Our Pride & Joy

OUR PRIDE & JOY

SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF THE PARISH

“ Of ogr iHv ei stshtaenakdsfPatsosattl hml oev1Le0o7ern:d1d, uf roer sHfeoirse vgeoro! ”d ;

MESSAGE FROM REVEREND FATHER
ANDREW MANICKAM OFM CAP.

Ordained a Priest: 17 June 1997

Shalom Rev Fr Dominic Santhiyagu and the
parishioners of NBVM/SCIC.

On behalf of the parishioners of the Church of
St Francis of Assisi, I would like to extend our
warm greetings of hope, peace, joy and love to
all of you.

Firstly, I wish to congratulate you and your As Spouse of the Holy Spirit, may our Blessed
parishioners on this auspicious celebration Mother obtain for us the needful graces to
marking the 86th and 26th anniversaries of the enable us to walk in the journey of faith ever
churches of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin more closely with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Mary and Saints Jacques Chastan and Laurent
Imbert, respectively. I also wish to say “Thank May we always stay united in prayer together
you” for giving me this opportunity to pen a few with our Blessed Mother Mary, hoping in God,
words in conjunction with this celebration. believing that He knows best, living out lives
pleasing to God and always giving to all in need.
The Blessed Virgin Mary is God’s pure gift to Once again, our heartiest congratulations to you,
each of us, as she was to Saints Joachim and Rev Fr Dominic Santhiyagu, as well as your
Anne. May the spirit of the Blessed Virgin Mary parishioners on this special occasion. I do hope
be renewed in our hearts that we may learn to you would have a meaningful and spirit-filled
be submissive to God in all our undertakings, be celebration together with your parishioners.
courageous to withstand the trials in life
(knowing God is in control), exercise prudence Although we are not able to be physically present
in our decision making and practice charity to for the celebrations, rest assured that we will join
all in need. you spiritually with our prayers, praying for
  God’s accompaniment of peace, joy and love
As Christ has given Mary to be our mother at the particularly in these trying times.
foot of the Cross, may we never forget to give
due honour to our Blessed Mother by acceding
to her request of reciting the Holy Rosary daily
and seek her unfailing assistance not only for
our needs but also for those whom God has
placed in our paths of life.

May God’s abundant and choicest blessings be
upon you and your parishioners, today and
always.

Take care, be safe and God bless!

Message from the desk of,
Rev Fr Andrew Manickam, OFMCap.
Parish Priest
Church of St Francis of Assisi

MESSAGE FROM
REVEREND FATHER

NELSON JOSEPH

Ordained a Priest: 7 August 1998

Dear Fr Dominic and parishioners of NBVM.
Indeed with great joy and jubilation we celebrate
our 86th and 26th anniversaries of the Church’s
existence in Butterworth.

The community, BEC and other groups have
contributed to the growth and faith of many who
are children of this parish. I would like to thank all
the priests who have ministered and continue to
minister at the parish.

As we mark this journey, let us continue to share
and witness among ourselves and the larger
community of the love and healing that Jesus has
won for us.
Wishing and praying God will bless, guide and
inspire the parishioners and pastors to a more
vibrant living of faith in Jesus.

In Christ,
Fr Nelson Joseph

MESSAGE
FROM

REVEREND
FATHER MARK

MICHAEL

Ordained a Priest:
26 March 2001

“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” (Lk 1:28). Mary listened to the Word (Lk 1:35). Mary accepted
the Word (Lk 1:38). Mary conceived the Word (Lk 1:36). Mary gave birth to the Word (Mt 1:21). Mary
grew with the Word (Lk 2:51). Mary shared the Word (Lk 1:46). Mary dwelt, pondered and treasured
the Word (Lk 2:19). Mary witnessed the Word (Lk 19:25). Mary, mother of the Word (Jn 19:27), etc.
The entire life of Mary is the perfect example of Christian discipleship. As the Church of the Nativity
celebrates her anniversary, I am glad to have been part of her history. Let us continue to learn from
Mary, the Mother of God, to always respond to God’s call. As we make Jesus, the Word made flesh,
the very core of our being, we will enjoy like Mary the fullness of God’s graces every day. Enjoy life
and God bless.
Fr Mark Michael

MESSAGE FROM Dear Rev Fr Dominic and parishioners of
NBVM and SCIC.
REVEREND
FATHER My heartiest congratulations on the beautiful
MARTIN and glorious dual celebrations on the
ARLANDO occasion of the 86th and 26th anniversaries
of NBVM and SCIC, respectively. Indeed, I am
Ordained a Priest: 29 August 2011 proud, happy and blessed to be part of this
parish. It brings back many memories of how
the parish has grown leaps and bounds to
where she is today.

