YEAR OF MERCY PARISH PILGRIMAGE
TO ST ANNE’S BUKIT MERTAJAM
by Anne Yeo
The Parish of Our Lady of Fatima
Kota Bharu had made a special Year of Mercy pilgrimage to St. Anne’s Church,
Bukit Mertajam from 19th
August (Friday) to 20th August 2016 (Saturday). 44 parishioners led
by parish priest, Fr. Francis Andrew left the church after the morning mass in
high spirits. During the journey, the youths had praise & worship and
prayers on the bus.
They checked into the dormitory where they were putting up for the night
after reaching St. Anne’s church in the afternoon. The pilgrims prayed the
Stations of the Cross around St. Anne’s church compound and knelt down in
prayer before entering the Door of Mercy. It was a time of grace, when God’s
mercy was felt by the pilgrims.
They
had a delicious late High-Tea in Penang, and for dessert, the famous Penang Road
‘Cendol’ before visiting the College
General which is located near Batu Feringghi. They reached the Seminary around
5.30 pm and were amazed to see the big compound which consists of a football field,
dormitories on the hill, hall etc. Explaining that the Seminary is an educational
institution for seminarians, preparing them for ordination as clergy or for
other ministries, Fr. Francis Andrew briefly outlined the history of the
Seminary to the parishioners and he said that he was in the Seminary for 9
years! He also said that all people around the world came to visit College General, world-renowned as an International
Seminary. It was built after the land of the former College General at Pulau
Tikus was sold.
After that, they went sightseeing around Batu Ferringhi
followed by dinner at Gurney Northam cafe. The pilgrims reached the dormitory
around 11.00pm. The youths went to the St. Anne’s shrine and prayed the rosary.
During the prayer, they felt a warm breeze and they also felt the presence of
Mother Mary.
On the second day, the parishioners attended mass by the Parish priest
of St. Anne’s church, Monsignor Henry Rajoo at 7am. He welcomed the
parishioners from Kota Bharu and said that it’s a good experience to enter the
Door of Mercy. The pilgrims also took a group photo at the Door of Mercy.
They had breakfast at Bukit Mertajam’s lively market and
bought some famous Penang food at a shop.
After that, they took the ferry to Georgetown, stopping at the Catholic
Information Service.
After a sumptious lunch, the group made the long journey back
to Kota Bharu. On
the journey home, everyone took turns to share their feelings on the pilgrimage
and thanked Fr. Francis for planning the trip to the Door of Mercy.
It was a rewarding and
memorable trip and the first time, such a pilgrimage was organized.
On the chartered express bus
St. Anne's Shrine
Our Youths with Fr. Francis
Visiting the College General, Penang
At Catholic Information Service, Penang
Group foto of pilgrims at the Door of Mercy
YEAR OF MERCY PARISH PILGRIMAGE
TO ST ANNE’S BUKIT MERTAJAM
by Anne Yeo
The Parish of Our Lady of Fatima
Kota Bharu had made a special Year of Mercy pilgrimage to St. Anne’s Church,
Bukit Mertajam from 19th
August (Friday) to 20th August 2016 (Saturday). 44 parishioners led
by parish priest, Fr. Francis Andrew left the church after the morning mass in
high spirits. During the journey, the youths had praise & worship and
prayers on the bus.
They checked into the dormitory where they were putting up for the night
after reaching St. Anne’s church in the afternoon. The pilgrims prayed the
Stations of the Cross around St. Anne’s church compound and knelt down in
prayer before entering the Door of Mercy. It was a time of grace, when God’s
mercy was felt by the pilgrims.
They
had a delicious late High-Tea in Penang, and for dessert, the famous Penang Road
‘Cendol’ before visiting the College
General which is located near Batu Feringghi. They reached the Seminary around
5.30 pm and were amazed to see the big compound which consists of a football field,
dormitories on the hill, hall etc. Explaining that the Seminary is an educational
institution for seminarians, preparing them for ordination as clergy or for
other ministries, Fr. Francis Andrew briefly outlined the history of the
Seminary to the parishioners and he said that he was in the Seminary for 9
years! He also said that all people around the world came to visit College General, world-renowned as an International
Seminary. It was built after the land of the former College General at Pulau
Tikus was sold.
