Pilgrims taking part in the 1.6km-long procession during the annual St Anne’s Novena and Feast at Jalan Kulim, Bukit Mertajam. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
THE annual Novena and Feast of St Anne at the Minor Basilica of St Anne in Bukit Mertajam, Penang attracted more than 100,000 pilgrims throughout the 10-day period.
Rev Deacon Lazarus Anthony Jonathan said the event was attended by Malaysians nationwide as well as devotees from as far as Singapore, China, Indonesia, India, the Philippines, Thailand, Australia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
Lazarus Anthony, who is in charge of the administration of the new Minor Basilica, said the theme for this year’s Feast was “Enlarge The Space of Your Tent.”
“It is a biblical verse from prophet Isaiah and is a message of hope and encouragement about a merciful and compassionate God whose blessings are for all, including the poor, weak, needy, powerless, infirm and so-called outcasts of society,” he added.
The highlight was the multilingual open-air mass followed by a 1.6km procession led by Catholic Bishop of Penang Cardinal Sebastian Francis.
Pilgrims walked behind the beautifully decorated float bearing the statues of St Anne and her daughter, the Virgin Mary, which was pulled by a 4WD vehicle.
Heading the main procession group were a cross-bearer, altar boys carrying ornamental candles, flag bearers and flower girls sprinkling petals on the ground.
Young girls holding lights at the annual event. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
A spiritual concert by parish youth was performed after the procession at a hall in the Minor Basilica.
Sebastian also conducted the burning of petitions.
At the old St Anne’s church building, now known as the Shrine of St Anne, thousands of pilgrims offered lit candles, flowers and prayers.
Pilgrims also did the same at the different stations on St Anne’s Hill and collected water in containers from a water station nearby.
Lazarus Anthony thanked the volunteers and police for ensuring a smooth celebration.
T. Senthamarai, a nurse from Singapore, came with her children and husband.
She said they attended the event for the first time.
The float carrying St Anne and her daughter, the Virgin Mary, during the procession.
“I hope to make it an annual trip in the coming years,” she added.
Freelance photographer Stanley Looi from Sandakan, Sabah, came with his wife Elizabeth John and four of their children.
He had been attending the celebration without fail every year except during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We found peace of mind and happiness after attending the celebration,” said Looi.
Francis Light, from Johor, who was spotted with his family, said as a Catholic, it was very important for him and his family to attend this event.
“It is a family tradition to come here annually,” he said.
R. Selvanayagam, a factory manager from Klang, Selangor, also brought his family to the celebration.
“We came to offer prayers and thanksgiving to St Anne,” he said.
