By Anne Lee
PENANG — The elderly and infirm parishioners of the Church of the Holy Name of Mary were treated to the winter solstice and early Christmas celebration on December 22 at the parish.
Parish priest, Fr Louis Loi, and members of various parish ministries pulled together a fun afternoon which included Confession, Mass and anointing, lunch, and light entertainment for some 143 guests. Fr Louis, Fr Augustine Wong, Fr Henry Rajoo, and Fr Nelson Joseph administered the Sacrament of Confession and Anointing.
During the homily, Fr Henry reminded the congregation that “our life’s journey is toward heaven, not the grave. We inevitably experience pain and suffering, just like Jesus. However, being healthy or sick, we have a mission as long as our lives have not ended. We should not let our pain and suffering go to waste but lift it to our Father in Heaven instead, as Jesus did when He offered His suffering on the cross to save us”.
After Mass, the guests enjoyed a packed lunch and light entertainment from other parishioners. The event ended with Santa giving out gifts and sweets.