By Herald Malaysia
BUKIT MERTAJAM – On Jun 2, Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, formally approved the establishment of the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary movement during a presentation meeting at the Minor Basilica of St Anne. With this endorsement, the Diocese of Penang becomes the first in Malaysia to officially recognise this international Marian movement, which is currently active in more than 50 countries.
The Flame of Love movement originated in Hungary, inspired by messages reportedly received by Elizabeth Kindelmann, a Third Order Carmelite, from Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her spiritual diary, later published under the title The Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, includes the Unity Prayer and a special petition to be added to the Hail Mary: “Spread the effect of grace of thy Flame of Love over all of humanity.”
The mission of the Flame of Love is to lead individuals to a deeper consecration to Jesus through Mary. The movement promotes a life rooted in prayer, fasting, frequent attendance at Mass (beyond weekends), regular confession, Eucharistic Adoration, and family prayer. Members also commit to praying for world peace, clergy and religious vocations, the souls in purgatory, and conduct home visits with a pilgrim statue of Our Lady.
During the event, Cardinal Sebastian invited members of the movement to share personal testimonies about the impact of the Flame of Love, especially through its unique Rosary devotion.
Anna Tan shared how the Rosary has helped her grow in meditative prayer and establish a consistent spiritual routine. Elizabeth Lim highlighted how praying together as a community has deepened their sense of unity and faith. Winnie Gracia gave a moving testimony of seeing the Blessed Virgin Mary in a dream, smiling with a rosary surrounded by fresh roses. She also described frequently smelling roses and jasmine during prayer, even when none were physically present.
Elizabeth Raymond spoke about her commitment to fasting every Monday and Friday to support the movement’s mission of “blinding Satan and spreading love worldwide.” Ester Ooi expressed how meaningful it is to recite the Hail Mary with the added Flame of Love petition. Cecilia Lee, from a devout Hakka family, shared the joy of being invited by Cardinal Sebastian to recite the Hail Mary in her native Hakka dialect, bringing back cherished memories of her childhood prayers with her mother in Changloon, Kedah.
Indiana Ann Oh summed up the testimonies by stressing the urgency of praying for humanity in today’s troubled world. After hearing all 13 heartfelt testimonies, Cardinal Sebastian remarked, “As the English saying goes, ‘He who bakes the cake eats it,’” suggesting that those who have nurtured the movement are now ready to enjoy its spiritual fruits. He affirmed his full support, along with Deacon Lazarus Jonathan and the People of God of the Penang Diocese, in uplifting and promoting the Flame of Love Movement. The members present were filled with joy and gratitude.
Sr Mercie Lai, of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM), also offered her reflections: “As we read the signs of the times, it is alarming to witness humanity under constant attack — families in crisis, and widespread suffering. The Flame of Love Movement is timely, offering us assurance and hope. Jesus is the Door of Hope, and through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, we are called to spread the Flame of Love and pray for humanity.” Since March 2025, Sr Mercie has been providing spiritual guidance to the group, which gathers weekly at the Minor Basilica of St. Anne for prayer and meditation.
Vanitha Nadaraj, the national coordinator for Malaysia, also expressed her gratitude: “With this official recognition, we pray that Our Blessed Mother’s mission will spread across the nation. Through her intercession, we will extinguish the fire of hatred with the fire of love. Let us allow her to lead us to the Flame of Love, who is Jesus Himself.”
In 2013, Pope Francis granted his Apostolic Blessing to the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In 2023, the Archdiocese of Singapore officially accepted the Flame of Love as a recognised ministry. – Herald Malaysia
