More than 1000 catechumens to receive baptism on Easter Vigil in Malaysia

A total of 1016 catechumens will receive the Sacraments of Initiation in Peninsular Malaysia this Easter Vigil, a slight increase from last year's 852 individuals.

In the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, 547 catechumens gathered at the Church of the Holy Family on February 25 to undergo the Rite of Election, which came from different parts of the archdiocese, including the East Coast.

The ceremony involves the Presentation of the Catechumens, the Affirmation by the Godparents and the Assembly, and the Enrollment of Names in the Book of Elect.

This marked the beginning of the final phase of preparation for the three Sacraments of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion.

“In the Rite of Election, we celebrate that God has personally chosen you to be a part of His elect,” said Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Julian Leow.

He stated that the entire community rejoices with the catechumens for their faithfulness in responding to God's call to become Catholic Church members.

The archbishop also reminded the elect and the faithful that the sacrifices they make for others in the name of love and commitment to God will never be in vain, no matter the uncertainty and discouragement they face in their lives.

Aside from the elect who will receive full initiation at Easter Vigil, 44 persons in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur are seeking Reception into the Church, and 192 individuals are only prepared for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Meanwhile, 229 catechumens also underwent the Rite of Election in the Church of the Assumption in Penang and Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Ipoh during two special Masses on February 17 and 18.

148 catechumens from 14 churches were presented in Penang, and 81 from nine parishes in Ipoh.