CDM servers inspired by the life of Sybil Kathigasu

Feb 28, 2025

SHAH ALAM: The altar servers of the Church of the Divine Mercy embarked on a spiritually enriching and fun-filled mission trip to the Church of St Michael (SMC) in Ipoh on February 12, together with their parish priest Fr George Harrison. This journey from Shah Alam (Archdiocese KL) to Ipoh (Diocese of Penang) provided a unique opportunity to experience the universality of the Catholic Church while appreciating the distinct character of the northern region.

One of the most profound aspects of this mission trip was learning about the inspiring story of Sybil Medan Kathigasu (1899-1948), a Malayan Eurasian nurse whose cause for canonisation is being considered, potentially making her the first Malaysian saint. Sybil’s story is one of extraordinary courage and unwavering faith.

Our journey began at the Church of St Joseph (SJC) in Batu Gajah, where Deacon Richard Wilson shared the first part of Sybil’s remarkable story. Hearing of her suffering and torture during the Japanese occupation (1941-1945) brought us to tears. Upon her release from prison, her grave wounds and bleeding made Sybil unable to walk. Yet, with unwavering determination, she crawled to the altar at St Joseph’s and prayed before she was sent for medical treatment in UK. The traces of her blood on the church floor became a powerful symbol of her profound faith, as Deacon Richard so movingly described. It was clear that her deep love for God fuelled her ability to reach out to so many in need. As Deacon Richard concluded his talk, we were warmly welcomed by the SJC altar servers with a specially prepared breakfast.

Our next stop was the clinic in Papan where Sybil and her husband, Dr Abdon Clement Kathigasu, courageously treated those persecuted by the Japanese, primarily members of the Chinese community who were falsely accused of being communists. The dilapidated remains of the clinic whispered stories of its past as a centre of healing and compassion. Despite the presence of a secret passage, to shield from the Japanese, their primary focus was on serving their patients with love and care, truly embodying the Christian ideal: “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Sybil’s selfless service drew immense admiration and respect, her works of mercy touching countless lives in Ipoh.

From Papan, we visited the unfinished Kellie’s Castle, a fascinating historical landmark of Ipoh. Our pilgrimage then continued to the Church of St Michael (SMC) where Fr Aloysius Tan and the SMC altar servers welcomed us. Fr Aloysius seamlessly continued Sybil’s story. It was a continuation, as if divinely orchestrated. Although she passed away in UK during her treatment, her body was brought back to Ipoh and interred at the cemetery at SMC.

Despite the midday heat, our altar servers patiently visited her tombstone to offer prayers and light candles. As Fr Aloysius later explained, Sybil is the only Malayan woman ever to be awarded the George Medal for bravery, a testament to her remarkable service during the Japanese occupation. Fr Aloysius encouraged us to pray for miracles, emphasising the importance of documenting such events for the Vatican’s consideration in the canonisation process. He shared that many people visit daily to pray for her intercession. Eventually, Sybil was arrested and imprisoned, enduring immense torture. Yet, her faith remained unshaken. God gave her the strength and hope to persevere, surrendering her life as an instrument for Him. As the Bishop of Penang, Cardinal Sebastian Francis has opened her cause for canonisation, and we join in praying for her intercession.

After a delightful lunch at SMC, where we received keychains as a memento, the servers enjoyed some games before we set off for our final destination: The Church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH). We were warmly welcomed by Fr Patrick Masang, CSsR. and the OMPH altar servers. Fr Patrick’s personal story, beginning with his humble journey as an altar server at the age of nine, where he first served at the Church of the Assumption, Petaling Jaya, was truly inspiring. He generously shared his vocation journey and explained his decision to join the Redemptorist order. “Sitting down with Fr Patrick and listening to his vocation story was very interesting and inspiring for me,” said Jeremiah, a 13-year-old CDM altar server.

Later, Fr George Harrison and Fr Patrick celebrated Mass for the altar servers. Before Mass, Fr Patrick vividly described the beautiful iconography of the image of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. His description of Mother Mary’s tender embrace of the infant Jesus, who was frightened by the premonition of his future suffering, highlighted the depth of her love and compassion. The artist’s depiction beautifully illustrates Mary’s maternal care and her role as our intercessor.

“This year’s mission trip was a fun and interesting experience,” said Olivia, a 13-year-old CDM altar server. “It was great to spend time with other servers from other churches, and seeing a girl as the head server at OMPH was inspiring. Visiting Kellie’s Castle and learning about Sybil Kathigasu’s history was also very interesting.”

“My overall experience was great,” shared Kevin, the head of CDM altar servers. “This was the first trip for our servers since MCO, so it was a new experience for them, with all the sightseeing, visiting the churches, and bonding. All the servers grew closer after spending the whole day together. I felt happy seeing them enjoy themselves and taking a break to have some fun and new experiences.”

This pilgrimage to Ipoh was a journey of faith, history, and inspiration, leaving an indelible mark on all who participated. I feel so blessed to have been part of this journey, learning so much in just one day. This mission trip to Ipoh is significant for all of us, allowing us to learn the selfless love of Sybil Kathigasu and how we can all aspire to be saints someday. --Veronica Josephine Judeith Bateman