Official page of Minor Basilica of St. Anne. It is a Roman Catholic church located in Bukit Mertajam. The Minor Basilica of St. The church is dedicated to St.
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Anne is a Roman Catholic church located in Bukit Mertajam, a town in the state of Penang, Malaysia. It is one of the few churches in the world to be elevated to the status of a minor basilica, which is a title granted by the Pope to signify the church's importance and historical significance. Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary and the grandmother of Jesus. It was originally built in the late 19th
century by French missionaries, and has since undergone several renovations and expansions. The church is a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics in Malaysia and around the world, especially during the annual Feast of St. Anne, which takes place in July and attracts thousands of devotees. The church is also known for its unique blend of French and local architectural styles, and its beautiful stained glass windows and murals.
19/03/2026
Fidelis servus et prudens.🤍
On this Solemnity, we honor Saint Joseph—guardian of the Holy Family, model of quiet strength, and a heart wholly given to God. Cor Iosephi Purissimum ❤️‍🔥 reminds us of a love that is pure, selfless, and faithful in every moment, even in silence.
May we learn from his humility, obedience, and courage, trusting fully in God’s plan as he did.
Sancte Ioseph, ora pro nobis. ✨
Ite ad Ioseph.
18/03/2026
Join us as we celebrate the Solemnity of St Joseph ✨
Let us come together in prayer and thanksgiving.
St Joseph, guide our families.
17/03/2026
Join us this Holy Week as we journey with Christ through His passion, death, and resurrection. Here is our Mass schedule for the Paschal Triduum. Let us come together in prayer and reflection.
16/03/2026
Alpha English – Explore Life, Faith and Meaning
Alpha is a place where people can gather, share a meal or conversation, and explore life’s big questions in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Whether you are curious about Christianity, returning to church, or simply looking for a space to ask questions, Alpha is for everyone.
📅 12 April – 28 June 2026
đź—“ Every Sunday
⏰ 3.00pm – 4.30pm
đź“Ť MBSA Parish Center
📲 Register by scanning the QR code on the poster.
For enquiries:
Jim Peter – 016 4441212
Maureen – 014 6692853
Lilian – 016 4369197
Lusia – 016 4491082
Bring a friend and join us!
16/03/2026
RCIA 2nd rite of scrutiny on 14 and 15 March 2026.
14/03/2026
Bulletin updates 🙏
11/03/2026
Peace be with you.
Please refer to the schedule for the Feast of St. Anne 2026 at the Minor Basilica of St. Anne.
All are warmly invited to participate in the celebrations. 🙏
09/03/2026
Dear all, please be informed that the session originally scheduled for 10th March has been rescheduled to 12th March, as Confession will be held at the church tomorrow. Thank you for your understanding.
09/03/2026
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be held on 10th March from 8:00PM – 9:00PM at the Minor Basilica of St. Anne.
All are warmly encouraged to come and experience God's mercy and grace.
08/03/2026
RCIA rite of 1st Scrutiny on 7 & 8 March 2026.
07/03/2026
Celebrating International Women's Day during sunset mass, on 7 Mar 2026.
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Minor Basilica of St.Anne, Bukit Mertajam is a famous Roman Catholic church located in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Malaysia. It is one of the parishes in the Diocese of Penang. Its annual celebration of the feast offeast St Anne regularly attracts over 100,000 pilgrims from Malaysia as well as neighbouring countries like Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines and Australia. The celebrations last for 10 days and include the actual feast day on 26 July.
History:
The Church of St. Anne was founded in 1846. The first chapel was built on top of the hill. As soon as the Catholic population begin to increase, a new church was built. It was opened in 1888. This is the church which is now the St Anne's Shrine. It was the main church for the annual celebrations for St Anne's feast. In the 1950s, when Malaya declared an emergency, the church grounds were designated as a no-go area. It was only in 1960 that the emergency was lifted. In 1977, the church started moving back to the St. Anne's Shrine and restoration works begin, due to being abandoned for a long time. The stained glass inside and one of the three bells were recovered.
The parish moved further down the road and in 1958, the parish opened another church. This church was known as the "new church" for over 40 years and was the main centre for the parish and the feast celebrations until 2003. In these years of the feast, pilgrims had to commute between this church and St. Anne's Shrine, which is 2 km away. This grounds now occupies the Kim Sen Primary School.
The 1990s to 2000s saw a major transformation for this church. In 2002, another new church was built. This church could fit 2,200 people and is one of the largest churches in Malaysia. Work on the new St Anne's Church started in 2000 and was completed two years later. It was opened by the then Apostolic Delegate to Malaysia on 26 July 2002. This church has Minangkabau roofs, truly reflecting the Malaysian culture. Not only was a new church constructed, but an avenue named Dataran St. Anne was also constructed in front of the church. In view of turning St. Anne's Church into a pilgrim centre, Domus St Anne was also built to accommodate pilgrims who intend to stay over. A parish office, parish community centre and presbytery were also built, thus enlarging the sanctuary grounds.
In 2006, the church installed 'Statues of Passion' at a cost of RM600,000. These statues depict the stations of the cross. A grotto dedicated in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary was opened on 26 July 2008. In June 2010, a second accommodation place, St. Anne's Dorm, was opened by the then parish priest Fr Stephen Liew. Currently, the parish priest is Msgr Henry Rajoo. At present, St. Anne's Church also administers 2 chapels, namely Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows in Alma, and Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima in Berapit.