After that, they went sightseeing around Batu Ferringhi
followed by dinner at Gurney Northam cafe. The pilgrims reached the dormitory
around 11.00pm. The youths went to the St. Anne’s shrine and prayed the rosary.
During the prayer, they felt a warm breeze and they also felt the presence of
Mother Mary.
On the second day, the parishioners attended mass by the Parish priest
of St. Anne’s church, Monsignor Henry Rajoo at 7am. He welcomed the
parishioners from Kota Bharu and said that it’s a good experience to enter the
Door of Mercy. The pilgrims also took a group photo at the Door of Mercy.
They had breakfast at Bukit Mertajam’s lively market and
bought some famous Penang food at a shop.
After that, they took the ferry to Georgetown, stopping at the Catholic
Information Service.
After a sumptious lunch, the group made the long journey back
to Kota Bharu. On
the journey home, everyone took turns to share their feelings on the pilgrimage
and thanked Fr. Francis for planning the trip to the Door of Mercy.
It was a rewarding and
memorable trip and the first time, such a pilgrimage was organized.
 |
| On the chartered express bus |
 |
| St. Anne's Shrine |
 |
| Our Youths with Fr. Francis |
 |
| Visiting the College General, Penang |
 |
| At Catholic Information Service, Penang |
 |
| Group foto of pilgrims at the Door of Mercy |
Insights from the Flood Relief Outreach
A Sharing by Joshua Wong
on Good Shepherd Sunday 2015
After Thanksgiving, the congregation was given the opportunity to view a Slide-show presentation on the work of the Flood Relief Team led by Sr. Susan Thomas. The 'movie' was produced by Sr. Jackie Pan. You can view the 'movie' entitled "Give Life, Give Hope' on this link https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2N60Jj89EgWVklWbFNaSGJuaGs/edit?usp=drive_web
In line with the theme today, we were happy to learn from the sharing of a member of our Flood Relief Team, his experience and insights into their Outreach work to all peoples, irrespective of race or religion. The following are excerpts from Joshua Wong's sharing:
on Good Shepherd Sunday 2015
After Thanksgiving, the congregation was given the opportunity to view a Slide-show presentation on the work of the Flood Relief Team led by Sr. Susan Thomas. The 'movie' was produced by Sr. Jackie Pan. You can view the 'movie' entitled "Give Life, Give Hope' on this link https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2N60Jj89EgWVklWbFNaSGJuaGs/edit?usp=drive_web
In line with the theme today, we were happy to learn from the sharing of a member of our Flood Relief Team, his experience and insights into their Outreach work to all peoples, irrespective of race or religion. The following are excerpts from Joshua Wong's sharing:
Family in Kuala Krai living for 24 years without Electricity and water
" I never realize how lucky most of us are. I really couldn't imagine the situation in which some of the flood victims have manage to live their lives. Imagine a home with living area less than 20 square feet. This family in Kuala Krai has been living for the last 24 years without electricity or running water. When I asked the man "What is your loss", he replied, "I lost nothing!. Indeed, there was nothing to be lost, the house had no cupboard or furniture. Their lives depended on the river - they bathe in the river, they drink water from the river, they do their laundry in the river.. They walked everyday from their house to the river - about the distance from the church to KB Mall. This is one example of the sad situation I encountered. These people were the ones really grateful for whatever little aid we gave them, A little help means so much to them and they received them with tears of joy. In the initial stage, they needed drinking water. And they even asked for empty cardboard boxes - valuable items to them - to keep their clothes and possessions - The flood had destroyed their cupboards!"
