By Elvina Fernandez
KUALA LUMPUR – The Church of St Anthony welcomed a first-class relic — a piece of St Anthony’s flesh — brought from Padua, Italy. The occasion, coinciding with the saint’s feast day, drew throngs of pilgrims from across Malaysia and abroad, many bearing testimonies of miracles, healing, and newfound faith.
The relic transformed the parish into a vibrant centre of prayer, thanksgiving, and devotion. Pilgrims came in droves — seeking, thanking, weeping — moved by the saint’s enduring intercession. For many, it was a long-awaited encounter with a beloved patron who had walked with them through life’s storms.
Among them was Valerie Foo, 40, from Taman Tun Dr Ismail. Her presence at the feast was almost accidental — or providential. “I was supposed to be at a dinner with friends, but plans fell through. I had randomly seen the novena post on Instagram earlier and felt a nudge to come,” she shared. “Now I know why.”
Once distant from the faith, Valerie credits St Anthony — the patron saint of lost things — for helping her find more than just misplaced items. “A friend introduced me to the novena. She had to leave after, and I took her spot inside the packed church and stayed for Mass. I got to see the relic. It felt like a divine appointment.”
Valerie, who struggled for ten years to complete her Certificate in Legal Practice, spoke of the saint’s quiet strength through every setback. “Four years before my convocation, my mother collapsed. One thing after another. But somehow, St Anthony kept me going.”
For Diana Cyril Sundar, 32, from Tamil Nadu, India, the church in Pudu holds personal significance. “I prayed here in 2020, just before my delivery. The church was closed due to the pandemic, so I prayed from outside. Doctors said I needed a C-section, but I asked for a normal delivery — and it happened.”
A regular at the Tuesday novena, Diana recalled more answered prayers. “I lost my job during the pandemic. I prayed here for employment — and got a job at the very company I wanted. St Anthony always prays for us.”
Her devotion stretches back to her school days. “In my 12th standard, I was in an accident and couldn’t write properly during my exams. But after attending the novena in Vellore, I passed. This year, I made it for all nine days again, praying for something close to my heart. I know he hears me.”
Alexander Ray, 35, will never forget the 2013 feast. Assigned far from home for an internship in Batu Gajah with no nearby church, he was uncertain and anxious. “I applied for a placement in Nilai, but there was no confirmation.”
During the novena, he gave alms and was invited to carry the saint’s chariot during the procession. “Tears rolled down my face. I placed all my hope in St Anthony.”
The following Monday, he received word — a placement had opened up in Nilai. “It was considered impossible. But with St Anthony, nothing is impossible.” That miracle helped him complete his degree, and he’s returned to the novena and feast every year since.
Gladys Helen, 65, a legal assistant, began her novena on Jun 6 with a humble offering of buns — a tribute on her late father’s birthday. “St Anthony has always been our family’s patron saint, dating back to my grandfather in Kampung Maya near Salak South.”
Gladys shared how, after suffering a stroke, she returned to work much earlier than expected. “Many couldn’t believe it. But I know it was through St Anthony’s intercession. I’ve passed this devotion on to the younger ones in the family.”
The novena and feast carried the theme, Hope does not disappoint. Archbishop Julian Leow presided over the first Mass of the nine-day novena, with subsequent celebrations led by various priests including Fr Frederick Joseph, Fr Christopher Soosaipillai, Fr Albet Arokiasamy, Fr Edwin Peter, Fr George Harrison, Fr Simon Labrooy, and Fr Leonard Lexson. Parish priest, Fr Clarence Devadass, and assistant priest, Fr Michel Dass, concelebrated each day.
The occasion also marked the launch of preparations for the 115th anniversary of the Church of St Anthony. A series of year-long activities was announced, including a family day, pilgrimage to Padua, visits to local pilgrim churches, a hymn and logo competition, outreach projects for the needy, and church refurbishment. Devotees may contribute towards the cost of new pews by contacting the parish office. – Herald Malaysia
