Carol's Night

Tonight, the Youth( together with KCCS )members invited parishioners and friends to enjoy a musical drama entitled 'Carol's Night'  past, present and future.. It was an original modern version of Charles Dicken'a 'A Christmas Carol' ( remember Eberzeneer Scrooge?). The young actors and actresses presented a lively and meaningful drama, backed by the choir singing Christmas carols in the background. The audience (around 80-100) were thrilled by the unexpected good acting, especially Billy Teoh as the Rich but miserly  Man (scrooge) and particullary the audience were stunned by the appearance of  the scary  black 'Ghost' played by Nicholas Martin.. All in all, it was a good pre-Christmas presentation for all. Well done Billy and Nicholas and all the actors and actresses!

The cheerful emcees

Producer Nicholas Martin giving his speech

Fr. Francis welcoming the audience

Music and carols sung by the choir provided the musical background

Starring Billy and his co-star

Jane Able as the secretary to Billy ( 'Scrooge')

The Ghost in chains struggles with Billy

The Black 'Ghost' Death comes to greet him

Jane and Anne Yeo - Mother and daughter

The rich man finally realizes his emptiness

Beautiful actor and actresses

The Final scene

Encore! The All- Star Cast of the Carol's Night!

Presents for the audience! A christmas tree from Fr. Francis

PARISH PASTORAL ASSEMBLY 2017

This morning, after mass, the Parish Pastoral Assembly 2017 was held to recall and review the principal activities /events that have been carried out this year. The two main events that the parish carried out within a short time of preparation of 1 month was the Penang Diocese Chrism Mass, on March 24 2017 and the Parish Feast Day Celebrations and 100th Anniversary of the Apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima on October 6 with the historical procession of Our Lady through Kota Bharu.

At the Assembly, members of the Parish Pastoral Council presented the strengths, weaknesses, and also Opportunities and Threats which affected their various pastoral ministries, and make suggestions to be carried out next year. The excellent slide presentation of the KCCS by Dr. David, their coordinator set the ball rolling. A rough plan of action for next year was drawn up based on input from the members who were present. A detailed plan incorporated all suggestions will be presented later.

Fr. Francis reviewing the main parish evewnts after mass

Fr. Francis presenting his speech

Chairman Gerard Yeo calling the Assembly to Order.

A section of the participants at the Assembly

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Final prayers and Blessing by Fr. Francis

 

100th Anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima 1917-2017 & Parish Feast Day 2017

This evening was the first time a procession was held in honour of Our Lady of Fatima in Kota Bharu. To commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Apparition of Our Lady at Fatima, Portugal, the parish of Our Lady of Fatima of the Holy Rosary celebrated its 67th Parish Feastday with rosary, mass and a procession - the first time ever.  Led by Bishop Sebastian Francis, Monsignor Leonard Lexson and Fr. Francis Andrew, the beautifully decorated float of our Lady set out on a 4 kim walk from the Church towards the city centre, along Jalan Kuala Krai, past KB Mall, and along Jalan Sultan Ibrahim until we reached the Clock Tower before turning back at the roundabout. In their steps, followed about 500 pilgrims and parishioners, coming from far and wide.

5 busloads of pilgrims from KL, PJ and Klang, Perak and Penang came to show their love of Mother Mary, who at Fatima appeared to 3 shepherd children and asked them to spread the message of peace for the world through her intercession.  This was pointed out in his homily by Bishop Sebastian Francis.
The celebrations kicked off with recitation of the rosary, and litany to our Lady, followed by mass which was concelebrated by the Bishop of Penang, Rt. Rev. Sebastian Francis, Monsignor Leonard Lexson (from KL Archdiocese) Fr, Gregory Chan (Terengganu) and Fr. Francis Andrew.

Immediately after mass, the pilgrims and parishioners joined in the candlelight procession, praying the rosary simultaneously in BM, Tamil, English and Mandarin. Voices singing  "Ave Maria"were heard after each decade of the rosary.  In between, hymns to Our Lady were sung with spirit. A few pilgrims joined the procession in wheelchairs. The procession finally arrived back at the church after almost one hour and a half.  Benection and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament by Fr. Francis followed.

In his speech to the congregation, Mr. Gerard Yeo, the Parish Pastoral Council Chairman, thanked the Bishop, and priests and all pilgrims who have made the long journey to join us in our celebrations. He also thanked all the parishioners who had worked tirelessly to prepare for the Feast Day, in particular, he singled out Philip Tiau who helped to build the float, Primus and Laura who decorated it and coordinators of the various committees, Sr. Enid, Sr. Carol, Gina and Francis Lai, Agnes Lee, Charlie Choo, Billy Teoh, Nicholas and Stanislaus Martin,(Multi-media ministry) who produced the 8 short video  episodes leading up to the Feastday.

Today's celebrations will be remembered for many firsts. The total number of pilgrims and parishioners is estimated at around 500 - 600 which is the biggest number of people. so far attending mass in this church. It is also the First ever public procession our Our Lady of Fatima in Kelantan.
May God be praised for answering all our prayers.

by Joseph Wang

(Photos courtesy of Frederick Lim, Jenny Teo,  Joseph Wang)

The Welcoming Committee

Visitors from Sungei Petani

Panoramic View of the fully packed to capacity church (courtesy of Frederick Lim)

Three canopies were set up for pilgrims

More pilgrims attending mass in Fatima Hall

Fr. Gregory Chan, Monsignor Leonard Lexson, Fr. Frnacis Andrew, Bishop Sebastian francis

 Capuchin Friars,  Gerald and Robin assisting the celebrants

Mr. Gerard Yeo, PPC Charman giving his speech

THE PROCESSION....

The beautifully decorated float with Our Lady's statue

Starting off from the church compound

Halfway mark.. round the clock tower

Passing the water tank tower and Air Kelantan HQ along Jalan Kuala Krai

Passing the junction at KB Mall

Rounding the Clock Tower ( with the date trees ) at the half-way mark

Finally, after ~ 4 km walk, 1 and half hours later, arriving back at the church 

Benection, led by Fr. Francis Andrew

Members of the Welcoming Committee, Teresa Tiau, Jenny Teo & Rebecca Yeo  and  Mr. and Mrs Bosco Tseu

Frederick Lim and Kuantan parishioners with Sr. Enid

Nasi Lemak, Nasi Berlauk, Nasi Dagang...etc  choose your pick.

Kuantan Pilgrims enjoying their dinner 

"We have Nasi lemak, Nasi dagang, Nasi kerabu, Nasi berlauk...."

Kuantan pilgrims with Fr. Francis Andrew