Evelyn Jock
The Jubilee Year 2025 has been a profound time of grace and renewal for pilgrims who took part in Jubilee celebrations across the diocese. For many pilgrims, the pilgrimage was more than a physical journey, it was a spiritual return to God, marked by prayer, sacrifice, and deep reflection.
The theme “Hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5) has inspired many pilgrims and some shared their experiences on how their faith has renewed and their trust in God strengthened amidst life’s many challenges. Along the way, they were constantly being reminded that they were not alone in their journey of faith. God’s living presence was experienced through encounters with fellow pilgrims, mutual support and shared prayer. Many found healing, reconciliation, and a renewed sense of purpose through liturgy and reflection. Pilgrims returned home with hearts filled with gratitude and hope, committed to living out the spirit of the Jubilee in their families, workplaces, and communities.
The Jubilee Year in the Sandakan Diocese was officially brought to a close with a special Mass celebrated at the cathedral on 28 December 2025. As the faithful gave thanks for the graces received, they were reminded that such a sacred Jubilee is a rare gift, celebrated only once every 25 years. The Jubilee pilgrimage is a reminder that hope found in God never fades and continues to shape our lives even after the journey ends.
Mar0nus Simon from St. Dominic’s Church, Lahad Datu, Sandakan Diocese
Martinus Simon, a member of the Parish Youth Apostolate from St. Dominic’s Church, Lahad Datu, participated in the Jubilee Pilgrimage with youths from various parishes of the Sandakan Diocese. For him, the pilgrimage was more than a religious activity, but a sincere response to God’s call, inspired by a deeper understanding of the grace of Indulgences. He was especially moved by the opportunity to offer this grace not only for himself, but also for his family, loved ones, and the souls in purgatory.
Travelling from Lahad Datu, Martinus came as a pilgrim seeking renewal in faith. The Jubilee theme was a powerful affirmation for him to place his trust fully in Christ, amid life’s greater challenges. His faith was strengthened through personal sacrifice and moments of reflection, helping him recognize that God is the source of his strength throughout the pilgrimage. Walking with fellow pilgrims made the journey more meaningful. Sharing their joys and struggles fostered a strong sense of unity, centred on Jesus Christ.
One word best describes his feelings at the end of the pilgrimage: gratitude for the experience of grace. He hopes to carry the spirit of the Jubilee into his daily life by holding firmly to hope and trusting on God’s presence and immense love.
Agness Karim of St. Anthony Parish, Tenom
Keningau Diocese (President of the Comitium, Legion of Mary / (BEC)
For Agness Karim from St. Anthony Parish, Tenom in Keningau Diocese, participating in the Jubilee Pilgrimage was a precious opportunity of grace. She was especially grateful for the opportunity to receive the gift of indulgences, a blessing offered once every 25 years. Recognising this rare moment in the life of the Church, she joined the pilgrimage with a heart filled gratitude and reverence, seeking forgiveness and spiritual renewal. Agness travelled from Tenom, with members of her parish whom she accompanied on the journey. The Jubilee theme, “Hope does not disappoint,” became a very real for her. As she journeyed and guided others, she felt herself drawn closer to God and discovered a hope that is genuine, firm, and never disappointing. Her faith was strengthened through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, where she experienced God’s mercy and was renewed in trust in His unconditional love.
Walking together with other pilgrims made her experience more meaningful. She grew spiritually and also witnessed the quiet transformation of others. Through repentance, the celebration of the Holy Mass, and the sharing sessions during the pilgrimage, many encountered Jesus. One moment that was touching was hearing a wife shared that her husband had begun attending church and becoming more involved in parish life, a sign that accompanying others on pilgrimage truly bears fruit.
Agness hopes to live out the spirit of the Jubilee by remaining faithful to God in all circumstances, especially during difficult times. Reflecting on the journey, she expressed deep gratitude to God for the opportunity to participate in this sacred experience, to make a sincere confession and to receive God’s grace. With a grateful heart, she encourages others to join future pilgrimages, believing that pilgrimage offers a precious time to pause, reflect, and ask a meaningful question: “Who am I before God?”
Nora Marcus, Parish of Our Lady of Fatima, Beluran
Nora Marcus from the Parish of Our Lady of Fatima, Beluran in the Sandakan Diocese took part in the Jubilee pilgrimage with a deep desire to renew her relationship with God. Drawn by the promise of grace and spiritual renewal, she set out on the journey seeking strength through prayer, hope and love. Traveling from Beluran, Nora described the journey as a meaningful sacrifice, grateful for each step that reminded her of the importance of trust and commitment in the life of faith.
Reflecting on the Jubilee theme, “Hope does not disappoint,” she shared how it spoke deeping to her personal life. In moments of trials and uncertainty, it reassured her that hope placed in God is never wasted. The theme encouraged her to continue trusting and believing in God, despite life’s challenges.
Through prayers, quiet reflection, and encounters with fellow pilgrims, Nora felt her faith strengthened. Sharing the journey with others made her realize that she was not alone. The companionship of fellow pilgrims, shared stories, and mutual support became gentle signs of God’s loving presence along the journey.
At the end of pilgrimage, Nora felt spiritually renewed, describing the experience as a new beginning of her faith. She hopes to carry the spirit of the Jubilee into her daily life by living with greater gratitude, hope, and love in her family, workplace, and community. Looking ahead, Nora encourages others to take part in future pilgrimages. For her, the Jubilee pilgrimage is more than a physical journey, it is a sacred encounter with God that has the power to transform hearts and lives.