A life-changing trip to Melaka

Apr 18, 2025

Bernard Anthony
On a recent spiritual pilgrimage, 41 pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur embarked on a one-day journey to Melaka in celebration of the Jubilee Year.

The day began with participation in the Sunday Mass at the Church of St Theresa. Following the 11.15am Mass, parish priest, Fr Thomas Chong SJ, briefly met with the pilgrims. PPC committee member Theresa Kit then guided them to the fourth floor of the parish community centre, for the “Corridor of History” exhibition. This exhibition highlighted the rich 81-year history of the Church of St Theresa in Melaka, displaying photos and artefacts.

Afterwards, the pilgrims spent time in prayer and adoration in the Adoration Room before boarding their bus to the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception in Pokok Mangga. Upon arrival, they were welcomed by 30 parishioners, led by chapel chairperson Anthony Heng, for a community prayer session. The reflection focused on Lent and repentance, emphasising the importance of seeking forgiveness and offering forgiveness to others. This was followed by Mass offerings and fellowship.

The pilgrims’ next stop was the Jubilee pilgrimage centre at the Church of St Mary in Ayer Salak, where they arrived at 4.00pm. Despite the rain, PPC chairperson Francis Chua and several lay leaders welcomed the pilgrims. Francis gave a briefing on the history of Ayer Salak village, which has been home to Teochew people since 1848, and on the parish’s humble beginnings in 1886. The larger church building was constructed in 1970, with wings added in 1991. Today, approximately 2,000 Catholics reside in Ayer Salak.

Parish lay leader Mary Ann provided further insights into the Jubilee Year, its logo, how to obtain the Jubilee Indulgence, and introduced the mascot, Luce and Friends. The pilgrims then prayed the Jubilee Prayer and sang the Jubilee Song.

The parish prepared spiritual exercises for visitors: the Path of Purification (cemetery), the Path of Repentance (field), and the Rosary Walk (palm oil estate). These exercises offer pilgrims opportunities for prayer, meditation, and contemplation, fostering spiritual growth and a deeper connection with the Lord.

The pilgrims held a prayer session focused on hope, followed by a reflection on God’s forgiveness, mercy, and the role Christians play in spreading hope, especially to those marginalised by society.

After the Rosary, the pilgrims journeyed along the Path of Repentance, walking the Way of the Cross, where 14 stations marked on large stones were set along the field. Pilgrims took turns carrying a large cross as they prayed and reflected on the Passion and Death of Christ. At the end of the walk, they gathered at the foot of the cross, where an image of Christ on a white cloth served as a focal point for meditation and thanksgiving for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Here, the pilgrims repented of their sins and sought spiritual reconciliation.

Next, they proceeded along the Path of Purification (cemetery route), reflecting on the theme, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. This path of purification encouraged pilgrims to cleanse their souls through prayers, Scripture readings, and self-reflection. They were prompted to ask themselves, “Where am I going? Where am I heading? What am I living for?” This exercise helped pilgrims gain clarity on their life’s direction, purpose, and the importance of following the teachings and will of Jesus Christ.

Back at the parish house, the pilgrims had the opportunity to offer Mass intentions and purchase Jubilee merchandise before gathering for a fellowship dinner in the meeting room. The pilgrims expressed their gratitude to the parish team for their warm hospitality and support during their transformative pilgrimage. The experience certainly deepened their faith, leaving them inspired to become true pilgrims of hope.