An Unexpected Visit to OLF

The Church of Our Lady of Fatima received an unexpected visit on the evening of 30 September from approximately 40 pilgrims from Trichy, India, accompanied by a Capuchin friar and a diocesan priest.

The group was spending four days in Malaysia and had expressed a desire to visit a Catholic church where they could pray and recite the Rosary. After initially being taken to an Anglican church by their tour leader, they eventually found their way to OLF, arriving at around 5.00 p.m.

Fr. Andrew Manickam welcomed the group and learnt about their brief visit to Malaysia and their desire to spend some time in prayer.

Reflecting on their unexpected arrival, Fr. Andrew remarked, “Somehow, the Blessed Mother had led them to us.”

The pilgrims prayed together and were also able to venerate the sacred relics of St. Padre Pio and Blessed Carlo Acutis.

Following their prayers, the parish prepared some simple refreshments for the visitors. Fr. Andrew also spent time in fellowship with the two accompanying priests at the parochial house.

Before departing, members of the group asked for blessings, while Fr. Andrew in turn invited the visiting priests to bless him and those gathered.

What began as an unexpected arrival became a simple but meaningful encounter between fellow Catholics from two countries, united through prayer, hospitality and faith.

May our visitors return home with beautiful memories of their time in Malaysia and their unexpected visit to OLF.

May God be praised.