Penang Eurasians commemorate their historical arrival

History was made in the year 1786 when Eurasians arrived on the shores of Penang island on the eve of the Feast of the Assumption.

Aug 30, 2019

By Aaron Lim
History was made in the year 1786 when Eurasians arrived on the shores of Penang island on the eve of the Feast of the Assumption.

Fast forward 233 years, some 200 of their descendants gathered at Fort Cornwallis on August 14 to re-enact the arrival of their forefathers.

They took a short walk from the historical fortress to the Church of the Assumption, where the Catholic community has its roots.

Penang’s Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Penang State EXCO Member Jagdeep Singh Deo also joined in the short procession, alongside organising chairperson Dato Aloysius Gasper and Fr Michael Cheah.

On arrival at the Assumption Church, they were greeted by the Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia, Archbishop Joseph Marino, Bishop Sebastian Francis and parish priest Msgr Aloysius Tan.

A decade of the Rosary was recited in front of the church grotto, followed by a special blessing by Archbishop Marino.

Penang Eurasian Association (PEA) president Mavis Baptist said the event coincided with the association’s 100th anniversary celebrations.

She also thanked the Chief Minister and the Apostolic Nuncio for standing in solidarity and showing their support to the community on this milestone occasion.

“It is definitely a blessing to see so many Eurasians gather, and to later participate in the Holy Mass to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption,” she said.

Mavis expressed her sense of gratitude towards her predecessors who had strived to safeguard the interests of the Eurasians residing in Penang.

“As we celebrate our centenary this year, we hope that the younger generation of Eurasians will rise to take our community to greater heights.”

Apart from the procession, the PEA also celebrated the Eurasian Fiesta at the St. Xavier’s Institution Hall on August 17 with a rich display of their cultures and traditions.