The seminary community attended the Chrism Mass at the Church of Holy Name of Jesus, Balik Pulau, Penang on 2nd April 2009. It was wonderful to see the priests of the Diocese of Penang descend to this ‘durian town’ to recommit themselves to their calling as priests before Bishop Antony Selvanayagam.

During the homily of the solemn and prayerful Eucharistic celebration the Bishop emphasised the enormous responsibility of those in ministry to Preach, Sanctify and Shepherd. He also highlighted that the laity too are called to be “priests” – that of the common priesthood of all believers. I was delighted to see the sense fraternity among the priests of the diocese and the commitment and the generosity of the people of Balik Pulau who experienced the chrism mass celebration for the first time at their parish.

The mass also saw the Holy Oils being blessed. These were to be taken back by the priests to their respective parishes to be used at the Easter Baptisms and also for the sacraments of Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick and Ordination throughout the year.

After mass the parishioners feted all those present to a sumptuous pot-luck dinner. The dinner sponsored by various BECs of the parish enabled the clergy and the laity to get acquainted with each and also other renew friendship in an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality.

- Joachim Robert