Blessed Sacrament & Reconciliation Chapel
Welcome to the Blessed Sacrament & Reconciliation Chapel, a serene oasis within the Minor Basilica of St. Anne. This sacred sanctuary is a haven dedicated to spiritual growth, healing, and thoughtful contemplation. Here, you are warmly invited to experience a close connection with Jesus Christ, with every activity and moment centered around this divine communion. The Blessed Sacrament refers to the Eucharist, particularly the consecrated elements of bread and wine that Catholics believe become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ during the Mass. This transformation, known as transubstantiation, is a central tenet of the Catholic faith. When the Eucharist is displayed in the chapel outside of Mass times, it’s referred to as the Blessed Sacrament. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is a form of worship where believers sit in silent prayer and reflection in the presence of the Eucharist, fostering a personal and intimate connection with Jesus Christ. Reconciliation, also known as Confession or Penance, is a sacrament in which Catholics confess their sins to a priest in a confidential setting. It’s an act of honesty and courage, an opportunity to repent and seek forgiveness for sins committed against God and other people. The priest, acting in the person of Christ, grants absolution and thus restores the sinner’s relationship with God and the Church. This sacrament is a profound experience of God’s mercy and a pathway to spiritual healing and renewal. Whether you’re a practicing Catholic or a visitor of different faith or beliefs, we welcome you to this sacred space. We invite you to open your heart to the spiritual experience that awaits. May your visit to the Blessed Sacrament & Reconciliation Chapel be a source of peace, healing, and spiritual enrichment.
Shrine of Harmony
Introduction The earliest records of the parish were that of baptisms in 1846, making it the year the parish was officially established. Consequently, from 1860 onwards, visiting priests came from Permatang Tinggi. With the increase in the Catholic population, a bigger chapel was built in 1865 by Fr. Maistre MEP. The foundation stones of this second chapel can be found behind St. Anne’s Water Font. Four years later, Fr. Allard MEP was assigned to the parish and became its first resident parish priest. In 1883, Fr. F. P. Sorin MEP took over the parish and served for 15 years. It was Fr. Sorin who built a bigger church in 1888 for the locals as the Catholic population increased. Today, this same church still stands and has become the revered Shrine of St. Anne (Now it is called “Shrine of Harmony”. It was also fondly called the “Old Church” by local parishioners. Incidentally, Fr. Sorin passed away on the feast of St. Anne, 26th July 1907 and he was buried in the main aisle of the church that he built. The foundation stones of the second chapel are a valuable historical artifact that provide a glimpse into the early days of the Catholic Church in Bukit Mertajam. They are a reminder of the faith and dedication of the early Catholic settlers in the area, and they are a testament to the growth of the Catholic community over the years. HOME MBSA Bulletin WA Group MASS OFFERING LOVE OFFERING & DONATION OVERVIEW OF MBSA STATIONS OF THE CROSS CONTACT US COAT OF ARMS MORE LINKS DIOCESE OF PENANG Shrine of Harmony (formerly called Shrine of St. Anne) The Shrine of Harmony, nestled within the Minor Basilica of St. Anne, stands as a beacon of hope, unity, and faith. Located in Southeast Asia, this sacred shrine is not just a place of worship but a testament to the harmonious coexistence of different faiths and nationalities, all brought together under the benevolent gaze of Saint Anne. Before delving into the significance of the Shrine of Harmony, it is essential to understand the figure that inspires such devout reverence – Saint Anne. In Christian tradition, Saint Anne is venerated as the mother of the Virgin Mary, making her the grandmother of Jesus Christ. Her name, Anne, derives from the Hebrew name Hannah, which means ‘grace’. She is often invoked as the patroness of childless couples, pregnant women, and miners, symbolizing hope and perseverance. The Minor Basilica of St. Anne, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, was elevated to its current status on 5th September 2019. This elevation intensified the bond with the Church of Rome and the Pope, affectionately known to the Catholic Church as the Holy Father. The Shrine of Harmony, housed within this basilica, has been a significant part of this spiritual journey. Over the years, the Shrine of Harmony has been the site of numerous miracles, further cementing its place in the hearts of the faithful. Stories abound of childless couples conceiving after praying at the shrine, of incurable illnesses being miraculously healed, and of lost souls finding their way back to faith. Each story is a testament to the power of faith and the intercession of Saint Anne. The shrine’s impact transcends the physical realm. It has become a spiritual haven for those seeking solace, hope, and guidance. It is a place where differences are set aside, and unity is embraced, embodying the true essence of harmony. In conclusion, the Shrine of Harmony is more than just a place of worship. It is a symbol of unity, a testament to the power of faith, and a beacon of hope for all who visit. It is a place where miracles happen, and lives are transformed through the intercession of Saint Anne. It is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of different faiths and nationalities under the benevolent gaze of Saint Anne.
