THE SANCTUARY

(an FMM sister  takes a deeper look at the Parish of Our Lady of Fatima as sanctuary)

Every parish has its own character and this is determined by its setting, its leaders and most important of all, its families, its people.

Our Lady of Fatima beautifully decorated for our 70th Anniversary in Fatima Hall

In the smaller parishes of the East Coast, fraternity has a better chance to flourish. Kota Bharu is no exception.

Coming into the compound from the crazy thundering traffic of Jalan Kuala Krai,  you find yourself driving into a sanctuary of green grass, feathery palms and fir trees. The scenario is restful and peaceful.

Move in further, and you will see weeping willow, marguerites, periwinkles and ixoras adding grace and humble colour to the spacious surroundings of the Church of Our Lady of Fatima of the Holy Rosary. Alongside the Church is Fatima Hall,  forming one building in sisterly accompaniment.

Sanctuaries are usually hidden away and unnoticed. It can take some time to notice the dynamics before you discover the sanctuary of kindness and family spirit that is so quietly present in this parish. 

There is a nucleus of families that make up the core of this church. They are most likely the offspring of the collection of families that grouped around the first parish priests and the earliest fmms (Franciscan Missionaries of Mary) in the 1960's.  I use the word nucleus because it is this group of families that keep in touch with the other catholic families on the outskirts of Kota Bharu such as in Tumpat or Pasir Mas, people you don't often see around because of distance and transport constraints but if one of them falls ill or dies, this core group will be present at the house, ready to comfort or serve. These links are very old and deep.

Visitors from the West Coast of Malaysia, and many young students mostly from Sabah and Sarawak from the many campuses around Kota Bharu are encouraged to discover in this church, friendship and a place to belong. The students had a definite role to play: they help to animate the weekend masses, Friday after Friday (before the Pandemic). They became an integral part of the Body. (of Christ)

" The Lord is present in His Sanctuary! Let us praise the Lord"

by Sr. Enid Lopez, fmm

The Beautiful Fatima Sanctuary 

                                         Newly landscapped garden at the entrance to Fatima Hall

Beautifully decorated altar by the Flower ladies for the Parish Feast day 2020 for the 70th Anniversary

The Willow tree lighted up at night