CATHEDRAL KICKS OFF YEAR-LONG 50 YEARS’ CELEBRATIONS
To kick-off the year-long Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Penang, a Walk for Harmony was organised on the 19 May 2018. About 700 parishioners and friends took part in early morning event.
The event began with an Opening Prayer by Fr. Francis Anthony, the assistant parish priest. This was followed by a speech by our special guest, the newly elected Seri Delima assembly person. Among other things, she said that it was a pleasure to witness Penangites from different walks of life and cultures come together in the name of Harmony. She was happy to be invited give the welcome address and to kick off the Harmony Walk, and that is something that is quintessentially Malaysian. “Our interfaith relations will only grow stronger post-GE14, and I commend all Penangites who take to heart the spirit of Muhibah.”
Before the event began all the participants dressed in beautiful light blue tee-shirts with the theme Walk for Harmony – Celebrating Unity in Diversity emblazoned in front, warmed up to some light Zumba stretching. Then Fr Joachim Robert, the parish priest flagged-off the 4.3km walk.
When everyone returned after the morning walk they adjourned to the Dewan for some light entertainment beginning with CEC children’s performance of “the more we get together” followed by dance to the tune of Rasa Sayang and another dance performance by Chinese CEC children.
There was also a lucky draw and many went home happily with some good prizes. The first three prizes were a bicycle, Xiaomi Phone and an exercise bike.
This was followed by a dance by the Indonesian community and a worship song by Nigerian community. Finally, the Callback Ministry sang a couple worship songs. And Fr Joachim gave the final blessing.
By Gregory R Warrier
YB Syerleena flagging off the 1.5km run