The Risen Christ Catholic Church – a reminder of the Easter promise of hope and life anew
In the quiet hours of reflection, I sometimes find myself scrolling through old photos – their edges faded, smiles softened by time and among them, snapshots of life at the Risen Christ Catholic Church. If there is a Roman Catholic church in Penang that embodies the triumph of faith and the promise of new life, it is the Risen Christ Catholic Church (RCCC) in Ayer Itam. Founded in 1968, the very year I was born, this church was a steadfast presence in my life until my teenage years. Back then, my home was just a stone’s throw away, a mere 500 metres from its doors.
I grew up in Ayer Itam during the 1970s and 80s, a time when kids had friends they could run with under the sun. Before smartphones and social media, this world was tangible – shaped by family, school, friendships and for many, faith. Religious institutions played a significant role in our upbringing, offering not just spiritual guidance but also education and community support.
RCCC is a familiar presence in that area, diagonally opposite the Anglican Christ Church on the same road and just a short distance from Penang’s iconic Kek Lok Si Temple and the Arulmigu Sri Ruthra Veeramuthu Maha Mariamman Devasthanam temple. Penang has always fascinated me with its pockets where diverse houses of worship coexist harmoniously within a street – much like the famed Streets of Harmony in George Town and Butterworth.
The church's name, “Risen Christ”, carries with it profound imagery – of death transformed into hope, of despair yielding to joy. It evokes the empty tomb and the promise that from even the darkest night, dawn will come. For me, this church was not only a place of worship but a place where faith quietly took root and grew through the humble acts of its clergy.
The humble beginnings of RCCC trace back to June 1968, when Bishop Gregory Yong purchased a plot of land that included a wooden bungalow. In its garden stood a towering machang tree (Mangifera foetida), its fruit was a childhood favourite of mine – especially when dipped in rojak sauce. With minimal renovations, the modest bungalow was transformed into a simple chapel and blessed, becoming the spiritual home of the local Catholics. Its original structure, capped with traditional Chinese roof tiles, also served as living quarters for the priest. The man entrusted with shepherding this fledgling community was Father Jean Marcel Tavennec, a French missionary of the Société des Missions Étrangères de Paris (M.E.P.).
Under his guidance, RCCC began with two Sunday Masses. The church had a wind-powered pedal pump organ, which was later replaced by an electric one. Father Tavennec also initiated the establishment of a kindergarten and a study room for children who might otherwise fall behind. In 1977, his dedication extended to overseeing the construction of a new church building. Parishioners, united in faith, raised funds through donations, pledges and raffles. The completed church, blessed by Bishop Soter Fernandez on Easter Sunday in 1978, housed both the presbytery and meeting room, alongside the main church itself.
Right: My family with Father Tavennec, who is carrying baby Alvin, my youngest brother. Dad stands beside Father Tavennec, while Mum is on the far right. Also pictured are Uncle Henry, Aunty Lucy and their daughter Kathryn.
Father Tavennec’s contributions were always rooted in a deep, abiding care for his community. He became a dear friend to my family. A gentle soul, he was deeply committed to serving the poor and underprivileged. His heart was as vast as his vision.
Left: Granny with me. Right: Granny with the rest of my siblings.
When Emily Surin, my maternal grandmother, who was 84, lay on her deathbed, Father Tavennec came to our home to administer the last rites. But his care went far beyond ritual. He stayed for over four hours, praying with a compassion I had never witnessed before – nor ever again. The room was hot and still; Father Tavennec, a large man, was drenched in sweat, yet he remained steadfast, praying from midnight until dawn. His voice never wavered, as if holding her hand through every word, offering solace and strength. I did not know there were so many prayers to be said, nor how much one soul could give. The next night, on 30 January 1980, my grandmother passed away peacefully – surrounded by love in her final hours and indeed, throughout her life. A deeply God-fearing woman, orphaned and raised in a convent, her faith was her anchor. That long night of prayer must have meant everything to her – a final gift, a circle completed.
Born in Brittany, France, in 1923, Father Tavennec joined M.E.P. in 1941 and was ordained in 1948. He was first posted to Sichuan, China, but in 1951, amid the communist crackdown on religious missions, he was expelled. After a brief return to France, he came to Malaysia – a land he served for more than five decades. Fourteen of those years were spent at the Church of the Risen Christ in Penang. He passed away in 2007 in Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands and at his own request, was laid to rest in St Michael’s Cemetery in Ipoh.
In 1983, Rev. Father Peter Shyu Lien Wen took over as parish priest. He too became a dear friend to my family, joining us for "makan" when he could.
At just 15, while still in Form Three, I was entrusted with arranging flowers for the church – decorating the altar and sanctuary when it was my turn. Father Shyu believed in my fledgling artistic instincts and placed me on the rotating duty roster for floral arrangement, giving me the opportunity to explore. I was thrilled to experiment with new combinations, gradually learning that floral arrangement was more than just beauty – it was about harmony, structure, colour and texture. Inspired by Maestro Lim Beng Yam, who taught that flowers must be in conversation, I began to see each arrangement as a quiet dialogue. I attended his classes and still treasure a copy of his book. Through trial and error, I discovered the value of form, negative space, colour coordination and contrast – how even the simplest bloom could convey reverence when placed with care. But above all, it was Father Shyu who gave me that first platform to hone my skills and for that, I remain forever grateful.
