GEORGE TOWN: After two years of suspended pre-Christmas activities due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Pulau Tikus here welcomed parishioners, neighbours and friends to a tree-lighting event tonight.
The grounds of the over 200-year old church, which is the home parish to some 3,000 Roman Catholics, was awash in twinkling lights, music, food and festive decor.
Taking centre stage was a 30-foot Christmas tree frame, outlined with coloured lights.
"For more than two years, we have been forced to observe many 'Silent Nights' with our masses and coming together in the season of Advent, no thanks to Covid-19," parish priest Monsignour Jude Miranda said.
"We are grateful to God that this year, we are able to return to some semblance of normalcy in preparation for the birth of Christ, which is Christmas," he added.
A crowd of over 1,000 people gathered at the event, where gifts were distributed to the young ones.
Also present were the Titular Roman Catholic Bishop of Penang, Right Reverend Datuk Seri Sebastian Francis and assistant parish priest Reverend Father Simon Labrooy.
"In the spirit of a parish family, we have also organised a tree-decorating contest for our parishioners," Miranda said.
Applause and cheers greeted the lighting up of the giant tree frame, as the church's various choirs and groups led visitors in singing carols.
Two years ago, the parish paid tribute to Malaysian frontline workers in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, during a virtual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
"Tonight," Monsignour Miranda said, "We also give thanks to God that we have fared reasonably well as a country, in containing the worst of the pandemic, and continue to pray for Malaysia."