" I never realize how lucky most of us are. I really couldn't imagine the situation in which some of the flood victims have manage to live their lives. Imagine a home with living area less than 20 square feet. This family in Kuala Krai has been living for the last 24 years without electricity or running water. When I asked the man "What is your loss", he replied, "I lost nothing!. Indeed, there was nothing to be lost, the house had no cupboard or furniture. Their lives depended on the river - they bathe in the river, they drink water from the river, they do their laundry in the river.. They walked everyday from their house to the river - about the distance from the church to KB Mall. This is one example of the sad situation I encountered. These people were the ones really grateful for whatever little aid we gave them, A little help means so much to them and they received them with tears of joy. In the initial stage, they needed drinking water. And they even asked for empty cardboard boxes - valuable items to them - to keep their clothes and possessions - The flood had destroyed their cupboards!"
Blind Mother caring for 2 mentally ill children
'Another experience I had. There was this mother of 2 - a son aged 43 and a daughter. 44 years old. Both children were suffering from mental illness. The mother was blind. You can imagine how difficult life is for them, how she managed to take care of her 2 children. We have managed to arrange for some funds for her glaucoma operation."
'Another experience I had. There was this mother of 2 - a son aged 43 and a daughter. 44 years old. Both children were suffering from mental illness. The mother was blind. You can imagine how difficult life is for them, how she managed to take care of her 2 children. We have managed to arrange for some funds for her glaucoma operation."
Bringing Cheer to a little Boy
2 weeks ago, a group of 25-30 church members including the youths, visited a 10-years old body, Lee Choon Shoon. He had an accident in 2013, and was in a coma for 10 months, suffering from memory loss and paralysed. Our group was happy to be able to bring some cheer to celebrate his birthday. Last week, his father informed me that his memory was getting better - he still remembers us at his party.. Thanks to Dr. David (Pereira) who will be in contact with him when he makes his weekly physiotherapy sessions at USM."
(Refer to Post on Friday 10th April 2015)
More Participation for Future Outreach
I hope the brief sharing above will inspire more parishioners to come forward to participate in future church outreach projects in line with the Peninsular Malaysia Church's theme for 2015, "Discipleship: Mission towards Transforming Humanity"
( May God continue to bless our future endeavours - Editor)
My Vocation, a Mystery and a Gift
by Sr. Regina Ho, fmm.
on Good Shepherd Sunday 2013
+Peace, Good Morning, good people, Shalom!
What is a VOCATION?
It is a sacred calling from God to each of us to a particular WAY OF LIFE: to stay single, to get married or to become a priest or a religious brother/sister.
For me vocation is both a mystery and a precious gift from God. I will start with my family story: I come from a Buddhist family. My mum went to the temple for feast days and on the first and the fifteenth day of each lunar month, she would observed a vegetarian diet, while my dad did not have much devotion. I have one older and four younger brothers, hence I am the only girl in the family. Both my parents put much emphasis on our education. Remember, in those days, girls of my generation was generally discouraged from going to school. But my parents were just the opposite! Somehow, God inspired my dad to send me to a Catholic school. Why a Catholic school? My parents felt that Catholic schools offered a good standard of education and good discipline.
In the good old days, we had catechism classes daily in school. I loved to study and so I joined the catechism classes faithfully – not because I wanted to know more about Jesus or the Church. I just simple loved to study. So our Great God attracts us to Himself through various means.
After my Baptism, my good Godma asked me: “Now you have finished your schooling, what are you going to do next year?”
She tried again, “Do you have boyfriends? I can introduce you to a few good ones!”
After 7 years training, I made my final vows in January 1974. My superior invited my family to attend my ceremony. My mum came one week earlier. My Superior put an extra bed in my room for her. My mum was very curious. She watched everything that was going on. The Sisters got up at 5.30 am, she was up too. She followed them to the Chapel (she was a non-Catholic) to the dining room and to work, etc. At the end of the week, she came whispering into my ear: “Girl, if I know life is like this, I would also want to join the Sisters!” I opened my big eyes and gave her the broadest smile. So mum fully accepted my vocation then.
I am most grateful to God for this precious gift of vocation, the FMM way of life. There are 2 aspects of FMM living I treasure most.
