Prepared by Pilis Malim
In the heart of the Diocese of Sandakan, the sacred journey of 121 pilgrims unfolded over the 14th and 15th of March, 2025, as they gathered in the serene embrace of St. Mary’s Cathedral. Coming from the diverse regions of Inanam, Penampang, Tuaran, Terawi, Manggatal, and Telipok, they embarked on a shared pilgrimage, bound by faith and the promise of hope. Their journey was not just a physical one, but a spiritual odyssey that connected them to the sacred history and profound peace of this pilgrimage centre.
The pilgrims arrived at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 3:30 PM, their hearts already filled with reverence and anticipation. As the sun began its descent, they participated in the Station of the Cross prayer at 5:30 PM, feeling the weight of each step echo through the cathedral’s hallowed halls. This moment marked the beginning of their pilgrimage, a time for reflection, prayer, and unity.
The following morning, the pilgrims were warmly welcomed at the Parish Centre. The Parish Pilgrimage Ministry, in collaboration with the Marian Mount Volunteers, greeted them with open arms, fostering a deep sense of community and devotion. With hearts open to the Divine, the pilgrims began their spiritual journey with a prayerful procession, starting at the front of the cathedral. One by one, they moved through each station of the Cross, reflecting on Christ’s sacrifice, until they reached the 14th and final station near the historical Japanese bunker, a solemn reminder of the trials of the past.
The journey continued with the Rosary Prayer, a sacred devotion that led them along the Marian Rosary Corridor. This path, winding through the untouched beauty of a pristine jungle, climbed up a steep incline, leading them to the summit. As they made their way through the sacred journey, between stations 3 and 4, the pilgrims found themselves at a quiet spring, where a statue of Mother Mary stood in serene grace. Here, they paused their Rosary prayer to offer a moment of adoration.
The peaceful setting, surrounded by nature’s quiet beauty, created an intimate space for personal reflection and devotion. With hearts lifted in reverence, they took time to honor Mary, the mother of Christ, seeking her intercession and guidance as they continued their pilgrimage.
The pilgrimage continued with the Rosary Prayer through the untouched beauty of a pristine jungle, climbed up a steep incline, leading them to the summit where the fifth Rosary station awaited. The pilgrims, undeterred by the challenging ascent, found solace in the rhythm of their prayers, each Hail Mary weaving them closer to the divine.
At the summit, the pilgrims reached the open chapel, perched at the very edge of a cliff, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Sandakan Bay. The sight was nothing short of awe-inspiring, a testament to the grandeur of God’s creation. Here, amidst the natural beauty and the stillness of the sacred space, the pilgrims completed their Rosary devotion, feeling a deep sense of peace and connection.
On their way back down, the pilgrims took a moment to honor the lives and legacies of those who had laid the spiritual foundation for the diocese. They paused to pay homage at the tombs of the pioneering priest, Rev. Fr. De Witt, and the Franciscan Nuns, nestled quietly behind the Father Mulder Centre. In this sacred space, they were reminded of the enduring faith that had brought them all together.
By noon, the pilgrimage came to a close, but its significance lingered. The 121 pilgrims departed, their hearts full of grace and their spirits uplifted, carrying with them the light of hope that had guided them through this sacred journey. The Pilgrims of Hope had found a renewed sense of faith, and the pilgrimage to St. Mary’s Cathedral had become a beacon of spiritual renewal, a testament to the enduring power of hope and devotion.