Hospital Fatimah, Ipoh, Perak celebrated the 50th Golden Jubilee with a Gala Dinner on Saturday 7th December 2024. This is for 50 glorious years of providing healthcare services and community wellbeing. The journey of Hospital Fatimah began with the Brothers of Mercy, also fondly called the German Doctors who provided care, treatment and healing to the people in Kinta Valley beginning in 1953. H. Em. Cardinal Dato’ Seri Sebastian Francis, the Titular Roman Catholic Bishop of Penang, gave the welcome address.
[1] BRO. PETER BERG, VICAR GENERAL BROTHERS OF MERCY
(deputizing for Brother Benedikt Molitor, Superior General, Barmherzige Bruder von Maria-Hilf)
[2] BRO. ANTONIUS JOOS
[3] BRO. ALFONS MARIA MICHELS
[4] BRO. AMBROSE HENG, LOCAL SUPERIOR, BROTHERS OF MERCY, MALAYSIA & SINGAPORE
[5] BRO. PATRICK LIEW
[6] BRO. THOMAS CHIA
[7] REV. FR. MICHAEL CHEAH – CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, HOSPITAL FATIMAH
[8] DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS and BOARD OF VISITORS
[9] YANG BERHORMAT SIVANESAN ACHALINGAM, PERAK STATE HEALTH EXCO
[10] DR. FEISUL IDZWAN MUSTAPHA, PERAK STATE HEALTH DIRECTOR
[11] THE FRANSISCAN MISSIONARIES OF THE DIVINE MOTHERHOOD
[12] REV. FATHERS, RELIGIOUS BROTHERS AND SISTERS
[13] HOSPITAL FATIMAH’S CONSULTANTS, DOCTORS, NURSES, MANAGEMENT AND STAFF
[14] MY DEAR FRIENDS OF HOSPITAL FATIMAH
Good evening and a warm welcome to Hospital Fatimah’s 50th Anniversary Golden Gala Dinner. Tonight, we gather to celebrate a significant milestone in the 50 years journey of Hospital Fatimah, keeping true to the motto:
‘STRENGTH IN PURPOSE, GENTLE IN ACTION’
[1] This journey has been marked by dedication, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to providing exceptional healthcare.
[2] The Vision Began, fifty years ago, this esteemed hospital was officially declared open by His Royal Highness, the late Sultan of Perak, DYMM Sultan Idris Shah and this morning at Hospital Fatimah’s 50th Golden Jubilee Launch and Plaque Signing Ceremony, we had the gracious presence of HRH Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah and HRH Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim.
[3] Fifty years ago, Hospital Fatimah opened its doors with a vision to serve the community, heal the sick, and be a beacon of hope in times of need. Today, we stand proud, reflecting on a legacy of excellence that has touched and healed countless lives.
[4] Blessings and thanks to the Congregation of the Brothers of Mercy, a Catholic hospitaller Order, whose motherhouse is in Trier, Germany for their catholic charism of caring and nursing the sick within the framework of love and charity. Blessings and thanks also to the Franciscan Sisters from Salzkotten, Germany and followed by the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood.
[5] As we celebrate this golden milestone, we also honour the values that have guided us through the years. Compassion, integrity, and a deep sense of service have been at the heart of everything we do. These values have not only defined our past but also light the path to our future. Hospital Fatimah has fulfilled the mission words of the congregation founder The Blessed Peter Friedhofen:
“TO CARE FOR THE SICK AS WELL AS POSSIBLE IN EVERY ASPECT’.
[6] The Catholic Church also celebrates the year 2025 as the Jubilee Year of Hope where we are all Pilgrims of Hope. We hope and pray that people of all cultures and religions, to walk together towards a peaceful world and brighter future.
[7] Tonight, we also look ahead with a renewed sense of purpose. As we embark on the next chapter of our story, we are committed to furthering our mission of delivering a professional healthcare service. We are dedicated to embracing innovation, fostering holistic care, and nurturing the well-being of our community.
[8] None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our Brothers of Mercy, FMDM Sisters, Board of Directors and Board of Visitors, Clergy and Religious, Consultants, Doctors, Nurses, Management, Staff and Dear Friends of Hospital Fatimah. Thank you all for your commitment and dedication.
[9] We also thank the people of Ipoh, people of Perak and beyond, who have in different ways and different capacities given your time, energy and support in building Hospital Fatimah for what it is today.
[10] Thank you all for standing by us, for believing in our vision, and for contributing to our growth. Your collaboration and support have been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing this journey together. THE LEGACY CONTINUES.
[11] SALAM DAMAI, SALAM HARMONI & SALAM HARAPAN, GOD BLESS YOU ALL and THANK YOU
Cardinal Francis also requested the band to play the song Edelweiss in honour and thanks for the Brothers of Mercy long years of unwavering love, toil and sacrifice in Malaysia. Why did Cardinal Sebastian choose the song “Edelweiss”? This is because Edelweiss is a rare mountain wildflower, known for growing in the Alps. The Edelweiss flower symbolizes ‘True Love and Sacrifice’. Everybody joined in and sang the lyrics with love and thanks!
Brother Peter Berg, of the Brothers of Mercy, of Mary, Help of Christians (Fratum Misericordiae Mariae Auxilliatricis - FMMA) who represented Brother Benedikt Molitor the Superior General, remembered the Brothers of Mercy long presence since 1953, in then Malaya. Inspired by the local communities, the Brothers of Mercy began to consolidate their ideals in Malaysia, to establish a hospital within the framework of love and charity. The Brothers of Mercy, after 20 years of fundraising, planning and construction, the Hospital Fatimah was officially declared opened on December 7, 1974. Brother Peter thanked the doctors, nurses, management and staff for their excellent medical and nursing care of the sick.
Rev. Fr. Michael Cheah, Chairman of the Board of Directors brought a thunderous roar from all present when he announced that staff of Hospital Fatimah will receive a bonus of 2 ½ months with a minimum payable bonus of RM5,000.00
By Christopher Kushi
