A feast of prayer, reflection and hope
Fr Victor Louis incensing the statue of St Anthony.
Bernard Anthony The Church of St Anthony came alive from June 6 to 15, as more than a thousand faithful gathered to commemorate its 131st parish feast with the theme Pilgrims of Hope as a Community.The 10-day celebration was marked by novenas, Masses, preaching, a candlelight procession, and fellowship drawing parishioners and pilgrims from across the country to honour one of Malaysia's most beloved saints.The first six days of the novena were held at the Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) level, fostering prayer and reflection within the neighbourhoods. On Day 7, parish priest Fr David Lourdes presided over the Mass, reflecting on the theme Caring for God's Gift of the Earth.From June 13 to 15, guest preacher Fr Victor Louis, from the Church of Christ the King, Sungai Petani, delivered a series of stirring homilies. His Day 8 message, With St Anthony: Listening Deeply, Walking Boldly, Living the Gospel, urged the faithful to align their lives with the teachings of Christ and the example of St Anthony.On Day 10, Fr Victor reflected on the feast's anchor theme, calling on all present to be 'pilgrims of hope in God, as a community for others.'The feast reached its pinnacle on Day 9, where an estimated 1,400 devotees took part in the evening celebration that included the novena, feast Mass, candlelight procession and Benediction.Fr Victor, who was the main celebrant, was joined by Fr David Lourdes as concelebrant and Deacon Richard Wilson assisting. Preaching on the theme 'Becoming the Light of Christ,' Fr Victor drew inspiration from Scripture, highlighting that 'light' is mentioned over 250 times in the Bible — from God's first command in Genesis to the final vision in Revelation.'Jesus said, 'I am the light of the world.' Today, He calls us to be the light and salt of the earth,' he said, referencing Matthew 5:13–16.Fr Victor also tied in the celebration of Father's Day, praying that all fathers may be a guiding light to their children.The traditional candlelight procession featured the statue of St Anthony placed on a decorated hand-pulled carriage, accompanied by Rosary recitations in various vernacular languages. The 45-minute procession moved smoothly through the surrounding streets before returning to the church for Benediction.Fr Victor invited those carrying candles to proclaim, 'Christ, the Light,' and to commit to being a light to others.The celebration concluded with a sumptuous dinner at 9.00pm, attended by parishioners and guests in a festive atmosphere marked by decorations, music and fellowship. The faithful gave thanks to God for the fine weather and the opportunity to celebrate together.
'This feast has strengthened our bonds as a community of faith,' said one parishioner. 'It reminded us to live as pilgrims of hope — not just during the feast, but in our daily lives.
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