Follow the example of St Anthony and be peace lovers

Jun 23, 2017

By Geraldine Ann
The feast of St Anthony of Padua was celebrated at the Chapel of St Anthony, Bukit Pelanduk on June 13. The feastday was celebrated on a moderate but joyous scale. Devotees prayed the rosary at 7.00pm, followed by Mass celebrated by Fr Terrance Thomas.

Peace was the main theme of the homily. Addressing all present as a “small community but great in faith,” Fr Terrance encouraged his listeners to follow the example of this gentle saint and to strive to be men and women of peace.

Among those present was 22-year old Regina Paul who finds inspiration from the saint’s devotedness to daily prayer and his unfailing courage in dealing with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Recent convert Joanne Chong places complete trust in the Prayer to St Anthony and relies on his intercession during difficult times. He has never failed her.

After Mass, devotees mingled with one another during the fellowship.

Apart from the annual feastday celebrations at the chapel, Mass is celebrated on the first Tuesday of every month at 8.00pm.

Tucked away in an oil palm estate, this chapel in Bukit Pelanduk was built in 1941. Its wooden structure came with a thatched roof and earthen floor. Rebuilt at its present location in 1972, the chapel was officiated both times by the late Archbishop Tan Sri Dominic Vendargon.

It underwent major renovation works in 2011, spearheaded by the Masilamani family. It became a personal project in particular to Mdm Caroline Masilamani who applied a hands-on approach to this whole endeavour.

Today, this functional little chapel hosts a close-knit Catholic community of five families.