On Monday 19th January 2026, at the Minor Basilica of St. Anne, Bukit Mertajam, Penang, the faithful gathered to celebrate the 25th Sacerdotal Anniversary of Rev. Msgr. Henry Rajoo’s priesthood, with the theme ‘Faithful in Hope’.
Msgr. Henry presided over the Eucharist Celebration, joined by Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, along with Msgr. Jude Miranda, Rev. Fr. Nelson Joseph, Rev. Fr. Simon Labrooy, Rev. Fr. Mark Michael, Rev. Fr. Frederick Joseph, and Rev. Deacon Lazarus Jonathan. Priests from the Dioceses of Penang, Malacca-Johore and Archdiocese Kuala Lumpur also came in fraternity to honour this milestone.
Cardinal Sebastian’s message to Msgr. Henry, “You are a disciple for the past 56 years and a priest for 25 years”. Cardinal’s words highlighted the longevity of Msgr. Henry’s commitment to Christ and the Church, but also a continuous response to God’s call -first as a devoted follower, and then as a shepherd guiding others on their spiritual journey.
In his homily, Msgr. Henry reflecting on his ordination, shared that his guiding theme then was ‘Be Faithful’. At that time, he understood faithfulness simply as saying “yes” to God’s call. Today, 25 years later, Msgr. Henry sees faithfulness as a journey that culminates in Hope. Thus this 25th Silver Jubilee theme became “Be Faithful in Hope”. He reminded the faithful that true faithfulness means choosing God and His Church above all, while Christian hope directs us to the future, where “Hope is not what you can see”, says St. Paul. (Referring to Romans 8:24-25, where Apostle Paul teaches, “For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance”.)
“Be constant in prayer for God provides patience and rejoicing”. The fruit of this faithfulness is evident: in over 25 years, Msgr. Henry has celebrated 9125 masses, each offered for the salvation of mankind. This is priestly devotion!
Our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV imparted the Apostolic Blessing upon Msgr. Henry Louis Rajoo of his Priestly Ordination and invoking through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary an abundance of divine graces to sustain and strengthen his priestly ministry.
With heartfelt conviction, Msgr. Henry Rajoo extended an invitation to the younger generation: “Do not be afraid, embrace the Priesthood Vocation”. His words carried the weight of a living experience, reminding all that while the priesthood is not without challenges, it is a beautiful gift filled with purpose, joy, and the unwavering support of a loving community. The celebration continued with a fellowship dinner at the St. Anne Hall.
By Christopher Kushi
