PENANG: A group of eighteen youths accompanied by their conductor and tour guide arrived at the Church of Divine Mercy, Penang (CDM) early on the 30th July. They were there to sing a few songs to publicize their Choir Presentation later that evening at the Church of Immaculate Conception. These young people were part of the 80 member Magnificat Choir from Medan, Indonesia. Their tour guide, Martin Lim remarked that they were quite excited to come to CDM and were up as early as 4 am. They even brought breakfast with them to eat at church so as not to be late.
They gave a rendition of three songs which they were to perform that night. The audience had an exciting spiritual experience of what young voices can achieve in this musical form of evangelization. All who witnessed this performance realized the effect such a performance can have to enhance your love for the faith. It was a most memorable event and clearly showed how young people can use their talents to praise and honour God.
That same afternoon saw the arrival of 15 bus loads of some 600 pilgrims from Sabah and Sarawak. The group was led by Julais Stephen with their spiritual guide, Fr Roney Peter Mailap. They had arranged for Sunday Mass to be performed here. In his homily, Fr Roney stressed that no one could be saved unless they learned the heavenly language. This heavenly language is Love. At the end of the mass, Fr Martin Arlando, parish priest of CDM thanked the pilgrims for coming to the church and invited them back any time of the year. Julais also commented that he felt very much at home when coming to CDM as there are many parishioners here who are from East Malaysia. Fr Roney then asked the participants who had bought souvenirs to raise all their sacramentals and he blessed them all. Fr Roney and Fr Martin then went around the church sprinkling them with holy water.
After mass all the visitors were given a drink and a packet of curry puffs as a token of appreciation for the visit before they boarded their buses.
Written by
Dr. Ivan Filmer
1st August, 2017.