St. Anne’s Water Font
When you’re at the St. Anne Water Font taps, you’re encouraged to take some of this water. It’s thought to be special as it comes from a revered area dedicated to St. Anne, carrying her intercession. In line with Catholic traditions, water becomes sacred when a priest or a bishop blesses it with a specific prayer. This water holds immense importance for religious ceremonies, such as blessings and baptisms, as it’s seen as having cleansing properties. The water from the St. Anne Water Font, found in Penang, Malaysia, holds a distinctive place in people’s hearts, too. St. Anne’s water is not holy water, however it is immensely significant for those visiting St. Anne’s Sanctuary. These water springs from the soil of the cherished St. Anne’s Hill and pilgrims use this water in myriad of ways according to their liking and harvest benefits from it. According to the pilgrims’ experiences; in the use of this water, a little faith is sufficient enough for it to be effective. Therefore, when compared to sacred souvenirs like flowers and salt, “St. Anne’s Water”, has much more flexible and versatile use and is arguably cherished more by the pilgrims. Do use this water in simple faith and may St. Anne’s intercede for you.
Second St. Anne’s Chapel
The earliest records of the parish were that of baptisms in 1846, making it the year the parish was officially established. Consequently, from 1860 onwards, visiting priests came from Permatang Tinggi. With the increase in the Catholic population, a bigger chapel was built in 1865 by Fr. Maistre MEP. The foundation stones of this second chapel can be found behind St. Anne’s Water Font. Four years later, Fr. Allard MEP was assigned to the parish and became its first resident parish priest. In 1883, Fr. F. P. Sorin MEP took over the parish and served for 15 years. It was Fr. Sorin who built a bigger church in 1888 for the locals as the Catholic population increased. Today, this same church still stands and has become the revered Shrine of St. Anne (Now it is called “Shrine of Harmony”. It was also fondly called the “Old Church” by local parishioners. Incidentally, Fr. Sorin passed away on the feast of St. Anne, 26th July 1907 and he was buried in the main aisle of the church that he built. The foundation stones of the second chapel are a valuable historical artifact that provide a glimpse into the early days of the Catholic Church in Bukit Mertajam. They are a reminder of the faith and dedication of the early Catholic settlers in the area, and they are a testament to the growth of the Catholic community over the years.
First St. Anne’s Chapel
The original foundation of the first St. Anne’s Chapel can be traced back to as far back as 1833, when Chinese and Indian migrant workers arrived from the Batu Kawan area in Penang. In 1840, Chinese Catholics settled at the foothills of Bukit Mertajam and worked in the farms and orchards. At that time, there was already an established parish in Batu Kawan. Thus, French missionaries from Batu Kawan came to Bukit Mertajam to minister to the Catholic families in the area. The Catholics in Bukit Mertajam then numbered about 190. Fr. Adolphe Couellan MEP was the first visiting priest, and it was not long later that he saw the need for a chapel. Consequently, he built one on top of the hill, about two kilometres from the town of Bukit Mertajam. The foundation and cornerstone of this first chapel can still be seen at its original site at St. Anne’s Hill today. The original foundation of the first chapel is a reminder of the important role that St. Anne Hill has played in the history of the Catholic Church in Malaysia. It is a place where faith and devotion have been practiced for more than 175 years, and it is a place where pilgrims continue to come to pray and to seek the intercession of St. Anne. What can I do? As you reach the summit, you will come upon a cross just next to the original foundation of the chapel, upon which an image of Jesus Crucified on the Cross is portrayed. This powerful symbol represents the immense sacrificial love of Jesus for mankind, His crucifixion, and His ultimate resurrection. Here, you are encouraged to pray, share your hopes and fears, your joys and sorrows, and everything that rests in your heart directly with Him. May your visit here strengthen your faith, enlighten your path, and bring solace to your heart.