Firstly, the universal mission: We have over 6,000 members worldwide, of 80 nationalities, working in 6 continents and 75 countries. Besides Malaysia and Singapore, I have been sent to 7 other countries for mission, meetings or studies. I thought I went to mission to give, but I soon realized I received much more than I could ever give. I have been greatly enriched in many ways by the mission experiences. How very true, when St. Francis of Assisi said, “It is in giving that we receive.” God has magnificently deepen and widen the world horizon for me about people, cultures, events, etc.
Today is Good Shepherd Sunday and also Vocation Sunday. Therefore, I invite all the young people present to reflect on your life journey. Open your ears and your hearts to the voice of the Good Shepherd. He has a special message for each of you. He says: “Do not be afraid. I am with you always”
(This sharing was given by Sr. Regina Ho, fmm on Good Shepherd Sunday 2013
at the Church of Our Lady of Fatima of the Holy Rosary, Kota Bharu)
2 weeks ago, a group of 25-30 church members including the youths, visited a 10-years old body, Lee Choon Shoon. He had an accident in 2013, and was in a coma for 10 months, suffering from memory loss and paralysed. Our group was happy to be able to bring some cheer to celebrate his birthday. Last week, his father informed me that his memory was getting better - he still remembers us at his party.. Thanks to Dr. David (Pereira) who will be in contact with him when he makes his weekly physiotherapy sessions at USM."
(Refer to Post on Friday 10th April 2015)
More Participation for Future Outreach
I hope the brief sharing above will inspire more parishioners to come forward to participate in future church outreach projects in line with the Peninsular Malaysia Church's theme for 2015, "Discipleship: Mission towards Transforming Humanity"
( May God continue to bless our future endeavours - Editor)
My Vocation, a Mystery and a Gift
by Sr. Regina Ho, fmm.
on Good Shepherd Sunday 2013
+Peace, Good Morning, good people, Shalom!
When I was asked to share my vocation story, I wondered where and how to begin.
What is a VOCATION?
What is a VOCATION?
It is a sacred calling from God to each of us to a particular WAY OF LIFE: to stay single, to get married or to become a priest or a religious brother/sister.
For me vocation is both a mystery and a precious gift from God. I will start with my family story: I come from a Buddhist family. My mum went to the temple for feast days and on the first and the fifteenth day of each lunar month, she would observed a vegetarian diet, while my dad did not have much devotion. I have one older and four younger brothers, hence I am the only girl in the family. Both my parents put much emphasis on our education. Remember, in those days, girls of my generation was generally discouraged from going to school. But my parents were just the opposite! Somehow, God inspired my dad to send me to a Catholic school. Why a Catholic school? My parents felt that Catholic schools offered a good standard of education and good discipline.
In the good old days, we had catechism classes daily in school. I loved to study and so I joined the catechism classes faithfully – not because I wanted to know more about Jesus or the Church. I just simple loved to study. So our Great God attracts us to Himself through various means.
In the final year of my schooling, one of my classmates persuaded me to join a special catechism class on Saturday mornings in preparation for baptism. She needed a cycling companion and I got permission from my mum for this. So there I was, happily cycling from my home in Green Lane Penang to Light Street Convent every Saturday morning. For those who know Penang, it took us 20 – 30 minutes of cycling to reach our destination. The issue of Baptism never entered my mind. My sole interest was to be a cycling companion! But at the end of that year, on the Feast of Christ the King, I was baptised instead of my good classmate who is not baptised even until today! Baptism indeed, is a mystery and a treasure from God!
The seed of my vocation can be traced back to the time when I was in Standard 5. In the middle of that year, our class teacher announced that she would be leaving us the next month to join the Sisters. There and then, a flash of lightning went through my mind: “When I grow up, I want to be a Sister like her”. I was a non-Catholic then. After that I completely forgot about it, being busy with my studies and growing up. However, God did not forget.
After my Baptism, my good Godma asked me: “Now you have finished your schooling, what are you going to do next year?”
“No idea”, I answered.
She replied: “ There is a brand new Catholic School of Nursing starting next year in Petaling Jaya – Assunta Hospital. If you are interested, I can help you to apply.”
