KUALA LUMPUR — The legacy of Malaysia’s first cardinal has been written in to the annals of history in a book titled, The Cardinal: The Life and Times of His Eminence Anthony Soter Cardinal Fernandez. The project was spearheaded by E. Samson, with an editorial team comprising individuals who had worked closely with Cardinal Soter.
“Cardinal Soter’s vision was so pastorally oriented as leader of the Church, not only in Malaysia, but also in the region. He had a vision that was so far sighted. He didn’t thinkin a singular way, but thought holistically. He didn’t just have one focus in mind, he had many things that built up the Church,” said Samson the author, at the launch on March 31,2022, at the Stella Maris International School in Damansara.
Though he regretted that the Cardinal was not able to see the book, Samson was grateful to have read a few chapters to Cardinal Soter who then made corrections to the text.
The book contains tributes and memories from the young and old, featuring people from all walks of life and different religious backgrounds as well as those whose lives that the Cardinal touched in one way or another.
Samson also expressed gratitude that the book had reached fruition, and paid tribute to the contributors, which include Rev Dr Hermen Shastri, General Secretary of CCM; Bro Augustin Julian, FSC and Brig Gen(Rtd) Dato’ Richard Robless, Chairman Councilof Directors, Yayasan Tan Sri Dominic Vendargon.
The book launch commenced with an opening prayer by Fr Dr Clarence Devadass, Director of Catholic Research Centre, who expressed gratitude for the gift of Cardinal Soter whose life touched the hearts of many and left memories to last a life time.
“May this book not only inspire many but also be a tool to spread love, joy, peace, goodness, and faithfulness. Help us all to grow closer and nurture the bonds of community –values that Cardinal Soter exemplified by his life,” prayed Fr Clarence.
In his speech, Dato’ Richard spoke about the inspiration and legacy of Cardinal Soter which was the impetus behind the formation of the Stella Maris group of schools.
“In 1987, the then Archbishop Soter had conveneda conference amongst Catholic educators, religious teaching congregations and lay persons, at the Infant Jesus Convent in Cheras, to discuss the situation and circumstances surrounding Christian mission schools, and to discern the Church’s mission and response to the changes and challenges that were taking shape. The conference resulted in the formation of the Malaysian Catholic Education Council and, subsequently, the birth of the Archdiocese’s agenda in private education.
“The first Stella Maris school opened its doors in 1994 in Jalan Robertson, Pudu. Encouraged by the success of this first school, Archbishop Soter initiated the incorporation of Yayasan Tan Sri Dominic Vendargon to control and house under one roof, all of the Archdiocese’s interests in private education. The Foundation today owns and operates four private schools, including one that offers an international curriculum.
“All four schools stand brightly lit as stars born from the burning desire and quest of one man. This is his legacy. This is his testament. And while we may have lost our mentor, we look at what he has left and we stand thankful and grateful to God for this great and loyal servant of His.
“His vision for education was something close to his heart. And despite all the handicaps and challenges that we were confronted with, he always encouraged us on. He used to say, whatever your cross, whatever your pain, workin the Lord’s vineyard will always be very difficult. But be encouraged for He will always be with you,” said Dato’ Richard.
Archbishop Julian Leow hopes the book will serve as a historic legacy for the younger generation, and for those who may not have had the opportunity of knowing Cardinal Soter, who passed away on Oct 28, 2020, at the age of 88.
“Let us continue to keep alive this legacy that Cardinal Soter has left us. Let it not die but let it continue to grow and to bloom. And to take the Church in Malaysia to the next level. Inter-faith dialogue and ecumenism were foremost in Cardinal Soter’s mind, to build the Church and to contribute to the growth of this nation,” said Archbishop Julian.
Family members of the late cardinal, friends,and members of the clergy and religious attended the event.
The hard cover coffee table book is published by the Catholic ResearchCentre (CRC) and retails at RM30.
To get a copy of this book, please contact CRC at 03-20266472 or email: publication@crc.org.my.
Herald Malaysia Online
