Holy days: Devotees offering floral garlands and prayers before the statue of St Anne and the Virgin Mary inside the Minor Basilica of St Anne in Bukit Mertajam. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
BUKIT MERTAJAM: St Anne’s feast celebration is underway, with the highlight being the main celebration featuring novena, open-air mass and a candlelight procession this Saturday.
Some 100,000 pilgrims from the country and abroad are expected at the Minor Basilica of St Anne, with the weekend likely drawing the largest crowd of the 10-day celebration ending on Sunday.
Rev Deacon Lazarus Jonathan said besides Malaysians, pilgrims from China, India and other South-East Asian countries would also be attending the annual feast.
“This year, the main celebration falls on a weekend, so we anticipate a significantly larger turnout.
“The open-air mass and procession, acts of reverence to St Anne, the grandmother of Jesus, form the spiritual centrepiece of the celebration.
“It will be held within the church compound and is expected to be presided by the Catholic Bishop of Penang, Cardinal Datuk Seri Sebastian Francis, alongside other clergy and religious leaders.
“The mass will begin at 7pm, in multiple languages, followed by the procession at 8.30pm.
“We pray that all pilgrims, whether they travel from near or far, arrive and return home safely, blessed and uplifted,” said Deacon Lazarus, adding that the masses will be conducted in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and Tamil to ensure inclusivity for the diverse congregation.
Themed ‘Celebrating, Listening and Walking as Pilgrims of Hope,’ this year’s celebration focuses on compassion, unity and encouragement in times of hardship.
He said the chosen theme reflects the church’s commitment to walk alongside all people – regardless of race or religion – on their journey of faith, struggle and joy.
“We want to listen, not just speak. We want to hear the hardships people face, console them and offer hope.”
He stressed that this year’s prayers would be offered not only for the Christian community but for all people.
“The message of hope is universal. The Mother of Jesus and St Anne are praying for everyone.”
He added that St Anne is traditionally associated with family and stability, and this year’s pilgrimage places strong emphasis on the role of the family in building a peaceful and joyful society.
“When families are strong, the nation is stable and the world becomes a better place.”