So, a few months later, I found myself in Assunta Hospital, Petaling Jaya. The very first moment I was introduced to the Sisters, another lightning message went through my mind: “If I ever want to be a religious, I’ll join these Sisters”. I did not know who the FMM Sisters were, then. Again I conveniently forget about it for another 5 years, busy studying and working.
For Baptism, I had no problems with my parents. They were impressed by how the Catholics worldwide were ever ready to help the poor, to provide good education and medical services. In fact, they were happy and proud that their daughter were joining these good people. However, to the question of becoming a religious Sister, their answer was ‘No’.
My mum tried her level best to dissuade me, using the ‘soft approach’ at first: Example, “You are a pretty girl, you should have no problem finding a partner.”
“Yes mum, God makes beautiful people.”....
She tried again, “Do you have boyfriends? I can introduce you to a few good ones!”
“Mum, I have a dozen of them! Some are running after me. I say ‘No’
Mum decided to change her method: “Girl, if you go, don’t ever come home.” She threatened to disown me!
Somehow, our all powerful God sorted things out for me gradually.
After 7 years training, I made my final vows in January 1974. My superior invited my family to attend my ceremony. My mum came one week earlier. My Superior put an extra bed in my room for her. My mum was very curious. She watched everything that was going on. The Sisters got up at 5.30 am, she was up too. She followed them to the Chapel (she was a non-Catholic) to the dining room and to work, etc. At the end of the week, she came whispering into my ear: “Girl, if I know life is like this, I would also want to join the Sisters!” I opened my big eyes and gave her the broadest smile. So mum fully accepted my vocation then.
I am most grateful to God for this precious gift of vocation, the FMM way of life. There are 2 aspects of FMM living I treasure most.
Firstly, the universal mission: We have over 6,000 members worldwide, of 80 nationalities, working in 6 continents and 75 countries. Besides Malaysia and Singapore, I have been sent to 7 other countries for mission, meetings or studies. I thought I went to mission to give, but I soon realized I received much more than I could ever give. I have been greatly enriched in many ways by the mission experiences. How very true, when St. Francis of Assisi said, “It is in giving that we receive.” God has magnificently deepen and widen the world horizon for me about people, cultures, events, etc.
The second aspect, which is even more important, is my spiritual growth. The in-built balance of prayer, reflection, study, community living and work in our FMM way of life, has certainly enhanced my spiritual growth to be in constant communion with God.
Today is Good Shepherd Sunday and also Vocation Sunday. Therefore, I invite all the young people present to reflect on your life journey. Open your ears and your hearts to the voice of the Good Shepherd. He has a special message for each of you. He says: “Do not be afraid. I am with you always”
May your prayer be: “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”
Thank you for listening. God Bless and pray for me.
(This sharing was given by Sr. Regina Ho, fmm on Good Shepherd Sunday 2013
at the Church of Our Lady of Fatima of the Holy Rosary, Kota Bharu)
SATURDAY, 29 DECEMBER 2012
Interview with newly baptised Pauline Mah
A SPECIAL INTERVIEW WITH PAULINE MAH PUAY LIM
 |
| A happy Auntie Pauline |
 |
| RCIA Class 2011-2012 |
 |
| Auntie Pauline being interviewed by Joseph Wang |
Madam Mah, who prefers to be called 'Auntie Puay Lim', was baptized on Christmas Eve, 2012 at the Christmas Vigil mass after having gone through more than a year of preparation in RCIA. Below is an account of her Journey of Faith.
When and How did you become interested in the Catholic Faith?
Since I was a small girl when I saw my mother praying. My younger sister had earlier became a Catholic in Singapore and Fr. Surmon used to come to my house to give my mother catechism lessons. I have 3 brothers and 7 sisters, except for one brother, all of whom have become Christians
Later in 1956 -59, when I was sent for teacher training in Kirkby College in England, I joined a group of catholic trainee teachers who were invited by Fr. Ramsbottom every Saturday evening for prayers and sharing/talks and supper. It was a happy time for me. Around 1957, I was fortunate to visit Lourdes in France and the experience remains with me to this day. I felt peace and joy and was filled with wonder at the many people who came with crutches and in wheelchairs, but left Lourdes without them.
