By Herald Malaysia
MELAKA – On Oct 19, the Christian community of Melaka, comprising 52 churches of various denominations, united in solidarity for a 4km walk through the heart of Melaka town. The route highlighted iconic churches and historic streets, commemorating 500 years of Christian heritage and faithfulness to God.
This initiative was undertaken by Rev Thomas Cherian, the Southern Region Priest and Pastor of the Anglican Church (Christ Church, Melaka) together with the help of both the clergy and laity of different language groups and churches here in Melaka.
The objectives of this walk were to exalt and glorify God; to witness as a united Christian community; to align with the Lord’s Prayer, and to seek God’s blessings and favour upon Melaka. Additionally, it aimed to appreciate and acknowledge the ethnic diversity of our society in Melaka. Rev Thomas Cherian noted that this walk aligns with the ongoing Visit Melaka 2024 Tourism programme, with a greater focus on spiritual awakening for both the young and the elderly.
To show unity, most participants, regardless of age, including the migrants and Orang Asli wore the same “Bless Melaka Parade” t-shirt provided by the organisers while some contingents highlighted the costumes of their heritage such as the Portuguese community and the ethnic groups of Sabah and Sarawak. Each contingent carried banners which were decorated with either the gifts/ fruits of the Holy Spirit or Scripture verses. Some contingents hired colourful trishaws to play praise and worship songs during the walk. Contingents were briefed to pray during the whole walk while waving and interacting with crowds so some opted to pray set prayers, read scriptures, pray the rosary, the Angelus and sing hymns while being mindful of those of other faiths around during the two-hour walk.
For those of us who participated in this walk, it was a blessing to experience such a faith-filled event, as opportunities to openly express our love for God are rare. Many felt thrilled to witness the enthusiasm of our fellow brothers and sisters, which captivated onlookers along the route. Some of the participants who were youths from the Church of St Peter, had only attended walks organised by their parish or the diocese before. This was their first time joining such an event, and they felt honoured to be a part of it.
Personally, this walk offered a powerful outlet for us to express our identity as Christians, embracing the faith passed down from our parents and praying in public without fear or prejudice.
We sincerely hope that more events like this will take place in other states in the future. – Herald Malaysia
