By Evelyn Jock.
Established in 1883, St. Mary’s Cathedral, proudly known as the mother church of the Diocese of Sandakan, celebrates its 142nd anniversary this year. As the oldest church in Sandakan, it began as a modest structure guided by a clear vision and mission. Over the decades, it has grown into a spiritually vibrant community deeply rooted in discipleship and unity.
To mark this significant milestone, a bilingual Thanksgiving Mass in Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin was celebrated on 17 August 2025 at 8:00 a.m. in the Cathedral. Bishop Julius D. Gitom, presided over the mass with concelebrants Rev. Fr. David A. Garaman and Rev. Fr. Mitchelly Kiun.
Fr. David reflected on the theme of synodality, highlighting the Church’s call for its members to walk together in faith and be united as one Church. This year’s celebration also holds meaning for it coincides with the Jubilee Year: Pilgrims of Hope. The Jubilee invites the faithful to participate actively in the life of the Church and to journey forward with renewed hope as witnesses of God’s love. The chosen theme, “The Joy of Love,” serves as a reminder that the joy we experience within our families should radiate outward, bringing love and unity to one another. Fr. David also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the Parish Day celebrations, from the 9-day Rosary Novena leading up to the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, culminating in the anniversary Mass.
Rt. Rev. Bishop Julius Gitom also shared a reflection on the anniversary’s theme and affirmed the core message: The Joy of Love. He remind the faithful that genuine joy and love are divine gifts from God, given freely to all. As a community, we are called to continuously give thanks to God, not only for the many blessings but also for the struggles and challenges faced over the past 142 years. It is through these very challenges that the Church has encountered and experienced God’s abiding love. Bishop Julius encouraged the faithful to rejoice in this love and to carry forward the mission begun by our forefathers, continuing to build a Church rooted in faith, hope, and love.
Collection of used cooking oil.
Following the mass, the celebration continued at the parish hall, marked by the traditional three beats of the gong-a symbolic start to the festivities. The hall came alive with vibrant activities as various stalls were set up, offering an array of local food, homemade crafts, religious books, and more. The joyful atmosphere was further enriched by stage performances, including uplifting songs by the Catholic Teachers Guild, and dance presentations by a group of children. The Parish Creation and Justice Ministry also played an active role in the event, promoting environmental awareness through a range of creative and interactive activities. These included recycling projects, puzzle games, a colouring competition for children, and a hands-on workshop on making eco-bags from used t-shirts, combining fun with meaningful action of the planet. The ministry also presented the parish with biodiversity posters to be displayed in the parish hall.
The event was a true reflection of the unity, joy, and love shared within the Catholic family, a celebration of faith, culture, and community, built on 142 years of grace and growth.