for a family portrait!

3.  Chinese New Year 2020 at Berjaya Times Square

"A Spring of Prosperity" mall decorations at Berjaya Times Square. This year, one can see the Lunar Year in full bloom at the Ground Floor Central with its enormous cherry blossoms and red traditional Chinese lanterns. Berjaya Times Square is located at 1, Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur and is easily accessible via monorail and MRT.

A Spring of Prosperity at Berjaya Times Square

Auspicious red traditional Chinese lanterns fill the air

Enormous cherry blossoms

You can get excited about the future. The past won't mind - Hillary DePiano

4.  Chinese New 2020 at Sungei Wang Plaza

Let's experience the beauty of plum blossoms and oriental decorations with the theme "Blessings of Prosperity" at Sungei Wang Plaza. Sungei Wang Plaza is located at Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur. There is an interconnecting bridge that links Sungei Wang Plaza and Bukit Bintang Plaza to Lot 10 just across the road. Once can easily walk to Sungei Wang Plaza from Berjaya Times Square. 

Develop an attitude of gratitude this year, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation - Brian Tracy

Cherry blossoms and oriental decorations at Sungei Wang Plaza 

The blessings of prosperity

With the new year comes a refueled motivation to improve on the past one - Gretchen Bleiler

The best is yet to come - Frank Sinatra

5.  Chinese New Year 2020 at Pavilion

At Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, you will be able to see the biggest rotating "Mickey and Minnie" sculpture this year. Pavilion Shopping Mall is located at 168, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur. One can easily walk to Pavilion from Sungei Wang Plaza. With the KLCC - Bukit Bintang Walkway (near Pavilion), one can also walk comfortably from Pavilion to Suria KLCC and vice versa.

Disney's Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at the entrance of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

Chinese New Year decorations at the entrance of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

Greeting you at the Center Court are Mickey and Minnie dressed in traditional Chinese attire sitting atop a majestic golden rotating base.

Cherry blossoms at the center court of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

At the Center Court, you will be able to find amazing awesome backgrounds for your portrait photos.

The biggest rotating "Mickey and Minnie" sculpture at the Center Court of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur measuring 20 feet high.

6.  Chinese New Year 2020 at Suria KLCC

At Suria KLCC, you can experience a taste of century old Chinese traditions with a modern twist at the center court in this year of the rat. Suria KLCC is located at 241, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Center, 50088 Kuala Lumpur and is easily accessible via LRT.

The grand decorations at the Center Court depicting the ancient majestic octagonal-based Chinese pagoda.

A rat greeting visitors at the entrance of the ground floor

The glorious beauty of Malaysia's tallest Pagoda Replica at the KLCC Esplanade

New beginnings are in order, and you are bound to feel some level of excitement as new chances come your way - Auliq Ice

7.  Chinese New Year 2020 at NU Sentral Shopping Center

At NU Sentral Shopping Center, the theme "Yi Fan Feng Shun" which can be translated as everything going on smoothly without obstacles is chosen this year in the hope that the NU Sentral shoppers will have a year without obstacles in 2020. Decorated with traditional iconic Chinese watercraft, auspicious red lanterns, Chinese traditional drums, cherry blossoms and lotus flowers as symbols of good fortune, it is also hoped that the shoppers will sail smoothly towards their destiny with lots of blessings coming their way. NU Sentral is located at No. 201, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, 50470 Kuala Lumpur. From there, one can easily travel to anywhere via LRT, MRT, ERL, Monorail and KTM Komuter.

Chinese watercraft - a symbol of smooth sailing

Plum blossoms and lotus flowers - symbols of good fortune and prosperity

Auspicious Chinese lanterns

It doesn't matter where you came from. All that matters is where you are going - Brian Tracy

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow - Albert Einstein