The Year of St. Paul as declared by Pope Benedict XVI reminds us of the vast continent of Asia of which our country, the Philippines belong. Just as we were grateful to the Spaniards for bringing the Word of God in this country, we now ask ourselves, how can we make ourselves a blessings for the peoples of this vast continent. I was reminded of my visit to Penang, Malaysia two years ago. Penang is an Island-State in West Malaysia. Majority of its people are Chinese, although there are a number of Indians and Malays. But they consider themselves Malaysians regardless of race and creed. Islam is the State Religion of Malaysia.
While in Penang I decided to visit a Church. Relying on the internet information I got, I decided to visit McAlister Road in Georgetown. I asked the Taxi Driver to take me to McAlister. The driver asked me if I am from the Philippines. I replied by asking him a question - I said "what made you think that I am a Filipino...?" he replied "lots of Filipinos here want to visit McAlister, because there is a Catholic Church there where they hold their prayers." Indeed, our overseas Filipinos are becoming proclaimers of the Word of God in their own little way. Let us invoke the prayers and intercessions of St. Francis Xavier.
While in Penang I decided to visit a Church. Relying on the internet information I got, I decided to visit McAlister Road in Georgetown. I asked the Taxi Driver to take me to McAlister. The driver asked me if I am from the Philippines. I replied by asking him a question - I said "what made you think that I am a Filipino...?" he replied "lots of Filipinos here want to visit McAlister, because there is a Catholic Church there where they hold their prayers." Indeed, our overseas Filipinos are becoming proclaimers of the Word of God in their own little way. Let us invoke the prayers and intercessions of St. Francis Xavier.
Catholic Convent School in Penang
Gurney Hotel, ASAIHIL Conference on Sustainable Development
Burmese Temple in Penang
The young men here in the picture are Novice Monks. Actually they are temporary monks. In Burmese Buddhism young boys and young men are encouraged to enter the monastery even on a short term basis. I chatted with these young men. They were very friendly and accommodating they toured us around their temple complex. The Lady with us is the President of the Far Eastern University in Manila.
St. Paul's Church
The Sprawling Campus of University Sainz Malaysia
YMCA Penang. I stayed in this Hostel. Affordable, comfortable, and friendly staff.
This is the YMCA in Penang, Malaysia. This is a Non-Denominational Christian Hostel. The staff are mostly ethnic Indians and Chinese. They offer lodging to individuals and groups. I made my reservation here through their website prior to my visit. And they were indeed very efficient in the delivery of their services.
Ferry Boats that connects Butterworth in the Mainland with the Island of Penang
Way back in 1983 I used to have a pen friend from Butterworth. After so many years without contact with him, I decided to look for his address. But unluckily for me much has changed and he was no longer residing in the address he use to have. Taxi is quite expensive in this island. Perhaps because almost every one has a car. Buses are few.
City Government of Georgetown, Capital of Penang
Chancery of the Diocese of Penang
Another View of the Chancery
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