By YK Ng
A group of Korean clergy, accompanied by laity, recently visited Melaka and celebrated Mass at the newly renovated Church of St Francis Xavier (SFX). The visitors were warmly welcomed by parish priest Fr Moses Rayappan, who presented the Korean clergy with chasubles commemorating the diocese’s 50th anniversary on behalf of Bishop Bernard Paul. The clergy wore the chasubles during the Mass.
After the celebration, the group met Rt Rev Bernard Paul, Bishop of the Malacca Johore diocese, who then invited them to lunch with the diocesan clergy at the Good Shepherd Catholic Seminary. The timing coincided with the diocesan Clergy Monthly Recollection, giving the visitors an opportunity to meet many priests of the diocese.
Portuguese cuisine was served for lunch. Some clergy had wondered whether the food might be too spicy, but many of the visitors enjoyed the meal and found the spiciness manageable. They particularly appreciated the warm hospitality extended to them.
The visit was arranged through Fr Joseph Lee Ki-Beom, who had previously written to the diocese expressing his intention to celebrate Mass at SFX and meet Bishop Bernard Paul. Afterward, he expressed heartfelt gratitude for the welcome and generosity shown to the group.
On behalf of the group, Fr Joseph said, “The vestments you so graciously gifted will forever remain a treasured memory. In particular, the St Francis Xavier chasuble and stole set presented by Bishop Bernard is an invaluable and deeply meaningful gift. For a priest, there could be no greater honour.”
The visitors also presented Bishop Bernard with a statue of St Andrew Kim Taegon, the first Korean-born Catholic priest who studied at College General Seminary, along with Korean wines and small marble busts of “Laughing Jesus.” – Herald Malaysia
