memorial service (mass) for tsunami victims

lights from candles glowing (lighted by the participants) amidst the names of victims (and states affected) who had perished in the tsunami disaster.

on 31 dec. at 10.30pm, the penang office for human development (POHD) organised a memorial mass for the victims of the tsunami tragedy.

about 100 people turned up for the mass, which was held at POHD’s office at the pusat keuskupan katolik (penang diocesan centre) at macalister road. it was held in the open at the front porch.

both pictures shows part of the crowd. on the left picture, you can see seated in front is penang state exco for economic, planning, education and human resources development committee, dato dr toh kin woon. the right picture was taken from the back.

about 5 mins. after the mass started, the priest celebrating the mass, fr. fabian, showed us a short video presentation of pictures of the tsunami tragedy.

the highlight of the part was when everyone lighted a candle and all were invited to go up front to light small candles next to the names of the victims in our country who had died, and also names of the affected states. fr fabian called out the names aloud, as each person went up to light the candles.

participants coming up to light the candles. left picture shows fr. fabian (in white robe) and on his left is mr anil netto, asiatimes and aliran writer.

when all the candles were lighted, the people went back to their seats and continue holding their own lighted candles, while prayers were being said.

the service ended at 11.15pm where everyone were treated to light refreshment.

actually i have more to write about but as it is getting late now, i’d better call it a night. might update tomorrow.

note: sorry my pics, i guess will make drliew goes “oh dark one” again. well, already my amateurish photo taking always dark, and now being night time, so worst lah! and me dare not do much settings to the digicam since am in the midst of a solemn affair.