Feast of St. Felix of Cantalice

I'm very privileged to live in an area of Penang very close several Catholic institutions, among them the Capuchin Friary of St. Felix of Cantalice.

The Capuchin Friary of St. Felix of Cantalice celebrated the Feast Day of it's patron with solemnity. Although the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi is the primary celebration here, a small group of friends and collaborators of the Capuchin Fathers and Friars were invited to this familial celebration.

The celebration started with Bro. Allan reading from the Life of St. Felix who is also known as St. Deo Gratias because he often uttered the phrase.



The Mass was concelebrated by Frs Michael Teng OFM Cap, Fr. Michael Raymond, Capuchin Custos for Malaysia and Fr. Decroix, MEP who lives nearby at Stella Maris.



Bros. Allan, Matius and Francis were the choir for the day.





After Bro Allan and Fr. Michael Teng read the First Reading and the Gospel respectively, Fr. Michael Raymond preached the homily in which he traced the life of St. Felix and the qualities that he had that made him a good Christian and follower of Jesus. He also spoke of the renewal of religious life, quoting the thesis of Bro. Matius.





2 of the Friars then renewed the vows, clasping the hands of the Custos. First of was Bro Raymond.





Followed by Bro Matius.





Besides these 2, Bro Allan and another friar (who I presume have made their perpetual vows) also signed the register.







The Kiss of Peace was then exchanged.





The Mass then continued with the General Intercessions.






Going up for Holy Communion in the little Chapel of the Friary. There were more people in the adjacent hall and several other friars as well, including Fr. Paul Cheong, the local Guardian, Fr. Andrew Manickam, Fr. Valentine Gompok and Fr. Joe Matthews OFM Cap, all, who also lives in the Friary.





On the wall of the Friary you can see the various canonized Capuchin saints and beati. St. Pio of Petrelcina is honoured with a statue at the bottom (which you can't see).



Then, we Feasted. A cake, in honour of the anniversary of several priestly ordinations and renewal of religious vows was cut.



Here, you can see many of the priests and friars who travelled from Gethsemani Friary and St. Francis of Assisi parish in Cheras and the Friary in Ulu Tiram, Johore to be present for the celebration.





Good food and good company.





Again, a good time was had by all. Deo Gratias.