Rededication of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

Mar 07, 2025

JOHOR BAHRU: After months of extensive repairs and restoration, the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is once again ready to welcome the faithful into its newly restored spaces. In his homily during the dedication on February 19, Bishop Bernard Paul reflected on the significance of this project. “Countless hours of work and significant financial investments have gone into this project, but as we step back to admire the intricate designs, the art, and the engineering marvel that is the cathedral, we must also reflect on a deeper question: Do we truly need a church building?” he asked.

The restoration of the cathedral is a remarkable achievement, but Bishop Paul’s question invites us to reflect on the true purpose of a church building. While Solomon’s Temple in 2 Chronicles was built to house the Ark of the Covenant as a sacred space for worship, in the New Testament, Paul teaches that the Church is not a building but the people, with Jesus as the foundation and the Holy Spirit as the Lifegiver. John's Gospel emphasizes that true worship is not about location but about worshiping God "in spirit and in truth," focusing on the heart of the worshiper.

The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, as the mother church, exists to fulfil the mission of worship, the Word, works, and witness — the 4Ws. The true purpose of the Church is not confined to its physical space but extends into the world, serving and witnessing to those in need.

Recent global events have highlighted this truth. The US government's pause on foreign aid programmes and the dismantling of USAID have caused concern among faithbased organisations and humanitarian aid groups. With the possibility of millions being denied access to healthcare and poverty relief, commentators are warning of an impending humanitarian crisis.

However, history reveals a different story — one of hope and resilience. The Church has always been at the forefront of addressing society's needs, long before governments took action. The countless hospitals, schools, orphanages, and social services established by the Church stand as a testament to its unwavering commitment to serve the marginalized. The first universities were founded by the Church, and human rights were championed by the Church long before they were enshrined in law.

The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart stands as both a beautiful, restored building and a symbol of the Church’s enduring mission. Its rededication reminds us that the Church’s true purpose goes beyond brick and mortar — it is to live out the Gospel, bringing hope, healing, and help to a broken world. As the people of the Church, we are called to serve, witness, and live the Gospel in spirit and truth, through acts of service and compassion. The time to act is now, and it is up to each of us to make a lasting difference.