Forty pilgrims embark on a spiritual journey at St Louis Kluang

Mar 14, 2025

By Bernard Anthony
On March 1, forty pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur embarked on a spiritual journey to the Church of St Louis a designated pilgrimage centre in the Malacca Johore Diocese.

The pilgrims spent the 3.5-hour journey by chartered bus with joy as they listened to spiritual hymns and prayed the Rosary; listened to the Gospel Reading and Reflection and briefing about what is a Jubilee Year and what is an indulgence and why we need indulgences and how to gain one and understanding what the Jubilee Indulgence is; which is a gift of grace from the Church.

Upon arriving at the church, the pilgrims were warmly welcomed by assistant parish priest Fr William Pillai, Deacon Louis Martin, and the parish team of volunteers.

Fr William, the pilgrims’ Spiritual Director at St Louis, led a formation session on Pilgrimage of Hope and Journey Discernment, drawing from Deuteronomy 26:5. He explored the question, “Who is a pilgrim?” and shared insights from Pope Benedict XVI’s Catechesis on Jacob’s Ladder and Dream Spirituality. Fr William guided the pilgrims in reading scriptures from Genesis, Deuteronomy, and Romans, reflecting on Jacob’s dream of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven (Genesis 28:12). He explained that this vision was God’s first revelation to Israel, emphasising God’s personal interest in us and establishing a relationship with His people.

Fr William encouraged the pilgrims to recognise God’s constant presence, even in times of confusion or depression, drawing parallels to Jacob’s faith and confidence in God’s promise. He also spoke about Setting the Invisible Coordinates Right, urging pilgrims to align their thoughts and seek a deeper understanding of their faith. He stressed that a pilgrimage journey cannot be sustained without recognising God as our Saviour and reminded the pilgrims to appreciate the sacraments, take God's grace seriously, and prepare for Lent through repentance and renewal.

After the formation, the pilgrims adjourned to the church for Mass, celebrated by Fr William and assisted by Deacon Louis. After Mass, Fr William blessed each pilgrim with holy oil. The pilgrims then proceeded to the El-Bethel Pilgrim Parlour, where they prayed silently, reflecting on the Cross and the image of Christ, with a ladder standing nearby. Each pilgrim had their pilgrimage passport stamped and received holy water.

After lunch, the pilgrims entered the adoration room next to the sanctuary for adoration and benediction. A few also participated in confession. During adoration, each pilgrim followed a meditative sequence: starting with a silent gaze at the Blessed Sacrament, followed by thanksgiving and praise, sharing personal thoughts and requesting mercy, grace, and forgiveness, and listening for God’s will. The session concluded with a Lectio Divina meditation, where they reflected on a scripture, Romans 8:26: “...We don’t know what we ought to pray for...” After an hour, Fr William returned from confession to conclude with benediction. This meditative practice provided a deeper connection to the Lord, helping the pilgrims align their spiritual focus.

The group then gathered for a photo with parish priest, Msgr Peter Ng, before proceeding to the newly renovated outdoor grotto for Rosary prayers.

The five-hour pilgrimage at St Louis was spiritually enriching and meaningful. In addition to the prayers and reflections, the pilgrims received a plenary indulgence, granting them a full remission of temporal punishment for their sins.