Celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, ce-lebrated annually on December 8, holds immense significance for Catholic communities worldwide, honouring the conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, free from original sin.
Dec 21, 2024

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, ce-lebrated annually on December 8, holds immense significance for Catholic communities worldwide, honouring the conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, free from original sin.
Across Malaysia, various churches and chapels marked this occasion with vibrant and spiritually enriching celebrations, bringing together parishioners from diverse backgrounds.
Each parish and chapel, while unique in its approach, shared a common theme of honouring the Blessed Virgin Mary and reflecting on her model of grace, humility, and faith. These vibrant celebrations highlighted the continuing strength and unity of the Catholic community in Malaysia, as they walked together in discipleship with Mary.
Changlun, Kedah
The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Changlun marked the feast with a three-day celebration from December 5 to 7.
The celebration was led by Fr. Francis Xavier Selvarajoo on Day 1, followed by Deacon Rocky Loo on Day 2, who reflected on the theme Mary, Our Queen of Peace, Lead Us to Christ and led a Communion service.
The triduum reached its zenith on December 7, with Fr. Surain Durai Raj from College General Major Seminary Penang preaching.
Throughout the triduum, the recitations of the Rosary and the Litany of the Immaculate Conception created an atmosphere of continuous prayer.
Fr Surain’s homily emphasised life's challenges, the Advent journey, and the importance of silence in spiritual growth. He encouraged parishioners to create their own “desert”, a space for silence to hear God’s voice. His reflections reminded the faithful that repentance, though difficult, brings transformative grace.
The feast concluded with a candlelight procession to the church’s grotto, with Fr Surain leading the procession while bearing the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance, followed by Benediction. The evening ended with a hymn to Mary, encapsulating the Marian focus of the celebration.
The Church of the Immaculate Conception, founded in 1925, stands as a testament to the enduring faith of Changlun’s Catholic community. In recent years, the parish has welcomed an influx of Sabah and Sarawak students, enriching its cultural diversity. Fr Francis, who also shepherds the parish in Kangar, expressed heartfelt thanks to the parishioners for their dedication in organising the triduum and feast-day celebrations.. --Bernard Anthony
Penang
The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Penang held its parish feast from December 6 to 8, with the theme Celebrating, Listening, and Walking in Discipleship with Mary. The three-day celebration focused on different segments of the parish community: youth, seniors, and families. Over 1,000 faithful participated in the spiritually enriching experience.
The celebrations began with a Taizé prayer method Holy Hour, animated by the youth, offering a peaceful escape from daily life.
Fr.Simon Labrooy, the outgoing Rector of College General, celebrated the Mass and shared the story of St Nicholas, urging the congregation to act with love and patience in their encounters with Jesus.
On the second day, the parish prayer group led a Holy Hour and Novena to Our Lady, with Fr Simon encouraging reconciliation and transformation in the faithful’s daily lives.
The highlight of the celebration was the launch of Christmas Aglow 2024, which included a Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The church grounds were beautifully decorated, creating a festive atmosphere. On the final day, Fr Simon’s homily focused on the importance of rituals in shaping spiritual experiences, reminding the congregation of the transformative power of faith and reconciliation. The Mass concluded with Benediction, reaffirming the community’s commitment to living as missionary disciples of Christ..-- Nicholas Khor
Sg Batu, Kedah
Over 2,000 faithful gathered at the Chapel of Immaculate Conception for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. With the theme Mary - Model of Prayer Life, the celebration brought pilgrims from across Malaysia, highlighting the chapel’s significance. The day began with a multilingual Rosary prayer, followed by Mass celebrated by Fr Surain Durai Raj with Fr Victor Louis concelebrating.
In his homily, Fr Surain explored the meaning of the Immaculate Conception, reflecting on the dogma proclaimed by Pope Pius IX in 1854. He used metaphors such as The Mirror Room to highlight the contrast between self-importance and genuine spiritual reflection, and The Full and Empty Bottle to contrast the quiet fullness of a life in God with the emptiness of worldly pursuits. Fr Surain urged the faithful to reflect on their own lives and embrace the fullness of faith over the emptiness of worldly ambitions.
The celebration culminated with a 25-minute candlelight procession, with the statue of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, followed by Benediction. The chapel, founded in 1935 and relocated in 1987, is known for reported miracles and continues to draw pilgrims from across the country. --Bernard Anthony
Port Dickson
The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Port Dickson held a vibrant four-day celebration from December 5-8, blending spiritual devotion with community engagement and environmental awareness.
The festivities began with a flag-raising ceremony led by BECCOT leader John Paul and Fr Joseph Stephen, CSsR. Each day featured multilingual Eucharistic Celebrations animated by different zones of the parish.
On the first day, Fr Joseph’s homily focused on Mary’s humility and service to God. The second day highlighted Mary's nurturing role in the Church, with a touching video tribute to the late Fr. Jestus Pereira. The day also featured a creative flash mob promoting the “Care for Creation” campaign, with the slogan Vendam Vendam Single-Use Plastic.
The third day saw the revival of the Marian procession, a cherished tradition absent since 2018. Five hundred faithful participated in the two-kilometer procession, accompanied by Archbishop Emeritus Murphy Pakiam.
The evening concluded with another flash mob reinforcing the environmental message.
The final day, December 8, included Rosary and Novena recitations, followed by a multilingual Mass animated by Zone A BECs. The parish priest, Fr Edwin Peter, expressed heartfelt thanks to all BEC zones, ministries, and apostolates for their dedication and hard work.
The four-day celebration not only honoured the Immaculate Conception but also showcased the parish’s commitment to spiritual growth, community bonding, and environmental stewardship. --Clare Ong
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