At the funeral of Monsignor Anthony Thomas on 27th
September, 2017, many parishioners of St Joseph as well as a few priests asked
me why the funeral did not take place here in our parish of St Joseph Sentul,
as the late Monsignor Thomas had served here for 22 years, which was more than
he had served in any of the other parishes in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur.
After some deliberation and discussion with a few individuals
(clergy and laity), I decided that holding the 40th Day Memorial
service in our parish would be a fitting tribute to Msgr Thomas who had touched
the lives of so many people here.
Some of the individuals who came forward included Neubert Ambrose,
who volunteered to take on the responsibility of Organising Chairman for the 40th
Day Memorial Mass, Jillian Thomas (booklet preparation), Gabriel Moses, Mary
Bernadette, Gregory William, Nicholas and Joshua Jude (committee members in
charge of logistics, foods and the evening entertainment). In a short period of
time, they managed to coordinate, plan and execute this memorial celebration
successfully.
Close to 1,000 people attended the memorial Mass which was held on
Sunday, 5th November. The 13 clergy and concelebrants included
Cardinal Soter Fernendez, Archbishop Emeritus Murphy Pakiam and Archbishop
Julian Leow. We began the celebration of life of late Monsignor with the
Vespers (the evening prayer of the Church) at 5.45 pm. The Memorial Mass
started at 6.00 pm celebrated by Fr V.A. Michael and assisted by Frs James
Gabriel and Jean Claude. These three priests were sent by the late Monsignor to
the seminary in 1980s.
Immediately after the Mass the congregation adjourned to St Joseph
Community Hall where Archbishop Julian Leow unveiled a plaque inscribed with “Dewan Monsignor Anthony Thomas.” The
late Monsignor had built the St Joseph Community Center in 1987 and it is the
first legacy of his, followed by two other community centers at Church of
Visitation, Seremban and Church of the Sacred Heart, Kuala Lumpur. During
dinner, both our Tamil and English choral groups entertained us with music and
songs composed by the late Monsignor. All those who came that evening felt
contented and went home with fond memories.
On behalf of the 40th Day of Memorial Mass Committee, I
would like to personally thank our parishioners and the parishioners of the
Church of St Aloysius, Mantin as well as everyone who had penned down your
thoughts and fond memories of the late Monsignor and for sparing your memorable
photographs of him for us. There is a saying, “Memories are old but the pen is fresh.” Your fresh pen through
contribution of articles and also photographs for the booklet has revived and
refreshed many people’s old memories. This Memorial Mass and fellowship was our
tribute to the late Monsignor Anthony Thomas who has rendered his service to
the Church in Malaysia. He lived his priestly life for 52 years and grew
faithful communities with love, faith and charity. During these five decades he
was truly a priest, pastor, friend, builder, liturgist and a musician. We love
you and we cherish you always!
“In you, Lord. I have
found my peace,” (Ps 131).
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