Diocese of Penang: Notifications and updates

Sep 06, 2020

Dear Clergy, Religious, Heads of Ministries and the Lay Faithful,

Greetings of Joy, Mercy and Hope!

I wish to give you some notifications and updates on the happenings in our diocese.

1. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia has endorsed the decision to be part of the Caritas family under Caritas Asia. As the overarching body for all organisations involved in charity and human development in the Malaysian dioceses, Caritas Malaysia was set up on January 10, 2020. Representing the Diocese of Penang are Fr Joachim Robert and Ms Juanita Chin. More information on this can be found on the link below. https://www.caritas.asia/index.php/wherewe-are/southeast-asia-sub-region/caritasmalaysia

2. Catholic Healthcare Asia, which includes Mt Miriam Cancer Hospital, Penang, was officially established as a Public Juridic Personality by the Vatican on June 19, 2020, the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

3. A new unified service for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal was instituted by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life in Rome on December 8, 2018 called CHARIS (Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service). This will now be a Service of Communion that emphasises the dimensions of evangelisation: the spread of Baptism in the Holy Spirit, the unity of Christians and service to the poor. As such, CHARIS Malaysia was set up on Aug 13, 2020, endorsed by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia. Representing the Diocese of Penang will be Andre Ong and Vincent Lim.

4. Fr Francis Anthony has officially retired with effect Aug 20, 2020 and is now Retired Priest in Residence at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Penang.

5. The Diocesan Council of Penang for the  Society of St Vincent de Paul encompassing the three state councils of Kedah, Perak and Penang will cease to have three separate Spiritual Advisors. With effect from Sept 1, 2020, this role will be inte grated for all three state councils in Fr Jude Miranda who is currently the existing Spiritual Advisor for the Diocesan Council of Penang.

6. College General Major Seminary will be reopening for Semester 2 (3rd Quarter for 2020) on Sept 1, 2020.

7. Fr Louis Loi will be sent on a mission to accompany His Eminence Anthony Soter Cardinal Fernandez, D.D. with effect from Sept 1, 2020.

8. Please be informed that I will be away on my annual retreat from Sept 13 to 18, 2020. In my absence, kindly contact Msgr Stephen Liew, Msgr Henry Rajoo, and Msgr Aloysius Tan regarding diocesan matters.

9. The Collection for the Holy Land which is traditionally done on Good Friday in parishes, will be taken up on Sept 13, 2020, close to the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. This decision was made by the Holy See and confirmed by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei (CBCMSB).

10. The Annual Clergy Retreat 2020 will be held from Sept 14 to 17, 2020 at Stella Maris, Penang. Clergy who are unable to attend this retreat are required to make their own private annual retreat.

11. The Rite of Public Profession of the Evangelical Counsels of our Hermit, Sr Maryanne of the Cross, will be on Sept 26, 2020, at the Church of St Joseph, Batu Gajah. Personal invitations for this ceremony will be handled by the Church of St Joseph, Batu Gajah, Perak.

12. The Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate of Charles Lazaroo will be held on Oct 2, 2020, at the Taiping Catholic Church, Perak. Personal invitations for this ordination will be handled by Taiping Catholic Church, Perak.

13. The Collection of Peter’s Pence, which is usually done on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29, has been transferred to Oct 4 this year. This decision was made by the Holy See and confirmed by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei (CBCMSB).

14. It has been almost two months now that most parishes have begun opening their doors for Sunday Masses, adhering to the necessary Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) advised by the authorities. I thank you for your enthusiasm, courage and fervent faith in engaging with the community at all levels through Creative, Inclusive and Bridge-Building ways as Missionary Disciples of Christ. As the Diocese of Penang comprises five states and the situation in each state/district varies, I humbly urge all parishes in the Diocese of Penang to constantly review the opening of churches vigilantly, considering the situations on the ground for the Common Good. Please follow the directives of the local and state authorities. Should there be any doubt, kindly consult the local health, police and other state authorities involved. Please do not make decisions based on unofficial/fake news. Always clarify with the authorities concerned.

I assure you of my continuous prayers and solidarity are with all in the Diocese of Penang, as the mission to love and serve continues in every possible way. God bless you with courage and hope in your missionary efforts.

“Be Disciples of Hope”
Sincerely in Christ,

Rt Rev Sebastian Francis
Bishop of Penang
August 20, 2020