Teluk Intan parishioners are disciples of hope to the poor

Pope Francis had reminded us that “the poor are our passport to paradise.” Pope Francis declared 2018 as the year for us to “Be Disciples of Hope for the Poor.” In line with this calling, the Church of St Anthony celebrated Christmas Joy with the Poor, other Christians and Religious sisters within the space of one week.

Christmas Joy with the Poor was celebrated immediately after the 9.15am English Mass on Dec 17. Carols were sung followed by fellowship lunch and 25 hampers were given away to the poor.

On Dec 21, 420 people from 12 Christian churches in Hilir Perak took part in a Combined Churches Christmas celebration organised by the Lower Perak Pastors Fellowship in Han Cheng Restaurant, which was graced by Dato’ Seri Mah Siew Keong, MP of Teluk Intan, Gerakan President and Minister of Commodities and Plantations. St Anthony’s Church sang two carols in English and Tamil.

On Dec 23, there was the Christmas Joy with the IJ Sisters at the Sisters’ home. We began with Midday Prayer (Vespers), followed by exchange of Christmas gifts and ending with fellowship lunch. Parish Priest Fr Francis Xavier, Fr Peter Bataona and Fr Paschalis (both from Indonesia) were present.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online