Kampar parish celebrates 110th anniversary

KAMPAR: The 110th anniversary of the Church of the Sacred Heart was a joyful experience of family, prayer and evangelisation to the multitudes.

The feastday Mass was celebrated by Fr Joachim Robert of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, concelebrated with Sacred Heart’s parish priest, Fr Aloysius Tan, on the theme of People of Hope, celebrating diversity, fostering unity and growing in commitment.

Many devotees, both young and old, came from far away towns and cities, including those who had once been parishioners of Sacred Heart Kampar.

In his homily given in four languages, Fr Joachim spoke about embracing the diversity in the community, building unity and making a commitment to build ourselves, our parish and community into one of love.

“We are reminded to look at the Sacred Heart of Christ and how we can experience the love of God in our life, and to give others a glimmer or taste of God’s love as well,” he said.

“Often we make our commitment to family or work due to self-interest and not for God, and this is when the sin of pride takes over.

“When we move according to God’s will, we feel our hearts at peace, because we are doing what God wants. Although, at times, this may be difficult, as we sin and feel a sense of shame. It is because God is reminding us that we need to grow.”

The procession went through the streets of Kampar with the Blessed Sacrament held by Fr Joachim atop a 4WD vehicle. The rosary was prayed throughout the journey. It was a powerful faith experience with others who do not yet know Christ.

The procession stopped three times for the Blessed Sacrament to be held aloft while the people knelt in adoration. It showed that the people’s faith is a community experience of the love of God. By the sharing of this faith, it also strengthened our commitment to Christ.

After the procession, Benediction was celebrated.

Fr Aloysius thanked God for the wonderful weather on the feastday and the nine-day novena with different preachers, as well as Bishop Sebastian Francis for officiating the start of the novena.

He also thanked Fr Joachim for celebrating Mass, mentioning that Fr Joachim served at the church during his pastoral training.

He presented a papal blessing to two parishioners, the late Mr T C Ng, and Patricia Rowland, for their many years of work and help in the parish.

Afterwards, there was a grand fireworks display in the church compound and the people were treated to a sumptious dinner.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online