84 pilgrims from Church of Mary Immaculate, Bukit Padang bound for pilgrimage to Gunung Rosary, Ranau Jul 11
By CMI SOCCOM
July 18 2022
BUKIT PADANG – Eighty-two pilgrims from Church of Mary Immaculate (CMI) went on a one-day pilgrimage to Church of St Peter Claver, Ranau (SPCR) on Jul 11 to visit its beautiful holy places.
The trip was organised by CMI Social and Welfare Committee headed by Samson Malinggang, with Fr Saimon William accompanying the pilgrims as spiritual director.
As a precaution, pilgrims were required to do a COVID-19 self-test a day before, and sadly a few were unable to participate due to infections or closed contact
The first destination was SPCR where the pilgrims attended Mass celebrated by parish priest Fr Nicholas Stephens, and concelebrated by Fr Saimon. Another pilgrimage group also participated in the Mass.
After Mass, the pilgrims had a simple breakfast arranged by SPCR, a service that is available for visitors. Fr Nicholas was also there to have breakfast with the pilgrims, where he gave a briefing on the program of the day.
The second destination was St Jerome Chapel at Kg Lutut. St Jerome is the station for the Joyful Mysteries, which was most appropriate for this pilgrimage as it took place on a Monday. Everyone gathered in the chapel and was welcomed by the coordinator Ms Ursula. This was followed with the recitation of the rosary on the 5 Joyful Mysteries.
After departing St.Jerome Chapel, pilgrims were brought to their third destination, St Bede Chapel at Kg Kokob. This place is also known as Little Assisi where a statue of St Francis of Assisi stands, surrounded by various animals, overlooking the beautiful mountains and valleys.
A deck is built in front of it where visitors could appreciate the beautiful view and have their photos taken. This place also offers accommodation which is suitable for retreats and gatherings.
Another unique feature of this place is that visitors can get a padlock, make their wishes and prayers, and have them ‘padlocked’ on a designated place.
After Kokob, pilgrims were taken back to SPCR for lunch. Immediately after lunch, everyone gathered at the Lady of Lourdes and Death March Shrine, located in the SPCR compound, where Fr Nicholas Stephen gave a briefing on why the shrine was built, so that prayers can be offered to the souls of those who died during the war as well as all the lost souls in the place.
The shrine was made possible when a generous donation was received to acquire the statue of Mother Mary, followed by the erection of the rest of the structures. Sadly, the donor has since passed away and as a tribute for her contribution and dedication, a face sculptor of the donor was placed behind the pillar where Mother Mary stood.
CMI pilgrims reach the highpoint of their pilgrimage, Gunung Rosary at Kg Toboh Baru, Ranau
The next and final stop was Gunung Rosary at Kg Toboh Baru, the highlight of the pilgrimage.
On Gunung Rosary, the first thing that everyone would notice after reaching at the top is the huge hanging rosary.
After disembarking from their vans, the pilgrims gathered in an open hall where Fr Nicholas briefed them on the history of how the place was developed and the stations for visitors to spend personal time to pray.
Due to the large number of pilgrims, they were divided into groups and spread out to all the different stations which include the Divine Mercy, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mother Mary, St Joseph among others.
There are also stalls that sell pineapples, Ranau coffee and souvenirs for those who wished to bring something home with them.
The pilgrimage has been a memorable day, which ended with giving thanks to the Almighty Lord for a safe pilgrimage.
