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)
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| The Welcoming Committee |
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| Visitors from Sungei Petani |
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| Panoramic View of the fully packed to capacity church (courtesy of Frederick Lim) |
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| Three canopies were set up for pilgrims |
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| More pilgrims attending mass in Fatima Hall |
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| Fr. Gregory Chan, Monsignor Leonard Lexson, Fr. Frnacis Andrew, Bishop Sebastian francis |
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| Capuchin Friars, Gerald and Robin assisting the celebrants |
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| Mr. Gerard Yeo, PPC Charman giving his speech |
THE PROCESSION....
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| The beautifully decorated float with Our Lady's statue |
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| Starting off from the church compound |
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| Halfway mark.. round the clock tower |
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| Passing the water tank tower and Air Kelantan HQ along Jalan Kuala Krai |
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| Passing the junction at KB Mall |
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| Rounding the Clock Tower ( with the date trees ) at the half-way mark |
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| Finally, after ~ 4 km walk, 1 and half hours later, arriving back at the church |
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| Benection, led by Fr. Francis Andrew |
Members of the Welcoming Committee, Teresa Tiau, Jenny Teo & Rebecca Yeo and Mr. and Mrs Bosco Tseu
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| Frederick Lim and Kuantan parishioners with Sr. Enid |
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| Nasi Lemak, Nasi Berlauk, Nasi Dagang...etc choose your pick. |
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| Kuantan Pilgrims enjoying their dinner |
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| "We have Nasi lemak, Nasi dagang, Nasi kerabu, Nasi berlauk...." |
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| Kuantan pilgrims with Fr. Francis Andrew |
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