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In 1846, a French missionary named Adolphe Couellan climbed a hill two kilometers from the town of Bukit Mertajam and built a small chapel for the Chinese and Indian Catholic migrants working the farms and orchards below. He dedicated it to St. Anne, grandmother of Jesus. Today that hilltop chapel has grown into Southeast Asia's largest pilgrimage to the saint, drawing half a million faithful each July to Malaysia's only Minor Basilica. The Minor Basilica of St. Anne in Bukit Mertajam stands as a remarkable testament to Malaysia's multicultural Catholicism. Masses are celebrated in four languages - English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Tamil - reflecting the diverse communities that have venerated St. Anne here for nearly two centuries. Pope Francis elevated the church to Minor Basilica status in 2019, making it the only basilica in Malaysia and one of just twenty-six in all of Southeast Asia.
ð History & Spiritual Significance
The origins of St. Anne's Sanctuary trace to 1833, when Chinese and Indian migrant workers arrived from Batu Kawan, where the ruined Church of St. John the Baptist still stands. By 1840, some 190 Chinese Catholics had settled at the foothills of Bukit Mertajam. French missionaries from the Paris Foreign Missions Society traveled from Batu Kawan to minister to them, and Fr. Adolphe Couellan MEP soon recognized the need for a permanent chapel. The foundation stone of that first chapel, laid atop St. Anne's Hill, can still be seen at its original site. The earliest baptismal records date to 1846, marking the official establishment of the parish. As the Catholic population grew, Fr. Maistre MEP built a larger chapel in 1865. Four years later, Fr. Allard MEP became the first resident parish priest. The transformation came under Fr. F. P. Sorin MEP, who arrived in 1883 and served for fifteen years. In 1888, he constructed the church that still stands today, now revered as the Shrine of Harmony. Fr. Sorin died on the feast of St. Anne, July 26, 1907, and was buried in the main aisle of the church he built - a fitting resting place for the priest who established the pilgrimage tradition. The present basilica, capable of seating 2,200 worshippers, was completed in 2002 and features distinctive Minangkabau roofs reflecting Malaysian architectural heritage. On September 5, 2019, the Congregation for Divine Worship granted the title of Minor Basilica by decree of Pope Francis. The official proclamation ceremony, delayed by the pandemic, was celebrated in January 2023 with Cardinal William Goh of Singapore presiding.
âĐ Pilgrimage Sites in Bukit Mertajam
Minor Basilica of St. Anne
New Church
The modern basilica completed in 2002 dominates the sanctuary complex with its striking Minangkabau-style roof, a distinctively Malaysian architectural form. The vast interior accommodates 2,200 worshippers and features contemporary sacred art blending Asian and Western traditions. Three symbols identify its basilica status: the ombrellino (a silk canopy in papal yellow and red), the tintinnabulum (a processional bell), and the papal crossed keys representing communion with Rome.
Address Jalan Kulim, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang GPS 5.3526054, 100.4772744
Map Google Maps Web minorbasilicastannebm.com
Shrine of Harmony
Old Church The 1888 church built by Fr. Sorin MEP stands preserved within the sanctuary grounds, lovingly called the Old Church by parishioners. Its simple colonial architecture and intimate scale evoke the devotion of earlier generations. Fr. Sorin himself lies buried in the main aisle, having died on St. Anne's feast day in 1907. The shrine's name reflects its role in uniting Malaysia's diverse Catholic communities - Chinese, Indian, and Malay - in shared devotion to St. Anne.
Original Chapel Site
St. Anne's Hill The foundation stone and cornerstone of Fr. Couellan's 1846 chapel remain visible at the original hilltop site, two kilometers from the town center. Pilgrims climb to this peaceful spot to honor the humble beginnings of the sanctuary and pray where the first Catholics of Bukit Mertajam gathered nearly two centuries ago.
Holy Door of Mercy
Installed during the Jubilee Year of Mercy (2015-2016), the Holy Door offers pilgrims an opportunity to gain indulgences and experience God's mercy through this ancient tradition. The door remains a focal point for pilgrims seeking reconciliation and spiritual renewal.
