GEORGE TOWN: Will Malaysia have its first saint?
The Titular Roman Catholic Bishop of Penang, Right Reverend Cardinal Datuk Seri Sebastian Francis, has started a cause for the beatification and canonisation of civilian hero, Sybil Kathigasu.
Sebastian said much had been said about Sybil.
"I see this as an opportunity to bring together and reflect on her life for us as people of faith. I wish that we would undertake the cause of Sybil as an example and inspiration of Gospel living.
"We will do well to revisit her life and works to find inspiration for our times.
"I wish that efforts be made to gather, compile, study, reflect and make available her life and work as a testimony to us.
"I hope to advance her cause for beatification and canonisation by God's Grace," he said in a statement.
To this end, Sebastian said after consulting with Julian Leow, Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, and with his blessings, he had appointed Reverend Father Eugene Benedict from the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur to assist in this initial process.
Kathigasu lived a life of service in love and compassion for the sick and suffering in the town of Papan, Perak.
Her story continues to inspire many people from all walks of life in society until today.
She inspires people across all cultures and faiths.
In the world of the arts, plays, documentaries and movies have been staged to inspire the present generation.
Students from the School of Architecture have shown interest in her life and works and have done much work on her place as part of their research and studies, in the Christian community, where she has inspired Catholics, Anglicans and other Christians about living the Gospels.
During the Year of Mission (2019), she was presented as one of the five people who are examples of witness to mission.
This was displayed in the Church of Assumption in Penang.
In the Church of St Joseph, Batu Gajah, Perak, one wing is dedicated to her memory.
The Malaysian Catechetical series of Year 7 (Tamil) has one chapter dedicated to her.
Pilgrims (by individual and parish groups) continue to visit her grave at the cemetery in the Church of St Michael in Ipoh, and her clinic/house in Papan.
Catholic parents have baptised their children after Sybil.
She is talked about as an exemplary lay Catholic witness.
She died on June 12, 1948, with last month marking the 76th anniversary of her passing.
"Her life example draws us to the fact that what motivated her is the faith that was instilled in her by her family, that enabled her to live a life marked by a spirituality of dependence on God's Grace and the love of Jesus that filled her with hope in her life, and her love for the suffering and needy in normal situations and circumstances of conflict," said Sebastian.
For the record, to be beatified and recognised as a Blessed, one miracle acquired through the candidate's intercession is required in addition to recognition of heroic virtue or offering of life. Canonisation requires a second miracle after beatification, though the Pope, the leader of Catholics worldwide, may waive these requirements.
Saints are persons who lived heroically virtuous lives, offered their life for others, or were martyred for the faith, and who are worthy of imitation. A person can only be officially called a saint when canonised (officially recognised) by the church.
Sebastian was appointed as a cardinal in September last year, the second Malaysian Catholic clergyman to be given the honour of that rank.
Churches in Perak and other northern states fall under the diocese of Penang.