On 23 November 2025, the Church of Christ the King, Sungai Petani, Kedah joyfully commemorated both its annual feast day and the Centenary Celebration. The occasion was encapsulated in the theme “100 Years of Faith and Mission’” – 100 Years Rooted in Christ, Living His Mission and Celebrating His Kingship – Christ Reigns Forever”.
His Eminence Cardinal Sebastian Francis celebrated the Centenary Mass with Concelebrants Bishop Emeritus Antony Selvayanagam, Msgr. Henry Rajoo, Msgr. Stephen Liew, Msgr. Jude Miranda, Rev. Fr. Martin Arlando and Rev. Fr. Victor Louis.
Our Holy Father Leo XIV imparted the Apostolic Blessing to Fr. Victor Louis and all the faithful of the Church of Christ the King on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Church and through the intersession of the Blessed Virgin Mary invokes an abundance of divine graces.
Cardinal Sebastian’s homily invited all to become visionaries and dreamers. To imagine a new heaven and a new earth. All prompted by the Holy Spirit. When Peter came out of the upper room he left behind one culture, one language and enjoined with a multitude of races, languages and cultures and said in Acts 2: 17, “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams,” and an older Peter said in 2 Peter 3:13, “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells’. This is the Pentecost!
Cardinal Sebastian also explained that the model of Trinity is Unity, Diversity and Equality. The Spirit and the Bride together say “Come Lord Jesus, MARANATHA.
In a solemn tone, Cardinal ended his homily with a meditative chant taken from the Gospel of the day, Luke 23:42-43 where at the foot of the cross at Calvary, the good thief said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom” and Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise”. The congregation chanted ́Jesus, remember me when you come into Your Kingdom” for prisoners, for ourselves, and for sinners.
And we remember the visionaries and dreamers, MEP Fathers, Fr. Victor Renard, Fr. Louis Riboud, and many others with our then young priest Fr. Dominic Vendargon (1941-1948) who ministered the people of Sungai Petani and further north, cycling to outstations to as far as Rani Estate in Arau, Perlis.
Church of Christ the Kings stands as a nurturing church for the priesthood, religious vocations and laity, inspiring generations to serve. We have Cardinal Soter Fernandez who was born in Bukit Selambau, Sons of the Parish, Rev Fr. Francis Xavier Selvarajoo, Rev. Fr. Simon Anand, Rev. Fr. John Heng, daughter of the parish Sister Mary Ann Lim, and renowned human rights activists Irene Fernandez. The vision and dreams continue with Br. Ron Fernandez Sandanasamy, 3rd Year Theology at St. Peter’s College Major Seminary, Kuching.
Parish Priest Rev. Fr Victor Louis said that he is deeply grateful for the unwavering support and dedicated service of his parishioners and hope that they will always continue to keep their faith strong and remember they belong to God and always acknowledge Jesus as our King. The parish is a beautiful tapestry of diversity with four choirs, musicians, lectors and wardens in the Liturgical Ministry. Feast Days are celebrated in Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, English and Tamil. Fr, Victor Louis truly feels blessed to share this special time with all.
Bishop Emeritus Antoni Selvanayagam who recently celebrated his 90th birthday also reflected that everyone is called to be a catechist in their family, since faith begins at home. We must approach everything we do daily with a Christian, Christ-centered mindset so others can see Christ in us. Let us recommit ourselves to fulfilling Jesus’ command to love one another, knowing that Christ lives in each of us, and that our parish is a beacon of His love and teachings.
Parish Pastoral Council Chairperson, Mr. Peter Chong Min Fong congratulated the parish of Christ the King on this momentous 100th year milestone and stressed on key aspirations of the parish to actively involve young working adults in church life, nurturing a young generation of leaders. The parishioners have stood together, united in faith and looking forward to more blessed growth and expansion.
In this Jubilee Year of Pilgrims of Hope, the 9-Day Novena preceding the feast day, centered on HOPE. Youths: Hope points to the future. Children: Hope expects God to answer. Single Parents: Hope removes fear and gives courage. Singles: Hope believes, no matter what; Infants: Hope liberates. Senior citizens: Hope beyond discouragement. Married Couples: Hope is Listening to God. Sick: Hope doesn’t stop believing. Faithful Departed: Resurrection gives Hope. All Parishioners: Pilgrims of Hope with faith and mission.
By Christopher Kushi
