In the first of 3 planned pilgrimages through the Holy Doors of Mercy for 2016 at designated churches throughout Malaysia, ‘Kasih Kristus’, the Pastoral Care arm of the PIHD @ Kristus Aman Chapel with the rest of the PIHD core team members, kicked start the “Year of Mercy” for its senior parishioners on 1 February 2016.

The day dawned bright and sunny as 136 mostly senior parishioners (one in wheelchair) sedately and patiently filled up 3 coaches and 2 cars early in the morning, and pushed forth to the Holy Doors churches of St John Vianney in Tampin and St Peter’s Church in Malacca, a historical church built more than 300 years ago. Our Parish Administrator Fr. Michael Chua who accompanied and led the pilgrims, said a prayer with us and blessed the travellers before boarding.

At St Peter’s Church in Malacca, we prayed and chanted the Divine Mercy chaplet. Fr. Michael brought our attention to the unique architecture of the Church and gave insight into the differences between Baroque and Gothic architectures which were reflected in the building designs of the churches in Malacca - St Peter and St Francis.

Music at both the Holy Doors churches in Tampin and Malacca, was provided by the father and son team – Alex and Julian Loo. 

In the late evening, as a “bonus” stop, the group paid a quick visit to St. Aloysius Church in Mantin for prayers. Fr. Dionysius Mathew, Parish Priest gave us a brief history of the work of the Carmelite nuns who had lived in their former monastery near the Church from 1982 - 2007.  

At all the stops, we were warmly welcomed by the Parish Priests and some parishioners of the respective Churches, and treated to snacks and refreshments.

Fr. Michael divided his time between the 3 coaches so that he could explain and give credence to what we were being exposed to, during the pilgrimage. The pilgrims were appreciative of the great effort put into the organisation of the trip and the fact that Fr. Michael had taken care to lead us in the pilgrim journey, and making us conscious of the meaning of what we were doing during the various stages of the journey.