New columbarium at Western Road Christian cemetery

Jul 26, 2024

PENANG: A simple yet significant ceremony marked the official launch and opening of the new columbarium at the Western Road Christian Cemetery on July 13. The event saw attendance from members of various Christian and Roman Catholic Churches. The Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Chow Kon Yeow, officiated at the ceremony in front of a crowd of about 60 people.

The new columbarium is a collaborative effort between the Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches on the Island of Penang. The project was initially proposed by the Penang Christian Cemeteries Association (PCCA) to then Bishop Antony Selvanayagam, who consented to using half of the burial land, granted by the City Council, for this purpose. A Building Committee (BC) was established and proceeded with the plans after receiving approval from the City Council in 2019 and consent from the new Bishop, Cardinal Sebastian Francis. Completed in December 2020, the columbarium features 8,695 niches, with 4,260 allocated to Roman Catholics and 4,435 to the PCCA.

During his speech, YAB Chow Kon Yeow remarked, “As we gather today, let us remember that we are not just inaugurating a new facility; we are continuing a legacy of respect, remembrance, and reverence for those who have passed on while providing a place of comfort, peace, and solace for future generations. It is a place where memories will be cherished and the lives of our loved ones will be celebrated and remembered.”

Fr Michael Cheah, representing the Roman Catholics and a member of the Building Committee, highlighted the significance of this joint project. He noted that this marks the first major collaboration between Catholics and Protestants in Penang in recent memory and expressed hope that it would pave the way for future joint projects.