As in Christian communities across the world, echoes of ancient faith rise once more in Malacca’s Portuguese Settlement, where the descendants of Catholic seafarers and settlers solemnly enter into the sacred traditions and rituals of Holy Week.
From today until Easter Sunday next week, these faithful bear witness to a legacy of devotion that has endured through the centuries, marked by prayer, processions, and the enduring hope of the Resurrection.
Martin Theseira of the Portuguese Settlement tells Malaysiakini: “In Malacca, where the footprints of saints and seafarers linger, Holy Week begins with solemn devotion and centuries-old rituals.”
According to him, from today onward, thousands of Catholic faithful from across the nation gather at St Peter’s Church, the oldest functioning Catholic church in Malaysia, to enter into the sacred mysteries of Christ’s Passion.
“For us at the Portuguese enclave, we will also worship at the humble Praya Lane Assumption Church and the Sacred Heart parish Church (Igreja do Coração de Jesus) also located in the settlement.”
In the quiet reverence of candlelit processions and Paschal hymns, the descendants of Malacca’s Portuguese conquerors keep alive a legacy of faith, sacrifice, and resurrection.
Palm Sunday: A poetic reflection by the author:
Palm branches sway, the voices soar,
"Hosanna!" to the Lord adored.
Through Jerusalem, He rode in grace,
A journey set to take His place.
The week begins with solemn prayer,
As faithful kneel in reverent care.
With fasting hearts and voices raised,
They honour Christ through love and praise.
On Thursday night, He’ll break the bread,
His love pours out in the words He said.
He washed their feet, so humbly true,
A servant king with love so new.
In Malaysia, voices ring,
Proclaiming Christ, their risen king.
From Borneo’s shores to city lights,
Church bells echo through the nights.
And still across Asia’s sacred lands,
The faithful rise with praying hands.
In chapels, homes, and grand cathedrals,
They walk with Christ through love regal.
From silent dawns to bustling streets,
Where incense burns and choirs meet,
Through ancient rites and hymns delight,
They seek the Lord, the world's true light.
Then came the Friday cross, the darkest hour,
Yet love remained, its strongest power.
The tomb lay still, the world held its breath,
Awaiting triumph over death.
And as the dawn of Easter rises,
The grave was empty, hope bestowed!
So, from East to West, His name we sing,
Christ is risen, our Savior-King!
- Mkini
JOSEPH MASILAMANY is a veteran journalist who still loves a tale or two. He now resides in a tranquil kampong among the Bidayuh community in Sarawak with his wife, Marilyn Madrod. Masilamany is very much a socialist and interfaith person at heart. If not writing a story, he retreats to writing poems focussing on pro-socialist persuasions.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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