BUKIT MERTAJAM — Cardinal Sebastian Francis commemorated his 100th day since being elevated to cardinal with a thanksgiving Mass on January 8 at the Minor Basilica of St Anne.
Nearly 2,000 individuals attended the Mass, joining the cardinal in expressing gratitude. He was conferred the cardinalate by Pope Francis during a consistory in Rome held on September 30 last year.
For many, it marked their inaugural participation in such a grand celebration, graced by the presence of Cardinals William Goh of Singapore and Giorgio Marengo of Mongolia, the apostolic nuncio to Malaysia, Archbishop Wojciech Zaluski, prelates of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei, bishops emeriti Most Rev John Ha and Rt Rev Antony Selvanayagam, bishops from the neighbouring countries of Thailand and Vietnam, clergy from the different dioceses in Malaysia, religious and dignitaries.
The celebration began with an entrance procession showcasing a harmonious mix of lay and religious participants proudly bearing flags symbolising each state in Malaysia. This meaningful display served as a tribute to Cardinal Sebastian’s cardinalship encompassing the entirety of Malaysia. They were led to the church entrance with a captivating Tarian Batak by the Orang Muda Katolik, the Indonesian migrant community of the basilica.
Before the commencement of the Mass, Archbishop Julian Leow, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei, read out the Papal Bull which records the appointment of Cardinal Sebastian to the College of Cardinals.
Cardinal Giorgio who, at the age of 50, holds the title of the world’s youngest cardinal, delivered the homily during the Eucharistic celebration. The cardinal from Mongolia began by recounting his recent visit to Korea. While visiting the major seminary of the Archdiocese of Seoul, Cardinal Yeom Soo-jung highlighted to him the humble origins of the Church in Korea and the training of early candidates abroad, often to locations chosen by the missionaries, many of whom ventured to Penang.
Expressing his delight, Cardinal Giorgio remarked, “What a joy to hear that name! And here I find myself, in the heart of this blessed land of Penang. Thanks to the sacrifices of many, your locale has been a beacon of hope for the whole of Asia.
“Several centuries later, we find ourselves in the present day, witnessing a native son of this land ascending to the esteemed position of cardinal. His journey began with formative years at College General, followed by the attainment of academic distinctions from both Rome and the US.”
As it was the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Cardinal Giorgio reflected on the essence of the Church and the significance of the Baptism of Jesus, emphasising on the profound connection between the Church, its pastor, and the divine mysteries.
Drawing parallels between the baptismal narrative in the Gospel of Mark and the role of water, the dove, and the voice in symbolising purification, the Holy Spirit, and divine confirmation, the cardinal prompted introspection among the congregation. He encouraged contemplation on one’s spiritual purity, openness to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and receptiveness to the voice of God in daily life.
He then referenced the three images to Cardinal Sebastian, indicating that these symbols were parallel to the latter’s journey, highlighting his service as a priest since 1977 and as Bishop of Penang since 2012.
“As it is said in his coat of arms, he wishes that God’s will may be done in his life, after the example of Mary: Fiat voluntas tua (Thy will be done). In this way, he wants to invite everybody to walk along the same path, because he knows that welcoming God’s will in one’s life is the secret of true happiness,” said Cardinal Giorgio, emphasising Cardinal Sebastian’s commitment to embodying God’s will, invoking the Holy Spirit, and selflessly proclaiming the presence of the Lord among the faithful.
Acknowledging Cardinal Sebastian’s role as a cardinal in strengthening unity with the Holy Father in Rome while maintaining communion with the local Church, Cardinal Giorgio celebrated the diversity within the Catholic Church, united in faith and mission. He exhorted Cardinal Sebastian to embrace the mission of evangelisation, echoing the words of Pope Francis on the importance of inculturation of faith and evangelisation of cultures.
The young prelate expressed confidence in Cardinal Sebastian’s ability to communicate the Gospel effectively and urged him to radiate the joy of the Gospel in Penang and beyond.
The homily concluded with a prayerful entrustment of Cardinal Sebastian to the guidance of our Heavenly Mother, Mary, in fulfilling the mission of spreading Christ’s unconditional love to all.
