In line with Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of August 2025 - mutual coexistence - the faithful are invited to be builders of bridges, seeing others through the eyes of the heart.
On 20 th July 2025, Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang paid a courtesy visit/ dialogue with YAB Dato’ Seri Haji Muhamad Sanusi Bin Mohd Nor, Menteri Besar Kedah, at Wisma Darul Aman, Alor Setar. The hi-tea engagement brought together senior Catholic clergy from the Northern Deanery, and the leadership of the Dewan Ulama PAS Kedah, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering unity and fraternity.
The Diocese of Penang, which encompasses Penang, Kedah Perlis, Kelantan and Perak was represented by Msgr. Henry Rajoo: Vicar-General, Rev. Fr. Michael Cheah: Parish Priest of St. Michael Church, Alor Setar, Rev. Fr. Desmond Jansen: Parish Priest of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Kulim, Rev. Deacon Paul Kang: CEO of Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital, Rev. Deacon Dave Kameron: Minor Basilica of St. Anne, Sr. Lucynia Jeprin: FSIC Bahasa Apostolate, Marianne Kameron: New Thessalonian Apostolate , and Christopher Kushi.
The PAS delegation from Dewan Ulama PAS Kedah included Tuan Sheikh Mohd Rodi Bin Abdul Rahman Al-Hafiz, Ustaz Ahmad Marzuki Bin Yusof, Ustaz Sukarno Bin Abdul Hamid, and Lajnah Dakwah PAS Kedah YB Ustaz Shahrir Long and Tuan Hj. Abdul Rahman.
Cardinal Sebastian, in his address, emphasized that the gathering is not merely a social event but a testament to the bonds we forge when faith and civic leadership work together. The Catholic community in Kedah began with the arrival of Catholics from Phuket, Thailand in 1781 and the founding of St. Michael’s Church in 1920. Over the years, the community has grown with the establishment of Christ the King Church in Sg. Petani, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Kulim and various mission schools and chapels. Cardinal also highlighted the presence of the Catholic community in Langkawi, and the contributions of Bumiputra Catholics from Sabah and Sarawak, who serve in Kedah, particularly in the police department, armed forces, government and private agencies, and as students in institutions of higher learning.
Menteri Besar Sanusi underscored the importance of inter-racial and inter-religious harmony as a cornerstone of stability and progress for Kedah, affirming the need to preserve peace for the continued development of the state. The dialogue was marked by mutual respect and understanding.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Menteri Besar Sanusi, looking at Bishop of Penang’s official letterhead asked Cardinal to explain the words in his coat-of-arms “Fiat Voluntas Tua”. Cardinal Sebastian explained that the episcopal motto is Latin for “Obedience to God’s Will”. This moment of conscious unity was significant, as Muslims also invoke the phrase, “Inshallah” which means “God Willing”.
As a gesture of shared commitment to peace, each attendee was presented with a copy of the Abu Dhabi 2019 - Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together, co-signed by His Holiness Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al- Azhar Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, which serves as an inspiration for efforts towards global harmony and universal peace.
By Christopher Kushi
