The OMPH Feast Day, Saved From The Rain With Teamwork and Plan B.

The Icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help at OMPH Church

It was the annual Feast day of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church, Ipoh Garden held on 23 June 2018.

Bright sunshine at the start of the Mass

The weather had been dicey throughout the week but the mass on the feast day was held in its entirety though with adjustments.

.... getting ready ... plan B is an option at 6.30 pm

All the girls are Sarawakian. Presenting the Crown is Jacqueline John

Priests and Parishoners are rearing to go ......

Parish Priest Fr Joseph Stephen in anticipation of the rain spoiling the entire celebration had ordered only the main portions of the ceremony be held, and it was a right decision.

bright evening and all was ready ......

Vice Provincial Fr Eugene Fernandez was the main celebrant

The start of the mass began with bright sunshine. It held true with confidence that the weather would hold. But during Fr Paul Kee saying the homily the weather slowly began to threaten and the sky became darker.

......  had an attendance of over 2,000 devotees

Fr Paul Kee said the Homily on the theme 'Hope ' .......

during which time the weather began to turn ...

Immediately after the Homily Fr Joseph Stephen announced that under advisement the scheduled program would have to be shortened and speeded up in anticipation of the impending rain and initiate 'Plan B' an alternative option.   

The Eucharistic Celebration was held quickly followed by the Communion during which the various language choirs performed.

After communion the Thanksgiving Letter was read followed by the crowning of the Icon and the Consecration of Families.

All are ready..Thanksgiving letter, the Crowning of the Icon and the book of Consecration of Names

It was followed by the Procession but it was shortened from the outdoor stage to the altar in Church forgoing the regular procession around the Parish neighborhood.

The Annual procession .... into the Church 

..being greeted by children to lead the Icon into the Church

Flower girls and page boys were ushered to the front of the church to greet the float of the Icon.

and placed on the Sacristy signalling the start of Benediction 

Pall bearers carrying the Icon of Mary brought it to the altar where Fr Paul Kee was waiting to start the Benediction.  

......and the ever faithful devotees eager to offer homage to their Mother 

The mass was completed while outside the skies had opened up and steady drizzle had begun causing some inconvenience for the fellowship.

Pilgrims from Singapore .....

OMPH Youth  

The decision to expedite the Mass was a brave decision but it could not have been carried through smoothly without the prayers and teamwork of the various Ministries. 

Divine Providence and OMPH Boleh!