By Julie Lim
KUALA LUMPUR — The Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur has been blessed with a new priest in the person of Fr Gnana Selvam Berentis, who was ordained on November 13. The sacerdotal ordination, held at the Church of St Paul the Hermit, was the first in its 58-year history.
Archbishop Julian Leow presided over the Eucharistic celebration. Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Wojciech Zaluski and the members of the clergy concelebrated. The church was filled consecrated men and women from different religious congregations, and guests from far and near.
In his homily, Archbishop Julian reminded the candidate of his task to serve Christ the Teacher, Priest, and Shepherd, by whose ministry His body, that is, the Church, is built and grows into the people of God, a holy temple.
In his thanksgiving speech, Fr Gnana Selvam commended the parishioners of the Church of St Paul the Hermit, who had pulled out all stops to make the celebration a joyous and memorable one.
He applauded the combined choir from the Church of St Paul the Hermit, Cathedral of St John the Evangelist, Kuala Lumpur and the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Klang, for their melodious singing.
He gave a special mention to three parishes from East Malaysia for their support when he was posted there during his seminary days — Church of the Holy Cross in Tambunan, Sabah; Church of the Holy Family in Miri, Sarawak; and Church of St Stephen in Bau, Kuching.
Fr Gnana Selvam emphasised the importance of prayer and perseverance when praying for vocations. He recalled that during his childhood, the parish would come together on the first Friday of each month to pray that the parish would produce one priest within the decade. With this ordination, the Church of St Paul the Hermit has produced two priests and two religious sisters.
Archbishop Julian announced that Fr Gnana Selvam will continue to serve at the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist until December 31, after which another announcement will be made as to where he will be based more permanently.
After Mass, everyone was invited to a scrumptious lunch where the celebrations continued.
