1,047 to join the Peninsular Malaysia Church at Easter

Mar 22, 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The Church in Peninsular Malaysia is set to welcome 1,047 new Catholics this Easter, a slight increase from last year’s 1,016 baptisms. The Rite of Election, a key liturgical event marking the formal acceptance of catechumens into the Church, was celebrated across three dioceses on the First Sunday of Lent.

As the Elect prepare for the Easter Vigil on April 19, the faithful are encouraged to continue praying for them as they complete their spiritual journey toward baptism.

In Kajang, the Church of the Holy Family hosted the Rite of Election for the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, where 549 catechumens gathered with their sponsors and RCIA facilitators. Archbishop Julian Leow presided over the Mass, concelebrated by Msgr Stanislaus Soosamariam and Msgr Patrick Boudville.

In his homily, Archbishop Julian emphasised the significance of the catechumens’ decision to inscribe their names in the Book of the Elect, marking their desire to be initiated into the Catholic Church during the upcoming Easter Vigil.

He also highlighted the special meaning of this year’s Rite of Election, noting that Pope Francis has designated 2025 as the Jubilee Year with the theme Pilgrims of Hope, whereby the catechumens and the entire faithful are called to embark on a journey of faith, growing in holiness. The archbishop encouraged both catechumens and baptised members of the community to make a pilgrimage to one of the five designated “pilgrim churches” in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur.

Reflecting on the Scripture readings of the day, Archbishop Julian pointed out a common thread running through the Jubilee Year, the readings, and the Rite of Election — that is, all of us have been “elected,” chosen by God to be a part of His People.

In Johor Bahru, over 530 catechumens, sponsors, and RCIA facilitators gathered at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the Rite of Election of the Malacca Johore diocese. The Mass, celebrated by Bishop Bernard Paul and assisted by Permanent Deacon Dr Sherman Kuek OFS, who leads the Diocesan Catechetical Commission, was attended by 281 catechumens from 17 parishes and outstation chapels, together with priests from the diocese.

At the beginning of his homily, Bishop Bernard called out to four individuals from the congregation, inviting them to come forward. As they walked toward him, he repeatedly called, “Come.” Once they reached him, the bishop highlighted three key points. First, the call to come. Second, their movement towards the voice, following it. Third, the shrinking gap between them, symbolising their journey closer to one another.

Addressing the catechumens, Bishop Bernard emphasised the importance of the process as they prepare for baptism. He urged them to listen attentively to the One voice — the voice of God — and not be distracted by others. This voice brings peace and dispels fear. “Some may perceive God as harsh,” he said, “but His voice is gentle, inviting, and encouraging, never forcing or threatening.” He reassured the catechumens that it is God’s dream for us to be united with Him, to be one in Him — as one people, one nation.

In the Diocese of Penang, the Rite of Election was celebrated on the weekend of March 8 and 9. At the Church of the Holy Name of Mary in Permatang Tinggi, 156 catechumens from the North and Island Deaneries participated, while 61 catechumens from the Deanery of Perak were welcomed as Elect at the Church of St Michael in Ipoh. Cardinal Sebastian Francis presided over both celebrations, which were concelebrated by several priests from the diocesan deaneries.

In the spirit of the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, Cardinal Sebastian encouraged all to embrace the joy of hope and continue their Lenten journey, guided by figures such as the Archangel Gabriel, the Holy Spirit, and Blessed Carlo Acutis. The theme of the Jubilee Year, Spes Non Confundit (Hope does not disappoint, Romans 5:5), calls on the faithful to care for the community, promote social justice, and sustain hope through acts of charity, relief, and service.

The Cardinal emphasised the importance of conversion — repentance and belief in the Gospel — as the foundation of the Lenten season and urged all to live out the pilgrimage of hope, united in faith through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and to bring hope and joy to those in need.

As the Elect continue their journey towards baptism, the Church in Peninsular Malaysia celebrates not only the Rite of Election but also a renewed commitment to living in hope, faith, and charity as they prepare for the joyous occasion of Easter. --Paul Peter Fernandez, Angila Yong and Deva Manoharan