Photo blog: Cultural twist to CNY service

The Chinese New Year Mass in the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Penang held a special twist as an ancestral table was set up beside the main altar. The ancestral tablet was placed on the table for the people to honour their ancestors. They do this by offering red candles, joss-sticks, fruits, flowers, tea – all of which held symbolic significance.

Oranges were blessed and given to all who attended the Mass, while ang pow (red packet) were given to children. A lion dance performance ensued in the church hall, after the Mass.