Although I was not yet a Catholic, the faith that God had given me earlier helped me in my married life. I used to pray and I believed God answered my prayers.
What brought you to ask for baptism ?
Three events which happened and I believed God answered my prayers convinced me of my faith in God and that led me to ask for baptism:
1) For 30 years, my husband has been troubled by heart palpitations which could not be explained even by specialists. Then, 14 year ago, we met Dr. Mahendran Raj, who was lecturing in USM and he was instrumental in sending my husband for a checkup at IJM (Heart Institute of Malaysia). The specialists there found the cause of the palpitations – a extra vein in the heart. He had an operation to remove the vein and since then he is no longer troubled by palpitations.
2) The second incident in which I prayed very hard and I believed God answered my prayers happened 2 years later. After bath one day, my husband had breathing difficulties and I drove him to Hospital USM. Again, it was Dr. Mahendran who took the trouble to stop his work and ordered a stress test for him. Again, he was sent to IJM where they found 3 arteries were blocked. Immediately he underwent a heart bypass operation and thank God, he is OK 12 years later now.
3) For the last 14 years, I suffered from back pain and it became excruciatingly painful until I couldn’t walk. I was scared to have the operation done as I had heard of the high risks and stories of other unfortunate cases. In 2009, I was recommended to Professor Dr. Kwan at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre who convinced me to have the operation done. I put my life in God’s hands and He did not fail me. My spine operation was successful, thanks to God and I have been free of pain since then, and able to walk and drive.
Throughout these years, I believe that God was with me, and He answered my prayers.
Throughout these years, I believe that God was with me, and He answered my prayers.
Can you share with us your Faith experience after you decided to enroll in RCIA Class?
I am very happy to attend all the RCIA classes, to listen and to share with the other students and to learn so many new things about God and the Catholic church. In fact, after every RCIA session, I call my daughter who is living in US to share what I have learnt.
How do you feel after being baptized?
Happy, that I am finally God’s child.
We praised and thank God for Auntie Pauline who has gone through her Journey of Faith, and may God continue to bless her and her family as she begins her 'new life of faith' and continue to grow in her spiritual life.
Thanks to Sr. Regina and all the students of RCIA 2011-2012 without whom this continuing Journey in Faith would not have begun.
And thanks to Fr. Robert for his tremendous encouragement throughout this journey.
Joseph Wang.
By:Josephine Foong / Teo
Ever since the Church of Our Lady of Fatima of the Holy Rosary was built
in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, it has always been the duty of all her parishioners to
come together to keep it clean throughout the years.
At present, the parishioners are divided into six groups for the normal
weekly cleaning. They are the St. Jude, St. Francis, St. Christopher, St. Anne
, St. Therese and St. Paul Groups. Parishioners from Kem Desa Pahlawan form the
St. Jude Group and KCYS members (Kelantan Catholic Youth Society) make up the
St. Francis Group. Most of these groups prefer to clean the Church immediately
after Friday Mass but there is also a group which prefers to perform their
cleaning duties on Wednesday afternoons. Besides the obvious task of cleaning,
it is also a time for members to enjoy interacting with each other and a time
for sharing during the brief fellowship after each cleaning session. Each group
has to be on duty for only two months a year so that it is not too taxing for
everyone involved.
Besides the weekly cleaning up, a major ‘Gotong Royong’ is also being
organized annually to spruce up the Church and its surroundings, one week prior
to the celebration of the Parish’s Feast Day. As the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima
will be celebrated on 5th October this year, the ‘Gotong Royong’ was
carried out on 28th September.
Immediately after Friday Mass was celebrated that day, all the
parishioners assembled at the areas they had been designated to clean up;
equipped with all the tools they need to carry out their tasks. These included
15-rung ladders, high-powered water jet sprays, an electrical chain saw and
other tools to make sure that the Church and its surroundings get a total
‘face-lift’.
