PENANG: The parish of St Anne, Bukit Mertajam has chosen the Feast of St Paul and Fathers’ Day as the second Special Event to bring about unity and love in our parish community.

A multi-lingual Mass was celebrated on 21 June by parish priest Msgr Stephen Liew with Fr Clement Pereira concelebrating.

A video on the life of St Paul was played in the church half an hour before mass. An exhibition on St Paul was displayed at the entrance of the church a day prior to this special event.

“St Paul invites and challenges all of us, to walk worthy of our vocation as Christians. He exhorts us to be humble, kind, patient and bear with one another in love,” said Msgr Liew.

During his homily, Msgr Liew spoke more about the life of St Paul and his missionary journey. “After his conversion, St Paul focused on the risen Jesus Christ. He wanted ‘to give’ the risen Lord to others. Hence, he went to many places, preaching about Christ and building communities. We can also say, St Paul is the first builder of BEC.”

He also spoke about Fathers’ Day by thanking God for all fathers and calling on them to be exemplary of light and life in our families, BECs and the parish. “Be like St Paul; besides providing food and education, teach your children about Jesus Christ. Thus when your children encounter any storms in their life, they know how to overcome it with faith in Christ. Most importantly, bring them to church and attend catechism classes, to evoke the presence of Jesus Christ in their lives,” continued Msgr Liew.

A group of catechism children then presented a song, followed by cake-cutting after the post-communion prayer. All fathers also were presented with the gift of a Rosary.

Then Msgr Liew gave a very special blessing to all fathers present. This special event was organized by the St Michael’s League. Light refreshments were served after Mass. Children were seen busy wishing their fathers ‘Happy Father’s Day’. — By Marlina Sara