Malaysian archdiocese to Host Paulist Programme ‘Landings’ for Returning Catholics

As part of the Jubilee Year of Hope, the Archdiocese of Kuching in Sarawak, East Malaysia, will open its doors through the Landings Programme, a nine-week journey of faith, hope, and love will run from October 3 to December 5 - offering a gentle path home for Catholics who have drifted away from the Church - guiding them back with welcome and care.

The Catholic-based Landings programme, founded by the Paulist Fathers in 1989 in the United States, offers just such a space. It provides a welcoming environment where one can reflect, renew, and rediscover God’s presence in their life.

Speaking to Radio Veritas Asia, one of the organisers,  Stella Chunan, said that through weekly small-group sessions, participants are invited to share their stories in confidence, listen to others, pray together, and discern how God’s unconditional love and mercy can transform their lives.

“The conversations are never judgmental. Guided by trained facilitators, the sessions are rooted in openness, encouragement, friendship, and compassion, the qualities of Christ Himself,” added Stella.

According to her, since its founding, Landings has helped countless Catholics globally to return home to God in a deeper, more personal way. “With gratitude and hope, we are now bringing the Landings programme to Kuching for the first time, and we warmly welcome all who may be seeking a way back to faith.”

Stella described the programme as a reconciliation ministry rather than a course. “Landings is about journeying with returning Catholics to active participation in the faith,” she said.

“Our journey of faith is never a straight road. It is shaped by blessings and triumphs, but also trials and tribulations. Along the way, some Catholics may drift, burdened by life’s challenges. Yet, in time, many begin to long for a safe space to reconnect with God, to seek healing, and to rediscover the joy of faith.

“The essence is listening with compassion. One of the first things they need is to be heard, not lectured.” 

Unlike retreats or catechism classes, Landings focuses on personal sharing. 

“Through telling their faith stories, returning Catholics realise they are still just as Catholic as any of us,” Stella explained. “We try to be the face of the Prodigal Father, running to greet his returning son after seeing him from a long way off.”

She said the programme will first be piloted in English at city parishes. “This is about creating a culture of welcome. “Every Catholic, priest or lay person, owns this outreach. Landings hopes to be the catalyst.”

She said, reaching those who no longer attend church is a challenge, but Stella believes the Holy Spirit often prompts them to search. Many begin online. “That’s why awareness on social media is important. Friends and family are often the first welcomers.”

What can participants expect? Not theology lessons, but healing.

“Many arrive looking for intellectual answers, but what they often need first are emotional ones,” she said.

“Life stories become faith stories. That’s when they find conviction to say an emphatic ‘yes’ to return to Church.”

Stella acknowledges that Catholics leave the Church for many reasons, but insists that what matters is their desire to come back. “For most, the events that bring them back are low points in life. Our role is to help them heal, reconcile, and encounter God again.”

She hopes Landings will help transform the wider Catholic community. “We want our diocese to be empathetic, kind, welcoming, and see the face of Jesus to those seeking to return,” she said. “It is the Holy Spirit who leads people home. Our part is simply to open the door and say: welcome back.”

(Joseph Masilamany is a veteran Malaysian journalist and freelance writer with extensive experience in Catholic media. He contributes regularly to leading Catholic news agencies and platforms.)