Church of St Michael (1890)
24 Church Road, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
T: 05-2540176
F: 05-2415437
stmc@streamyx.com
Parish Priest : Rev. Michael Cheah
Sat. Sunset Mass : 7.00 pm (English)
Sunday Masses :
8.00 am English
10.00 am Mandarin
5.30 pm English
Parish bulletin:
Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4
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Legionaries bring cheer to orphans |
| Posted by Diocese of Penang (pgdiocese) on Jan 19 2009 |
December 28, 2008
IPOH: Advent took on a special meaning this year for some 30 members of the Legion of Mary from St Michael’s Church who brought cheer to residents at the Ipoh Convent’s Asrama Bintang Orphanage.
The members from the two English Praesidae of Our Lady of the Annunciation and Our Lady of Missions brought steaming dim-sum for breakfast with their guests.
Present at the gathering was Infant Jesus Sr Mary Michael, and Good Shepherd Sr Dorothy Khaw and the Home’s coordinator, Jemma.
The Legionaries started with a short prayer, followed by the rosary, and then everyone was served dim-sum and hot drinks by the Legionaries. Many of the residents, who range from ages 48 till 87, were touched by their kind gesture. They had prepared the small hall by carefully decorating it. A small Christmas tree was trimmed with crocheted, knitted or sewn ornaments, and on the walls were strung colourful knitted Christmas tree ornaments.
In that simple way, the hall became a warm haven of love and peace.
The residents showed their appreciation by joining in wholeheartedly when the Legionaries sang Christmas carols. One of the residents, Josephine, sang Japanese songs she had learned.
After the singing, the residents were eager to connect with others and talk about their lives. Beyond the fun and laughter, it was amazing to discover just how much nurturing had taken place amongst those at Asrama Bintang.
Hearing their stories of how many of them have given so much to others in acts of compassion, reminded everyone of the message of Christmas — that of giving of oneself. Each had done something for others in a way that matters. One had spent time caring for the very ill mother of someone she knew, till the end. Others worked as maids when they were younger, before returning to the orphanage in their old age. Another resident said she often prayed for those who faced difficulties.
Pierette Tan and Lucy who are both blind, shook hands with everyone and asked their names.
“I love singing Hindi songs,” volunteered wheelchair-bound Katrine and promptly started singing one in her soft, lilting voice.
Celine Kok who wanted to have snapshots taken with every newfound friend she had made, said she prayed for others who needed help.
Marcelle Chong told of how she would make artificial flowers to help a flower seller improve her business.
Leaders of the two praesidae, Irene Yap and Mabel Sinnadurai, later distributed angpows to the elderly orphans, many of whom had spent 20 years in Bukit Nanas Convent, before coming back to Ipoh.
Irene said it was an annual general reunion for the members who in past years have visited nursing homes at Advent.
“This year’s breakfast and angpows were sponsored by a kind benefactor,” she said.
After the breakfast session, a short prayer was said, and everyo
Last changed: Jan 19 2009 at 4:57 PM
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