PENANG: On Sept 24, the congregation of the Assumption Church, Penang, was pleasantly surprised by a visit of the Apostolic Delegate, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, who was in Penang. This being his first visit to Penang Island, His Grace stated that he was pleased to have been able to celebrate the sunset Mass with the community of the Assumption.

Together with His Grace were Fr Julian Leow of College General, Fr Anthony Ng, Chancellor of the Johor Diocese and Fr Arul of the Franciscan order based in Johor. In his homily, His Grace exhorted that the parable of the two sons in the Gospel is as challenging to us today as it was back then. He went on to state that even in our most sinful moments, we are not alone, as God does not abandon us, but stands firmly by our side, entreating us to trust in Him and to repent, so that we can return to Him.

His Grace further stated that Pope Benedict XVI has spoken about how this parable leads us to the Eucharist where the Lord invites us to partake in the celebration. From the death of Christ, springs life. In the Eucharist, from the cross, He brings us all together. If we die in Him, we will also bear fruit and we should pray continuously to the Lord for His peace.

Towards the end of the Mass, His Grace stated that he was asked by our Holy Father, to address the Catholic communities in Malaysia that with the establishment of diplomatic ties, our Holy Father in Rome, will walk even closer with us here in Malaysia. John Dass, Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council of the City Parish, presented His Grace with several mementoes for his visit here. — By Debbie Mitchell