St Anne Church Feast
The history of
St. Anne
Church can be traced back to 1833 when Chinese and Indian Catholic followers
from Batu Kawan settled in the foothills of Bukit Mertajam, on the mainland of
Penang state. They were peasants who had come to clear the land for cultivation.
French missionaries from the Paris Foreign Mission Society, initiating their
missionary work in the Far East as early as the 17th century, founded the
church. The chapel was named St. Anne, as she was the most popular among the
French missionaries.
The annual feast of
St. Anne
Church draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, making it a remarkable event
in Penang. Pilgrims, including Catholics and non-Christians, pray for health and
blessings during this event. Many fulfill their vows by lighting candles,
offering flowers, attending mass, and reciting novenas.
The feast is a joyful and exciting event that showcases unity, with pilgrims
coming from various parts of the world. Pilgrims participate in a candlelight
procession, expressing gratitude for answered prayers and granted petitions.
During this period, roads near the church are closed, and police personnel
divert traffic. Visitors are advised to use prearranged transportation (e.g.,
buses) as traffic and parking fees can be challenging. Finding the Church is
easy; simply follow the crowd once you reach Bukit Mertajam.
Typically, the
St. Anne
Church celebration is organized in the last weeks of July every year (20th
to 31st). The church is located in the mainland town of Bukit Mertajam,
approximately a 45-minute drive from Georgetown. Taxis and buses are available
for transportation to the church.
undo Malaysian Festivals