By PZK
KOTA KINABALU — On Jul 19, 131 parish representatives gathered at the Catholic Archdiocesan Centre (CAC) for the briefing of the Perjalanan Salib, which will start Aug 12.
The objective of the briefing was to give pointers to the parish representative on how to proceed or organize programs while the cross is at their parish. Other than that, during the briefing, parishes were informed of the schedule of the arrival of the cross to each parish.
The program started with praise and worship accompanying the delegates of parishes in procession carrying a lighted candle towards the cross, which was set standing before the congregation. The candles then were put at the foot of the cross.
The delegates then were welcomed by Fr Rhobby Mojolou, the head of the coordinating team for the Perjalanan Salib, who, among others, said that the briefing aimed to explain details of how the presence of the Perjalanan Salib should be celebrated at the parishes. He also made it clear to all present that though the cross was launched during the Malaysia Catholic Youth Convention, they should not perceive that the task of organizing the event at the parish falls on the youth only. He said that the parish team, which coordinates the Perjalanan Salib program, should comprise members from the four committees, namely Catechetical, Family Life, Creation Justice, and Youth. However, other committees may also be invited into the coordinating team. Fr Rhobby added that parish activity should inspire conversion of heart at all levels of the Catholic community.
The congregation was then divided into three groups for separate committee discussion groups in the parish. During the group discussion, each group raised their ideas and concerns about the parish programs.
The parish representatives then were brought into the Taizé prayer while venerating the cross. For this, they were informed that a similar format should be replicated at the parishes when venerating the cross.
Parish representatives also were informed that material for the parish program would be sent to them. However, they also were told to be creative in the arrangement of the programs so that the program reflects the parish’s pastoral situation and not emulate other parishes.
The cross will start its journey to Blessed Sacrament Labuan on Aug 12 and stay there for 10 days before it travels to Holy Rosary Limbahau. From then on, the cross will be traveling to parishes until it reaches its last stop on Aug 15, 2026, at Sacred Heart Cathedral.
For the Keningau Diocese, the Perjalanan Salib had started on May 25, while at Sandakan, May 18.
