Church of St. Anne (1846)
Jalan Kulim, 14000 Bukit Mertajam
T: 04-5386405
F: 04-5387422
Email: stanne@stannebm.org
Parish Priest : Rev Henry Rajoo
Assistant Priest: Rev. Martin Arlando
In Residence: Rev Charles Chin
Sunday Masses :
8.00 am (English)
10.00 am (Mandarin)
5.00 pm (Tamil - 2nd & 4th Sunday)
St. Anne's Shrine
Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima, Berapit
Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows, Alma
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Many Do Not Listen Seriously To The Word Of God. |
| Posted by Diocese of Penang (pgdiocese) on Nov 09 2005 |
BUKIT MARTAJAM: Bishop Antony Selvanayagam’s 4-day pastoral visit to the Church of St Anne culminated in a 3-language Eucharistic Celebration on Sunday, June 12. Close to 1000 parishioners turned up. The con-celebrants were Msgr Stephen Liew and Fr Francis Chao.
In his homily, Bishop Selva urged the congregation to listen to the Word of God seriously. "A good number of us come to church, gather together, to listen to the Word of God. Somehow the significance of this Word of God proclaimed is not well-understood. Just imagine, after three readings, when asked what God said, many are not able to recall much. Based on my observations, experience, dialogues and questioning, I notice that a good number of us simply do not listen seriously to the Word of God."
"If I invite you to my house and speak to you, but you’re more interested in the pictures and things around the house as well as the food, how would I feel? How would God feel? I would like to stress that your coming to church every Sunday to fulfil the obligation is just not enough. You need to listen seriously to what Jesus is telling you."
Bishop Selva then drew the attention of the congregation to the theme of the Gospel reading: The harvest is rich but the labourers are few. "What is the harvest? It’s somebody who is in need, someone who is sick, lonely, deprived or those who are wanting and looking for the good news. And who are the labourers? Is it the Bishop? Or the Parish Priest? Is it not you?
Yes, you are the labourers. Jesus is calling you to give the Good News to those who are searching for it. You are the labourers.
God is there when you begin to relate, to share and live God’s call. Remember, when you leave the church, live what you have heard with your family, your neighbours and the others. Be involved in social work. Look for someone in need and play the role of the labourer."
After the homily, the ceremony of the installation of Msgr. Liew as the parish priest of St Anne’s Church was carried out. It was preceded by a citation of Msgr Liew by the PPC chairman, Joachim Wong. The chairman then read out the letter of appointment from the Bishop. This was followed by the renewal of promises by Msgr Liew and the signing of the appointment letter (picture left). Bishop Selva then conducted the ‘handing-over’ ceremony by presenting a bunch of keys to Msgr Liew.
During the thanksgiving hymn, children from the Tamil Apostolate presented a liturgical dance. After post communion prayer, the PPC Chairman, on behalf of the parish, congratulated Bishop Selva on the occasion of his Silver Jubilee. The chairman then presented a memento to Bishop Selva. This was followed by a presentation from the English-speaking children who sang their hearts out that Jesus is my best friend! 
After Mass, a simple tree-planting ceremony was carried out beside the church, to commemorate the Bishop’s pastoral visit to St Anne’s parish. The parishioners and Bishop Selva then proceeded to the Parish Centre for a buffet lunch and fellowship.
- by Joseph Lim
Last changed: Nov 09 2005 at 10:54 AM
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