PENANG: In conjunction with Pope Francis' Jubilee Year of Hope, which calls the faithful to journey as Pilgrims of Hope, children from St Joseph's Home, accompanied by staff, board members, and volunteers, embarked on a one-day pilgrimage to the three designated pilgrim churches in the diocese of Penang.
Cardinal Sebastian Francis had earlier named the Church of the Assumption (George Town), Church of the Holy Name of Mary (Permatang Tinggi), and the Chapel of Annai Vellangani – Our Lady of Good Health (Jelapang, Ipoh) as official pilgrim churches for the Jubilee. He urged Catholics to approach the pilgrimage as a journey of renewal and reconciliation, walking in communion with the universal Church as one Body of Christ — and remaining open to the surprises of the Holy Spirit.
The pilgrimage began on the morning of May 17 with a bus ride to the Church of the Assumption in George Town, where Fr Ryan Innas Muthu celebrated Mass animated by the children. The liturgy highlighted the call to evangelisation, as proclaimed in the first reading from Acts 13:44, “the whole city gathered to hear the Word of God,” and concluded with the joyful assurance from Acts 13:52: “the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” After Mass, participants received an overview of the historic church, joined in a consecration prayer to Mother Mary, lit candles, and wrote personal petitions.
The group then travelled to the Church of the Holy Name of Mary in Permatang Tinggi. During the journey, the children received buns and snack packs lovingly prepared by well-wishers. On arrival, they were warmly welcomed by parishioners and introduced to the church's history and significance. The children then entered the church for silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
The final stop was the Chapel of Annai Vellangani in Jelapang, Ipoh. Along the way, the children sang joyfully before resting. Upon arrival, they were welcomed with a hearty lunch and homemade muffins, generously prepared by the local community. Before their meal, the children offered grace and expressed thanks to their hosts. The PPC chairperson shared the chapel's background, after which the children led the Rosary, focusing on the Joyful Mysteries. Petitions to Our Lady of Good Health were also written and placed at her feet.
As the day concluded, the group made their way back to Penang Island. The children were commended for their exemplary behaviour by both the bus driver and parishioners they encountered along the way.
The pilgrimage proved to be a meaningful spiritual experience for all involved — marked by prayer, fellowship, and a deep sense of joy. For the children of St Joseph's Home, it was a day to encounter the Word of God, draw closer to Mary, and walk in the joy of the Holy Spirit, reminding all that throughout life's journey one must always keep Christ at the centre.
