Fr Nicholas Stephen
By Clarence GD
July 22 2022
RANAU – Christians from across the state are invited to join the ‘Hiking and Praying’ program that will be held at the Kg Marakau’s St Sebastian church on 30 July 2022.
Parish priest of St Peter Claver Ranau Parish, Fr Nicholas Stephen said the program will include a procession for about three kilometers from St Sebastian towards the Puncak Kasih Bonda hill.
“Our aim is to raise funds to build a chapel at the top of the hill. Our wish is that when this chapel is completed with everyone’s participation, it will make each of us a part of this miracle of realising this place by your contribution.
“In addition to raising funds, this pilgrimage activity also maintains our physical health and faith – as we make the pilgrimage, as we hike, and as we pray the Rosary to the top. When we reach the top, we will celebrate Holy Mass.
“It is highly recommended for every pilgrim who goes hiking to wear long pants and if possible, to bring a jacket along because at the summit where we will have Holy Mass, the weather is very cold,” said Fr Nicholas.
Towards that end, Fr Nicholas called on the people from all over to be part of this pilgrimage, and to pray together. He also encouraged all pilgrims to pray for good weather for the coming event.
He also revealed that the Puncak Kasih Bonda hill in Marakau was chosen as this is the only place among four of the Rosary Mysterium stations that has no chapel.
He reiterated “The chapel at the top will serve as a stopover for worship, hence the purpose of the “Hiking and Praying” project to raise funds to build it.”
“On top of this mountain is a very beautiful place. When we are there, we can behold an uninterrupted view of Mount Kinabalu. In addition, we can see the whole of Ranau town from the peak,” enthused Fr Nicholas.
“I chose this place because it is suitable for us to experience the presence of God through His creation. In this place, we propose to build a 15-foot tall statue, depicting the Virgin Mary lifting the Baby Jesus and presenting Him to the world,” he added.
Fr Nicholas underlined that Mother Mary brings people to Jesus. He recalled the wedding in Cana that Jesus and His disciples were invited to, and when Mary realised that they ran out of wine, how she brought their needs to her Son.
“The mother knows what is lacking in the household, especially her children who are sick, who have a fever, or if they run out of rice or food, she knows. Mothers also brings their scattered children back together.
A view of Mount Kinabalu from the hilltop of Puncak Kasih Bonda
