THE Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in collaboration with the St Joseph’s Home are planning to spread Christmas joy among the children in the Penang Hospital’s paediatric ward.
Parish priest Father Joachim Robert said the cathedral and the orphanage would like to share the spirit of Christmas with the children in the hospital ward irrespective of their beliefs.
“It is about sharing and giving.
“We try to get more people to adopt the habit of giving. By giving, we also receive blessings from God,” Father Joachim said when met at the cathedral today.
Seri Delima assemblyman Syerleena Abdul Rashid, Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong and Penang State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang sponsored 150 beautifully designed Christmas T-shirts for the children.
Parishioner Susan Loone offered her art, which was printed on the T-shirts, to the cathedral.
Priest in Residence Father Francis Anthony and Father Joachim thanked Syerleena, Ong and Law for contributing to the programme.
Father Francis said under the programme, the children from the St Joseph’s Home would give away the T-shirts to the children in the Penang Hospital’s paediatric ward.
Syerleena said the year 2020 has been a challenging year.
“We hope that 2021 will be a lot better.
“We had so many festive holidays that were celebrated so differently this year.
“Christmas is around the corner and as Malaysians, we want to spread some positive energy. This is something that the world needs right now.
“Malaysia is a multiethnic country. This is the energy and mindset that we want to encourage people to have – to respect and to love everyone, irrespective of race or religion,” Syerleena said.
Father Francis Anthony agreed and said that Malaysians are positive and concerned for others.
Syerleena said any religion teaches good.
“Same thing with Islam, when we sedekah, Tuhan akan balas balik (God will reward those who do charity),” she said.
Father Joachim also thanked the parish community for helping and doing their part.
“The credit goes to the community,” he said.
Also present was Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Quah Boon Lim.
Story by Christopher Tan