By Jennifer Peter, SIGNIS Malaysia
Fr Francis Gerard Jean-Claude Lourdes’ passing on 1 September 2024, has left a ‘vacancy’ for a prophet in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur (ADKL), Malaysia.
KUALA LUMPUR — Fr Jean-Claude was a modern-day prophet, committed to preaching the Gospel. His sermons were deep, engaging, and delivered with such authority that they held the congregation in thoughtful reflection.
As a social communicator, he preached insightful homilies that illuminated the meaning and relevance of the Mass readings, connecting them to our lived experiences. His sermons often had “aha” moments, prompting conversion and a return to faithful discipleship.
His passion for media encompassed philosophy, theology, and methodology of communication. He used his knowledge and skills to spearhead positive change through media, including the use of popular songs and music videos to engage his congregation.
As an avid film enthusiast, Fr Jean-Claude actively watched movies and captured key scenes to use as starter stories in his homilies, making the readings come alive for his audience.
He also meaningfully facilitated film forums, extracting values from movies and helping participants relate them to their own lives. In one such forum, he unpacked the movie Simon Birch to help participants reflect on relationships and life journeys.
Fr Jean-Claude delivered the keynote address at the archdiocesan symposium on Film Appreciation, calling on participants to actively watch wholesome movies to ‘connect’ with Gospel values.
He made significant contributions as the ecclesiastical assistant (priest adviser) of the Cahayasuara Communications Centre (CCC), the social communications office of ADKL. His 14-year tenure at CCC was distinguished by his innovative approach to evangelisation using contemporary media methods. Even when assigned as a parish priest far from CCC, he remained committed to his role, serving diligently even on his days off.
As the CCC priest adviser, he participated in the SIGNIS World Congress and helped the archdiocese assimilate the theme of “Media for a Culture of Peace,” emphasising the media’s critical role in promoting unity and peace.
For World Social Communications Day, celebrated by the international Church, he would explain the relevance of the annual theme and enable practitioners to relate it to their crucial media work in society.
Fr Jean-Claude’s dedication was evident when he earned a master’s degree in Development Communication at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, completing a two-year course in just 18 months with exceptional results.
As a Catholic priest, his profound righteousness and firm conviction set him apart. His benevolence transcended superficial acts of kindness, reflecting a deeper compassion that touched all who knew him.
One story vividly illustrates his God-given oratory prowess: during the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, the congregation erupted in applause at the end of his homily. The reflective atmosphere he generated was remarkable, and every Mass he celebrated was eagerly anticipated by many.
Fr Jean-Claude left a poignant reminder of his legacy when he was called home to the Lord on 1 September, the same day CCC was closed 11 years earlier in 2013. He passed away 17 days shy of his 60th birthday. In 2019, he celebrated the silver jubilee of his priestly ordination, marking 25 years of dedicated service in the Lord’s Vineyard.
He also supported the Independent Christian Renewal Society (ICRS) and the Spiritual Skills for Everyday Living (SSEL) programme when he was an assistant priest. The SSEL programme, aimed at bridging faith and daily-life experiences, covered charity, social justice, creation justice, and the daily challenges in family, work, and society—all topics close to Fr Jean-Claude’s heart.
It is no secret that Fr Jean-Claude was tech-savvy. With his forward-thinking nature, he envisioned an internet radio station long before it became widespread. Broadcasting homilies as podcasts was part of his vision, aiming to do so without imposing any financial burden on ADKL.
Though known for his complexity, Fr Jean-Claude also appreciated the simple pleasures of life: enjoying a meal, watching Star Wars, and nurturing friendships. His philosophy on life was practical and rooted in open communication, often encouraging people to sit down and resolve problems—preferably over a glass of beer.
Fr Jean-Claude had a unique way of showing affection, often giving endearing nicknames to those he was fond of, like calling a little boy with glasses ‘Soter’ because he resembled the late Cardinal Soter Fernandez. His sense of humour, practicality, and zest for life made him approachable and cherished by all who knew him.
From a young age, his enthusiasm for learning and serving was evident, reflected in his homilies that drew from extensive reading across various subjects beyond theology and philosophy. He was well-versed in history, cosmology, philosophy, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, economics, programming, and contemporary culture, including Hollywood and popular music. His engagement with these subjects went beyond superficial knowledge.
Fr Jean-Claude also exemplified true loyalty. Those who knew him from the seminary often recalled how, in difficult situations or tense community meetings, he would offer a reassuring presence and a comforting hand on the shoulder after the turmoil had subsided. His steadfast friendship and loyalty were irreplaceable.
Humility and compassion defined Fr Jean-Claude. As a deeply empathetic priest, he used his own experiences of suffering to connect with the most vulnerable, seeking no recognition for his efforts. While serving at the cathedral, he anointed a drug addict during his final moments and offered crucial support to a distraught young man contemplating suicide, providing him with the peace he needed to move forward.
His compassion extended beyond words; despite his own health struggles, he visited and ministered to those in need. His humanity shone through his selfless service, offering comfort and care when it was needed most.
Fr Jean-Claude’s 30-year dedication as a faithful servant in the Lord’s Vineyard was profoundly evident at his funeral, attended by about 50 priests, five seminarians, and hundreds of laypeople. Their presence testified to the significant impact he made as a priest.
In one of his homilies (available on YouTube), Fr Jean-Claude shared a touching reflection from his late father: “I’m glad to have given my child to God; from now on, it is God who will take charge of him, not me.” That was the final exchange between him and his beloved father before his passing.
In view of his passion, Fr Jean-Claude might fittingly be honoured as the ‘Father of Church Communication.’ From crystallising the vision of CCC to embodying his faith through his media work, he was truly a remarkable man of God. His memory will always be cherished, and his legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to follow our own vocations.
