Church of Our Lady of Fatima, Kota Bharu

 

 
Our Lady of Fatima of the Holy Rosary was the name given to this Church first built in 1950 by Rev. Fr. Louis Guittat. This year, we are celebrating our 60th Anniversary of our existence. The parish outgrew the first church (foto in b/w) and a new church was built in 1965 (the present church) by Fr.Jean Tavennec. The first official resident Parish Priest was a Jesuit, Fr. Joliet, followed by Fr. Maurice Surmon who was here from 1953 - 1957 and again for a second term from 1978 - 1985.
            The history of the OLF church can be traced through the priests who have served here, among them, Fr. Casset, Fr. Robert Chan and Fr. Michel de Gigord, the young, articulate French priest who was really attached to the young people of the parish. The youths, under his guidance, were creative and put up a memorable musical 'Jesus Christ Superstar' in 1976.
            Fr. Surmon was instrumental in organising the various BEC's or area groups. He used to visit the various outstations of Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Kuala Krai to say mass once a month. He had a further outreach to the Vietnamese refugees at Pulau Bidong.
            In 1985, Fr. Marshall Fernandez was parish administrator for a year, coming from Sungei Petani for the weekend masses. We were blessed with a resident Parish Priest, Fr. Bennedict Nieukey from 1986 - 1990. During his tenure here, the church was renovated with a new ceiling and a light coloured backdrop. He strengthened the BEC's and brought the Marriage Encounter (ME) to KB in 1988 and 89. The ME brought the married couples and families closer together. A monthly Parish newsletter was published starting in August 1986 with a regular message from the Parish Priest and News around the parish.
             Fr. Anthony Chong took over from 1990 - 1999 and the church was fully air-conditioned, donated by several parishioners. The side extension of the Church was enlarged and improved for holding various functions and activities. The RCIA first took off in 1993 with Sr. Caroline Gan organising the sessions and we had 5 graduates in the first class, among them Matthew Teoh and Adeline Tan(Anne Mary's sister). During this period, the RPP (Renewed Parish Project) which was at that time, the Diocesan Option, was launched to organise our BEC's and parish events. One of the annual events of the parish from 1970's -1990's was the Annual Parish Outing - we used to hold picnics at different venues - Semerak beach, Bukit Keluang, Jeram Pasu, Jeram Linang, Bukit Bakar etc. 
            Fr. Francis XavierSelvarajoo was here in 1999 as assistant to Fr. Augustine Wong, the next parish priest and he managed to train members of the liturgical committee through his weekly course, LOAF. Fr. Augustine Wong (1999-2001) is remembered for his creative liturgical celebrations. He had a special devotion to Mary, and encouraged devotions and processions in honour of our Lady on feastdays.
            Fr. Nelson Joseph succeeded Fr Wong and he is remembered for banning the handphone during mass. He was also creative in his own way and single-handedly repainted the whole church(with some help from parishioners) the present hedges facing the road was planted by him.
            Fr. Michael Dass, the tall, bespectacled and soft-spoken parish priest was instrumental in further uniting the parish and helping the parish to grow. He organised the very popular Thursdays' Bingo Night - and other activities. He was a favourite of the altar boys who competed to be servers and during this period, 2003-2004. We were blessed with many active parishioners who came forward to offer their services. The Charismatic Prayer Group and the Church band was formed with new musical instruments, LCD projector and laptop donated by parishioners.
            Fr. Anthony Chong served a second term from 2005-2008. In April 2008, he went on sabbaticcal leave and Fr. Robert Daniel took over as parish administrator and in March 2009, he was installed as parish priest. The Parish Food & Funfair which aimed at further uniting the parish was successfully held on 17 July 2009. The 2nd Parish Event was a Parish Outing & Picnic at Jeram Linag Waterfalls on 11 September 2009
            This year, 2010 the parish is celebrating its 60th Anniversary. The year kicked off with monthly get-togethers to make OLFKB known to people of Kelantan. We had the Epiphany Nite, CNY celebrations and in April, Easter Fellowship organized by the Kem Desa Pahlawan.
            Physically, the exterior and interior of the Church have undergone many new renovations with new plaster ceilings and lighting, a new stainless steel gate and concrete fence, a new roof and new facade with the statue of Our Lady lighted up at night. A new altar and lectern, hewn from original tree-trunks (donated by Mr. Anthony Shum) stand proudly at the sanctuary.
            On 20 August 2010, the 60th Anniversary Gala Nite was held successfully at Grand River View Hotel bringing together over a thousand people. The celebrations culminated in a grand celebration at the Parish Feast Day on 8 October 2010 when the new Fatima Hall was officially opened by his Lordship, Bishop Antony Selvanayagam.
            Our history would not be complete without acknowledging the presence and support of our dear FMM sisters who started their convent and kindergarten in the 60's and continue their mission hand-in-hand, together with the parish of Our Lady of Fatima of the Holy Rosary, Kota Bharu.
            May God continue to bless this parish with more fervent and active members.

 

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