PETALING JAYA: Rev Bishop Emeritus James Chan (pic), the first bishop of the Melaka-Johor Catholic diocese, passed away on Saturday (April 22 ) at the age of 97.
The news of his death was announced through the Melaka-Johor Diocese Facebook page.
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Right Reverend Bishop Emeritus James Chan Soon Cheong, the first bishop of the Malacca Johore Diocese.
"Bishop James returned peacefully to the Lord at approximately 9.15am on Saturday at Graceville, Majodi Centre, Jalan Masai, Plentong, Johor.
"He had been in good health right up till his demise," the post read.
The body will lie in state at the Divine Mercy Chapel in Sacred Heart Cathedral from Saturday until after the 6pm Mass on Sunday (April 23) where it will be transferred to the Cathedral.
Hailing from Selama, Perak, Chan was the eldest of six siblings in a Catholic family and received his education at St Xavier’s Institution until the outbreak of World War 2 in 1941.
He completed his secondary school education at St George’s Institution, Taiping, in 1947.
He was inspired to join the clergy by a former parish priest of St Louis Catholic church in Taiping, Father Noel Clement, and a LaSallian, Brother Dennis.
At 24, he joined the seminary in Singapore in 1950 and was ordained nine years later in Penang.
James was appointed bishop of Melaka-Johor on Dec 22, 1972, after it split from the Archdiocese of Singapore.
His ordination took place on June 8, 1973.
Meanwhile, His Grace, Rev Bernard Paul, the Bishop of Melaka Johor, extended his condolences to Chan's family and relatives.
The funeral Mass will be held on Monday (April 24) at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Taman Sri Tebrau, Johor Baru, at 11am.
The cortege will leave for burial at the Ulu Tiram Catholic Cemetery, Johor, after the Mass.
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