Kampar parish hosts state Police Day celebrations

KAMPAR: Sacred Heart parish hosted the Perak State Police Day celebrations on Aug 12 with a bilingual Mass celebrated by parish priest Fr Aloysius Tan, with Bishop Sebastian Francis concelebrating.

Also present was the Member of Parliament for Kampar, Thomas Su, State assemblyman for Malim Nawar, Patrick Leong Cheok Keng and Angeline, who repesented Keranji assemblyman Chong Zhemin.

It was a lively and joy-filled Mass for the 200 Christian police personnel including the police rangers from the 69th Commando in Ulu Kinta, and their families. They were led by ASP Alex Chantra Gabriel of the Ipoh Police Kontinjen, Perak.

During the entrance procession, policemen carried the Malaysian and police flags. After the entrance hymn, the Negara Ku was sung.

In his homily, Fr Tan welcomed the police and their families and those from outstation who had come for the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Convocation in Kampar.

Referring to the Scripture and Gospel readings, Fr Tan said people usually take care of their physical health with a host of supplements but often forget to take care of the “spiritual” self.

“Jesus reminds us that our psychological and spiritual self is also important by his words “I am the bread of life.” This is the promise of God, that he comes to strengthen us and give us his life, as our everlasting food in the Eucharist.

“His Word is to give us God’s strength and wisdom when making difficult decisions and choices in our lives. As Christians, we need both God’s Word and the Eucharist as food, to go out as warriors in the battlefield of life in the world, because we only have limited resources as human beings,” he said.

Intentions were offered for the police, security forces, the Government, political leaders and those who had sacrificed their lives in the course of duty.

During the Mass, policemen carried the offertory, took up the duties of hospitality ministers and sang for the congregation after Holy Communion.

A 3-piece band led by East Malaysian singer Calver J., with guitarists Gainnistornce Charles and Carlos George, of the
69th Commando unit in Ulu Kinta, led the parishioners in prayer for Rev Fr Jumi Kuanga, who was in hospital with a broken leg and facial injuries, after an accident in Slim River on Aug 8. Children of the Sacred Heart parish distributed small souvenirs to the police personnel and their families.

ASP Alex gave a brief history of the Royal Malaysian Police and thanked God, Fr Tan and Bishop Sebastian, as well as those who had helped make the Police Day a memorable event.

Fr Tan said Kampar Sacred Heart parish was proud to host the Police Day celebrations. It was one way for the people to show their appreciation and support for the police who serve with dedication and commitment.

Bishop Sebastian thanked the police for their loyal service, especially during the GE 14, to ensure the safety of the people in having a peaceful election process. In our daily lives, the police help keep security for the people and our nation.

“In our recent clergy meeting with all the priests and bishops of Malaysia in Johore Baru, the Holy Spirit indicated we are to be a nation that is united, whatever our race or religion. We thank the police, especially those who work to create a united Malaysia for all,” he said.

Bishop Sebastian and Fr Tan then gave a special blessing for all police personnel present.

After Mass, everyone were treated to an Indian curry lunch. The Police also donated five hampers of food for the poor.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online