File photo: Holy Mass on Mt Rosary
By Clarence Dol
August 23 2022
RANAU – People, especially Christians, from all over the country as well as from neighbouring countries are invited to join in the celebration to mark the fourth anniversary of the inauguration of the pilgrimage site of Mount Rosary here on
August 31.
St Peter Claver Ranau parish priest, Fr Nicholas Stephen revealed, the original idea for this place was meant as a spiritual activity for Ranau only, but since it was built, miracles after miracles happen on site, leading it to be dubbed by some as the “Lourdes of the Far East”.
“We are grateful to God for this year as St Peter Claver Ranau (SPCR) parish is once again able to mark the fourth anniversary physically after a two-year break due to the pandemic when the second and third anniversaries could not be celebrated on site,” informed Fr Nicholas.
“This year, as before, we will hold a procession on 31 August 2022, which coincides with the nation’s Independence Day. It will begin at 3.00 pm from St John of The Cross Tambiau, and will reach Mount Rosary for the celebration of the Holy Mass at 5.30 pm.
“So, August 31 will eventually become a date synonymous with the Mount Rosary pilgrimage each year. Local people and from all over Sabah are looking forward to event like this so they can come,” he said.
Parish priest of St Peter Claver Church, Ranau, Fr Nicholas Stephen
Fr Nicholas said the Mount Rosary pilgrimage has also inadvertently blessed others in Ranau other than the pilgrims. When a pilgrimage takes place, most homestays and hotels, as well as restaurants around Ranau and Kundasang will be fully booked.
“This has come as a blessing from God to the district of Ranau because the blessing is also received by non-Christians throughout this interior region. This is a blessing for all. It is perhaps for this that the pilgrimage has developed.
“It has surely helped the economy in Ranau district when people from all over Sabah come together to march from the small Tambiau chapel to Mount Rosary. The number of pilgrims who come to Mt Rosary continues to increase, from 1,000 to 2,000, and beyond,” underlined the Ranau rector.
The rector urged the people to organise “gotong-royong” (clean up) of the sites and chapel, and other spiritual preparations for the upcoming anniversary event.
He pointed out “This place has no electricity and water supply, but thank God for sending rain. For power, we use solar. This is why this place has attracted the interest of not only from Malaysia, but also from neighbouring countries… and not only Catholics, but also other religions come here, including tourists.”
“This place is simple because of God’s love. We are grateful for the donations of those who come, and who make this place a miracle when they come, visit, and give,” he added.
Acknowledging the gift of this year, Fr Nicholas expressed “I am very grateful to God, and would like to invite my brothers and sisters, wherever you are, to follow this pilgrimage and experience the grace of God through Mother Mary, the Mother of God, who takes us to and shows us Jesus.”
For this event of the 4th anniversary, please contact Catherine (016-332 9549), SPCR (011-262 71801), Regina (012-855 9893) or Evelyn (016-805 3124) for bookings or further information.
