On 31st May 2025, Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, led the celebration of the 150th Anniversary Mass at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, Klian Pauh, Taiping. The Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Msgr. Stephen Liew, Rev. Deacon Rocky Loo and Rev. Deacon Charles Lazaroo.
The theme of the 150th celebration is ‘Building, Living and Giving Hope’. Around 800 faithful gathered to partake in the Eucharistic celebration. Following the Mass, a 3.5 km procession into Taiping town brought forward the spirit of unity and devotion as the participants journeyed in prayer and reflection. The evening culminated with a fellowship dinner.
In his homily, Cardinal Sebastian thanked God for the Gift of Pope Francis, the Gift of Pope Leo XIV and the Gift of the Continuity in Mission and Communion. Cardinal reflected on the parable of the empty tomb and empty upper room emphasizing that both are empty places. The empty tomb serves as a reminder: Don’t look for the living among the dead. Similarly, the empty upper room teaches: Don’t look for the Holy Spirit in an empty upper room because the Holy Spirit is on Mission. Cardinal Sebastian exhorted the faithful: Are we on the same mission?
A Dinner celebration was held on 1st June at Dewan St. Louis where Cardinal Sebastian graced the occasion as guest of honor, was welcomed with a Lion Dance and delivered the welcome speech.
[1] YB Teh Kok Lim, State Exco for Science, Environment and Green Technology, ADUN for Aulung
[2] YB Ong Seng Guan, ADUN for Pokok Assam
[3] Msgr. Stephen Liew – Vicar General and Parish Priest of Taiping Catholic Church
[4] Msgr. Jude Miranda – Vicar General and Parish Priest of Church of the Immaculate Conception, Penang
[5] Margaret Xavier, Parish Pastoral Council & Organizing Committee Chairperson
[6] Reverend Fathers, Deacons, Religious Brothers & Sisters,
[8] My Dear Parishioners and Friends of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Klian Pauh and now the Taiping Catholic Church.
Good evening and a warm welcome to this joyous occasion - the 150th Anniversary Dinner Celebration of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Klian Pauh. Tonight, we gather as a community, united in LOVE, GRATITUDE AND HOPE. For 150 years this sacred Church at Klian Pauh, has stood as a beacon of faith, nurturing generations of believers. Established in 1875, this church has journeyed through time and today we continue to be guided by the theme:
‘BUILDING, LIVING & GIVING HOPE’
[1] We remember with deep reverence Fr. J.P. Allard and Fr. Charles Mazery, the early French MEP Fathers who built this church - first at the hilltop at Klian Pauh and later at the foot of the hill, where it stands today. Their vision of building the House of God, planted the seeds of our unwavering 150 years of faith of this spiritual home we cherish today at this dinner.
[2] It is remarkable that this church was built just one year after the founding of Taiping in 1874, serving primarily the Chinese Catholic community. This intertwines our growth with the very history and progress of Taiping itself. This means our church story is woven in the very fabric of Taiping!
[3] In 1897, the Church of St. Louis was established to serve the growing Indian Catholic community. According to Sr. Maureen Cheah’s book ‘History of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Penang’, in a beautiful act of harmony, Bishop Emeritus Antony Selvanayagam, responding to the desires of both the Chinese and Indian communities, united the 2 parishes on Pentecost Sunday, 18th May 1997, forming the “Taiping Catholic Church”. This merger was not just structural but a divine affirmation that we are stronger together.
[4] From this united parish, God has raised many shepherds who have guided countless souls:
• Bishop James Chan (1959) Became Bishop of Malacca-Johore 1972
• Fr. Xavier Manikam (1958)
• Fr. Andrew Lau
• Fr. Archilles Choong –1st Asian Rector of College General Penang (1971)
• Fr. Anthony Chong (1968)
• Fr. Marshal Fernandez (1976)
• Fr. Augustine Wong (1978)
• Fr. Clement Pereira (1980)
• Fr. James Saw (1986)
• Fr. David Lourdes (1989)
Their vocations and many other religious and lay vocations are living proof of the spiritual richness nurtured within the church walls.
[5] And we fondly remember and thank the many priests and other vocations who have served the Taiping Catholic Parish and some who are present with us today. Among them we have here is Msgr. Jude Miranda. Msgr. Jude not only served the parish but built this magnificent hall where we celebrate today. Currently the parish is under the pastoral care of Msgr. Stephen Liew, who also serves as my Vicar General and Dean No. 1 of the Perak Deanery. We also have present Rev. Fr. Edmund Woon, Rev. Fr. Aloysius Tan, Rev. Fr Dominic Santhiyagu and Sister Cyrilla Baptist FMDM.
[6] We also remember with gratitude the many De La Salle Brothers and Infant Jesus Sisters and teachers at our Catholic Mission Schools in Taiping.
[7] Taiping boasts numerous first. The 1st Permanent Deacon of the Diocese of Penang is Deacon Clement Samuel Gomez. Today we are proud to have Deacon Rocky Loo and Deacon Charles Lazaroo, along with many dedicated Religious Brothers and Sisters. Additionally, Taiping is home to the 1st Charismatic Prayer Group established in the country and the 1st Covenanted Community in the Diocese of Penang founded in Taiping.
[8] And now in 2025, we look forward with faith to the completion of the Ozanam Retirement Village in the grounds of the Church of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. This is a mission of dignity and hope for the elderly brothers and sisters in the twilight of their years. Let us pray that this noble project bears fruit, in nurturing and caring for the People of God in every season of their life.
[9] As we celebrate this milestone, the Universal Catholic Church has declared the year 2025 as the Jubilee Year of Hope where we are all Pilgrims of Hope. In a world often divided by differences, we are called to walk together – towards a future filled with peace, understanding and shared humanity.
[10] Tonight, let us give thanks for the past, rejoice in the present and step forward with hope for the future. May Our Lady of the Sacred Heart continue to guide us as we build, live and give hope to all.
[11] Thank you, and may God Bless each of you and our beloved church for many more years to come. The Vision and Mission of the Taiping Catholic Church moves forward with the Holy Spirit. Now, let us enjoy this wonderful evening together filled with fellowship, gratitude, and celebration!
SALAM DAMAI, SALAM HARMONI & SALAM HARAPAN
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
THANK YOU
H. Em. Cardinal Dato’ Seri Sebastian Francis
Bishop of Penang
By Christopher Kushi
