A journey of manifestation, evangelisation and unity

May 17, 2024

By John Bosco Morais
At the Church of St Joseph, Sentul, the nine-day novena and feast day celebration honouring St Joseph the Worker began with the solemn raising of the patron saint’s flag, led by Fr Albert Arockiasamy. This ten-day event drew the community together under the spiritual guidance of St Joseph and supported by parish priest Fr Frederick Joseph, Msgr James Gnanapiragasam, and Fr Yesu Anthony.

With a central theme of Rebuild My Church, each day’s activities focused on a different virtue of St Joseph, inspiring deep reflection and prayer among the faithful. The celebration commenced with Rosary devotions to Mother Mary, followed by novena prayers to St Joseph. Mass was celebrated daily by a rotating roster of visiting priests, including Frs Albert, Mitchel Anthony, Peter Anthoney, Michel Dass, Vincent Thomas, Yesu Anthony, William Michael, and George Harrison, whose homilies emphasised humility, faithfulness, and devotion.

A significant moment occurred on the morning of the fifth day, when seven priests administered the Anointing of the Sick, attended by approximately 250 faithful seeking solace and healing.

Various church groups including the BECCOT, Women’s community, RCIA, Chinese Apostolate, Tamil Apostolate, Eagles Wing, Youth, Catechetical, Prayer Group, and Migrants played important roles in coordinating the Eucharistic celebrations.

Daily fellowship meals organised by the BECs and the Tamil Apostolate highlighted the communal spirit, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere with shared meals and camaraderie.

The feast day culminated in a grand celebration with a multilingual Mass celebrated by several clergy. The revered statue of St Joseph was blessed, petitions were ceremonially burnt, and a candlelight procession featuring the altar ministers, flower girls, candle boys, and BEC representatives made its way through Jalan Sentul. The Rosary was recited in English, Tamil, and the Myanmar language, illuminating the procession with a spirit of unity and devotion.

As the procession returned, the St Joseph flag was reverently lowered, and the hymn “Holy Patron” marked the close of the festivities. Approximately 1,500 attendees, including parishioners from nearby churches and members of the Myanmar and Sri Lankan communities, joined in the celebration, reinforcing the strong bonds of fellowship within this diverse community.