Celebrating 200 Years: The College General in Penang (Part 2) - The Mass

The Mass celebrating College General's 2ooth Anniversary in Penang was indeed a fascinating event. It wasn't the most grand of celebrations, but the presence of the many bishops and priests did lend an air of festivity to the whole occasion. The following pictorial journal of the Mass was made possible by the photographic talents (and cameras!) of of Mark's mum, Angela and your own humble scribe). The various angles provide a great visual experience akin to watching a football match on ESPN. It's better than being there (but for experiencing the atmosphere live) because you get multiple viewpoints rather than just one. Especially if you had a bad seat =)

The seminarians (and an ex-seminarian) performed the duties of the acolytes as our servers did not serve, in the end. Our humility mixed the incense for the Mass. I thought it was rather nice, not too smoky with a pleasant after smell, ecclesiastical with floral hints as well. As you might be able to tell, our humility loves incense.

The processional crucifix is from the College Chapel



The long lines of priests making their way in wearing the specially made stoles. In case Catholics all over Malaysia were wondering where their priests were on Thursday.



They came from all over the place, from East and West Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand and Vietnam, most of them alumni of College General which served the entire region before the minor seminaries of St. Francis Xavier and St. Peter in Ponggol in Singapore and Kuching respectively became major seminaries in their own right.



Several of the old professors of the College General, the missionary MEP Fathers from the Parish Foreign Mission were also present. Fr. Larry Tan represented the Jesuits, Frs. Paul Chong and Joe Matthews, the Capuchins. I did not note other religious priests. Wasn't paying much attention, to tell you the truth.



The Vicars General of most dioceses were also present. Fr. Danny is last of the priests because he's holding the stoles.



The forest of mitres. Most of the Crowned Heads of Europe, eerrrr... I mean the Mitred Heads of Malaysia were present as well.





The Apostolic Delegate to Malaysia, His Grace Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio represented the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI.



Archbishops Murphy Pakiam of Kuala Lumpur and Nicholas Chia of Singapore were the main concelebrants.



His Lordship Bishop Antony Selvanayagam of Penang, who's also the President of the Seminary, was the main celebrant of this Mass.



The procession of priests made it's way to the front where the entire section of seats was cordoned off and reserved for them.



The bishops made their way up onto the stage.



The Bishops venerating the altar. We did suggest to put up an altar cross in the sanctuary. And also to bring the nice candlesticks. But the missal stand was there at least.



Bishop Antony censing the altar.





The priests. Count them if you can.



The galleries were also filled up by this time.



Large projectors were used to project the text of the songs and the video images unto the walls of the hall so that others seated further away could see. For the priests, to spare them from bending their heads up, TV screens were put up front instead. Note the coolers which were put up all around which mitigated the effects of the heat slightly.







His Grace the Apostolic Delegate was flanked by the Archbishops of Kuching, John Ha of the left and Kota Kinabalu John Lee, on the right. You can make out Archbishop Emeritus Anthony Soter Fernandez of Kuala Lumpur on the far right.



The effect. You can just see the edge of the projection of the top left corner and the Hall cross in the top centre.



This Sister read the first reading from the Prophet Ezekiel where God promises to gather His people and replace their hearts of stone with hearts of flesh. May God bring this about soon.



Censing the altar with mitres.



The Vicar General of Malacca-Johore Msgr. Sebastian Francis who was my parish priest at one time read the Gospel.



His Grace Archbishop John Ha of Kuching then gave the homily.



The Offertory. It was at this point that we did our stuff at the other table removing the purificators and all.







The concelebrants with Bishop Selva, Archbishop Murphy Pakiam of Kuala Lumpur and Archbishop Nicholas Chia of Singapore. Had the shock of my life when I say His Lordship sporting a Roman Collar. He did not wear one even during the ad limina.





The Final Blessing.





Throughout the Mass, I was struck by the fact that Archbishop Ha was a very deeply prayerful man, often in deep prayer and concentration.



After the Final Blessing, there were the usual speeches. More on that later.



After all the speeches, the long line of priests made their way out a nice lunch.



My favourite photo of the event, of Archbishop Ha helping Archbishop Emeritus Soter Fernandez down the steps of the Altar.



I hope you've enjoyed these images which captured the sights and atmosphere of this celebration. More coming soon.