The Sunday Mass at St. John's Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur

Fifteen minutes before eight in the morning and the bells of St. John was tolling hard and strong. As I thread the upside portion of Jalan Tun Lee, my heart was also pounding with such gladness to be part of that Nov. 30 Sunday mass. It was a very beautiful feeling.

I was also delighted to see many Filipinos outside the church that morning~~some ladies selling Filipino food, some were waiting for the 10am Filipino mass. The church was full~~a sight of multi-racial community in one church. There were Indians, Malays, Chinese-looking Malays, Filipinos, Caucasians maybe Americans etc. The parish priest, Fr. James gave a very nice homily that morning of the first sunday of Advent. The church choir had numerous upbeat, fun music that can be well-commended. The mass prayers were also very solemn (i remember they recited the Nicene creed instead of the usual Apostles' creed).


I will never forget that Holy Mass. Such experience was already a great blessing, a gift to me. Believe it or not, it's an experience I enjoyed in Malaysia.

*******St. John happens to be also run by the Lasallian Brothers.

Cathedral of St. John (1883)
5 Jalan Bukit Nanas
50250 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2078 1876, 2026 2813
Fax: 03-2070 5899

Parish Priest : Mgr James Gnanapiragasam, VG
Assistant Priest : Rev A Amalanathan
Parish Council Chairperson : Mr.Richard Manuel
Saturday Sunset Mass (and Novena) : 6.00pm
Sunday Masses : 8.00am, 10.30am & 6.00pm

source: http://www.archway.org.my/parishes/mparishes3.asp?search=klc-stjohn
_______________________

The Telekom Museum is just adjacent to the St. John Cathedral.


~~wearing a beautiful Malaysian blouse! :).......... and visiting the Telekom Museum

Three Places of Worship Along Jalan Tun Perak in Kuala Lumpur

On my second trip to Kuala Lumpur, I have decided to make a pilgrim to the different places of worship. Malaysia is a country known for its mixed races~~ the Muslim Malay, the Hindu Malay and the Chinese Malay. Most of the Chinese Malays are Christians.

The Jalan Tun Perak (jalan for street) is a long, busy road leading to the MRT if you are coming from the central bus station. It is interesting that also threading this path will lead you to find different places of worship. I decided to seek first the famous Masjid Jamek.




Masjid Jamek is a Muslim mosque, built in 1907. It is huge, magnificent in stature, and has a very peaceful atmosphere. I was told by a Muslim Malay lady that I can go inside. But maybe I came on a very odd time that there was nobody to open the gate for me. Like the other tourists around, I settled myself taking pictures outside. I decided to whisper a short prayer before living the site.


Next is the Masjid India.



Across Masjid Jamek is a long covered path walk in cobblestones leading to Masjid India. Before reaching the nicely built brown temple, you will find the richness of the Malaysian culture. Many stalls and shops are selling various items~~from the Indian pashmina and clothing to the Malaysian tudungs (headscarfs), ethnic and traditional blouses and dresses, abayas for the Muslim ladies and other wide array of accessories and products.

I was not able to go inside the temple because it was closed. Trailing back to Jalan Tun perak, reaching Jalan Tun Lee turning left, you will find the St. John's Cathedral, a Catholic church, one of the oldest in Kuala Lumpur, built in 1883.



I was glad to learn that St. John was open. I met an Indian lady who greeted and talked to me. She was delighted to know I am a tourist and I passed by to visit the church. I had to stop her after a few minutes because she had so many stories. I was able to say a short prayer, thanking the Lord for allowing me to see KL the second time. It was a good way to start my first morning in Kl that day, Nov. 29, 2008.