Tourism through religious events

WHEN it comes to tourism, visitors would rave about the attractions and food galore on the island side of Penang.

Seldom do the Seberang Prai (mainland) boundaries get mentioned in the same breath as the island when it comes to defining the leisure industry.

There are many attractions now in Prai, including halal cuisines and places of interest such as a bird park and hiking trails as well as Michelin-level food.

But unknowingly to all, every July, hundreds of tourists from the region flocked to Bukit Mertajam to celebrate the annual ritual of the Festival of St Anne at its cathedral.

And early this year, it was elevated to a Minor Basilica status by the Vatican.

Anne is the grandmother of Jesus, and her feast is celebrated annually because many Catholics believed that she answers some of their divine intentions.

The spillover effect is also clear as a majority of the hotels in Prai registered high occupancy rates during the festival, which is marked for over seven days.

Hotelier Kevin Cheah, who manages the Iconic Hotel in Bukit Mertajam, said that religious-driven tourism is crucial on the mainland. But the area is picking up in demand among tourists, who want to pursue new experiences.

"We see shops full whenever people come over for the St Anne's Fest. It is a boost for tourism and we hope to see more travel traffic coming our way."

Raj Kumar, who manages The Light Hotel, says that the basis of religious-themed festivals can form the gateway towards promoting tourism in Prai.

"Often, the travel trade players on the mainland feel neglected but religious events can help correct the misperception that there is nothing here. We actually have much to offer – similar to those on the island."

It is perhaps the most renowned landmark in Bukit Mertajam – the St Anne Cathedral, now a minor basilica, the first status of its kind in the country. 

This is defined as a church of historical and architectural value which has importance for the liturgical and pastoral life.

It is also regarded as the Pope's Church in some places around the world.

Built in 1845, this place of worship has attracted those of Roman Catholic faith from around the region for decades now. 

The pilgrims will then celebrate Feast of St Anne in a carnival style starting with more than seven days long of novenas, stalls pedalling convenient meals, information booths and ending with a procession of St Anne’s statue and her daughter Mary (mother of Jesus) on a palanquin.

Recently, a major celebration was held to mark the status of a minor basilica where dignitaries from all walks of life came to mark the occasion.

The cathedral was granted the title by the Pope three years ago, but the official proclamation could not be conceived due to the pandemic.

A special celebration, presided over by Cardinal William Goh of Singapore, was held in the presence of who's who of the faith.

Malaysia's Catholic Apostolic Nuncio (ambassador) Archbishop Wojciech Zaluski, Bishop of Penang Right Reverend Datuk Seri Sebastian Francis and Catholic Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur Most Reverend Julian Leow Beng Kim were among those in attendance.

The state government was represented by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and state executive councillors Chong Eng and Yeoh Soon Hin. They were accompanied by DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng and Deputy Finance Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, who is the Bukit Mertajam MP.

Berapit assemblyperson Heng Lee Lee was also present.

About 2,000 clergy and congregants from Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, Pakistan and New Zealand along with representatives from the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) were in the congregation.

Former parish priest Father Michael Cheah read out the solemn declaration in Latin and English at the historic ceremony.

Cheah, who is the parish priest of St Michael’s Church in Alor Setar, was the priest behind the construction of the current church building, located on the grounds next to the historical church building.

The region has 25 minor basilicas – 21 in the Philippines and four in Vietnam.

Buoyed by it, Yeoh later led journalists to the state's attempt to a disused church in neighbouring Sg Lembu.

He said the state will rebuild and conserve the ruins of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Pagar Tras, trying to restore it to its original best.

And similar to St Anne, Yeoh hopes that tourists will visit the place.

The church, which was built in 1882, bears features resembling the famous Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris. 

The preservation project costs RM1 million, Yeoh disclosed.

It was a church hidden and tucked away in a corner near a cemetery – the church served the Chinese Hakka immigrant farmers back then.

“The project consists of three phases, and we look forward to welcoming the people to witness the heritage available here," said Yeoh.

Penang Heritage Commissioner Rosli Nor expects that it will be a well-known tourism product in the future. – The Vibes, January 30, 2023