Faith, healing and restoration

Oct 26, 2024

By Bob Ho
Eleven devoted individuals, battling serious health challenges such as cancer and heart conditions, set aside their personal struggles to embark on a mission of faith and healing. Together, they lovingly restored over 100 sacred sculptures to their former glory, finding peace and solace in the process.

Responding to God’s call, they joined the restoration team formed by Fr Robert Daniel, parish priest of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes (OLOL) in Ipoh. Their journey began during the pandemic in 2020, and their proximity to the Kinta district allowed them to offer their time and talents for this labour of love. Fr Robert supported their dedication by providing letters confirming their essential work for the church during the MCO.

Undeterred by the challenges of the pandemic, the team worked tirelessly for three years. They scaled scaffolding and carried life-size statues to their workshop, carefully cleaning, repairing, and painting these sacred works of art. Some of the statues, over a century old and originating from France, Italy, and India, required intricate attention. Using not only brushes but their very hands, they infused life into each piece, creating a divine blend of artistry and devotion.

Fr Robert was very supportive of the team throughout their journey. “He is our light as we worked in the darkness of a church emptied by COVID-19,” shared team leader Pauline Eu Poh Lin. She believes the team embraced the joyful vision Fr Robert set for the restoration, as he chose a vibrant and uplifting theme, steering away from the traditional Gothic, Baroque, or Rococo styles.

"Many of us faced serious health challenges when we began in 2020, but, miraculously, those problems have since disappeared," Pauline revealed. Diagnosed with severe pre-cancerous liver cirrhosis in 2019, she was told she had only two years to live. Yet, in her words, “with God’s grace, I am here today.” Her story is a testament to the healing power of faith, dedication, and the strength that comes from working for a higher purpose.

Pauline believes wholeheartedly that it was the Holy Spirit moving through each volunteer. “We never imagined that as we restored more than 100 statues, we would also experience a kind of restoration in our own health.” She attributes this to being immersed in spirituality every day for three years, constantly in prayer, and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit. “We spoke to the Holy Spirit and felt His guidance with us every step of the way.” The team gathered in prayer each morning, asking for protection and wisdom before starting their work. Incredibly, not a single accident occurred during the entire project. “We also grew as individuals, especially in our spiritual journeys,” added Pauline, a retired midwife from Hospital Fatimah, Ipoh.

A former student of the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, Pauline holds the school motto, “Steadfast in Duty,” close to her heart. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to use her God-given gift of art to serve others, all for the greater glory of our loving Father. “I am also so proud of Our Lady’s love and guidance,” she said, beaming with gratitude for the blessings and growth that came from this sacred mission.

Cancer survivor Mary Moh described the restoration project as “very challenging, but with the Lord’s help, we pulled through, and all of us came out renewed and recharged.” Moh, who also serves in the choir and flower arrangement team at the Church of St Michael (SMC), emphasised the personal significance of this mission: “Each of us faced our own health struggles. When we began, we had no idea what lay ahead, but now we know — there is always light at the end of the tunnel. We just need to trust God.”

For catechist Linda Christina, who also served as a lector and commentator, the project became a form of art therapy. Meanwhile, Athanasius Alexander, a volunteer at the church’s Heritage Gallery, expressed his deep gratitude to Fr Robert for entrusting him with “this beautiful project.” He reflected, “We learned so much from painting — especially the value of patience in life.”

Athanasius found the intricate detailing, particularly on the statue of Christ the King, to be the most challenging. Alexandar Anthony Dars, curator of the Heritage Gallery, shared that this statue was donated by Dr Abdon Clement Kathigasu @ Arumugam Canatapai Pillay M.B.E., who, together with his wife Sybil Medan Kathigasu G.M., courageously supported the resistance against the Japanese during World War II. Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, has even opened the cause for Sybil’s beatification. The couple regularly attended Mass at SMC and occasionally at OLOL.

Not even heart stents could stop volunteers like Felix Ambrose, who serves as an animator, sacristan Matthews Selwarajal, and Velanganny Anthonysamy from moving the heavy statues from the church to the upperfloor workshop at the Bernadette Centre. Steven Hew, despite having a heart condition, also played a key role. Together, they rejoiced in the successful completion of the mission.

Assistant parish priest Fr George Vaithynathan shared that the restoration effort began when the team noticed a leaking roof, which led to the discovery of faded and damaged statues — including those with missing eyes, ears, and hands. Many of these statues had been stored away for years. The restoration extended to the Stations of the Cross sculptures, and the results delighted parishioners. “We received positive responses. Our congregation and the hundreds of pilgrims who come here from across the country were moved by what they saw,” Fr George said.

During the renovation, a box of raffle ticket stubs bearing the names of church donors was discovered buried beneath the main altar. Older parishioners recalled the many fundraising activities that took place when the current church was built in 1959, replacing the original wooden structure from 1905. Fr George explained that the stubs carried the promise that “Mass will be offered in perpetuity for the donors.” The box was reburied alongside the latest raffle ticket stubs beneath the altar, marked by a marble plaque indicating the location.

At the entrance of OLOL, a large marble slab now greets visitors with the words, “House of God. Gate of Heaven,” replacing the smaller tiles that once adorned the floor. The slab also bears the word ekklesia in Greek, meaning “Church.” Fr George proudly noted that OLOL’s beamless structure allows for an unobstructed view from any pew, a testament to “the wisdom of our forefathers.”

OLOL remains a rich fountain of spiritual growth, with 22 parishioners, including Fr George, having become priests, and around 20 others joining various religious orders. Fr Robert and Fr George continue to serve four chapels: St Sebastian (Ipoh), St Francis of Assisi (Tasik), Annai Vellanganny (Jelapang), and Christ the King (Buntong).

Though volunteers Velanganny, Felix, Matthews, Kelvin Roy, Roy Rogers, and Maria could not attend the interview, their dedication was evident throughout the project. Other parishioners also lent their support whenever needed, with one providing a free flow of food every workday. The restoration project truly brought out the best in this Christ-centred community, who came together during the pandemic to glorify God through their labour of love.