By Herald Malaysia
PENANG – The Church of the Holy Name of Mary, Permatang Tinggi in the Diocese of Penang, marked a significant milestone with the dedication of its new church building on Oct 31. The ceremony, attended by over 2,000 people, was a momentous occasion for the parish community, symbolising faith, unity, and a renewed commitment to serving both God and the local community.
The event commenced at 9.30am with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by political and civil service representatives, alongside clergy members.
Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, unveiled the commemorative plaque, signifying the official opening of the new church. This was followed by a solemn procession into the sanctuary, led by Cardinal Sebastian, parish priest Fr Louis Loi, and clergy from various parishes, accompanied by the congregation.
The original church, built in 1928, has long served as a spiritual home for the faithful, fostering a deep relationship with God. However, with the parish’s growing population, the need for a larger place of worship became evident. The vision for the new church was initiated by the previous parish priest, Fr Augustine Wong, with the aim of providing a more spacious and sacred space.
The design for the new church draws inspiration from the Old Testament, particularly the “tent” built by Moses for God. The tabernacle echoes the Ark of the Covenant, creating an atmosphere of holiness and reverence.
In his homily, Cardinal Sebastian encouraged the faithful to remain rooted in God’s love, support one another, and move forward as a united community of faith. He also announced that the Church of the Holy Name of Mary has been selected as a pilgrim church for the Diocese of Penang in the upcoming Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025.
Fr Louis expressed deep gratitude to all who contributed to the construction of the new church. He described the majestic sanctuary as the culmination of tireless efforts and steadfast faith from the entire community. “We are profoundly thankful to everyone whose dedication and hard work have made this long-held dream a reality,” he said. The dedication ceremony included the blessing of the new altar and the consecration of the church, signifying the beginning of a new chapter for the parish. With the theme Enlarge the Space of Your Tent, the community is encouraged to open their hearts to God’s love and extend mercy and hope to others.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, which concluded around noon, attendees gathered for a luncheon, sharing in the joy of the day. – Herald Malaysia
