Celebrating the Feast of St Jane de Chantal

Aug 28, 2014

By DMC Durairaj
More than 350 people gathered in Bruas, a small country town in the District of Manjung to celebrate the Feast of St Jane de Chantal.

The late Fr Ignatius John Aloysius who was the parish priest of St Francis de Sales Church (SFDS) Sitiawan, built the chapel, a wooden structure, in 1939 to cater to the spiritual needs of the Catholic parishioners who were employed in the surrounding rubber estates. A brick building was later built by the late Fr Paul Chin who was then the parish priest of SFDS Sitiawan and assisted by Fr Raphael who resided in the chapel. The old chapel is still in existence and used as a temporary hall.

St Jane de Chantal was a simple housewife and widow. She was born in Digon, France in 1572. She was married to a noble man named Chantal. After his death, she placed herself under the direction of St Francis de Sales and was performing many works of charity, specially among the poor and the sick. She formed a unique religious community named “The Visitation of Holy Mary.” She was later made a saint.

This year’s celebration was over two days, Aug 16 and 17. There was a flag raising ceremony on the first day, followed by novena prayers and Eucharistic celebration in English and Tamil by Fr Vincent Paul, the parish priest of SFDS Sitiawan.

On the second day, the chapel was filled with parishioners from Taiping, Segari, Pantai Remis, Sitiawan and even a few from Johor Bharu. The multilingual Mass themed Called, Chosen, Sent was again celebrated by Fr Vincent Paul. In his homily, he touched on how the disciples were sent out to preach the Good News, likewise we are sent to preach the Gospel and to love others as God loves us. We must also go out to the world and proclaim the words “Do not be afraid.” We must do this by way of action.

After Mass, Fr Vincent Paul led the congregation in a procession, carrying the Blessed Sacrament, the first time since the church was built. The procession went around Bruas town while the rosary was recited by the faithful.

The mass ended with Benediction. It was noted that this year, there was full participation by the parishioners.

Before the final blessing, Fr Vincent Paul congratulated the small congregation of Bruas, for their effort in organizing this year’s feast celebration independently. He also thanked all others who had in one way or another helped in the preparation for the feast day.

The chairperson of the celebration committee, Miss Lilly, thanked Fr Vincent Paul for all the encouragement and assistance given in preparing for the feast. She also thanked all those who had travelled from far and near for this occasion.


The congregation was then invited for fellowship and lunch at the church compound.