On 21st October 2025, the Minor Basilica of St. Anne, was filled with gratitude and joy as a Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated to honour the 90th birthday of His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Dato’ Bishop Emeritus Antony Selvanayagam of the Diocese of Penang. Bishop Emeritus Selva presided over the Mass, joined by concelebrants Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Msgr. Henry Rajoo, Msgr. Stephen Liew, Rev. Fr. Nelson Joseph and Rev. Deacon Paul Kang. The Thanksgiving Mass drew clergy and religious attending their recollection gathering, well-wishers and family members. Bishop Selva’s sister Rosemani Gunasegaram, 80 years and his grand-nephew Darren Loroy, travelled all the way from London to be part of this special day.
Bishop Selva born on 24th October 1935 in Bentong, Pahang, was ordained a priest on 20.12.1969 and appointed Bishop of Penang on 02.07.1983, serving 29 years before retiring on 7th July 2012. He was the first president of the Episcopal Commission for Ecumenism and Inter-religious Dialogue in the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei, the first president of the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) and promoted the Basic Ecclesiastical Communities (BEC) in all parishes.
Bishop Selva warmly welcomed all while acknowledging the milestone of growing older. Reflecting on his reaching 90 years, Bishop shared that whatever the Lord decides, he will accept with faith and gratitude. He emphasized to give thanks to the Lord; this is not 90 years of life but rather 90 years of blessings and service dedicated to God and Church. Touching on the theme of Synodality, Bishop Selva reminded all present on the importance of working together in the spirit of consultation, listening, discernment and enlightened decision-making. There is no place for ‘sendiri raja’ (acting alone). We are united in one holy, apostolic, and catholic church. The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 2 and 4, inspires that synodality was present at the very beginning of the Church. Bishop Selva concluded with the hope that: “We are together, Bishop and priests in authority and leadership, and in consultation with the laity. That is my wish and prayer”.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Stephen CSsR, delivered the homily recounting amusing anecdotes of serving under Bishop Selva. He fondly recalled the long fruitful meetings and with diligence accomplished important work in the Diocese. Rev. Fr. Victor Louis, the Thanksgiving Mass organizing chair, is humbled to say that he was ordained by Bishop Selva and learned from the wisdom and humanity of Bishop Selva, in his own journey of faith and service.
Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang said as we give thanks to Bishop Selva, we also give thanks and gratitude to the bishops who came before us: Bishop Francis Chan, Bishop Gregory Yong, Cardinal Anthony Soter Fernandez: The Mission Continues! Cardinal welcomed the family members and said that today is about family, our roots and the future generations as we gather to celebrate the 90th birthday of Bishop Selva. Cardinal Sebastian also thanked Rev. Fr. Edmund Woon, parish priest of City Parish where Bishop Selva is in residence at St. Francis Xavier Church, the caregivers, for the care and support given to our Emeritus Bishop.
Cardinal Sebastian Francis then led the congregation in a prayer for Bishop Selva: “Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the gift of life on this special day for our beloved Bishop Emeritus Antony Selvanayagam. We thank you for his years of faithful service, his wisdom and his unwavering dedication to the Church and its people. We pray that your abundant blessings continue to fill his life with joy, peace and strength. Grant him continued good health and grace. May he feel your love and presence always, and may his ministry and spirit continue to be the source of inspiration. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen”.
After the Mass, the celebration continued with a fellowship dinner, where a montage showcasing the remarkable journey and milestones of Bishop Selva’s life. The evening was made more special with the cutting of the birthday cake. Rosemani expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Rev. Fr. Edmund Woon, City Parish and the Diocese of Penang for their love and care towards Bishop Selva. Bishop Selva’s spirits are so upbeat now, that he is determined to walk again without the aid of any support!
