Celebrating the Feast of the Holy Infant Jesus

Feb 14, 2025

KUALA SELANGOR
Hundreds of Catholics from near and far gathered at the Chapel of the Holy Infant Jesus in Kuala Selangor for the parish feast, celebrated from January 29 to February 2. The chapel, known for its dedication to children, welcomed pilgrims who came to take part in the spiritual observances and reflect on the themes of faith, salvation, and devotion to the Holy Infant Jesus.

The preachers for the first three days were Fr Xavier Andrew from Seremban, Fr Bonaventure Rayappan from Kajang and Fr William Michael from Kuala Lumpur. The final two days were led by the chapel’s administrator, Fr James Gabriel.

The celebration reached its peak on the evening of Feb 1, with around 1,200 faithful in attendance. Fr James highlighted the significance of the day, noting that forty days after the birth of Jesus, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord — an occasion also observed at the Chapel of the Holy Infant Jesus in Kuala Selangor.

The blessing of candles took place after the recitation of the Rosary and chaplet of the Holy Infant Jesus. The chapel, which had been beautifully decorated, provided an opportunity for pilgrims to pray, adore the Lord, and offer their written petitions.

The Masses were celebrated in a large tent set up on the chapel grounds. Fr James led the candle blessing ceremony at the main entrance, where nine children dressed as the Holy Infant Jesus led the procession.

In his homily, delivered in both English and Tamil, Fr James emphasised that salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. Reflecting on the Gospel of Luke (2:22-40), he quoted Simeon’s words: “My eyes have seen the glory of the Lord.” He also highlighted Jesus’ invitation: “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Fr James explained that true rest is found only after our work is done, symbolising the salvation and victory found in Christ, stressing that Jesus alone is Lord and God.

Encouraging the faithful to open their hearts to the Holy Spirit, Fr James urged them to fully immerse themselves in Christ, the source of fulfilment and salvation. He reminded them that Jesus is the beginning, middle, and end of everything and urged them to strengthen their faith, rooted in love and hope, while being empowered by God’s wisdom and knowledge.

He also addressed the importance of childlike faith, explaining that to enter the Kingdom of God, one must become like a child. He reassured those doing God’s work that He would strengthen and restore them. He also emphasised that with Jesus, the faithful receive everything — freedom from fear and death, and the promise of salvation.

Concluding his homily, Fr James called for repentance and the forgiveness of sins, encouraging the faithful to receive the Holy Spirit. He assured them that responding to God’s call would lead to salvation and protection. He reminded the congregation that they were created by God and through Jesus, could receive whatever they asked for in prayer, as long as they had faith in Him.

After the Mass, a 40-minute candlelight procession took place, featuring a float carrying a statue of the Holy Infant Jesus, with Fr James kneeling in reverence with the Blessed Sacrament. The procession made its way through the nearby roundabout before returning to the chapel grounds, where the faithful solemnly honoured Jesus.

The evening ended with the congregation adjourning for dinner and fellowship at the chapel grounds.

Many pilgrims came with hope in the Lord, spending time in adoration and at the grotto, strengthening their faith and devotion to Christ. --Bernard Anthony

SG PELEK
The Chapel of the Holy Infant Jesus in Sg Pelek, Selangor hosted a beautiful celebration of the Feast of the Holy Infant Jesus with a triduum from January 31 to February 2, under the theme Hope Does Not Disappoint.

On Jan 31, Fr Nicholas Ho OCD from Seremban was the main celebrant for the evening Mass, which included the Chaplet and Adoration. The celebration on Feb 1 commenced at 10.00am and featured a special children’s programme, with activities such as colouring, indoor games, and Holy Infant Jesus statue decorations led by catechism children from Tampin and Port Dickson parishes. Later at 11.30am, Fr Gnana Selvam Berentis, from Klang, celebrated Mass for the children, with Fr Edwin Peter, the chapel’s administrator and parish priest of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Port Dickson (CICPD) concelebrating.



The children joyfully participated in the Mass, filled with awe as they gathered in faith, hope, and unity to celebrate the Holy Infant Jesus. Their enthusiastic participation in hymns, prayers, and activities added a heartwarming spirit of delight and fun to the celebration. Each child received a gift and blessing from Fr Gnana.

In celebration of the Jubilee Year 2025, four children dressed as Luce and friends made a special appearance, promoting pilgrimages to designated pilgrimage centres, especially CICPD.

In the evening, the blessing of candles took place, followed by a procession around the chapel. The sunset Mass was then concelebrated by Archbishop Emeritus Murphy Pakiam, Fr Gnana, Fr Michel Dass from Kuala Lumpur, Fr Christopher W. Soosaipillai from Mantin, and Fr Edwin.

The celebration reached its pinnacle on Feb 2 with Sunday Mass celebrated by Archbishop Julian Leow at 11.30am. The ceremony began with the blessing of candles outside the chapel, followed by a candlelight procession around the chapel as over 250 devotees prayed the Chaplet of the Holy Infant Jesus. Fr Edwin concelebrated the Mass, and seminarian Bro Alvin Lucas who assisted throughout the triduum.

In his homily, Archbishop Julian posed a thought-provoking question to the congregation: ‘What does this feast mean to us?’ He reflected on how, despite being God, Jesus followed the law, teaching us the importance of obedience. Quoting Simeon’s words, “I will not close my eyes until I see the Messiah,” the archbishop emphasised the faith of both Simeon and Anna, who awaited the arrival of Jesus. He asked the faithful, ‘Is our faith like theirs?’

The archbishop urged the assembly to remain resilient and steadfast in keeping the Ten Commandments and upholding the resolutions made at the start of the year. He encouraged everyone to stand before God, seek forgiveness, and strive to become true disciples, drawing strength from God as Anna and Simeon did.

Archbishop Julian also highlighted the significance of the blessed candles, reminding the faithful that they represent Jesus as the Light of the World. He urged them to be a light in their homes and communities, guiding others and warning of the pitfalls of the devil. He concluded by calling all to live out the message of the Feast of the Holy Infant Jesus by being the light of the world and the salt of the earth, making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Fr Edwin gave a brief translation of the archbishop's homily in Tamil for the congregation.

At the end of the celebration, the chapel’s chairperson, Reagan Savarimuthu, welcomed everyone and expressed gratitude to the archbishop and all the preachers for their presence. He also acknowledged the contributions of those involved in the liturgy, including the Infant Jesus BEC from Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya, the fellowship sponsors, and Fr Edwin for his guidance and support.

Fr Edwin thanked the archbishop for taking time out of his busy schedule to celebrate the feast day Mass. He also invited everyone to the chapel’s weekly sunset Mass, held every Saturday at 7.30pm.

Archbishop Julian praised Fr Edwin for promoting the devotion to the Holy Infant Jesus, both in Sg Pelek, Sepang and previously in Kuala Selangor. Fr Edwin emphasised the importance of ministering to children and expressed hope that even more children would join next year. The archbishop added that children look to adults for guidance, urging everyone to protect and nurture them, never to harm them. As followers of Christ, we are called to be the light of Christ in the world. --Bernard Anthony