Your Shepherd, At Your Service

By Sr. Mary Anne Fletcher, FMM

The parish of Our Lady of Fatima of the Holy Rosary, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, was blessed with the presence of Cardinal Sebastian Francis from 26 March to 5 April. This isolated church with no resident priest currently; received a real pastoral grace by His Eminence’s 11 day stay with us – he was simply and joyfully one with the people! The parish deeply appreciated his leadership and guidance during the Holy Week liturgies and the exultant Easter celebrations. He was also often available in the confessional, offering the faithful the opportunity for reconciliation.

Palm Sunday

As Friday is the official state day off here, the parish celebrated Palm Sunday on 27 March with the traditional procession and readings.

His Eminence, in his homily, highlighted the striking contrast between the world’s expectation of grandeur (i.e. riding a magnificent horse, a symbol of prestige and power); and our Messiah, who comes humbly seated on a donkey. The Cardinal’s reflections invited all to a deeper personal conversion. The reading of the Passion of Jesus set the tone for the days that followed.

Holy Thursday

Holy Thursday saw many parishioners involved in various ways in the solemn liturgy. Sr. Angela Wong, FMM, Parish Administrator, together with her team ensured that the celebration was smooth and prayerful.

The washing of the feet, carried out by the Cardinal and Sr. Angela, drew the community into the self-giving love of Jesus.

The spirit of service continued into the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. At the end of the Mass, the Holy Eucharist was reverently transferred to a beautifully prepared Altar of Repose.

Good Friday

Under the sweltering heat of a 31-degree Celsius sun, at 4pm on Good Friday; parishioners walked the 14 Stations of the Cross around the Church grounds. Accompanied by the altar servers, Sr. Angela led the devotion, carrying a crucifix of more than three feet long on her shoulder.

In solidarity with the suffering Christ, no one complained. One person reflected that “It was a spiritual experience, marked by prayers, reflections, and Scripture readings. Under the sun, what might have seemed as a discomfort was embraced instead as a grace.”

The reading of the Passion was received as a profound grace, marked by sorrow and love. In the starkness of Christ’s death, the Blessed Sacrament was brought from the Altar of Repose to the bare altar for Holy Communion. The liturgy continued with the silent veneration of the Cross, a deeply moving moment for all present.

Easter Vigil

Anticipation, joy and reverence filled the night of the Easter Vigil. A large Easter fire was lit in the church grounds for the Service of Light. Cardinal Sebastian Francis intoned the prayers and blessed the fire, while Sr. Angela carried the Paschal Candle.

In darkness, the congregation processed into the church. A university student, Edvern Mobilik, solemnly intoned the Exsultet and the readings were proclaimed in rich multilingual expression.

As the liturgy unfolded, the parish rejoiced in welcoming new members into the Church. Two baptisms were celebrated – an adult, who had completed the RCIA journey, and an infant. Twelve persons were confirmed: 6 from Kem Desa Pahlawan, 4 from the parish, and 2 from RCIA. Four received their First Holy Communion. On the preceding day, one couple had their Berkat Kahwin (convalidation of marriage). The Cardinal was kept fully occupied – and so was the parish.

Easter Sunday

The Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated with deep gratitude. The faithful rejoiced in the Risen Lord, and there was great reverence as the Body of Christ was elevated for adoration and acknowledgement of His sacrifice.  Great reverence was evident among the four who received Holy Communion for the first time. For many, it was also a memorable moment to receive the sacraments from a Cardinal. Cardinal Sebastian’s Easter message captured the heart of the celebration: “Peace be with you. A gift – the very heart of the Resurrection … a peace that restores, heals, and gives new life.”