Cardinal Sebastian Francis Leads Thanksgiving Mass as Historic Penang Church Marks 240 Years

The Church of the Assumption, Penang’s oldest Catholic church, celebrated its 240th anniversary on August 15 with a thanksgiving Mass, as Cardinal Datuk Seri Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, called on Catholics to build on the Church’s heritage while preparing for future generations.

Hundreds of Catholics, clergy, religious and members of the wider community gathered for the anniversary Mass in George Town, the capital of Penang state and a UNESCO World Heritage city in northern Malaysia.

Cardinal Sebastian presided at the celebration with Fr. Edmund Woon, parish priest, Fr. Joachim Robert, Fr. Arulnathan Joseph and other priests and deacons.

In his homily, Cardinal Sebastian urged Catholics not to view the anniversary simply as a celebration of the past. Drawing from the Gospel, he repeatedly emphasized the words, “You will see greater things.”

For the bishop, the message was particularly significant for a church that has witnessed 240 years of Catholic life in Penang.

Cardinal Sebastian called on the Church to continue reaching out, particularly to young people, and to build communities where people do not feel alone. He also encouraged Catholics to walk together in mission and bring the message of Christ beyond the church walls.

“We need to prepare for the future,” Fr. Woon told the congregation, emphasizing the responsibility of the present generation to build on what previous generations had handed down.

The Church of the Assumption was founded in 1786 by French missionary Fr. Arnold Garnault, working alongside Penang’s early Eurasian Catholic community. The present church building on Farquhar Street was constructed in 1860 under Fr. Claude Manissol, replacing an earlier church on Church Street.

The church has played an important role in the development of Catholic education in Penang. In 1825, Bishop Jean Baptiste Boucho, then parish priest, established a Catholic Free School and later helped bring the La Salle Brothers and the Sisters of the Holy Infant Jesus to Penang. Their presence contributed to the establishment of St. Xavier’s Institution and the former Convent Light Street in 1852.

The Church of the Assumption served as the cathedral and mother church of the Diocese of Penang from 1955 until 2003, when the diocesan seat was transferred to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Green Lane.

The church also survived the Japanese occupation during World War II, when it was largely closed except for a few services.

Among its most distinctive features is its historic pipe organ, acquired from Morton and Moody in England in 1914 and installed in 1916. It is now regarded as the second-oldest playable pipe organ in Malaysia. Restored in England in 2013, the instrument continues to accompany Sunday Masses and major celebrations.

The organ featured prominently during the anniversary Mass, linking the church’s musical heritage with its present life.

The celebrations also included the unveiling and blessing of a commemorative plaque honoring Penang’s Eurasian community, whose members played an important role in the church’s early history. The Penang Eurasian Association also organized an “Eurasian Fiesta” at the church hall.

The church underwent a major restoration beginning in 2016 and reopened on January 1, 2018, with a rededication ceremony. The Penang Diocesan Museum was later established within the church grounds.

As part of the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Church of the Assumption remains both a historic landmark and an active Catholic community.

Cardinal Sebastian said the anniversary should inspire Catholics not merely to preserve the Church’s heritage but to ensure that its mission continues to speak to future generations.

The 240th anniversary celebrations will conclude August 22 with an evening concert featuring the historic pipe organ and sacred music.

After 240 years, the Church of the Assumption stands as a living witness to Malaysia’s Catholic heritage while looking toward the future with renewed hope.