SFA parish celebrates feast with novena, procession, pet blessing
A four-day celebration in honour of St Francis of Assisi began on October 3 with the Transitus, commemorating the passing of St Francis from this life to the next.
Oct 18, 2024

Jaclyn Sharmelee
A four-day celebration in honour of St Francis of Assisi began on October 3 with the Transitus, commemorating the passing of St Francis from this life to the next. This significant event, marked by the Franciscan order, featured a poignant play depicting the final moments of St Francis’ life.
In this moving portrayal, the audience witnessed St Francis praising the Lord and encouraging his companions to do the same, emphasising the importance of loving God. In a powerful moment, he welcomed death, which many view with dread, saying, “Welcome, my sister death,” inviting it to reside with him as he joyfully approached his end. This heartfelt performance left a profound impact on all present, reflecting St. Francis’ life of humility and devotion.
The theme for the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology, merchants and animals this year was; Rebuild My Church - St Francis’ vocation calling when he began his priestly mission more than 800 years ago. Fr Dr Nithiya Sagayam Anthony OFM Cap, a Franciscan priest from India, the main celebrant for the four-day novena, captured the theme of Rebuild My Church by focusing on four areas for each Mass celebration; Rebuild the Church amidst challenges; Rebuild the Church through interpersonal relationship; Rebuild the Church with the Marginalised and ending with a community Mass on Sunday; Rebuild the Church in the family.
The celebrations saw enthusiastic participation from parishioners of all ages, including youth and members of the church’s four main language groups. On the eve of the community Mass, a solemn procession took place around the church compound, with parishioners carrying the statue of St Francis of Assisi while reciting the Rosary.
A pet blessing was also held in the compounds of the church, with many parishioners bringing their beloved pets, ranging from dogs, cats to reptiles for a special blessing on Oct 5.
The community Mass on Sunday was presided over by Archbishop Wojciech Zaluski, the Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia who extended warm greetings from the Holy Father and congratulated the Church of St Francis of Assisi as one of the designated churches for the Jubilee year in 2025.
During the community Mass, Fr Paul Cheong, OFM, Cap, parish priest of the Church of St Francis of Assisi, known for promoting a holistic lifestyle, officially launched the Eight Habits of Effective Christian Living booklet. Free copies were distributed to all attendees.
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