By Dr Francis Leong
KUANTAN — The parish of St Thomas the Apostle celebrated the feast of its beloved patron saint with a novena that began on June 26, coinciding with the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The first day of the novena featured a special Holy Hour of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, during which prayers were offered for all priests in honour of the Jubilee of Priests.
To enrich the faith experience, parish priest Fr George Packiasamy invited several guest priests from neighbouring parishes to preside over the novena Masses and deliver homilies.
The first three days of the Novena were led by Fr Peter Anthoney, followed by Fr Xavier Andrew who presided for the next two days. Fr Clement Lim celebrated the sixth day, while the final four days were led by Fr Joe Stephen CSsR from Ipoh, whose presence was warmly received by the parishioners.
As part of the novena activities, a special Mass for the elderly and the sick was held on the morning of July 5. During this meaningful celebration, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was administered, offering healing and comfort to those in need.
That same evening, with official police approval, the parish held a solemn candlelight Eucharistic procession following the Sunset Mass. This year’s permit was granted with minor restrictions, including the prohibition of using vehicles to carry the Blessed Sacrament or Cross. Undeterred, approximately 600 parishioners and pilgrims — including visitors from Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya — reverently walked a one-kilometre route through the streets of Kuantan City, reciting the Rosary and adoring the Lord Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. After last year’s permit application was denied, the successful procession during this Jubilee Year of Hope was received as a profound blessing and a powerful public witness of the Catholic faith.
The novena celebrations concluded on July 6, with a joyous Thanksgiving Mass, followed by light refreshments and warm fellowship at the nearby Community Centre breakfast corner.
In a parallel act of compassion and outreach, the Parish Integral Human Development Ministry (PIHDM) invited the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) from Kuala Lumpur to conduct free health and dental screenings. A dedicated team of 12 members served the Orang Asli community in Kuala Rompin, migrant workers from nearby oil palm plantations, and parishioners. Over two days, a total of 80 individuals received vital medical care — a powerful expression of the Church’s mission to uphold human dignity and promote holistic well-being.
This year’s novena and feast day celebrations stood as a profound testament to God’s mercy and grace in this Jubilee Year of Hope. “These days have stirred within us a renewed desire to discern wisely, remain faithful, and bear witness to Christ Jesus,” reflected Fr George. “Together, we echo the declaration of our patron, St Thomas: ‘My Lord and my God.’”
Truly, this Jubilee celebration has been a moment of grace — awakening hearts to personal conversion, deepening faith, and strengthening the bonds of unity within the Body of Christ.
