Pauline Sisters mark 60 years of missionary service in Peninsular Malaysia

Apr 12, 2025

PETALING JAYA: The Daughters of St Paul (also known as the Pauline Sisters) celebrated 60 years of missionary service in Peninsular Malaysia on March 19, the Solemnity of St Joseph, husband of Mary, at their convent. Approximately 220 friends, collaborators, clergy, and religious attended the celebration, which also marked the 50th anniversary of the Pauline Cooperators.

The Mass, presided over by Archbishop Julian Leow, was concelebrated by Archbishop Wojciech Zaluski, the Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia, along with 22 priests. Representatives from various religious institutes within the Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese also attended the event. The modest celebration was organised with the support of the Assumption Parish Team. A parish-level celebration will take place on April 27 during the 11.30am Mass, followed by a simple reception at the parish hall.

The community’s history dates back to 1961 when they first established a house in North Borneo. From there, the Sisters occasionally travelled to Singapore for book missions, with the hope of opening a house there. However, it was not the right time. Instead, they accepted the invitation of then Msgr Dominic Vendargon of Kuala Lumpur to open a house in his diocese in 1965. This was formally confirmed in his letter of approval for the establishment of the Daughters of St Paul in the Diocese of Kuala Lumpur in 1969. Initially, the Sisters resided in a rented apartment in Brickfields, but in 1968, they moved to their permanent residence at 161 Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya.

Over the past 60 years, the Pauline Sisters have actively engaged many lay people in their evangelisation mission through the media. These individuals were first inducted into the Association of Pauline Cooperators (APCs) in 1975.
Over the last 50 years, the APCs have played a vital role in the Pauline Mission, participating in activities such as Bible Enthronement in homes, book distribution in local and outstation parishes, forming media clubs in schools and parishes, conducting film and video analysis, and participating in World Communications Day events.

They have also served at the Pauline Media Centre, assisted in publishing the bimonthly newsletter for parishes, printed Christmas and prayer cards for distribution, and co-organised fundraisers (such as coffee mornings and bazaars) in support of the media apostolate.

The Daughters of St Paul and the Pauline Cooperators are part of the Pauline Family, founded by Blessed James Alberione in Italy between 1914 and 1960. The Pauline Family includes five religious institutes: the Society of St Paul; the Daughters of St Paul; Pious Disciples of the Divine Master; Sisters of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and the Apostoline Sisters. It also consists of four secular institutes: the Institute of St Gabriel for men; the Institute of Our Lady of the Annunciation for women; the Institute of Jesus the Priest for diocesan clergy, and the Holy Family Institute for married couples. Additionally, the family encompasses one lay organisation, the Association of Pauline Cooperators.

The Pauline Sisters would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all those who have supported their mission over the past 60 years. As time passes, both people and buildings age. The Sisters are currently in need of funds to repair their convent and apostolic building. To help raise funds, T-shirts are available for sale at RM20 (round neck) and RM30 (with collar). Additionally, a fundraising dinner will be held on July 12.