IPOH — The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes (OLOL) celebrated the ordination of her 22nd priest, marking the end of an 18-year gap. Deacon George Vaithynathan was ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Sebastian Francis February 2.
It was an emotional milestone for the Ipoh-born priest, having received all his sacraments at OLOL parish, and now culminating in the sacrament of priesthood within the same sacred grounds.
Concelebrating at the Mass with Cardinal Sebastian was Most Rev Julian Leow, Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, together with clergy from all over Malaysia.
The church overflowed with those who had journeyed from near and far, joining in the celebration, along with members of the religious community commemorating the World Day for Consecrated Life.
Born the younger of two sons to Vaithynathan and Veronica Antoine, Fr George, an alumnus of St Michael’s Institution in Ipoh, holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from University Tun Abdul Razak, a Master’s in Business Administration from INTI Penang, and a Master’s in Management Studies from the University of Hertfordshire in the UK.
Prior to answering his calling, he served for five years at a multinational company in Penang, before commencing his initiation year at College General Seminary, Penang in 2016, where he completed his philosophy studies. From 2019 to 2023, he pursued his vocation at St Peter’s College, Major Seminary, Kuching, and was ordained a deacon on Aug 17, 2023, at the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Kampar.
In his closing remarks during the ordination ceremony, Fr George reflected on the profound significance of the verse he had chosen as the cornerstone of his ordination journey: “My Grace is sufficient for you.”
“Grace, in its divine essence, is a precious gift bestowed upon us — a wellspring of fortitude flowing from a higher power. It serves as a comforting presence amidst despair, a beacon of hope in times of obscurity, and a guiding light through the darkest of hours. Its depth transcends human comprehension, yet it remains steadfast, offering solace when we need it most,” expressed Fr George.
“This grace is all-encompassing; it builds bridges, embracing each individual without discrimination. It does not judge based on our faults, failures, or past transgressions. Instead, it enfolds us with unconditional acceptance, forgiveness, and the promise of transformation,” he elaborated.
Cardinal Sebastian, in his announcement of Fr George’s appointment as assistant parish priest at OLOL, emphasised the importance of fostering vocations to the priesthood within the congregation. He called upon the parish to uphold its tradition of nurturing vocations, ensuring a vibrant legacy for the future.
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