By Selva Manogary
MANTIN, Negeri Sembilan – The bells of the Church of St Aloysius rang louder than ever recently to celebrate: 125 years of unwavering faith, unity, and service echoing across Mantin and beyond.
Founded in 1899 by Fr Anton Catesson (MEP), the parish has grown from humble beginnings into a vibrant spiritual home. This year’s quasquicentennial celebration, themed Pilgrims of Hope: Honouring Family, Ecology, Church and Society, was a testament to its enduring legacy. Spanning five days, the celebration brought together generations of Catholics in prayer, reflection, action, and festivity.
The journey began on Jun 2 with a novena, Mass, and anointing of the sick, led by parish priest Fr Christopher Soosaipillai, setting the tone for a deeply spiritual observance.
On Jun 19, the church filled with the spirit of family — both biological and spiritual. A bilingual Mass celebrated by Fr Sin Wee OCD, Fr Christopher Loh OCD, and Fr Christopher Soosaipillai reminded the congregation of their shared identity in Christ.
“We are gathered as one family in faith,” preached Fr Sin Wee. “United by the love of Christ and the community He has built here, we are called to walk together — as brothers and sisters.”
The focus shifted to ecology on Jun 20, where Fr Jonathan Andrew Rao of the Church of St Jude, Rawang, just five months into his priesthood, delivered a powerful call to action.
“Creation is not a backdrop to our lives; it is a divine gift. As Catholics, caring for the Earth is not optional — it is our mission,” he declared, his message resonating in English, Tamil, and Mandarin through Fr Christopher Loh’s translation.
Jun 21, the actual Feast Day of St Aloysius, was the celebration’s crowning moment. A majestic Mass — concelebrated by a host of priests including Fr Clarence Devadass, Fr Albet Arockiasamy, Fr Xavier Andrew, Fr Nicholas Ho OCD, Fr Edwin Peter, Fr Martin Then CDD, Fr Sin Wee, and Fr Christopher Soosaipillai — culminated in a grand Eucharistic procession across the church grounds.
In his homily, Fr Clarence emphasised that the Eucharist does not end at the altar: “We are to be living monstrances, carriers of Christ’s light, love, and mercy into the world.”
For the first time, the statue of St Aloysius was carried in solemn procession — a deeply moving moment for the community. Occurring on the Feast of Corpus Christi, the celebration attracted hundreds from near and far, their prayers lighting the night in a display of collective devotion.
Jun 22, the final day, marked the beginning of a new chapter. A soulful Tamil Mass, celebrated by Fr Gnana Selvam, brought the congregation into deep reflection. Drawing inspiration from Fr Naden and the Orang Asli community, he spoke on ecology and faith: “God is in the past, present, and future. Trust in Him.”
The day’s most defining moment came when the Church of St Aloysius, Mantin and the Church of St Theresa, Nilai signed a joint declaration to become Ecological Parishes. This commitment responds to Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si’ for an ecological conversion.
“Today, we honour our Creator not only with incense and chant, but with action,” said a parish spokesperson. “We pledge to protect what God has entrusted to us — our common home.”
The celebration closed with Mass on Corpus Christi, celebrated by Archbishop Julian Leow with Archbishop Emeritus Murphy Pakiam concelebrating. With solemn blessing and joyful praise, the parish was commissioned into a new century of mission.
As the lights dimmed and the final notes of the choir faded, a quiet yet profound truth settled over the community: this was no ordinary anniversary.
The 125th Feast of St Aloysius Mantin was a landmark of heritage, a beacon of identity, and a bold step into a future defined by faith, family, and responsibility. From historic processions to environmental pledges, the parish proved that while its roots run deep, its branches stretch even further. – Herald Malaysia
