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Church Of Our Lady Of Lourdes - Part 03 - The First Resident Priests And The Floods

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Subject :Church of Our Lady of Lourdes - Part 03 - The First Resident Priests And The Floods
Published By : None 
Location : Silibin Road, Ipoh
Estimated Year : 1907
Media Type : Photograph
Source : Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Ipoh
Remark :

The Church now had a dire need for a resident priest. The following year (1906), Reverend Father Sausseau was appointed as the first resident priest of the church. But, there was no house for the priest to stay near the church. So, Father Sausseau had to stay at the St Michael’s Church and travel daily for Mass. After three years of hard work and sacrifice, Father Sausseau managed to build himself a house, near the church.

Before the purchase of this piece of land, no one had mentioned to the priest that the land was flood prone. Till 1911, there was never a year without one or two minor floods. The worst of these floods were in 1907 and in 1913. The first flood was on Friday in November 1907, when the flood water reached the steps of the church and the house. In January 1913, a second dreadful flood hit the church causing much anguish to both parishioners and priest. Parishioners had to be evacuated from the church with the help of three to four rickshaws. Father Sausseau himself was forced into his armchair and carried to his house.

Around 1909, Father Sausseau returned to France for treatment of stomach cancer. During his absence, Father Noel J Deredec took care of the parish. But when Father Sausseau returned, he was posted to Penang and Father Deredec was confirmed as parish priest of the church. Father Deredec was much admired by the youths of the parish. They were his constant companions, always around the parochial house. Rev. Father Joseph Archand (MEP) assisted Father Deredec.

Father John Edmund who succeeded Father Deredec in 1931, was the first Tamil priest of the church. The present parochial house was built during his tenure. He was also popular with the youths of the parish, helping them with their problems. In 1935, Father Edmund was transferred to Teluk Anson and Father Finian De Silva succeeded him, followed by Father Anthony Dass in 1949.

From left to right the photos show:

  • The first Parish Priest Rev. Father Marie Henrie Sausseau (MEP), who served the church at Silibin from 1905 to 1920.

  • Rev. Fatherr Noel Joseph Deredec (MEP) who served as assistant to Father Sausseau from 1905 to 1920 and as the second Parish Priest 1921 to 1930.

  • The 1913 floods in the church grounds.
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    NOTE: Both the above photographs were taken during the priests' younger days, and were provided to the church by the Archives of the Paris Foreign Missionaries (MEP).

    To go to Part 04, click here.

    Filename : 20120205-003