By Evelyn Jock
Every year, on the 15 August, and in conjunction with the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Mary’s Cathedral Parish will host a Parish feast day. It starts with a 9-day novena, rosary rally and mass and on the feast day itself, the celebration starts with a procession and crowning of the statue of our Lady at the grotto. On the morning of the Feast Day, the parish will unite the parishioners for a fellowship and concert by various communities.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world globally since 2020 and as infections in Sabah continues to rise; the liturgical celebration of the parish was also suspended. The parish could only reach out to its parishioners through virtual mass.
This year, from 6 August 2021 to 14 August 2021, the Parish dedicated and integrated a 9-day novena to St Joseph, foster father of Jesus and spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On 14 August 2021, a rosary rally started from 7.00 am to 3.00 pm involving the priests, religious and all the various ministries of the parish. The rosary rally was carried out in every home culminating with the virtual Eucharistic celebration on the Assumption of Mary at 6:00 pm.
In conjunction with the St Mary’s Cathedral Parish Feast Day, the parish also organised its very first Food Bank which was spearheaded by the Parish Pastoral Council. The parish remembers the many Catholic families, single parents, the impaired, the weak, the needy and the elderly who are economically impacted by the pandemic.
Parishioners were pleased that the Parish has organised a Food Bank and many came up to donate food. There were also the generous people who contributed in kind through online banking. These were the Catholic and also non Catholic individuals, families of parishioners from Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur and Sandakan who were supportive of the Food Bank.
The distribution of the food basket is jointly handled by the Parish Pastoral Council, BEC Leaders and individuals (volunteers). The distribution was carried out with strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures such as physical distancing, wearing of masks and hand sanitizers. The many recipients of the food baskets were filled with joy upon seeing a priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Esguerra amongst those delivering the food. They were also evangelised with the good news of the Gospel and prayers, and blessings from Fr. Stephen.
Happy 138th St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish Feast Day!