High on the hill overlooking Jalan Cheras stands the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. It’s a beacon of faith and a landmark for many. Welcome to a journey through its history, art and spiritual significance.
The story of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi begins with the Capuchin friars. These missionaries came from Tamil Nadu in India. They arrived in Malaysia in the early 1950s. Bishop Dominic Vendargon invited them to preach missions.
In 1960, the Bishop requested the Capuchin Provincial open a mission center. This was to address the urgent need for local Catholic leadership. Father Denis and Father Athanasius were sent to Port Klang. They worked on setting up a mission center. This center later became St Michael’s Friary.
As their missionary work grew, the friars sought a centralized location. This led to the building of Gethsemane Friary. Father Gerard’s visit in 1963 was crucial. He discussed with Bishop Vendargon the need to expand their mission. They wanted to reach newer areas especially the estates and rural areas. A permanent location was needed to serve as a Franciscan-Capuchin center.
God intervened when a five-acre land was offered for sale. It was located amidst the hills outside Kuala Lumpur. The land was acquired in Cheras. By mid-1964 construction began. A chapel and friars’ quarters were erected. On April 4, 1965, Bishop Vendargon consecrated the new Gethsemane Friary.
In 1975, Father Clement worked to improve religious formation in Serdang and Semenyih. He encouraged lay people to take an active role in the Church. The Friary opened its doors to Vietnamese refugees.
The Chapel at Gethsemane Friary became too small. Plans were made to build a bigger Church. In 1978, building plans for a new church were approved. On May 1, 1979, the first Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Cheras was blessed. Deputy Home Minister Dato’ Seri Syed Ahmad Shahabudin declared it open. Father Clement became the first parish priest.
In 1983, the parish was officially erected under an agreement. It was between the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur and the Provincial of the Tamil Nadu Province. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi became a landmark. Many still called it “the church on the hill” or “Gethsemane Church.”
Into the new millennium, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi continued to grow. The parish expanded to about 600 families. A sunset Mass on Saturdays was introduced. Early Masses on Sundays were held for different language groups.
A new set of plans were tabled to refurbish and extend the original Church. Construction was completed in 2018. St Francis of Assisi Church continues to be a symbol of love and service.
The Church of St. Francis of Assisi features many elements. Solid wood pews with cushion kneelers were placed in the church. A Presider’s Chair symbolizes the priest. The ambo helps draw attention to the living Word of God.
Through the waters of baptism, the faithful enter the life of Christ. The altar is the center of the entire Christian life. Consecration crosses signify the sanctity of the church. Stained glass panels depict the life of St Francis of Assisi.
Life-sized statues of the Stations of the Cross are a significant feature. These statues were brought in from India. Each year during Holy Week and especially Good Friday special services are held.
The Church has a Gethsemane Garden. It also has a Grotto of Our Lady of Fatima. The Parish has a wake room named after Our Lady of Sorrows.
The five-story St Francis of Assisi Centre is a new building connected to the church. It includes the St John Paul II Hall classrooms and a dormitory.
The Chapel of Portiuncula is located on the ground floor. A new bell tower has three bells imported from Rome. A statue of St Michael stands as a defender and protector of the faith.
The Church of St. Francis of Assisi has been blessed with first-class relics. These include relics of St Francis of Assisi St Pio St John Paul II St Teresa of Kolkata and Blessed Angelo.
Today the parishioners of St Francis of Assisi are called to be Missionary Disciples of Christ.