Church of the Immaculate Conception (1819)
1 Lorong Maktab, Pulau Tikus,
10250 Pulau Pinang
T: 04-2278297
F: 04-2277032
Email: iccpenang@gmail.com
Parish Priest : Rev. Marshall Fernandez
Assistant Parish Priest: Rev. Mark Michael
Parish Secretariat :
Sat. Rosary, Novena, Prayer & Benediction: 5.30 pm
Sat. Sunset Mass: 6.30 pm
Sunday Masses :
8.30 am and 6.00 pm
11.15 am (2nd & 4th Sunday in Mandarin)
11.15 am (1st & 3rd Sunday in Tamil)
Weekday Mass :
Mon, Tue, Wed & Sat. at 7.00 am followed by Lauds
Thu & Fri - 6.00 pm followed by Vespers
Every 13th of the month Rosary & Mass at 7.00 pm
1st Thurs. of the month: Charismatic Healing Service at 8.00 pm
Chapel - St. Joseph's Chapel, Hong Seng Estate: Mass at 8.00 pm (2nd Friday)
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Penang parish stages Bible exhibition |
| Posted by Diocese of Penang (pgdiocese) on Oct 11 2006 |
8 October 2006 issue of The Herald
PENANG: The reading of the Bible will never be the same again for the 5000 parishioners of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Pulau Tikus, and others, who visited the Parish Bible Exhibition held in their parish hall from Sept 15 to 23, 2006.
With the theme, The Changeless Word in a Changing World, the organisers did an excellent job in explaining the living link between God and His people, from the beginning of time to the present day.
Special focus was given to the ‘Come To The Holy Land’ exhibit set up prominently on the stage. The latest craze on the Internet, PowerPoint Slide Show, projected topics such as ‘The Fulfilment of God’s Promise’ and ‘The Divinity of Jesus Christ’.
There was also a TV station screening Bible videos of The Ten Commandments; Joseph, King of Dreams, and many more.
Significant sections of the Bible and commentary pertaining to each of them, were meticulously researched, printed and posted on display boards. Leaflets were handed out by dozens of volunteers. Orange-coloured arrows on the ground indicated the route for a tour of the exhibition.
As the parishioners ‘journeyed’ along, they learnt that in the Old Testament the Jews celebrated their deliverance from Egypt with the Passover Meal, a ritual still practised today by some Jews. This Passover Meal and the Christian Eucharist (Holy Communion) are both sacramental meals and signify strength and unity in the community.
Although the authors are unknown, the Old Testament is voluminous. The five Books of the Law describe the Creation and God’s chosen people, Israel. The seven books of Psalms proclaim God’s greatness. Stories of great battles fought among kings are contained in no less than sixteen books. There are eighteen Books of Prophecy hinting on the Coming of the Redeemer, Son of God.
Jesus Christ is the main Figure in the New Testament. His missionary activities, Life and especially His Death, gave tremendous impetus to the emergence of Christianity. He left behind multitudes of followers. Among them were notable writers such as St Luke, St Matthew, John, Mark and St Paul. They were witnesses to His miracles, parables, discourses and Divinity. Their records and letters written after His death is the New Testament.
To ensure that Christians never cease to venerate and perpetuate the Divine Scriptures, there was the early tradition of three Readings on Sundays and Holy Days. The First Reading is taken from the Old Testament. The Second Reading is from the New Testament and is usually a letter (Epistle) from the Acts of the Apostles or the Book of Revelation. In the Third Reading, we usually come across stories of Jesus, His work and His Word.
At the Second Vatican Council, this tradition was further enhanced by the Church forming a Lectionary. Under this development, for each of every three years, there are three cycles of Readings for Sundays and Holy Days. Cycle A proclaims the Gospel of Matthew. Cycle B is from the Gospel of Mark. Cycle C comes from the Gospel of Luke. The Risen Life of Christ is focused in the Gospel of John, which is read during Lent/Easter and Advent/Christmas. 
The parishioners then went to the main exhibit, ‘Welcome to the Holy Land’. They were in an enclosure full of photographs and maps. Edwin Johnson, the Organising Chairman, explained the significance of them (picture). He is one member of the party, led by Fr Francis Xavier Selvarajoo, which toured the Holy Land earlier this year.
“This is the Church of the Nativity. See the Grotto?” says Edwin enthusiastically, “that’s the exact spot where Jesus was born!” he remarked before guiding them through to other scenes. They approach a certain map. “Ah, the Sea of Galilee! Jesus preached and performed many miracles here,” said Edwin, “and Peter’s house is nearby.”
The Galilean District is the site of many places mentioned in the Bible. Nazareth was where Jesus spent His Childhood. His first miracle, the changing of water into wine was performed in Cana. He healed a blind man in Bethsaida. He raised a widow’s son to life in Nain.
The whole project was a labour of love, dedication and commitment. It was the brain-child of Fr Francis Xavier Selvarajoo. Many left the exhibition hall feeling gratified, holier and stronger in faith. They believe, not because of our Catholic parents but, because we know that what the Bible teaches us is true.
— By Marie Lim
Last changed: Oct 11 2006 at 11:33 AM
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