The Saint Anne’s Recycling Centre on 26 April 2025, celebrated their 25thAnniversary together with global observance of Earth Day and marking also the 10th Anniversary of the encyclical letter ‘LAUDATO SI’ by our Holy Father Francis on care for our common home and 800 years since St. Francis of Assisi composed “The Canticle of the Creatures” his timeless hymn of praise for creation. In this Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, let us journey together with hope, care and act with Creation while spreading the Laudato Si message.
Cardinal Dato’ Seri Sebastian Francis, the Titular Roman Catholic Bishop of Penang, prepared
the welcome address.
[1] YB Tuan Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Human Resource and Member of Parliament for Bukit Mertajam.
[2] YB Puan Heng Lee, ADUN Berapit
[3] Rev. Father Nelson Joseph, Rev. Deacon Lazarus Jonathan and Rev. Deacon Dave
Kameron
[4] Joseph Lim Jin Choon, Chairman of St. Anne’s Recycling Centre
[5] Councillors of Majlis Bandaraya Seberang Jaya
[6] Members of the St. Anne’s Recycling Centre
[7] Dear Friends of the Earth
A very Good Morning and Salam Harmoni.
Congratulations to St. Anne’s Recycling Centre on reaching the 25th Silver Jubilee milestone! It is truly fitting to celebrate this dedication to environmental stewardship today together with the global observance of Earth Day on 22 April.
Every effort, no matter how small, plays a vital role in creating a cleaner and sustainable planet. Recycling isn’t just about sorting materials; it is about making a conscious choice to reduce our impact on the environment. Every piece of paper, plastic, and metal we recycle contributes to building a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.
Pope Francis' 2015 encyclical letter ‘Laudato Si on Care for Our Common Home’ begins with, “LAUDATO SI’, mi’ Signore” – “Praise be to you, my Lord”. In the words of this beautiful canticle, Saint Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. “Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with coloured flowers and herbs”.
Let us therefore embrace ecological spirituality with community engagement and participation.
Many have heard the familiar slogan “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle”, but you, members of the St. Anne’s Recycling team, are the embodiment of action and commitment. For 25 years, you have devoted time and energy to making a difference in contributing to a cleaner earth. You are all a testament to being stewards of the earth. Thank you!
The recycling program at St. Anne stands as a cornerstone of the Minor Basilica of St. Anne’s commitment to environmental stewardship. We remember the early pioneers Donat Anthony Theseira and wife Mylene, with Rev. Fr. Michael Cheah supporting recycling programs and the continued stewardship under Msgr. Stephen Liew, Msgr. Henry Rajoo, and presently Rev. Deacon Lazarus Jonathan.
We thank the strong support given to the Minor Basilica of St. Anne by YB Tuan Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Human Resource and Member of Parliament for Bukit Mertajam.
We also extend our gratitude to Chairman of St. Anne’s Recycling Centre, Joseph Lim Jin Choon, committee members, St. Anne’s Seniors, Creation Justice Ministry, the faithful, and all volunteers and Friends of the Earth, who, over the past 25 years, have successfully raised RM280,188 to support various charitable organizations.
Remember, the choices we make today will shape the world we leave for future generations. Together, let us take a stand for the planet and make recycling an integral part of our lives. As we celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, let us see ourselves as pilgrims of hope – journeying together in recycling to reflect the collective pilgrimage of hope, action, and safeguarding for a better tomorrow.
SALAM DAMAI, SALAM HARMONI & SALAM HARAPAN
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
THANK YOU
H. Em. Cardinal Dato’ Seri Sebastian Francis
Bishop of Penang
By Christopher Kushi
