By Herald Malaysia
SIBU – A significant milestone in the history of the Diocese of Sibu was celebrated on Feb 22, as Bishop Joseph Hii officiated the soft launch of the newly renovated Sacred Heart Chapel at Sg Bawan, Kanowit. The chapel, which has stood since 1898, was officially designated as a pilgrimage centre for the diocese.
The ceremony was attended by over 350 local parishioners together with Fr George Omuto, Fr Ravi Pulagam, and Fr Olivier Lomboto.
The Sacred Heart Chapel, often referred to as a “Gem in the Jungle,” holds a place of deep cultural and spiritual significance for the local community, particularly the Iban people.
Located next to Sungai Bawan, the chapel serves as an outstation of Kanowit Parish and is one of the oldest Catholic chapels in the region. Its renovation and designation as one of three pilgrimage centres for Jubilee 2025 highlight its historical and spiritual importance. Pilgrims from across Sarawak and beyond will visit the chapel to reflect, pray, and renew their faith, marking a key moment in the Catholic Church’s celebrations of the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus Christ’s resurrection.
Jubilee 2025 is a significant event for Catholics worldwide, focusing on spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and faith. Bishop Joseph Hii has designated three pilgrimage centres within the region, each representing a unique aspect of the area’s Catholic heritage. The other pilgrimage sites include St Anthony’s Heritage Centre in Sarikei and St Teresa Oratory in Sibu.
Significance of Sacred Heart Chapel
Historical Importance: The Sacred Heart Chapel is one of Sarawak’s oldest Catholic chapels, established by the Mill Hill Missionaries, who played a crucial role in spreading Catholicism among the indigenous Iban people. It stands as a testament to the enduring faith of the Iban Catholic community and the cultural integration efforts by the missionaries.
Cultural Synthesis: The chapel embodies the harmonious blending of Iban traditions and Catholic teachings. Its architecture and religious art incorporate Iban motifs, offering a unique experience for pilgrims seeking a deeper connection to the cultural heritage of the Iban Catholic community.
Spiritual Significance: As a pilgrimage centre, the chapel offers a space for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Sarawak’s rainforests, it provides a peaceful environment for contemplation and connection with God.
Community and Faith: The chapel has served as a focal point for the Iban Catholic community for generations, marking their journey from animism to Christianity. During Jubilee 2025, the chapel will host special Masses, processions, and cultural performances, bringing together the local community and pilgrims from across the region.
The soft launch of Sacred Heart Chapel as a pilgrimage centre for Jubilee 2025 marks a new chapter in its rich history, inviting pilgrims to experience its unique blend of spiritual devotion and cultural heritage. – Herald Malaysia