Different groups with their appointed leaders gave a thorough
cleaning-up, clearing up and some of them even had to reorganize and rearrange
the items found in their areas : Storerooms 1,2 and 3, Shalom Meeting Room,
Fatima Green Corner, Agape Room, Our Lady’s Shrine, Fatima Hall, area inside
the Church, the Sacristy, Church doors, trees within the Church compound and
the Chapel. Even the toilets and the surrounding area were cleaned up by the
KCYS members.
As
everyone was working hard and sweating it out during the ‘Gotong Royong’, music
was played to entertain and soothe the ‘workers’. After two hours of hard work,
a simple lunch of fried rice and noodles was served. A good feeling of
satisfaction and joy was experienced by all present, to see the Church ‘spick
and span’ to celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima and also to welcome
the new Bishop of the Diocese of Penang, Rt. Rev. Sebastian Francis on his
first visit to Kota Bharu. Indeed, the cooperation and good fellowship among
the parishioners of this little East Coast Church, as they come together
happily to keep the Church clean, is only possible through their common love
for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and His Church.
A TRIBUTE TO FR. TAVENNAC
 |
| Fr. Tavennac and the 'new' church being built in 1964-65 |
The 22nd of July 2007 saw the passing of a man,
small in stature, but a giant in the hearts of one particular family from the
sleepy old hollow that was Kota Bharu in the 60’s. A man who made a huge impact on the Bates
family in our time of need, both in emotional as well as financial
support. A pillar of strength, who
carried us through a time of great hardship and despair, Fr. Jean Tavennac.
My name is
Stanley Bates. I was born in Kota Bharu in 1961, the last
born of a family of eight. My father,
Bradley, had been afflicted with a debilitating illness for most of his adult
life, which resulted in him being unable to provide for the family adequately,
especially towards the later part of his short life. The eldest was a boy of only 15 when he
passed away. But for the intervention of
our personal guardian angel, only the Lord knows what would have become of us.
Fr.
Tavennac was priest, provider, entertainer, excursion planner, driver, de facto
father and confidant all rolled into one, for us as well as countless other
families in our tiny little parish.
Although I was too little to remember his many good deeds and exploits,
my siblings have many amusing and heart-lifting memories of him. Nothing was more delightful than to see the
little nose of his beat-up Volkswagen beetle bumping up and down the dirt track
leading to our house. There was always
some little goodie tucked away somewhere in the bags of provisions that he
would invariably bring along, courtesy of the American Food Aid programme, and whatever
cash he could spare. Sometimes there
would be powdered milk, cheese, flour or those small multi-coloured wafers that
we kids loved so much. There was also an
occasion when he brought a whole trunkful of ice cream cups left over from a party. It goes without saying that they were a
melted, gooey mess by the time we got our hand on it, but enjoy it we did, just
the same!
He was a
lover of good food, and fond of the outdoors too. Other than the many church excursions to the
waterfall and the beach, he would sometimes pile us all into his little car for
some little outing; I’m told I fitted in
the tiny compartment behind the rear passenger seats! And if you remember how bad the roads were
back in those days, and the reputation of French drivers, it must have made
quite a memorable ride!
In the days
when the parish was in its infancy, he lived in a small house next to the
chapel (now the Sisters’ home). Never
was his door closed, and you could drop by any time with any request and find a
welcome ear. He also doubled as Sunday
school teacher, after catechism, he would pile all those who needed rides into
his car to send us all home. Such were
the multiple roles of our favourite priest.
Fr.
Tavennac was transferred out of Kota Bharu in 1968. We had not then the means to visit him for
many years. I next saw him in Cameron Highlands
He also had a profound and direct
effect on my life, as I was supposed to have been given up for adoption. Only his intervention and that of my eldest sister, then only a little girl of
11, prevented it from happening.
The Bates
family salutes you and says THANK YOU, FR, TAVENNAC. Your kindness, love and support not only
carried us through a difficult time in our lives, but your fine example has
made a lasting impression on all of us, and shaped our Christian lives and
values to last a lifetime.
<!--[endif]--><!--[if !mso & !vml]--> <!--[endif]--><!--[if !vml]--> |
Farewell, Adieu, Father.
Stanley Bates`
 |
| The church that Fr. Tavennac built as it stands today |
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