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THE Minor Basilica of St Anne in Bukit Mertajam has once again become the focus of attention as it gears up to welcome over a hundred thousand pilgrims for its annual feast from next week.
A religious and social tradition that draws visitors from across Malaysia and around the world, the ten-day celebration will begin with a novena on July 18, culminating in the grand feast day on July 27.
Catholic masses will be in four languages namely English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Tamil, ensuring inclusivity for the diverse congregation.
Rev. Deacon Lazarus Anthony Jonathan said this year’s theme, ‘Celebrating, Listening, and Walking as Pilgrims of Hope’, underscores the church’s mission to accompany individuals through their life journeys of spiritual well-being.
“We want to listen to everyone including their struggles, their pains, their joys. We want to walk with them through life’s challenges and be a symbol of hope, reminding them that difficulties are temporary, and something better is always ahead."
The highlight of this year’s celebration is on July 26, the traditional feast day of St Anne, which falls on a Saturday, which includes an open-air mass and the candlelight procession through Bukit Mertajam town.
The open-air mass will take place within the church compound and is expected to be presided over by Catholic Bishop of Penang Cardinal Datuk Seri Sebastian Francis, alongside other clergy and religious leaders.
Sebastian is also the first Malaysian Cardinal to participate in a pope conclave to elect the next pope, who is now Pope Leo XIV, who was born in Chicago, US.
St Anne’s Church is the only church in Malaysia to be bestowed the honour of being proclaimed a minor basilica. There are presently 25 minor basilicas in Southeast Asia — 21 are in the Philippines and four in Vietnam.
Basilica honours are assigned by the Pope to a certain church because of their antiquity, dignity, historical importance or their significance as centres of worship.
Devotion to St Anne dates back to the 6th century and in 1378, Pope John IV authorised the observation of this special day annually.
St Anne is seen as the matriarch who oversees the happiness of the family by ensuring the well-being of children, forging lasting marriages and uniting families. After praying to her, many have reported their prayers answered and illnesses healed.
In 1846, French missionaries from the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris founded the church.
Rev Deacon Lazarus said the Minor Basilica is anticipating over 100,000 pilgrims and visitors this year, including those who come not only to pray but to witness the cultural and spiritual richness of the event.
Rev Deacon Lazarus also expressed deep appreciation to the Human Resources Minister and Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim Chee Keong, who has allocated RM70,000 in support of this year’s event.
“We are thankful for the government’s support, especially from our local MP. This gesture reflects the unity and respect that exists across different communities,” he said. - July 11, 2025.
