Church of the Divine Mercy, Shah Alam – What began as a response to Archbishop Julian Leow’s Lenten call became a beautiful tapestry of love, laughter, and lasting connection when St. Gabriel BEC visited the Diamond Children’s Home on Sunday, 1 March 2026.
In alignment with this year’s diocesan Lenten theme—”In the One, we are one”—a team of volunteers from the St Faustina, St Gabriel North, St Gabriel South, St Jude, St Mary and St Paul, and St Matthew BECs travelled to Port Klang to spend an afternoon with 19 children at the home. And true to the Archbishop’s words, no one was excluded from the warmth of that day.
“We are one body, shaped by the One who formed us,” Archbishop Julian had reminded the faithful. “Our unity in Christ goes far deeper than our differences.”
Those words were visibly lived out as children and volunteers came together in joyful fellowship. The afternoon sparkled with activity—clown and Bumble Bee performances drew peals of laughter, ice-cream treats cooled the warm day, and a special Hawaiian dinner transformed a simple meal into a celebration. But beyond the food and entertainment, what truly mattered was presence: volunteers sitting with the children, listening to them, playing with them, and reminding them that they are seen, loved, and remembered this Lenten season.
The outreach went beyond a single day of fun. In a heartfelt gesture of ongoing support, the BECs presented funds to Letchumy, the home’s founder, specifically designated for purchasing groceries, reference books, and activity books to aid the children’s learning and development.
“Your generosity and willingness to serve truly made a difference—the happiness on the children’s faces said it all,” shared one volunteer, speaking on behalf of the grateful team.
But this is not where the story ends. In a beautiful continuation of the Lenten theme, the BECs are committed to building a sustainable, long-term relationship with the children beyond one-off activities.
On Sunday, 8 March 2026, the BECs will visit the children again for the second Lenten activity—this time, a hands-on experience at a food truck initiative. The young guests will step into the role of “small chefs,” learning how a food truck operates, witnessing how meals are prepared, and, of course, enjoying chicken burgers, fries, and drinks together.
“Our intention is to continue serving this home beyond a one-off activity, building a sustainable relationship with them,” explained one of the BEC representatives. “We hope this initiative reflects and continues our Lenten theme, ‘In the One, we are one.'”
The outreach beautifully reminds us that Lent is not just a time for personal sacrifice, but a call to deepen our connection with one another as the Body of Christ. As one volunteer reflected, “Let us continue to journey together in faith and service. Praise God for this precious opportunity to share His love.”
In the One, we are one indeed. 🙏
Written by: Josephine Mary Dawson
BEC: St Gabriel South
Church of the Divine Mercy, Shah Alam