By Julie Lim and Mercy Almeida
KUALA LUMPUR — The Church of St Anthony celebrated the 25th sacerdotal anniversary of its parish priest, Fr Dr Clarence Devadass, on June 6 with a Mass. Priests from the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur and the Dioceses of Penang and Malacca Johore joined in the celebrations. Also in attendance were Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia, His Excellency Wojciech Zaluski; Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, Most Reverend Julian Leow; and Bishop of Penang, Right Reverend Sebastian Francis.
In his thanksgiving speech, Fr Clarence said that his sacerdotal anniversary is a celebration of God’s faithfulness. “It is God’s unending love that we celebrate this evening in the Eucharist, because in the words of the Blessed Virgin Mary, “He has looked on this lowly servant”, that I am given the grace to be what I am today”.
Fr Clarence said that it takes a community to sustain a priest and that the makings of a priest involve many people, not just formators in the seminary. He paid tribute to his parents, siblings and nieces, as well as his seminary classmates, the presbyterium, and everyone who have made a positive impact in his journey as a priest.
Chairperson of the Parish Pastoral Council, Winson Rajah, presented the silver jubilarian with a copy of his anniversary souvenir book.
On June 4, Fr Clarence’s home parish, the Church of St Jude in Rawang also celebrated his milestone anniversary with a Mass. Concelebrating with him were parish priest, Fr Vincent Thomas, as well as Fr Xavier Andrew and Fr Surain Durai Raj, both of whom hail from the same parish.
Fr Clarence thanked the many people who were instrumental in him becoming what he is today. He thanked his parents and his siblings for being the anchors in his life. He remembered fondly his late father, S. Devadass, who was the first to plant the seed of faith in him.
Fr Vincent Thomas, who is also vocation director of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, encouraged young men and women to join the priesthood and religious life. He thanked Fr Clarence for the dedicated service rendered to the archdiocese and for helping the Catholic community grow in holiness.
The parish’s Social Communications Ministry presented a video montage on the life and times of Fr Clarence. This was followed by various forms of tribute from the parishioners.
The celebration ended with Fr Clarence greeting and mingling with parishioners while handing out souvenir cards and bookmarks to them.