ðŊïļ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
St. Anne's Novena and Feast - July 18-27
The ten-day celebration ranks among the twenty largest Catholic pilgrimages in the world, drawing over 500,000 pilgrims from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Australia. The nine-day novena begins July 18, building toward the feast of St. Anne on July 26. Masses are celebrated in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Tamil throughout the festivities, reflecting the shrine's multicultural heritage.
Candlelight Procession - Day 9
The climax of the novena is the spectacular 1.6-kilometer candlelight procession on the ninth night, beginning at 7 PM from Gate 3. Tens of thousands of pilgrims carrying candles process through Jalan Kulim, Jalan Kampung Baru, and Jalan Berjaya before returning to Gate 1 around 11 PM. The 45-minute procession creates a river of light through the streets of Bukit Mertajam.
Year-Round Pilgrimage
The Penang state government has designated the Minor Basilica an official tourist attraction. Pilgrims visit throughout the year for daily Masses, confession, and prayer. The basilica is open from 6 AM to 9 PM daily, with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament available during designated hours.
ðïļ Where to Stay
Domus St Anne (pilgrim hostel) - Parish-run accommodation within walking distance of the basilica, ideal for pilgrims attending the annual novena. Simple, clean rooms with a spiritual atmosphere. Google Maps Summit Hotel Bukit Mertajam - Connected to Summit Bukit Mertajam shopping complex with outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi. Ten-minute drive to the basilica. Reserve this hotel My Hotel Bukit Mertajam - Budget-friendly option near the basilica with free parking and WiFi. Convenient for pilgrims attending early morning Masses. Reserve this hotel Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai - International-standard IHG property in nearby Prai with full amenities. Twenty-minute drive to the basilica. Reserve this hotel
ð Getting There
Bukit Mertajam lies on the mainland of Penang state, across the strait from Georgetown on Penang Island. The basilica is located on Jalan Kulim, about two kilometers from the town center. By Air: Penang International Airport (PEN) is approximately 50 minutes by taxi (MYR 80-100). Alternatively, take bus 401E or 102 to Georgetown Komtar terminal, then bus CT14 to Bukit Mertajam (2+ hours, around MYR 5). By Train: ETS (Electric Train Service) connects Bukit Mertajam Railway Station to Kuala Lumpur Sentral (4 hours) and other major Malaysian cities. The station is centrally located in town. By Bus: Rapid Penang buses 701 and 702 connect from Penang Sentral (Butterworth). Buses 107 and 709 stop at Gereja St Anne, a two-minute walk from the basilica. By Car: From Georgetown, cross the Penang Bridge (13 km) and follow signs to Bukit Mertajam via the North-South Expressway. From Kuala Lumpur, take the North-South Expressway north (350 km, 4 hours). Parking available at the basilica.
ð Further Reading
Books: Jason, Ronald. The Life of St. Anne - A comprehensive biography of the grandmother of Jesus, exploring her life, virtues, and enduring devotion.
ð Useful Links
Minor Basilica of St. Anne - Official basilica website with Mass schedules, history, and feast day information. Diocese of Penang - Official website of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Penang. Penang Tourism - Official Penang state to12 nurism portal with visitor information.
ð§ Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Church of the Assumption, Georgetown (20 km) - The oldest Catholic church in Penang, established in 1786, located in the UNESCO World Heritage zone of Georgetown. The beautiful colonial church continues to serve the Catholic community of Penang Island. Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Balik Pulau (45 km) - Historic church on the western side of Penang Island, serving the rural Catholic community since the 19th century. Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, Singapore (350 km) - The oldest Catholic church in Singapore, established in 1853. Many Singaporean pilgrims who visit Bukit Mertajam also venerate Our Lady at this historic church.
ðŠķ Closing Reflection
"The title of Minor Basilica creates a special bond of communion with the Pope and the Universal Church, calling the faithful to a deeper life of prayer and devotion."