St. Anne’s Hill
St. Anne’s Hill is a well-known peaceful place, located high up in Bukit Mertajam. It offers more than just a religious experience to those who venture its peaceful paths. Here, you can journey into a world of faith, prayer, and spiritual connectivity where the Divine presence seems tangible. In the peaceful area of St. Anne’s Hill, there are two crucial figures from Christianity: St. Anne and the Virgin Mary. St. Anne, who was Mary’s mother and Jesus Christ’s grandmother, is honored here. The stories told in this religious place show the power of strong faith and regular prayer. These stories have been passed down over many years, strengthened by the sincere prayers said here throughout time. Many people believe that both St. Anne and Mary help carry our prayers forward. At your current location, you will find the statue of Mother Mary in the Grotto. While at the top of the hill, you’ll find the statue of St. Anne and the original foundation of where the First St. Anne’s Chapel once stood. What can I do? When you reach the statues of Mother Mary and St. Anne, you might want to pause and pray. You can speak from your heart, voicing out your worries, gratitude, desires, or simply your devotion. When asking for intercession, you understand that Mother Mary and St. Anne are not God and cannot directly answer your prayers. However, being close family members of Jesus, they hold a special place in heaven. You believe that St. Anne and Mary can communicate with God on your behalf. It’s similar to asking a friend to pray for you, only that this friend has a very close relationship with Jesus. This practice can give you a sense of comfort and peace, reinforcing the belief that you are not alone in your spiritual journey. 14 Stations of the Cross Another essential aspect of St. Anne’s Hill is the Stations of the Cross, known traditionally as Via Dolorosa. Scattered around the hill, visitors will notice a series of 14 white crosses. Each cross signifies a particular event from Jesus Christ’s Passion and Death. The term, Station of the Cross, is derived from the Latin ‘Stationes Crucis’, meaning ‘stages on the way of the cross’. They are reflections to help us make a spiritual pilgrimage of prayer, through meditating upon the chief scenes of Christ’s sufferings and death. This defining feature of St. Anne’s Hill offers a tangible way for the faithful to reflect on Christ’s journey and engage in a contemplative walking meditation. The pilgrims move from station to station, reflecting on each moment, seeking to understand the sacrifice, grace, and love embedded in these significant events of their faith. This ritual culminates in a profound spiritual experience, reinforcing the connection between the physical and spiritual realms.
Minor Basilica of St. Anne
Nestled in the heart of Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Malaysia, stands the Minor Basilica of St. Anne, a Roman Catholic church of historical and architectural significance. The church, one of the esteemed parishes in the Diocese of Penang, was elevated to the status of a minor basilica on September 5, 2019, thereby strengthening its ties with the Church of Rome and the Pope. The church was declared open by Mt Rev Adriano Bernardini DD, DPh, the former Apostolic Delegate in Malaysia. An auspicious event in the church’s history, the consecration and dedication to St Anne, the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandmother of Jesus Christ, were performed by Rt Rev Antony Selvanayagam DD, the Emeritus Bishop on July 26, 2002. The architecture of the Minor Basilica of St. Anne is an impressive blend of the traditional and the contemporary. The church is designed in the shape of a Greek cross with equal sides, facing south-southwest, and boasts an extended main entrance on the south wing that includes a sizable vestibule and porch. The design is an embodiment of inculturation, integrating local Malaysian architectural elements with the traditional design of Gothic arches. Thus, the timeless beauty of the Roman Catholic Church of the Gothic age is preserved and harmoniously blended with a distinctly Malaysian touch. The church’s foundation rests on an impressive 597 points, with piles stretching a combined length of 6,054 meters. The construction required a staggering 1,631 cubic meters of concrete, forming a total of 6,204 square meters of formwork. The church utilized 183 metric tonnes of steel bars in its construction. The interior of the church is marked by thirty-eight large columns, while the outer corridor is supported by sixty-six medium-sized columns holding up the arches. The present church, a testament to faith and architectural prowess, was built under the guidance of Fr. Michael Cheah. The construction commenced towards the end of 1998 and reached completion in the middle of 2002. Today, the Minor Basilica of St. Anne stands as a symbol of enduring faith and architectural grandeur. Its unique blend of traditional and contemporary design elements not only offers a serene place for worship but also serves as a testament to the harmonious blending of cultures. The church continues to attract visitors from around the world, offering a unique spiritual journey steeped in history, faith, and architectural beauty.