Mandarin-speaking Community Overjoyed

Article written by Alvin Lee

The Church of the Divine Mercy (CDM) in Shah Alam commenced its monthly mass in Mandarin in June 2024, bringing immense joy to the Mandarin-speaking community.

This initiative was made possible by the arrival of Rev Fr George Harrison as the parish priest in April 2024. The multilingual Fr George responded to the community’s request to resume masses in Mandarin. The liturgy is now held on the second Sunday of each month at 5.30pm.

The community has since experienced a spiritual revival, with around 100 faithful Catholics attending the evening mass – an increase from the pre-pandemic attendance of 60-80.

The St Ambrose choir, CDM’s talented Mandarin choir, came out in full force. There was a practice session prior to the mass where hymns were carefully chosen reflecting the weekend’s readings.

During the mass, after the Gospel reading from Mark 6, where Jesus summoned the twelve and sent them out in pairs, Fr George delivered a homily urging parishioners to heed God’s call to go out and spread the gospel.

The Mass was followed by a potluck fellowship in the cafeteria, providing another opportunity for growth and outreach. Fr George and Brother Albert Arputhan mingled with the parishioners throughout the fellowship.

Fr George was pleased to note the strong sense of teamwork and unity within the Mandarin-speaking community, likening them to a closely knit family.

The mass in Mandarin, along with CDM’s masses in BM and Tamil, fosters a sense of belonging and inclusivity, allowing parishioners to celebrate their heritage and traditions within the context of their faith. It also promotes cultural identity among the community.

赞美主！ 7月14日当天， 有不少教友出席了傍晚的华语弥撒。

在这圣经月的第二个主日，教友们将他们宝贵的圣经带到教堂，神父在弥撒中祈祷并用圣水降福圣经。

神父在讲道中提醒教友们，藉着洗礼，我们被天主托付了福传的工作，天主召唤我们，赋予我们使命，将主耶稣的福音带给他人，并传递仁爱、和平和正义。

神父接着说，歌唱赞美上主相等于三倍的祈祷，歌咏团美妙的歌声让神父忘了当天的疲惫。

弥撒后，教友们移步到食堂享用自助餐与交流。美味的食物和饮料都是由教友们自带提供。大家一边品尝美食，一边交流，像一家人一样一起度过愉快的星期日。