New KL archbishop installed

KAJANG – Newly-installed archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, the Rev Msgr Julian Leow (pix), has called on the church to take a new and fresh perspective and actions that can foster not only peace and harmony but also respect and understanding for people of all faiths.

“If we, as a nation, have not reconciled our past of how we have struggled side by side to build our nation, if we do not acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of the people, we will continue to stagnate and never progress to be who we can and should be as Malaysians and remain a nation divided in herself and never stand tall.

“Malaysia needs united Malaysians in mind, heart and soul,” Leow said in his speech after his installation today.

More than 12,000 Catholics thronged the Church of the Holy Family here to witness the historic event.

Leow was appointed by the Catholic Church administration in Vatican City, Rome on July 3 following the retirement of Archbishop Emeritus Tan Sri Murphy Pakiam on Dec 6 last year, after serving for 10 years.

The episcopal ordination Mass was presided by the Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia, Archbishop Joseph S Marino.

Kuching Archbishop John Ha was the main consecrator while Pakiam and second KL Archbishop Emeritus Soter Fernandez were co-consecrators.

The ceremony was also witnessed by foreign dignitaries, representatives of the ecumenical and inter-religious councils, bishops, clergy and religious members from the region.

“My pastoral priorities will be the four Ls – the Lost, Last, Least and the Little,” Leow said, referring to those who have strayed, the migrants, voiceless, young and vulnerable people.

Leow, a native of Seremban, holds a Bachelor of Building degree from New South Wales University in Australia.

He joined the seminary in 1994 and was ordained a priest on April 20, 2002, at Church of the Visitation in Seremban.

Leow was a lecturer at the College General Major Seminary Penang and Dean of Studies until his appointment as archbishop of KL. – theSundaily