The statue of Our Lady of the Jubilee, designed by Rev Father Michael Cheah, beautifully reflects the harmony between Catholic faith and Malaysian culture. Commissioned for the Jubilee Year of 2000 in the Penang Diocese and first launched in 1999, this meaningful image continues to inspire the faithful today.

The Blessed Virgin Mary is depicted in a Baju Kebaya now widely recognised in Malaysia for its cultural and heritage significance, while the Child Jesus stands before her in a Baju Melayu. Together, they express how the local Church lives out its identity as truly Malaysian.

Mary is shown presenting Jesus to the world, echoing her call: “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5). Her kebaya is adorned with ten hibiscus flowers, symbolising the Ten Commandments and our call to love God and neighbour. The three kerongsang (broches) represent the Holy Trinity, while her white shawl signifies purity.

The Child Jesus holds a globe with a cross, reminding us that He is Lord over all and brings salvation through His sacrifice. His white attire represents holiness, and his sampin reflects faithfulness to the Father.

This meaningful image invites us to recognise Christ within our own culture and to live our faith with love, unity, and devotion.

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Footnote:
The kebaya was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on 4 December 2024, through a joint nomination by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Celebrated for its intricate embroidery and deep cultural significance across Southeast Asia, it is recognised as a shared heritage of the region rather than belonging to a single nation.