SIBU – Despite the steady rain, about 6,000 faithful gathered for the Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) Sibu Christmas Parade on Dec 13, bringing the message of hope to the community of Sibu.
Equipped with umbrellas, caps and raincoats, participants assembled at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1, joyfully embracing the celebration under the theme Jesus, Our Blessed Hope. The rain did little to dampen the spirit of unity.
Organised by the ACS Sibu branch and hosted by the Roman Catholic Church, the two-kilometre parade wound through the town centre, featuring lively marching bands, creatively decorated floats and enthusiastic members from various churches.
Churches taking part included the Anglican Church, Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM), Catholic Church, Methodist Church (Sarawak Chinese and Iban Annual Conferences), YMCA Sibu, as well as several independent churches.
The program opened with welcome remarks by Rev Msgr Michael Lee, vice-chairman of ACS Sibu, who gave thanks for the strong spirit of unity among the churches. He highlighted that the ACS Sibu Christmas Parade, now in its 54th year, remains the longest-running public Christmas witness in Sarawak.
“What started within church grounds has grown into a powerful procession uniting people of different generations and traditions. Tonight, we walk together in faith, proclaiming that Jesus Christ is our Blessed Hope,” he said.
An opening prayer by Venerable Archdeacon Jose Jol Endru, chairman of ACS Sibu and Vicar of St John’s Anglican Church, followed, together with a multilingual Praise and Worship session led by the English Prayer Group of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
Bishop Joseph Hii of the Sibu later delivered a Christmas reflection, reminding the faithful that while many Sibu natives have carried hope beyond the town, those who remain continue to be bearers of hope to their own community.
“For those who remain in Sibu, we continue to bring hope to the people of Sibu,” he shared.
At 6.50pm, the Unity Candle was lit by Bishop Joseph alongside Rev Lee, Pastor Yahya Ating (BEM), Dr Lau Hui Ming (SCAC Methodist Church), councillor Paul Teo, penghulu Ting Tien Huat and other distinguished guests.
By 7.00pm, the parade moved through the town centre, greeted by cheering spectators along the streets. Ten brightly lit floats, followed by stage performances filled the evening with colour, joy and a clear proclamation of hope shining brightly even in the rain. – Today’s Catholic
