Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
A humble and enduring Catholic icon of Malaysia
Passing by Jalan New Ferry, one cannot help but be struck by the charming sight of a humble wooden church building which has existed here since the parish’s inception in 1935. The first Rev Father J.B. Souhait, priest of the Church of the Assumption in George Town, oversaw its construction to provide spiritual support for Catholics and educational facilities for all on the mainland.
Juxtaposing this iconic heritage structure is a newer modern church building behind that was completed in 1969 and which features a semi-circular design with the main altar at the epicentre. Also of interest is an enchanting grotto of Mother Mary in the compound of the church complex.
The church, which celebrated its Diamond Jubilee in 2010, observes its Feast Day on September 8 with a nine-day Novena devotion.
Sunday masses are at 7:00am in Tamil, 8:30am in English and 5:00pm in Mandarin (on 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sundays).