By CJC-ADKK
PAPAR – Approximately 200 participants gathered for the Eco-Spiritual Hiking program organized by the Commission for Creation Justice (CJC) of the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu. The event brought together delegates from various parishes across the archdiocese, as well as parishioners from the Kogopon Zone which includes Kg Kogopon, Kg Mandalipau, and Kg Bolotikon.
The aim of this program was to foster deeper awareness and appreciation of God’s creation. Participants were invited to reflect on the beauty of nature, trees, grass, the wind, and sunlight, and to cultivate a spirit of gratitude for all of God’s gifts that surround us.
The day began as early as 6.00 am with a briefing by Flavianus Jinoni, chairman of the Laudato Si’ Pilgrimage Centre in Kg Bolotikon. The morning prayer was led by Fr Peter Chung, director of the CJC.
The 1.5 km hike to the Laudato Si’ Forest was filled with meaningful reflections at ten stations, inspired by The Canticle of the Creatures, written by St Francis of Assisi over 800 years ago. Sr Calista Saliun led the reflections, beautifully interwoven with the hymn Laudato Si’ O mi’ Signore, sung together by all participants.
Despite the steep and physically challenging climb, all hikers reached the forest by 9.30 am. A Holy Mass followed, during which Fr Peter Chung reminded everyone of the interdependence between humanity and all of creation, a relationship that must be cherished and protected.
After Mass, several parish CJC representatives shared their reflections. They expressed newfound appreciation for nature and hoped that the Laudato Si’ Forest would continue to be preserved and enhanced with better facilities in the future.
The group made their way back to St Anthony’s Church, Bolotikon, by 12.00 noon, where they concluded the event with a joyful time of fellowship and bonding. May we continue to care for our common home and praise God through all His creation.
