By CHARIS Penang Diocese Service of Communion
PENANG – “Here am I. Send me.” That was the challenge placed before participants at The Angels Cry Holy, a four-day worship gathering organised by the CHARIS Penang Diocese Service of Communion (CPDSC) from Jun 4–7 at the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
Inspired by Isaiah 6:1–8, the gathering drew participants from Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia for a time of worship, formation and fellowship centred on a deeper encounter with God and a renewed call to holiness. It also fostered greater unity among the dioceses of CHARIS Malaysia as participants journeyed together in prayer and worship.
In his opening address, Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, reflected on Isaiah’s vision of the Lord seated upon His glorious throne and the worship of the Seraphim, the “burning ones” who continually proclaim God’s holiness.
Drawing from the prophet’s experience, Cardinal Sebastian explained how Isaiah’s encounter with God’s holiness led him through a process of purification and transformation that prepared him for mission. He encouraged participants to make Isaiah’s response their own, embracing God’s call to be missionary disciples.
Throughout the gathering, speakers from across Malaysia explored themes of holiness, faith, worship, repentance, discipleship and mission. Sessions were led by Stephen Rodrigues, Leoreen Heah Rodrigues and Adeline Teh of CHARIS Penang Diocese; Simon Matthew of CHARIS Peninsular Malaysia; Paul Wong of CHARIS Kuching Diocese; Neil Mah of CHARIS Kota Kinabalu Diocese; Fr Martin Arlando of the Penang Diocese, and Pastor Paul Howe, widely known as “The Shofar Maker”.
Workshops and reflections invited participants to deepen their understanding of praise and worship, grow in faith, experience the transforming presence of God, and respond more fully to His call. Pastor Paul Howe also conducted a shofar-blowing workshop. Fr Martin led participants in reflections on repentance and healing followed with prayer over each one of them during Eucharistic Adoration.
The worship team from Penang, together with the Stella Maris Catholic Church prayer group worship team from Kota Kinabalu, animated vibrant sessions of praise and worship that created opportunities for prayer, reflection and a deeper awareness of God’s presence.
A recurring message throughout the gathering was that holiness is not reserved for a select few but is the vocation of every Christian. Participants were reminded that holiness is both a gift and a lifelong journey, calling them to reflect God’s love, truth and grace in their daily lives.
Reflecting on Isaiah’s response, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?”, participants were invited to discern how God might be calling them to serve in their families, workplaces, parishes and communities.
The gathering concluded on Sunday with a High Praise session, followed by a commissioning by Msgr Jude Miranda during the Corpus Christi Mass, which also welcomed the Cross of the Perjalanan Salib to the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
As participants were sent forth as missionary disciples of hope, the worship gathering served as a timely preparation for the Malaysia Pastoral Convention in Sibu this September. More importantly, it challenged those present to carry the spirit of holiness beyond the gathering itself and become witnesses to Christ wherever they are sent. – Herald Malaysia
