On 15th September, the Parish Ministry of Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs (PMEIA) of the Church of Visitation, Seremban, hosted a memorable Malaysia Day event, uniting various communities of different faiths in celebration of the nation’s diversity, and unity. The event welcomed participation from interfaith communities which includes Bahai, Hindu Sangam, Buddhist, Ikram, Abim, Gurdwara, St. Mark Church, alongside our very own Catholic priests, and parishioners from the Church of Visitation. This harmonious gathering reflected the spirit of inclusivity, and mutual respect among different religious groups.
The celebration of the event was further elevated by the presence of our honoured guests, YB Theo, and YB Nicole, whose attendance highlighted the importance of religious harmony, and civic unity. Their participation added to the significance of the event, recognizing the collective contributions of various faiths toward national unity.
During the event there was a vibrant range of cultural performances that showcased Malaysia’s rich, and diverse heritage. One of the notable performance was the iconic Bamboo dance of East Malaysia that brought out a sense of excitement for the guests of honours and participants. These performances served as a reminder of the country’s multicultural fabric, providing an opportunity for different communities to share their traditions, and values. There was also a few traditional games that rekindled childhood memories for everyone present during the event. In addition to the cultural displays, the youths of different faiths came together to perform a skit, emphasizing themes of interfaith understanding, cooperation, and, friendship that pulsates harmony.
The event also featured three powerful speeches, one from YB Theo, another from Fr. Xavier, the parish priest of the Church of Visitation, Seremban and, lastly Madam Anne Sumitra, the PMEIA Leader of Visitation who personally illustrated the meaning of Malaysian Day by taking the excerpt of our Father of Independence, Tunku Abdul Raman. The speakers inspired the audience by underscoring the importance of unity, tolerance, and, love in building a strong, peaceful society. Their words resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the role that interfaith dialogue plays in fostering a harmonious Malaysia.
There was a unique highlight of the day which was the symbolic opening ceremony, where the guests of honours collectively solved a jigsaw puzzle of Malaysia’s national states, symbolizing the nation’s unity in diversity. The act of assembling the puzzle was a powerful metaphor for the coming together of people from different walks of life, working toward a common goal of peace, and unity.
The celebration concluded with a delightful high tea in the afternoon. It provided an opportunity for the participants and parishioners to socialize, share experiences, and build friendships across religious lines. The event was not only a celebration of Malaysia’s independence but also a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to harmony, understanding, and collaboration among the nation’s diverse religious communities.
Manish Sherwin Mical
Youth Ministry
Church of Visitation, Seremban
More Photos: https://link.visitationseremban.org/sAU50