Parishioners becoming disciples of hope

By Jacinta Anthony Joseph
The Church of St Francis of Assisi (SFA) organised a pilgrimage for the Feastday celebrations of the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) in Mentakab, Pahang.

The pilgrims departed by bus at 1.30pm from SFA on Saturday, August 19, accompanied by parish priest Fr Andrew Manickam OFM cap. They arrived at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help around 4.00pm.

Holy Hour was followed by the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Mass was celebrated at 6.00pm with Fr Andrew as the main celebrant and OLPH parish priest, Fr Justus Pereira and Fr Peter Anthony, from the Church of St John Vianney, Tampin, concelebrating.

The theme for the Mass was Mary, Mother of Hope. Fr Andrew spoke of the message of hope and the life of Mother Mary. The message for all pilgrims was to be Disciples of Hope wherever we are.

After Mass, there was a candlelight procession outside the church as pilgrims recited the rosary in 4 languages.

A large image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help was carried, followed by the celebrants and the congregation. Mrs. Shirley Lim, one of the pilgrims, expressed her joy and thanks for the healing she experienced during the Mass.

One of our pilgrims had a fall, injuring her head. A good Samaritan from the parish rushed her to Mentakab Hospital and then to Temerloh Hospital. A local parishioner, Anne Retnam, waited together with two of our own pilgrims until they left the hospital. All the pilgrims came to Temerloh Hospital to visit our injured parishioner.

The parish thanks Anne Retnam, her parents and all who assisted for their help during the emergency.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online