Church of the Holy Name of Mary
Church of the Holy Name of Mary (GPS: 5.29458, 100.47979) is the Catholic parish church serving the community of Permatang Tinggi on mainland Penang. The church is located along Lorong Permatang Tinggi Indah I, facing Federal Route 1 (known here as Jalan Permatang Tinggi.)
The parish traces its roots to the 19th century, though it is not certain when exactly this parish was established. The earliest records show that baptism was performed here, according to the Matang Tinggi register, on 10 September, 1893. Therefore, the parish must have been established before that date, and could be as early as the 1840s, when Chinese farmers of the Catholic faith relocated from the Batu Kawan area14.
Location & setting
The church campus sits in the Permatang Tinggi township on the mainland, with convenient access to Federal Route 1 and the Bukit Tambun/Juru corridors. The parish’s official listing gives the postal address as Jalan Besar, Permatang Tinggi, 14000 Bukit Mertajam. Locally, many also refer to the immediate approach roads around “Jalan Gereja / Church Road.” Either way, it is embedded in a mixed Chinese–Indian–Malay neighborhood with kopitiams, grocers and low-rise housing spread around the site. 1
Brief history
19th century origins (1893): Parish records and diocesan directories indicate that a Catholic presence at Permatang Tinggi was established in 1893, initially served by missionary clergy working the estates and kampungs of southern Seberang Perai. 1,3
Brick church of 1928: The community’s first substantial brick church was built under Fr Michael Seet and opened on 1 November 1928, replacing earlier, simpler structures that had served the faithful. The 1928 building became the beloved landmark for generations of parishioners. 4,2
Growth and renewal: Over the decades the parish produced many vocations and lay leaders, and by the early 21st century the congregation had outgrown the 1928 church. Ground was broken for a new, larger church complex in 2022. 2
New church dedicated (2024): In late 2024, the new Church of the Holy Name of Mary was solemnly dedicated, providing a brighter, roomier sanctuary and upgraded parish facilities while preserving the historical memory of the 1928 church. 5,6
Pilgrim church for 2025: For the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, the diocese named Holy Name of Mary a Pilgrim Church, welcoming groups for prayer and spiritual activities. 7
Architecture & features
The 1928 church (still part of the parish’s story) reflected the straightforward lines of early-20th-century mission churches—brick walls, high ceilings, and a modest façade. The newly dedicated church emphasizes capacity, daylight and congregational sightlines; parish media and reports describe a fresh, tent-like roof volume over a wide nave, designed to host large liturgies and feast-day crowds. 5,6
- Sanctuary & nave: Larger sanctuary platform and wider nave aisles to accommodate processions and ministries. 5
- Parish facilities: Offices, catechism rooms and gathering areas support multi-lingual parish life (English, Tamil, Mandarin/Malay). 8
- Pilgrimage support: As a 2025 pilgrim site, groups may arrange simple meals via the parish office. 7
Parish life
Holy Name of Mary serves a diverse congregation of Chinese, Indian, Sabahan and Sarawakian Catholics, plus migrant workers from around Southeast Asia. The parish shares updates via Facebook and other channels, with contact handled through the parish office in Permatang Tinggi. 8,9
Visiting & access
By road: Drivers approach from Federal Route 1 (Jalan Permatang Tinggi), the PLUS Highway (Juru/Sungai Bakap exits), and the Bukit Tambun corridor. The church is roughly 10–20 minutes by car from Bukit Mertajam town centre and the Simpang Ampat area, depending on traffic. 1
By rail & bus: The nearest KTM Komuter stop is Simpang Ampat, with frequent links to Bukit Mertajam and Butterworth/Penang Sentral; from the station, a short e-hailing or taxi ride brings you to the church. Rapid Penang routes operate along the Simpang Ampat–Bukit Mertajam corridor; check live trackers/timetables ahead of your visit. 10
Chapels under the Church of the Holy Name of Mary
The Church of the Holy Name of Mary also administers the Chapel of St Paul the Hermit in Valdor Estate, Chapel of St Anne in Valdor village, Chapel of St Joseph in Juru village, Chapel of St Mary Magdalene, and Chapel of Diving Mercy, both in Permatang Tinggi.
Nearby places of interest
- Minor Basilica of St. Anne, Bukit Mertajam — Malaysia’s best-known Catholic pilgrimage site with the 1888 “Old Church” and modern basilica (2002). Annual Feast of St. Anne in July draws tens of thousands. 11
- Auto-City Juru — lively evening dining/events complex popular with families and youth. 12
- Design Village Outlet Mall, Batu Kawan — Penang’s outdoor outlet mall near the Second Bridge. 13
Practical information
- Official address & contacts: Jalan Besar, Permatang Tinggi, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang. Tel: +604-588 7799. Email: holynameofmarypt@gmail.com. 1
- Office hours: Typical parish office hours are Tuesday–Friday (daytime) and weekends (shorter hours); verify before visiting. 8
- Pilgrim church (2025): Groups may pre-arrange simple meals through the parish office during visits. 7
Why it matters
Holy Name of Mary tells a quintessential Seberang Perai story: estate-era mission roots, a 1928 brick church that nurtured generations, and a renewed, contemporary sanctuary dedicated in 2024 for a growing, multi-lingual flock. For travelers exploring mainland Penang from Bukit Mertajam to Simpang Ampat, it offers a slice of living heritage—and a warm welcome to pause, pray and look around. 2,5
Quick Facts
Name: Church of the Holy Name of Mary (Gereja Nama Kudus Maria)
Location: Permatang Tinggi, Seberang Perai (postal address: Jalan Besar)
Founded: 1893; brick church opened 1 Nov 1928; new church dedicated 2024
Status (2025): Pilgrim Church for the Jubilee Year of Hope
Nearest hubs: Bukit Mertajam town; Simpang Ampat KTM station
Good to know: Contact the parish office to confirm office hours, mass times, and group visit arrangements
References
- Diocese of Penang – Church of the Holy Name of Mary (address, founded year)
- Herald Malaysia – Ground-breaking for new church (history overview)
- UCA News directory – Church of the Holy Name of Mary (established 1893)
- Parish site – “Our History” (1928 opening, Fr Michael Seet)
- Herald Malaysia – Dedication of the new church (2024)
- Facebook post – Dedication highlight of new church (2024)
- Diocese of Penang – Pilgrim Church for Jubilee Year of Hope 2025
- Parish homepage – community profile & updates
- Parish Facebook page – news & activities
- Moovit – Penang public bus route references (BM–Simpang Ampat corridor)
- Minor Basilica of St. Anne – history & pilgrimage context
- Auto-City Juru – about
- Design Village Outlet Mall – facts
- History of the Church, and Churches in Malaysia and Singapore (1511-2000), page 60.
Church of the Holy Name of Mary is 
on the Map of Where
Church of the Holy Name of Mary (22 August 2015)
Church of the Holy Name of Mary (22 August 2015)
Interior of the Church of the Holy Name of Mary (22 August 2015)
Page Details
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