Paying Tribute to Frontliners

Parish News

Light of the World-themed Christmas decorations featuring the nativity scene, star of David and words highlighting the key elements of Advent at Saints Chastan and Imbert Church in Prai, Penang.

FRONTLINERS who are placing themselves in harm’s way to keep Malaysians safe during the Covid-19 pandemic were honoured during a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony organised by the Church of the Immaculate Conception Penang.

The church’s 5m Christmas tree and grounds in Pulau Tikus were lighted up in a virtual event, much to the delight of those with mobile devices at home and remotely.

Blue and gold sparkling lights from the tree also illuminated the 209-year-old church’s entrance and grounds.

There are twinkling lights on its fencing as well, with church bells ringing in the background in appreciation of the dedication of the frontliners for their tireless work in caring and saving lives.

Titular Roman Catholic Bishop of Penang, Reverend Datuk Sebastian Francis, launched the event on Dec 8 after celebrating a live-streamed mass held on the parish’s feast day.

We opted for a virtual Christmas Marketplace this year to the pandemic, says Father Dominic

Parish priest Rev Father Jude Miranda said Christmas this year would be different due to the prolonged pandemic.

“As we continue to pray for ourselves, we offer our prayers and a big thank you to all who are working on the frontlines of the pandemic as they risk their own lives and those of their families to see to our safety and good health.

“It is our honour and privilege as a parish, to switch on our Christmas tree lights, and pray for the protection of all these heroes and for a merciful end to Covid-19, ” he said.

Over on mainland Penang, a Catholic parish has come up with a virtual Christmas Marketplace to connect small-time vendors and shoppers online.

Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (NBVM) priest Rev Father Dominic Santhiyagu said instead of the physical Christmas open market, they decided to hold it online this year due to the pandemic.

Church of the Immaculate Conception Penang lighted up for Christmas.

Those looking for festive essentials such as cakes, gifts, clothing, home decoration or relevant services can visit their website at https://nbvmscic.org/christmas-corner/marketplace/ to get the necessary items.

Holding close to this year’s theme of ‘Light of the World’, the church’s youths have decorated their sister church — Saints Chastan and Imbert Church (SCIC) — in Chai Leng Park, Prai, with LED lights apart from highlighting the words Hope, Peace, Joy and Love which are key elements for Advent (the period leading up to Christmas).

“This year, since the NBVM Church building in Jalan New Ferry is under renovations, all activities and masses are being held at SCIC in Prai.

“We will have four masses on Christmas eve and two masses on Christmas day, permitting only 200 parishioners who have pre-registered their attendance for every mass.

“We will ensure all necessary standard operating procedures are strictly followed during the masses, ” he said.

Father Dominic added that the church members were also involved in weekly programmes throughout Advent that are carried out virtually.

Apart from picking a theme song this season, he said, the church also embarked on a virtual carol activity, where participants are invited to record a Christmas carol and share it on the church website.

Source : https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2020/12/11/paying-tribute-to-frontliners