Thousands flock to Bukit Mertajam for Feast of St Anne

On the weekend of July 28 and 29, the church compound of St Anne was filled with pilgrims from far and near and from all walks of life. There were Masses in Thai, Kadazan and Bahasa Malaysia.

Many people were seen lining up to go to the Shrine of St Anne (the old church) to offer their petitions, candles and flowers.

On July 28, the 8.00pm Mass was celebrated at the open area where thousands of pilgrims from all over the country had gathered. The Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia, Archbishop Joseph Salvador Marino, was the main celebrant. He was joined by Bishop Sebastian Francis, Archbishop Marino’s secretary and intern for diplomatic training, Fr Vjeko Holik, parish priest Msgr Henry Rajoo, permanent deacon Lazarus Jonathan and a host of priests.

The new Finance Minister, Lim Guan Eng, was present along with YB Steven Sim, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports.

A candlelight procession was held at the church grounds, followed by the burning of petitions.

This year, the modern gospel group by Revival Praise Band from Kuala Lumpur entertained the crowd for the night concert which is held every year. Our local parish youths also entertained the crowd with some songs and dances.

On Sunday, Masses were held from 8.00 am onwards.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online