SOCCOM Hazzel Kong & Evelyn Jock
The restoration of St Joseph’s Church, Sandakan was lengthier than planned due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The transformation upon its completion, however, is amazing. The complete restoration of the church which comes with a Catechetical Hall, was celebrated on a Sunday, 19 December 2021, with a Mass of Rededication of the Altar and Church by His Lordship Rt. Reverend Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Sandakan, who is also the patron of the Building Project. Bishop Julius was assisted by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. David A. Garaman and Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Esguerra.
St Joseph’s Church was built in 1971 and has undergone minor repairs and maintenance through the years. After half a century, the church was due for a complete makeover. The completed church has a new and fresh look about it both interior and exterior, and the first church in the Sandakan Diocese to be fully air conditioned. The church now has new timber pews, marble altar, tabernacle, lighting, sound system, and a chapel. This makeover was made possible by the support in kind of all the faithful of the St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish and well wishers, non Catholics and Catholics from the local community.
The Rite of Dedication of the Altar and Church is considered among the most solemn liturgical services. The Rededication Mass started at 4pm in the afternoon of 19 December 2021, with the unveiling of the Dedication Plague at the front of the church.
This was followed with the handing over of the keys to St. Joseph’s Church by the contractor, Mr Ang Chun Hock of Richfield Properties Sdn Bhd and Chairman of the St. Joseph’s Church Upgrading and Extension Project, Mr Isaac Pang.
In his homily, Bishop Julius stated that it was a day made by the Lord, a day of rejoicing and thanksgiving as we rededicate St. Joseph’s Church. We are reminded of the important role of St. Joseph, chosen by God himself to be the protector of Jesus, Son of God and Mary, the Mother of our Lord. Bishop Julius reminded that we put St Joseph at the periphery of our faith and very rarely do we mention St. Joseph in our prayer. This new church depicts the stature of St Joseph, who can really give and provide for the Holy Family of Nazareth. We are also thankful to St Joseph that he continues to be the protector of his people.
Bishop Julius mentioned that 2 years ago, St. Joseph’s church was an old unrecognisable crumbling building. He cannot help but wonder, that the new church really stands out, looking from outside. It symbolises the image of St Joseph, God’s presence in the midst of everything around us and that it also symbolises God as Emmanuel, God is with us. It is here in this church, that we can experience Jesus’ holy presence in the celebration of the Eucharist, and that our faith continues to be nourished by his body in holy communion. It is in this church that we continue to be inspired by the word of God and in turn we can say thanks be to God.
Bishop reminded all that it is a challenge, the same challenge that St Joseph received from God at the beginning of his mission when he said yes to God just as Mary said yes to God and faithfully hold on to that mission that God has given him. We are challenged to imitate the faith of St. Joseph, to bring his presence to the world, to our family and to our community. No matter the obstacle we face, our mission is to bring God’s love, peace and hope to our world today remain incumbent to us. And we rely on the power of God, the power of the Holy Spirit in order for us to fulfil the mission given to us.
The Rededication Mass began with the sprinkling rite, which reminds the faithful of their baptism and a symbol of the cleansing of the church walls and altar.
Following the Litany of the Saints where we ask the saints to support our prayers to God, was the Rite of anointing of the Altar and the Church to make them holy, visible signs of the mystery of Christ and his Church. Bishop Julius poured chrism oil onto the altar and rubbed it and he then anointed the walls of the church with oil.
This was followed with the Rite of Incensation of the Altar and the Church whereby a brazier was placed on the altar in which incense, symbolizing reverence, was burned. Incense is burned on the altar to signify that Our Lord’s sacrifice ascends to God as an odour of sweetness, and also to signify the people’s prayers rising up, pleasing and acceptable as they reach the Throne of God. Bishop Julius incenses the altar and the crucifix as Fr. David and Fr. Stephen then incenses the people and the walls.
After the incensation, the religious sisters wiped the table of the altar and the altar was then vested in white cloth and arranged in a suitable manner for the celebration of Mass. A candle was lit to represent the light of Christ. A candle would be lit in the church to keep Christ’s presence in our hearts and the world. After all the initial rites were performed, the Liturgy of the Eucharist started.
After Holy Communion, the Blessed Sacrament was placed in the Tabernacle and the Sanctuary lamp lit. For as long as the Blessed Sacrament is placed there, a lamp is lighted up to indicate and honour the Real Presence of Our Eucharistic Lord.
The success of Rededication of the Mass of St. Joseph was made possible with the unfailing support of the members of the building committee and the many volunteers of the church who help to make the church to what it is today. The Rededication Mass was also broadcasted live to all parishioners who were unable to participate. It is with great hope and anticipation that the parishioners of the St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish continue to build up the church as a community of believers and living witnesses of the faith. May the people be guided by the unseen hand of the Lord and move forward to achieving the Diocesan vision in becoming a Christ centered community serving one another with love.