MIRI – The faith that brought the Gospel to northern Sarawak must now inspire another generation to venture into deeper waters, Bishop Richard Ng urged as the Diocese of Miri celebrated its golden jubilee.
Calling Catholics to strengthen unity, collaborate in mission and trust in God, he invited the diocese to honour its pioneers by carrying their work forward with renewed commitment.
About 6,000 people gathered for the Thanksgiving Mass at the Miri Indoor Stadium on Oct 10. Bishop Richard presided, with about 40 priests concelebrating. Faithful from the diocese’s 14 parishes joined religious, Christian leaders from other denominations, community representatives and government officials.
Guided by the anniversary theme, Into the Deep, his homily centred on thanksgiving, unity and mission.
Long before the gathering in the stadium, the story of faith in northern Sarawak was unfolding along its rivers and in its longhouses. Following the arrival of the Mill Hill missionaries in Sarawak in 1881, waterways became routes of encounter, carrying missionaries towards communities deep in the interior.
Among the pioneers was Fr Henry Jansen, whose journeys took him from Marudi along the Baram to places such as Long San and Lio Mato. The Church’s growth also depended on the initiative of local people. In 1947, communities of the upper Baram sent requests downriver for missionaries to teach them the Christian faith, known as Adat Sembahyang — “the Pray Way”.
From these encounters grew a Church increasingly rooted in the lives, languages and leadership of its people. The Miri vicariate was established in 1959, and Anthony Lee became its first local priest in 1966. On May 31, 1976, the vicariate was elevated to a diocese — the milestone celebrated at this jubilee. Fr Anthony Lee was ordained bishop the following year.
Bishop Richard paid tribute to the pioneer bishops, Mill Hill missionaries, local clergy, religious sisters, catechists, lay leaders and generations of faithful whose sacrifices nurtured this growth.
“We are here today because of their faith, collaboration, and sacrifices,” he said.
Some early missionaries succumbed to tropical diseases while still in their twenties and thirties. Far from home, they gave their lives to the communities they had come to serve.
“They paid for the mission with their lives,” Bishop Richard said, urging Catholics never to forget those who prepared the ground for the Church’s growth.
That legacy of faith and sacrifice continues to shape the diocese’s plans, including the construction of a new St Joseph’s Cathedral.
At a Thanksgiving dinner ahead of the anniversary celebration, Bishop Richard announced that building plans for the RM80 million project had been approved and tender documents were being prepared.
“The building plans for the new St Joseph’s Cathedral have been approved and we are preparing the tender documents,” he said. “We should be able to tender out and start work by the end of this year.”
More than RM32.5 million has been collected towards construction. Bishop Richard expressed confidence that further contributions would follow once work begins.
“I have faith that God will send us the money,” he said, inviting continued support.
The cathedral will be built along Jalan Miri- Bypass, beside the proposed Association of Churches in Sarawak Miri Ecumenical Centre. Construction is expected to take approximately three years.
The diocese’s future also depends on the relationships that sustain its communities. Drawing on St Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, Bishop Richard recalled the call to be one body, united in one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God.
In a diocese rich in races, cultures, customs and languages, he urged Catholics to examine whether harmony exists in their parishes, among clergy and religious, within communities and in their families. “What can I do to promote unity and harmony?” he asked.
He cited the solidarity shown following the death of Fr Francis Kuleh. Mourners came continuously to the wake, some staying overnight, while St Dominic’s Church and its adjoining hall were packed for the funeral Mass.
Family members wore specially printed white T-shirts expressing their bond. Such gestures offered a simple example of the belonging and mutual support that should extend across all communities.
Turning to the Gospel’s miraculous catch of fish, Bishop Richard identified three essentials for mission: faith, collaboration and reliance on God.
Despite a fruitless night’s work, Peter trusted Jesus’ word and lowered his nets again. Christians, too, must be willing to respond without demanding certainty.
“If we wait for signs and assurance, we will never go out,” Bishop Richard said.
Peter needed James and John to help bring in the catch. Likewise, mission requires the gifts and participation of the whole community. Every baptised person is called, chosen, blessed and sent.
Yet the catch was ultimately the Lord’s work. The fruits of mission may take years to appear, requiring patience and perseverance. Recalling St Teresa of Kolkata, Bishop Richard reminded the congregation: “We are not called to be successful, but faithful.”
To guide the diocese over the next five years, he outlined three priorities: forming committed disciples of Christ, equipping every disciple for mission, and encouraging young people to respond to God’s call to the priesthood and religious life.
The Diocesan Pastoral Council and the 14 parish pastoral councils will work together to implement them.
These priorities complement the pathways emerging from the recent Malaysia Pastoral Convention: strengthening family life through faith formation; empowering and accompanying young people; and building bridges of unity, dialogue and justice in society. Their shared goal, Bishop Richard stressed, is mission.
Among the jubilee guests were Msgr Marcel Šmejkal, chargé d’affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in Malaysia; Archbishop Emeritus John Ha; Miri Mayor Adam Yii; and representatives of the Claretian Missionaries, Mensa Domini Sisters and Discalced Carmelite Friars.
Bishop Richard thanked the organising committees, volunteers and collaborators, appealing for continued generosity and participation.
From the river journeys of the early missionaries to the responsibilities facing today’s parishes, the call remains one of faith expressed through action. Another generation is now entrusted with carrying the Gospel forward.
“We just have to step out into the deep and trust in God.” – Herald Malaysia
