The City Parish of George Town: A Tapestry of Faith and History
In the heart of George Town, Penang, lies the vibrant City Parish, a unified Roman Catholic community formed in 1988 through the amalgamation of four significant and historic churches: the Church of the Assumption, the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, the Church of St. Francis Xavier, and the Church of St. John Britto. This consolidation created a more cohesive Catholic presence in the city. The impetus for this merger stemmed from a notable decrease in George Town’s Catholic population during the 1970s and 1980s, as many residents migrated to new housing developments on the city’s outskirts. Simultaneously, a decline in the number of priests necessitated a more streamlined administrative structure for the churches.
Each of the four constituent churches boasts a rich and distinct history.
The Church of the Assumption, established in 1786 with the arrival of Captain Francis Light, holds the distinction of being the oldest Catholic church in Penang. Its historical significance is further underscored by its former status as the Cathedral of Assumption from 1955 to 2003, serving as the seat of the Bishop of Penang. A remarkable feature of this church is its century-old pipe organ, crafted in 1914 by Morton & Moody of Oakham, England. This instrument continues to resonate during Sunday Mass and underwent an extensive six-month restoration in England in 2013.
The Church of Our Lady of Sorrows was founded in 1888 with a specific mission to serve the Chinese Catholic community. Over time, its congregation has diversified, and today, weekly masses are conducted in English, Mandarin, Tagalog, Bahasa Melayu, and occasionally Vietnamese, reflecting its inclusive spirit. Adjacent to the main church building stands a prominent 107-foot-tall bell tower, inaugurated in 1958.
The Church of St. Francis Xavier, constructed in 1857 on land generously donated by the Godfrey Family along Penang Road, bears the name of the revered St. Francis Xavier, who introduced Christianity to Malacca in the 16th century. Beyond its spiritual role, the church actively engages in numerous charitable endeavors, housing initiatives such as St. Joseph’s Orphanage, Lighthouse Bakery, and a Lighthouse-centre dedicated to supporting the poor.
The Church of St. John Britto, the most recent addition to the City Parish, was opened in 1968/69 by Monsignor IJ Aloysius along Sungai Pinang Road. It was established to cater to the growing Indian Catholic community in the area. The church is dedicated to St. John Britto, an Indian saint particularly significant to its parishioners.
In a significant recognition, the Church of the Assumption has been designated as the Pilgrimage Church for the Diocese of Penang in celebration of Jubilee 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope. Throughout the entire year, devotees are invited to visit this historic church daily for the Blessed Sacrament, confession, and Holy Mass.