Celebrating the Feast of St Michael the Archangel

IPOH: The 128th parish feastday Mass of St Michael’ Church (SMC) on Sept 30 was filled with exceeding joy and the peace of Christ. The church itself was filled to capacity.

The bilingual feastday Mass was celebrated by SMC parish priest Fr Stephen Liew and concelebrated by priest-in-residence Fr Robin Andrews and Fr Francis Andrew from Kota Baru.

In his homily, Fr Francis Andrew said the most important event leading to the veneration of St Michael was when a terrible plague raged all over southern Italy and St Michael appeared at Gargano, Italy. After that, the town was rid of the plague and St Michael came to be known as the protector of people.

Touching on the Gospel reading, Fr Francis said that as Christians, we must be accepting of others and recognise outsiders, including migrants. “The disciples of Jesus refused to accept outsiders who exorcised demons in Jesus’ name, and asked Jesus about this. However Jesus did not agree and told them to leave the outsiders in peace, and instead asked them to extend the same favour to others.

“Many of our parents and forefathers came from different countries. Today, if we are not hospitable to others, how do we expect to be given God’s favour? Jesus calls each of us to be accepting of others.

“Christian acceptance is reverence for the truth and for the greatness of God who gave us life and so many things. Acceptance brings love, humility and joy.

“If there are problems in your family, BECs or work, can this (non-acceptance) be the reason? We ask St Michael for his help against the powers of darkness, to become people of peace, joy and love,” he said.

After Holy Communion, the Latin choir sang a thanksgiving song to God for Fr Stephen Liew’s eight years in the parish. A video presentation on Fr Liew’s work was shown to the congregation.

In a short speech, Fr Liew said he was extremely grateful to God for the chance to serve the wonderful and lovable parish of St Michael.

He thanked the people for their love and support and asked them to extend the same towards their new parish priest. He especially thanked Fr Robin Andrews who has been a loving companion at SMC and helped to celebrate Masses despite being retired. Fr Liew also put in a word for the Orang Asli, from Pos Kemar in Gerik and asked the people to help them by buying handicraft from them.

The Temiar are under the Sahabat Orang Asli (SOA) formed at St Michael’s Church during Fr Liew’s tenure.They had sent many handicraft such as miniature Orang Asli homes and fish traps, as well as bangles made from rattan, to St Michael’s Church for sale to raise funds.

In addition, the parishioners of the Church of the Holy Name of Mary in Permatang Tinggi also came to sell cookies to raise funds for their new church.

After Mass, there was lunch for all, including 200 guests under SMC’s monthly soup kitchen.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online