Evelyn Jock | SOCCOM
From 2 to 6 June 2026, the Diocese of Sandakan welcomed 146 Catholic women from across Sabah for the 6th Sabah Catholic Women’s Convention at the Elopura Hotel, Sandakan. Delegates from the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu, the Diocese of Keningau, and the Diocese of Sandakan gathered as sisters in Christ to pray, reflect, learn, and discern how they can more fully live out their vocation as women in the Church today.
The convention theme, “Catholic Women Journeying Towards a Synodal Church,” captured the heart of the gathering. It was a reminder that Catholic women are called not only to deepen their relationship with God but also to support one another in faith and to bring Christ’s love into their families, parishes, workplaces, and communities. Throughout the convention, participants reflected on how faith nurtures service, and how service becomes a living witness to the Gospel.
Committee members
The gathering opened with Holy Mass celebrated by Rt. Rev. Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom, who reflected on the important role women play in nurturing faith and building Christian families and communities. His Grace, the Most Reverend Archbishop John Wong of the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu, officially opened the convention and encouraged participants to make the days ahead a time of spiritual growth, listening, and openness to the Holy Spirit.
The second day was dedicated to recollection and renewal. In his reflection on “Conversion and Renewal,” Archbishop John Wong reminded participants that every disciple is continually called to deepen their relationship with Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to transform their lives. FSIC Mother Grace Deosing’s presentation on “The Spirituality of Catholic Women” highlighted the unique ways women reveal God’s love through compassion, perseverance, generosity, and faithfulness in daily life.
Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu
Prayer remained at the heart of the day’s programme. The FSIC Sisters led the Rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and moments of personal reflection, inviting participants into a deeper encounter with God. This was followed by the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the proclamation of the Word for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, creating a sacred atmosphere of contemplation and worship. Throughout the two-hour Exposition, Taizé chants filled the room, fostering a spirit of silence, prayer, and reverence. The Sacrament of Reconciliation was also made available, offering participants a grace-filled opportunity to experience God’s mercy, healing, and forgiveness, and to be renewed in their relationship with Him.
The third day focused on formation and dialogue. The Reverend Monsignor Gilbert Lasius of the Diocese of Keningau presented “Catholic Women Journeying Towards a Synodal Church,” exploring the call to communion, participation, and mission within the Church. Madam Anna Teresa Peter Amandus, in her presentation on “Leadership of Sabah Catholic Women in a Synodal Church,” encouraged women to recognise their gifts and to exercise leadership through service, collaboration, and faithful witness.
Diocese of Keningau
A significant part of the convention was the practice of Spiritual Conversation. Through attentive listening and respectful sharing, participants reflected on their experiences in ministry and daily life. These conversations created opportunities to learn from one another and to discern together how women can contribute more effectively to the mission of the Church in Sabah.
The fellowship activities, including a boat ride and the celebration of Archbishop John Wong’s 58th birthday, provided opportunities for delegates to build friendships and strengthen relationships across diocesan boundaries. The gathering reflected the richness and diversity of the Church in Sabah while fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.
Diocese of Sandakan
On the final day, participants reviewed the fruits of the convention and shared insights from their discussions and reflections. Reports presented by each diocese highlighted common hopes and challenges faced by Catholic women and underscored the importance of continued collaboration among the dioceses. A meeting between the chief coordinators of the Catholic Women’s Apostolate Commissions, Mdm. Cecelia D’ Souza, Mdm. Moitah Ingit, Mdm. Anita Tunggolou, and Archbishop John Wong provided an opportunity to discuss future directions and strengthen cooperation in women’s ministry throughout Sabah.
Ladies’ Night, themed “Cowboy,” brought an atmosphere of fun, fellowship, and celebration as delegates donned cowboy hats and western-inspired attire. Another highlight of the closing ceremony was the handover of the Convention Banner to the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu, which will host the 7th Sabah Catholic Women’s Convention in 2029. This symbolic gesture reflected the continuity of the convention’s mission and the enduring commitment of Catholic women across Sabah to walk together in faith, service, and mission.
The convention brought together 52 delegates from the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu, 39 delegates from the Diocese of Keningau, and 55 delegates from the Diocese of Sandakan. Its success was made possible through the dedication of the organising committees, clergy, religious sisters, volunteers, and the diocesan coordinators. As the delegates returned to their respective dioceses, they carried with them not only new friendships and experiences but also a renewed understanding of the convention’s theme. United in faith, they were strengthened through prayer and reflection. United in service, they were encouraged to use their gifts for the good of others. United in mission, they were reminded that every Catholic woman has a role in proclaiming the Gospel through her words, actions, and daily witness.
The 6th Sabah Catholic Women’s Convention was more than a gathering; it was an opportunity for Catholic women to listen to God, to listen to one another, and to discern together how they can continue to contribute to the life and mission of the Church. May the seeds planted during these days continue to bear fruit in families, parishes, and communities throughout Sabah.