On 12th June 2025 at 8pm, the 77th Anniversary Mass of Sybil Kathigasu, née Medan Daly [1899-1948] was commemorated at her gravesite at the Cemetery of St. Michael’s Church, Ipoh, Perak. The solemn event was led by His Eminence Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Aloysius Tan, Rev. Fr. Michael Dass, Rev. Fr. George Vaithynathan, and Rev. Fr. Konstend Gnanapragasam.
Sybil Kathigasu, a Malayan heroine, is renowned for her bravery during the Japanese occupation of Malaya. As a trained nurse and midwife, she secretly aided the Allied war effort by providing medicines and medical services to fellow Malayans resisting the occupation in Papan, Perak. Sybil was captured by the Japanese army and, under the Kempeitai, endured brutal interrogation and torture. Despite this, she refused to betray her patients. She is an exemplary nurse who lived the Gospel with unwavering dedication. Her life was marked by profound spirituality, rooted in dependence on God’s Grace, and the love of Jesus, which filled her with hope and resilience. She remains the only Malayan woman to be awarded the George Medal by King George VI.
Cardinal Sebastian, in his homily, said that Sybil Kathigasu’s life embodies faith through suffering. There is a ‘veil’ over our eyes and minds that represents spiritual blindness, that prevents us from seeing and understanding as our Lord sees and understands. Only by turning to the Lord-Holy Spirt can this ‘veil’ be removed, allowing us to commit ourselves to God’s Will and Mission, even in the face of suffering, persecution or imprisonment. Sybil’s life exemplifies this journey. As Catholics, we must also ask ourselves if this is the life, story and legacy we will leave behind as Disciples of Christ?
Cardinal Sebastian furthered emphasized our Lord Jesus and the concept of innocent suffering. The Apostles, the Saints, and Martyrs all endured innocent suffering, which is a hallmark of missionary work. This type of suffering is distinct from the suffering of those imprisoned for crimes committed. The innocent sufferer yearns for justice and pays the price for it, and they are called Blessed in the Beatitudes.
Around 180 people gathered under a canopy to attend Sybil Kathigasu’s gravesite Mass. The Catholic Nurses Guild from Taiping, wearing distinct red T-shirts to show love and prayers for fellow nurse Sybil, were present. Parishioners from Batu Gajah, various prayer groups, and many Friends of Sybil, both from far and near, also attended this heartfelt memorial.
On 1st July 2024 through a Diocese of Penang Notification, Cardinal Sebastian, Bishop of Penang, advanced the cause of beatification and canonization of Sybil Kathigasu by God’s Grace. Sybil lived a life of service, love, and compassion for the sick and suffering in the town of Papan, Perak. Her story continues to inspire people of all cultures and faiths. Pilgrims regularly visit her grave and her house/clinic in Papan. After consulting His Grace Julian Leow, Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, the notification states that Rev. Fr. Eugene Benedict has been appointed to assist in this initial process.
If there is no objection by the Holy See, the permission, nihil obstat (nothing stands in the way) is communicated to the Bishop of Penang. Once a Cause has begun, the individual is called Servant of God. Sybil’s story will now be examined by the Catholic Church for its authenticity as a testament of faith. To be beatified, one miracle must be acquired through the candidate’s intercession, and canonization requires a second miracle after beatification. We pray for her intercession.
Sybil Kathigasu passed away on 12 June 1948. Since January 2025, Rev. Fr. Aloysius Tan, the parish priest of St. Michael Church, Ipoh has been holding prayers at her gravesite. These prayer sessions are held on the 12th day of every month drawing around 20 faithful. Alina Sng a prayer leader mentions that the bilingual English-Mandarin prayer sessions are guided by Fr. Aloysius, who determines the time and date. A banner at the site reads, ‘With the love she had for God, she was able to reach out to many in need, a living instrument of God’s hope, love and mercy’.
If any prayers are answered or documents to be shared, please contact Jennifer Duarte, via email address at: road2sainthood.sybil@gmail.com or send a postal mail to Sybil Kathigasu Prayer Group c/o Church of St. Michael, 24 Church Road, 30300 Ipoh, Perak.
By Christopher Kushi
