Follow Jesus Christ for the rest of your lives

Apr 26, 2019

By Marlina Sara Sylvester
The Easter Vigil Mass began with the service of light outside the Church of St Anne. Bishop Sebastian Francis, together with Deacon Lazarus, the catechumens and a large number of congregation gathered outside to begin the service. When the paschal candle was lit, the light was passed to the congregation as we made our way into the church that was in total darkness.

In his homily, Bishop Sebastian asked the congregation, “Where are you looking for Jesus? Are you looking among the dead or within the living?”

“Tonight all baptised Catholics will renew our vows. To the Elect, you will make your vows for the first time. That is our focus for tonight. Live your baptismal vows, or else, there is no reason why you are here.

“It’s our new mission and our new hope, forget the past. About 1,300 catechumens will be baptised tonight throughout West Malaysia. It’s an honourable day for the Catholic Church in Malaysia.”

He turned to the elect and said, “All of you will be baptised and will follow Jesus Christ for the rest of your life.” And turning to the congregation, he further said, “through the renewal of your baptism, we are chosen by Him to be His new disciples and be His witnesses. Our mission is in the world. We are all Baptised and Sent, that’s the mission of the Catholic church for this year. I invite all of you to make your personal mission and be His witness.”

The Mass continued with the Litany of the Saints followed by the blessing of water. Bishop Sebastian and Deacon Lazarus then sprinkled the Baptismal Water on parishioners.

The rite of Baptism then took place, with 26 adults and nine children baptised. The congregation welcomed all our new members with a great thunder of applause. The Mass ended with a group photo of all newly baptised with Bishop Sebastian and Deacon Lazarus.