But my journey with art and faith did not stop at flower arrangements. In 1984, Father Shyu had a brilliant idea – to have a life-sized painting of the Risen Lord above the church’s main porch. Measuring 4 by 8 feet, I chose a sheet of plywood as my canvas – ambitious by any measure. What was I thinking? I only 16 then. While I had painted scenic murals on the walls outside my home and at several of my friends' houses, this was a different ball game altogether – this involved the divine. What did I know of divinity back then, let alone now at 57? And yet, I drew strength from my La Salle school art teacher, Mr Ng Kok Lum, who had a gift for urging us to attempt the impossible. So, brushstroke by brushstroke, the Risen Lord took form (my version) – arms outstretched in triumph and love.
That same year in December, Father Shyu suggested: “Why not paint the nativity scene with baby Jesus in the manger – and let’s make it even bigger, say 12 by 8 feet?” I gave it my very best and Father Shyu was pleased with the outcome. Two spotlights were installed so the painting would remain visible even at night – a luminous welcome to all who passed by.
Today, Penang is world-renowned for its vibrant murals and public art. Was I, unknowingly, four decades ahead of the curve? Perhaps. But to me, it was simply an act of service, wonder and a little holy daring.
During Father Shyu’s time at the church, I also found myself helping with the weekly bulletin design. What seemed like small tasks at the time have, in hindsight, quietly shaped me into the person I am today. RCCC gave me the gift of an intuitive spirit – a constant reminder to look within and trust that I am capable of achieving the impossible. Thank God I never saw the church as merely a place to fulfil my Christian duties, to pray for what I wanted and then return home to live a completely different life.
After completing Form Six, I headed down to Kuala Lumpur to pursue my studies at the Malaysian Institute of Arts. Three years later, I graduated at the top of my class in Graphic Design and spent a few years working in the capital. Eventually, my family relocated to Bayan Baru, where we found a new church that became our spiritual home.
So when I began planning my wedding, there was only one church I could imagine returning to. It was here, on Saturday, 16 January 1999, that I stood before loved ones, as Rev. Father Nelson Chitty presided over the ceremony. Naturally, I took it upon myself to arrange the wedding flowers for the church, ensuring every bloom was placed with care. The day was not just a celebration of love, but the beginning of a new chapter in my life. By then, this sacred space had already witnessed baptisms, confirmations, weddings and burials within my family.
After a lifetime of faithful service, Father Shyu eventually returned to his hometown in China. He passed away peacefully at the age of 84 in Houma, Shanxi Province. A funeral Mass was held on 25 May 2013 at the Catholic Church in Houma City, honouring decades of his pastoral service. I will always remember him not only for his gentle guidance, but for the confidence he placed in me when I was still finding my way. His belief in my potential, lit a spark that fired my passion, continuing to guide me to this very day. Not many can say that about their parish priest – and for that, I count myself deeply blessed.
As the years went by, RCCC continued to grow – both in spirit and in structure. The church gradually acquired neighbouring properties, beginning with plots behind the building in 1988 and later, the bungalow next door in 2003. Each addition marked a step forward in its mission to serve an ever-growing community.
Among the parish priests who also left a lasting imprint was Rev. Father Augustine Wong. Under his leadership, the Fr. Tavennec Centre, a three-storey building, was constructed, alongside the current RCCC sanctuary, completed in 2010. Noteworthy was the construction of a grotto inspired by Lourdes.
Following this, the church also installed a better sound system, air conditioning for comfort and in 2010, celebrating its first-ever priestly ordination. Each improvement reflected not just the evolution of a building, but the blossoming of a vibrant and active faith community.
Father Maiccal Sinnappan, who succeeded Father Augustine, placed great emphasis on active parishioner participation. He introduced modern technologies such as large-screen TVs for visual projection during Mass, bridging tradition and technology to foster a more inclusive worship experience.
In 2017, with the arrival of the Franciscan Friars, Friar Arul Mariadass, as parish priest and Friar Oliver Tham, as assistant parish priest, ushered in a renewed focus on Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) formation. Friar Arul’s warm, pastoral sharing sessions brought Scripture to life, while Friar Oliver's devotion to liturgy and music added new dimensions to worship. During their tenure, the church also responded to a pressing need by providing proper facilities for funeral wakes, showing sensitivity and care for grieving families.
In 2023, Friar Esmond Chua took on the role of Parish Priest, succeeding Friar Arul, with Friar Crispus Mosinoh as his Assistant. Friar Esmond brought with him valuable pastoral experience from Singapore, while Friar Crispus, newly ordained in 2022, offered a youthful, refreshing perspective. Together, they continue to carry forward the Franciscan legacy, nurturing the spiritual journey of the RCCC community.
As I sit and partake in mass at RCCC, I can quietly hear the whisper of Easter’s promise – that hope springs eternal. Can you hear it too?
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Risen Christ Catholic Church
60A, Jalan Ayer Itam, 11500 Penang
T: +604-828 1025
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Written and photographed by Adrian Cheah
© All Rights Reserved
15 April 2025