By Evelyn Jock
SANDAKAN, Sabah – St. Mary Cathedral Parish, Sandakan, began its two-day Parish Feast Day celebration on 15 August, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, bringing together parishioners of all ages, backgrounds and cultures under the theme “143 Years of Faith, One Family, One Mission.”
The celebration of the parish day was given an energetic beginning with the parish’s first ever 5km fun run, attracting over 500 registered participants ranging from teenagers to those 50 and above. Some were experienced runners. Others came simply to walk, laugh, spend time with their families and be part of something new. There were also parishioners whom many never expected to see participating. The Fun Run became a visible expression of what the parish theme meant: people who might not normally meet were suddenly walking and running together as one family. It was not about who finished first. It was about coming together, reconnecting and getting to know one another more deeply.
The annual celebration of the Assumption has long been an important tradition at St. Mary Cathedral. It is preceded by a 9-days Rosary Novena from 6 to 14 August, followed with Mass and fellowship. Year after year, the novena has become an opportunity for the faithful to gather in prayer, deepen their devotion to Mary and renew their commitment to Christ.
At the heart of this year’s celebration was the statue of Our Lady, which is traditionally brought down from the Marian grotto for the Assumption feast. For the parish community, the statue is more than a beautiful devotion. Mary stands as a maternal presence and spiritual companion, reminding the people of St. Mary Cathedral of her constant intercession and care throughout the parish’s 143-year journey. The pedestal of the statue was beautifully decorated with flowers contributed by parishioners as an expression of their love and devotion to Mary. The Cathedral itself was also adorned beautifully for the occasion, creating a joyful and prayerful atmosphere for the celebration.
This year, however, brought a special difference. Instead of the crowning taking place at another place outside the church, the Crowning of Mary was held at the frontage of St. Mary Cathedral, allowing the wider parish community to participate visibly in this beautiful expression of Marian devotion. After the crowning, the statue was carried into the Cathedral as the faithful rejoiced and celebrated the Assumption of Mary with hearts united in prayer and thanksgiving.
In his reflection, Rt. Rev. Bishop Julius D. Gitom reminded the faithful of the profound meaning of the Assumption. Mary, preserved from corruption by the grace of God and assumed into heaven, has been appointed Queen of Heaven. The crowning with flowers, he said, expresses the love and devotion of the people towards their heavenly Mother.
Bishop Julius also reflected on Mary’s place in the life of St. Mary Cathedral. As the parish’s patroness, Mary has accompanied, guided and interceded for the community throughout its 143 years of faith. Mary is a figure of devotion leading the community closer to her Son.
He said the parish theme, “143 Years of Faith, One Family, One Mission,” was therefore more than a commemorative slogan. It was a renewed pledge to continue the mission begun by the generations who came before them and to hand on the faith to generations yet to come. In the spirit of a synodal Church, the parish is called to journey together, listen to one another, serve one another and participate together in the mission of Christ. Mary becomes a model for this journey. Just as she responded with a generous “Yes” to God, the faithful are invited to renew their own “yes”to God, to the Church and to those in need. That “yes” must also become a life of compassion and charity, especially towards those who are struggling, vulnerable or in need. The celebration of the Assumption is therefore not only about honouring Mary, but about allowing her example to lead the faithful closer to Christ and to a deeper commitment to serve others.
A particularly meaningful visual reminder situated beside the sanctuary, together with the statue of Mary, is the Perjalanan Salib which will make its final journey to the Malaysia Pastoral Convention in September in Sibu, Sarawak, Together, they speak powerfully of the Christian journey: Mary who remained faithful to God and stood close to the suffering of her Son, and Christ who embraced the Cross for the salvation of humanity. The faithful were reminded that, amid difficulties, anxieties and uncertainties, Christians are called to remain at the foot of the Cross with courage and hope, trusting in the promises of God. This hope is renewed at every celebration of the Eucharist, where Christ gives Himself to His people and strengthens them to remain faithful.
Reflecting on the 143 years of the parish during the bi-lingual thanksgiving mass in Malay and Chinese on 16 August Monsignor David A. Garaman, Parish Priest of St. Mary Cathedral, called the parishioners not only to thank God for the 143 years of faith but also to give thanks for the loyalty, perseverance and unity of the people who come from different races and cultures. He encouraged the people to look towards the future with hope as one family and one mission in the spirit of synodality, guided by Mother Mary. He expressed the hope that St. Mary Cathedral would continue to be a home where people find Jesus. He also thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the Assumption and Parish Day celebration, the organisers, volunteers, contributors, ministries and the many volunteers who worked quietly behind the scenes. Their service and commitment made the celebration possible.
The celebration brought in countless parishioners coming together. The beating of the traditional gong seven times signalled the start of the whole celebration. Then there was the cutting of the anniversary cake, followed with stage performance, lucky draw tickets, exhibition by the Parish Creation Justice Ministry. This year also provided an opportunity to acknowledge parishioners aged 80 and above, men and women who have witnessed many chapters of the Cathedral’s history and are part of the living story of the parish. Aside from the many food stalls, was the presence of four cultural camps representing major communities within the parish, namely Chinese, Kadazan-Dusun, Indonesian and Filipinos. Each camp proudly presented its traditional costumes, instrument, music, dance, food and cultural heritage. The Indonesian community introduced the different ethnic group namely, Toraja, Ende, Adonara, Larantuka and Maumere in their distinctive and colourful costumes. Bishop Julius, priests, religious and other parishioners moved from one camp to another, learning, tasting, watching and sharing in the richness of the different cultures.
As St. Mary Cathedral marked 143 years of faith, the celebration on 15 and 16 August became more than a feast. It was a gathering of generations, cultures and communities — a parish learning once again to warm up to one another, to celebrate together and to recognise that, despite their differences, they belong to one family with a mission.
With Mary leading the people closer to her Son, may the generations to come inherit a beautiful Cathedral, a living faith and a community that welcomes, listens, serves and walk together with renewed faith, gratitude and hope.