13. Catholics celebrate with flag-raising at SFX Church

PETALING JAYA: Catholics marked Merdeka with a flag-raising ceremony at the concourse of the St Francis Xavier (SFX) Church in Jalan Gasing here.

The congregation sang Negaraku as the Jalur Gemilang was raised yester- day.

?With gratitude in our hearts and thanksgiving, we come together to celebrate our national Independence Day,? said SFX parish priest Father Albert Tan in his prayer of blessing for the nation.

?We recognise the many blessings that God has given us over 55 years of independence.

?We come together to give thanks to God, and at the same time, pray for our nation that we may grow in harmony and unity with one another.?

Father Tan said that while SFX holds a National Day mass every year, this was the first time there had been a flag-raising ceremony before the service.

Parishioner Gwendoline Cheng, 45, said she was glad to celebrate Merdeka Day in church.

?It?s a good chance for me to thank God for the many blessings for me and my family over the years.

?I hope God will continue to bless the country with happiness, prosperity and justice,?? she said.

Source: http://thestar.com.my.feedsportal.com/c/33048/f/534599/s/22f3bee9/l/0Lthestar0N0Bmy0Cnews0Cstory0Basp0Dfile0F0C20A120C90C10Cnation0C119493740Gsec0Fnation/story01.htm

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