On Sunday, 21st December 2025, the Church of the Immaculate Conception (IC Church), Georgetown, Penang joyfully celebrated a Christmas Jubilee with the theme ‘Welcoming the Light of Hope’. This celebration marked the approaching conclusion of the Jubilee of Hope, a holy year in which the faithful of IC Church came together to share in prayer, worship, thanksgiving and fellowship. The solemn Eucharistic Mass was presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, with concelebrants Monsignor Jude Miranda - parish priest and Vicar-General, Bishop Emeritus Antony Selvayanagam, Rev. Fr. Joachim Robert, and Rev. Fr. Oliver Tham (OFM).
At the beginning of the Mass, Cardinal Sebastian expressed his joy in witnessing the hope of the Jubilee year reflected in the eyes, faces, and interactions of the parishioners gathered at the church. Cardinal’s homily reflected on the wondrous birth of our Savior. Jesus’ birth was conceived of the Holy Spirit, (Roh Kudus in Bahasa Malaysia), - a birth beyond flesh, carrying the eternal message of hope. He reminded the congregation that we Asians living in the primacy of God, are called to embody this hope. Christ-centered Hope does not disappoint. Drawing on the Advent proclamation of Maranatha, Cardinal Sebastian emphasized both dimensions of Christian hope. Maranatha: “The Lord Has Come” – baby Jesus in the manger signifying His First Coming and Maranatha: “Come Lord Jesus” the Advent longing for Jesus’ Second Coming.
During the Prayer of the Faithful, Cardinal Sebastian offered prayers for the Diocese of Penang and all the parishes across Penang, Perak, Kedah, Perlis and Kelantan. Msgr. Jude then led the prayer intentions for the homebound and elderly, for children to pray for their parents and grandparents, for parents and grandparents to pray for their children and grandchildren, stability in life and financial well-being, to pray for healing of broken relationships and emotional wounds.
Following the Mass, the parish celebrated with a Christmas Cantata. Monsignor Jude expressed gratitude to families and parishioners for their presence, reminding all that Christmas is a celebration of love and sharing. Just as the Magi brought gifts to the Christ Child, the faithful were encouraged to exchange gifts as acts of love springing from the heart. For those who had not brought gifts, the “young angels” of the parish distributed presents so that no one was left out. After the blessing of the gifts, the entire congregation joyfully exchanged them, embodying the spiritual act of giving and receiving.
A special symbolic gesture was made when umbrellas were gifted to all parishioners aged 70 and above, including to Cardinal Sebastian Francis and Bishop Emeritus Antony Selvayanagam. This gift signified protection and care—just as bishops shield the faithful under their pastoral guidance and enlightenment, the elders safeguard their families with love and protection.
The Cantata was a delight to watch, as the children and youths of the parish brought the Gospel story to life with a beautiful, choreographed play. With reverence, they portrayed the Visitation of the Archangel Gabriel to Mary, Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem, the miraculous birth of Jesus in the manger, the adoration of the shepherds and the arrival of the Magi from the east. Accompanied by the parish choir’s uplifting hymns, the entire congregation was transported into the heart of the Nativity story experiencing its reverence. The Cantata reminded all that the Christmas story is a timeless message of divine promise. Kudos to the choir, youth and children of IC Parish.
The evening concluded with a fellowship dinner featuring local delicacies. Distinguished guests included YAB Tuan Jagdeep Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang and spouse, YB Syerleena Abdul Rashid - Member of Parliament for Bukit Bendera, and YB Joshua Woo Sze Zeng – ADUN Pulau Tikus, graced the occasion. YAB Tuan Jagdeep Singh and YB Syerleena Rashid in their address, both highlighted the beauty of unity in diversity as experienced at the occasion. With entertainment and good food, the parish community rejoiced together in festive cheer. Welcome the Light of Hope.
By Christopher Kushi
