M’sians herald Xmas together
Country leaders join nation in churches to mark celebration
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians and foreigners of the Christian faith flocked to churches and opened their doors to family and friends across the country as Christmas was celebrated in the spirit of peace and togetherness.
Many also took the opportunity to spend quality time with their loved ones and friends during the public holiday.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail was the guest of honour at the Christmas Day hi-tea reception organised by the Christian Federation of Malaysia and its partners at the Luther Centre in Petaling Jaya.
In Ipoh, among those who attended a religious service at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes were Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr A. Xavier Jayakumar and his family.
In Klang, some 1,000 people gathered at the iconic Our Lady of Lourdes Church for the Christmas mass, a celebration that was made more meaningful as the church observed its 90th anniversary this year, having been built by Catholic missionaries in 1928.
In Tampin, Negri Sembilan, chief priest at the St John Marie Vianney Church, Reverend Father Peter Anthoney, said the Christmas celebration this year was more meaningful because a baptism ceremony was also held at the church for a baby boy and girl.
In Seremban, Christians gathered at several churches, including the Church of the Visitation and Wesley Methodist Church, for the Christmas mass before visiting relatives and friends.
In Kuching, Christians were seen making their way to churches such as the St Thomas’ Cathedral in Jalan McDougall and the St Joseph’s Cathedral in Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg for the Christmas mass.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg joined celebrations at an open house at the residence of the Bishop of Kuching, Reverend Danald Jute.
In Kota Kinabalu, about 3,000 people attended a Christmas open house hosted by Upko at the Likas Sports Complex to celebrate Christmas with Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, his deputy Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau as well as Sabah Cabinet members and community leaders.
In Kuantan, followers of the Christian faith began to gather at the St Thomas Church as early as 8am for the Christmas mass led by Father Patrick Boudville.
The mass, which began at 9am, was also attended by foreigners, including Indonesians, most of whom were dressed in red or batik.
In Johor Baru, the churches that drew a large crowd included the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Jalan Gereja, the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Tebrau Presbyterian Church in Taman Sri Tebrau.
The fine weather also saw the people visit places of interest such as the Johor Zoo and others spend time at the Komtar JBCC Shopping Complex.
In Melaka, Christmas mass was held at the St Peter’s Church and the St Francis Xavier Church. — Bernama