The parishioners are indeed much to be
congratulated for living up to the spirit of
ONE community with various backgrounds,
culture, races and nationalities. Your humble
efforts of accommodating ALL who walk into
the parish and catering to their needs is
much to be appreciated. I pray that you will
continue the good works and pass them on to
your children and generations to come who
are the beacon of hope for the parish and her
ministry.

May our Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary
together with Saints Chastan, Imbert and
Martin de Porres, continue to intercede and
inspire all families to be disciples after the
heart of Jesus.

Yours in Christ, NOMADIC  |  24
Fr Martin Arlando

MESSAGE FROM

REVEREND FATHER
JOACHIM ROBERT

Ordained a Priest: 19 March 2015

It is my privilege to extend my heartiest congratulations to the parishioners of NBVM and SCIC on
this momentous occasion, in celebration of the 86th anniversary for the Church of the Nativity of the
Blessed Virgin Mary and the 26th anniversary for the Church of Saints Chastan and Imbert.
It is indeed a blessed moment of joy and pride for the parishioners, for the community we have built
by the grace of God and the great milestones achieved over these many years. Indeed, God has been
bounteously gracious to us. To God, be all glory, honour, praise and thanksgiving.
On a personal level, I am indebted to NBVM/SCIC as my home parish during my formative years for
helping me grow in my faith and nurturing me with the love of serving the Lord. I hold many fond
memories of my growing years that have shaped me into who I am today. The parish priests who have
served through all these years play an integral part of my journey. The invaluable memories as a
server, youth, parishioner, partaking in the BEC and parish community building, growing as a big
family are all the seeds that God planted for me here at NBVM/SCIC, God’s blessed and rich soil.
May the parishioners continue to serve God with love, joy and gladness, being assured that God’s
companionship is always with us all. May God’s bountiful blessings be upon you and your families and
the whole parish community always.
In Christ,
Fr Joachim Robert
Parish Priest
Cathedral of the Holy Spirit

MESSAGE FROM Dear brothers and sisters of the two churches of NBVM and
SCIC,
Brother Paul
Saw, FMS It is a great honour to send blessings and wishes to all of you on
the special anniversary of the two churches.

We thank God for all the graces received throughout the long

A r t i c l eFinal Profession as a years, as we witness God’s care and protection for our beloved
community.
Marist Brother:
25 November 1969 We believe that with God’s blessings, the community will

become more vibrant and fully alive as we move forward on our

common faith journey.

May love, compassion, and inclusivity be a hallmark of our
Christian community as we reach out to more people to share
the good news of Christ.

May our Blessed Mother, Saints Chastan and Imbert continue
to intercede for us.

May the peace of Christ, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, and
the love of God be always with us. Amen.

Bro Paul Saw

MESSAGE FROM

FRIAR JASON RAJ
OFM CAP.

Perpetual Profession as a Capuchin Friar: 21 July 2018

PAX ET BONUM!
Peace and good will my dear parish priests and parishioners of the
Church of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Church of Sts
Chastan and Imbert. Firstly, I take this opportunity to send my
heartfelt greetings and wishes on the occasion of the 86th
Anniversary of NBVM and 26th Anniversary of SCIC to all of you. It
reminds me of the 75th anniversary celebration of the parish when I
was one of the organising committee members. Time really flies!
Today, I am very thankful and grateful for all the parish priests and
parishioners. Moreover, I can see how far the Butterworth
community has grown in evangelising amidst hardships and
challenges. My prayers and wishes are always with all of you.
Celebrate Christ! Celebrate Life!
Happy Anniversary!
Your son,
Friar Jason Raj OFMCap
Perpetually Professed Capuchin