CATHOLICS from across the region congregated in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, to attend the annual St Anne’s Feast Day, with many fulfilling vows made in moments of personal struggle.
R. Thivya Bharti 32, who travelled from Teluk Intan, Perak, with her husband Jevi Jesan, 33, and their eight-year-old son Ebeneseh, said the pilgrimage had been a family practice for several years and every visit felt deeply spiritual.
Jevi described the atmosphere at the church last Saturday as lively yet peaceful.
“It’s something we look forward to as a family. This year we have a new vow – to have another child. Hopefully, St Anne will hear our prayers,” he said.
For many pilgrims, the 10-day novena and feast day is more than tradition – it is a spiritual promise and testament of faith.
A pilgrim expressing his religious fervour during the event.
The pilgrimage has been a ritual for over a century, drawing tens of thousands annually.
Factory supervisor Diana Govindas, 29, said she came to offer prayers for her mother’s recovery.
“My mother cannot walk due to a nerve problem and needs to use a wheelchair.
“I came here with hope in my heart, praying that she will walk again one day.”
Diana, who made the journey with her family from Ipoh in Perak, said she had been attending the feast since she was in her teens.
Even non-Catholic visitors were drawn to the event.
“I may be Buddhist, but I believe in the power of sincere prayer,” said Robert Leong, 38.
The businessman said he visited with his wife to pay homage to St Anne after their prayers to conceive a child were fulfilled.
The atmosphere at Bukit Mertajam had been electric throughout the week.
Over 50,000 visitors turned up for St Anne’s Feast Dayin Bukit Mertajam, Penang. — Courtesy of China Press
Pilgrims packed the church grounds from the early hours of the morning, lighting candles, offering prayers and carrying floral garlands, some making the traditional uphill walk to the old church carrying crosses while others walked barefoot in acts of devotion.
More than 50,000 attended the St Anne’s Feast Day on Saturday.
The feast, which honours the mother of the Virgin Mary, is one of the largest Catholic celebrations in the region.
Penang Bishop Cardinal Datuk Seri Sebastian Francis, who presided over the open-air mass, called on the faithful to carry the values of compassion, healing and unity beyond the church walls.
“St Anne reminds us of the strength of family, of endurance and of unwavering faith,” he said.
Nearby food stalls, souvenir booths and donation counters reported brisk activity.
Themed “Celebrating, Listening and Walking as Pilgrims of Hope”, this year’s celebration focused on compassion, unity and encouragement in times of hardship.
The 10-day celebration ended on Sunday.
