By D. M. C. Durairaj
SITIAWAN: The Parishioners of St Francis De Sales Church experienced a joyful Easter celebration.

Many events were organised during Lent in the parish. Special mention must be made of Fr Arulnathan Joseph for having the ‘Orang Asli Stay In Experience.’ As a Lenten experience he wanted parishioners to experience a one-night stay programme at Saul Padi, an Orang Asli village which is about 45 km away in a Felda Camp.

The aim of the event was to taste the life of those who are living at the fringes and experience what it is to live with the poor. Although it was raining in the early hours, yet the celebration of the Easter Vigil began as planned at the adjacent playing field with the Service of Light. The multi-lingual celebration proceeded on schedule and the church was full.

The Easter Triduum began on Holy Thursday where 12 elderly men, each picked from the various BECs had their feet washed by Fr Arul as a symbol of humility. Various groups took turns to lead the adoration late into the night.

On Good Friday, three crosses were placed in front of the altar to enable parishioners to venerate the cross.

During the Easter Vigil Mass, ten catechumens who had graduated from the RCIA programme received the Sacraments of Initiation. A majority of them were East Malaysians.

The homily delivered by Fr Arul was in Bahasa Malaysia. He questioned the parishioners on the day’s readings and he was amazed with the correct answers delivered in Bahasa Malaysia.

At the end of the day Fr Arul congratulated and thanked all members of the various BECs and other organisations for their full cooperation in preparing the liturgy. He also congratulated and welcomed all the newly baptised candidates and at the same time invited the parishioners to warmly welcome them into the family of Christ. A special word of thanks was conveyed to Moses Lim for being fully responsible for grooming the candidates.

The Easter Sunday Mass was fully in Bahasa Malaysia. The church was filled with migrants and one could see the joy, peace and happiness in them although their loved ones were not with them. Easter eggs were distributed to all after the services. —