Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang shared a heartfelt Christmas message
“From Bethlehem to Rome to Kelantan, to where you are, there is the thrill of Hope,
the weary world rejoices for yonder breaks a New and Glorious Morn – MARANATHA”
which resonated throughout the Diocese.
Cardinal Sebastian had a blessed and joyous Christmas 2024 at the parish of the
Church of Our Lady of Fatima of the Holy Rosary, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Cardinal
celebrated mass, sacraments of baptism, confirmation and rectification of marriage.
Accompanying him were Sr. Florence Nemesius, Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate
Conception (FSIC) from the Diocesan BM Apostolate, Brother Francis Xavier Gasper
of the Montford Boys Town, Shah Alam and Serena Jonius from the Penang Diocesan
Youth Network (PDYN).
Sr. Angela Wong, Sr. Mary Anne Fletcher and Sr. Regina Ho, of the Franciscan
Missionaries of Mary, were also present at the celebrations. The FMM Convent in
Kota Bharu, which has been serving in mission for 62 years, is the face of the local
Catholic community. Today, the FMM Sisters are involved in pre-school education,
parish work, home visits, outreach to university students, counselling and spiritual
direction, and catechism for the Bahasa group in various locations. Sr. Angela shared
that around 400 of the faithful attended the Christmas masses, fellowship meals,
exchange of gifts, community singing and dancing activities. Sr. Angela also expressed
her gratitude to all the parishioners for their blessed support given during this
Christmas.
Sr. Florence highlighted that the parishioners brought Christmas to life with their
prayers, worship, and songs, illustrating that the “Newborn Baby, the Emmanuel” was
born in everyone’s hearts. This encapsulates the true meaning of a Merry Christmas.
Bro. Gasper, a Gabrielite Brother and one of the founders of Montford Sabah, shared
his happiness at reconnecting with former Montford students who are now residing in
Kota Bharu, and the wider East Malaysian community, of which he holds fond
memories.
From East Malaysia, youth members Aan Natalie Handry and Edvern Mobik Risel
Anak Valentine Risel shared their happy moments. Aan Handry expressed her
gratitude for being surrounded by people who make the youths feel at home, making
this Christmas full of good vibes. Aan shared that she doesn’t feel lonely with so many
Sabah and Sarawak friends around, especially while rocking the karaoke with Borneo
songs, which made her feel like she was right back home. Edvern Risel shared that
this is his second year celebrating Christmas away from home, and it was wonderful
to have Cardinal Sebastian celebrate the midnight and morning Christmas masses.
He enjoyed the Christmas performances, with children and adults dancing and singing.
A memorable moment for him was when the national news network Bernama TV
featured the Christmas youth activities, making others throughout Malaysia aware of
their presence in Kelantan. Edvern is also happy to bid farewell to a year packed with
challenges with a joyous Christmas celebration.
Joseph Wang, Parish Pastoral Council Chair expressed gratitude on behalf of the
parish to His Eminence Cardinal Sebastian for the pastoral visit and celebrating a
meaningful Christmas with the catholic community of Kelantan. The parish serves the
residents of Kota Bharu, Jeli, Tanah Merah, Kuala Krai, University Malaysia Kelantan,
University Sains Malaysia (USM) Health Campus, as well as Catholics affiliated with
the police and army, many of whom hail from Sabah and Sarawak.
By Serena Jonius and Chris Kushi
