Dedication of the Shah Alam Christian Cemetery

SHAH ALAM: The dedication of the Shah Alam Christian Cemetery was held in a simple ceremony at the integrated inter-religious cemetery in Section 21 on October 24. The ceremony was organized by the Association of Shah Alam Churches (ASAC) formerly known as Shah Alam Christian Fellowship (SACF).

The ceremony was preceded by prayers and hymns led by Rev. Sean Prasad from Good Tidings Assembly. In his welcoming address, Pastor David Tham, the pro tem chairperson of ASAC from New Life Restoration Centre explained how in death the 9 different churches in Shah Alam are united. He further gave a chronology of events leading to the allocation of the cemetery which would be managed and maintained wholly by the city council. He paid tribute to Rev. Fr. Raymond Pereira, former parish priest of the Church of the Divine Mercy and the former pro tem chairperson of ASAC for his vision in initiating the formation of ASAC to request for a Christian burial ground in Shah Alam. Pastor David Tham also expressed his gratitude to Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri, General Secretary of the Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM) and Principal Secretary of Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM), Elder Tan Kong Beng, Executive Secretary of CFM and all the members of ASAC who have journeyed with ASAC in its struggle in pursuing the cause. 

Dr. Hermen in his word of exaltation invited all present to rejoice and celebrate during the dedication for the following reasons: Firstly, it is a testimony that God’s loving kindness and faithfulness is with no end. “We shared a vision. We prayed with conviction. We worked as one. Today, our presence here is a testimony that God is faithful. He will lead us and provide for our every need”, he said.
Secondly, “ it is a testament to the non-Christian authorities that various churches can work together for a common cause”, said Dr. Hermen. He hoped that the Shah Alam Christian cemetery may be an example that will serve as an inspiration for churches in many parts of the country. Thirdly and most important of all “ this project is also a testament that as Christians the cemetery is a holy place. It is a place where we bury our loved ones, bidding them farewell, with faith that on the last day, there will be resurrection,” Dr. Hermen elaborated. He went on to urge “ we must pledge to make our Christian cemetery a garden of prayer, and refreshment of the human spirit set in surroundings that are clean, beautiful and peaceful so that it will be a place of dignity and serenity”.

He concluded by acknowledging the dedication and support given by the members of ASAC in making the cemetery a reality. 

Rev. Fr. Paulino Miranda, parish priest of the Church of the Divine Mercy, conducted the following prayer of dedication of the Shah Alam Christian cemetery :

“God of all consolation,
by your just decree our bodies return to the dust
from which they were shaped,
yet in your way of mercy
you have turned this condition of darkness and death
into a proof of your loving care.
In your providence you assured Abraham, our father in faith,
of a burial place in the land of promise.
You extolled your servant Tobit
for his charity in burying the dead.
You willed that your Son be laid to rest in a new tomb,
so that he might rise from it, the victor over death,
and offer us the pledge of our own resurrection.
Grant that this cemetery,
placed under the sign of the cross,
may, by the power of your blessing,
be a place of rest and hope.
May the bodies buried here sleep in your peace,
to rise immortal at the coming of your Son.
May this place be a comfort to the living,
a sign of their hope for unending life.
May prayers be offered here continually
in supplication for those who sleep in Christ
and in constant praise of your mercy.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.”
AMEN

The ceremony which was attended by the members of ASAC, representatives from CCM, CFM and the Kuala Lumpur Christian Cemetery Advisory Group ended with the singing of ASAC’s unity song “Our Father”. 

By Teresa Lai