Within the small township of Bukit Mertajam resides this century-old church, which has quite a history and retains a respectable patronage. The original church was constructed in 1888. A new church was built in the vicinity in 1957. The Saint Anne's feast is held here annually around the end of July which attracts a crowd of a quarter million that culminates in a candle light procession.
It was in the East where St. Anne was first honoured. Today, Catholics observe her feast day on July 26. Celebrations are held on a grand scale throughout the world in conjunction with St Anne's Feast. In Malaysia , some hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the country and abroad flock to pay homage to this important Christian saint and to thank her for countless prayers answered and petitions granted.
Today, the church functions as a comprehensive unit containing the church proper, an activities centre and the parish house. Delicately finished and custom-made brick cladding enhances the appearance, and roofs are covered with colored clay roof tiles. Inspirational and religious artworks like mosaic murals and statues adorn the interior at selected locations. Soon after, a precious object in the form of a bone fragment of St. Anne was displayed in the church. |