Church of St. Anthony, Kuala Lumpur

Just beside the Puduraya Bus Station, along a lonely road and surrounded on all sides by tall high rises is the Church of St. Anthony. Because the Church in Kuala Lumpur is starved for land, the Church is now surrounded by the 4 story Archdiosecan Pastoral Institute and the private archdiocesan high school, Stella Maris. The compound also houses the Cahaya Suara Communications Centre and gift shop.


The Church just underwent a major restoration as its roof almost caved in. Thus, the centenary celebrations had to be celebrated in the Pastoral Centre Hall. However, I think the restoration managed to preserved the best elements of the building's heritage and no wreckovations were carried out.

Surrounded on all sides in the heart of the city, the Church, one of the oldest and architecturally one of the most imposing, still manages to inspire and awe. By the time I walked here from the Cathedral, it was almost 6 o'clock and the rainy and overcast sky was darkening fast.
Some migrant workers were practicing for Mass the next day as I made my way into the Church.


The left side altar is dedicated to St. Anthony, patron of this Church.

The right side altar is dedicated to the Sacred Heart. The side altar is made of wood and painted white. I guess that this was done during the restoration because the wood must have started to deteriorate. The roof did cave in after all.

On the left and the right of the High Altar are the statues of Mary and Joseph respectively.
The sacred dimness of the Church is pierced by the stained glass rosettes that line the wall and the transepts.

Here's the view from the altar towards the back of the Church.

From the main door looking towards the altar.

A close-up of the apse.
The the stained glass depicting events in the life of St. Anthony gives
a sacred aura to the sanctuary.


The High Altar was preserved in the restoration The marble is inlaid with mosaics with plant and floral motifs. Note that the tabernacle is still veiled.

Some shots of the High Altar, where the Blessed Sacrament is still reserved.
The four panels of stained glass. One of the shots is blurry, which I did not notice until I got back.




The old wooden confessional.

When I left to catch my bus, the sun was finally beginning to set with the overcast sky framing the defiant spire of the Church.