Msgr IJ Aloysius fondly remembered after 25 years

Feb 28, 2019

By Aaron Lim
On February 16, exactly 25 years after the passing of Msgr Ignatius John Aloysius, former and present parishioners of the Church of St Francis Xavier (City Parish) gathered in memory of the priest whom they loved and honoured.

Many of them came in the spirit of thanksgiving, as they recalled how he had touched their lives as a faithful shepherd tending his flock.

Fondly known as Msgr Aloysius, he was ordained at College General in 1929. He became the first Vicar General of the Diocese of Penang. For more than 20 years he served as parish priest of SFX Church before his death in 1994 at the age of 91.

The memorial Mass was celebrated by His Eminence Anthony Soter Cardinal Fernandez, with Bishop Sebastian Francis, Archbishop Emeritus Murphy Pakiam and Bishop Emeritus Antony Selvanayagam as con-celebrants.

Cardinal Soter recalled vividly the many personal encounters he had with the late Msgr Aloysius from his early days in Penang in July 1955.

“As we gather here to remember our dear priest today, as followers of Christ, we are called to be holy and be merciful,” His Eminence said.

The Cardinal also reminded all that a priest, is an Alter Christus or “another Christ.”

“As Catholics, we must ask ourselves, whether we are disciples or just mere devotees,” His Eminence said, whilst urging all to be more effective witnesses of the faith.

Bishop Sebastian also delivered a short speech during Mass, in which he said that Msgr Aloysius is “living the glorious mystery of death in heaven.”

“We remember with gratitude that Msgr Aloysius built the Church of St John Britto 50 years ago, as well as the Chapels of St Joseph in Hong Seng Estate and St Mary in Gottlieb Park,” the Bishop said, recalling his legacy.

Bishop Sebastian also thanked parish priest Msgr Aloysius Tan and the former children of St Joseph’s Home (located beside the church) for coordinating this special event.