By Casey Gomez
PERAK – The Taiping Catholic Church (TCC) community experienced a deep moment of faith during the two-week Perjalanan Salib — Journey of the Cross at their parish recently. The event was marked by prayer, reflection, and a renewed sense of unity as parishioners venerated the Cross throughout the parish.
Preparation for the event began two months earlier when parish priest, Msgr Stephen Liew, designated TCC to host the Cross as part of its journey across the diocese. “Everyone should have the opportunity to venerate the Cross and spend time in prayer with it,” Msgr Stephen said, setting the tone for the entire effort. Parishioners, youth, and leaders worked together to map a route that ensured the Cross would reach every corner of the parish.
Led by youth coordinators Joshua Selvanayagam and Alvinus Bryan, the organising team produced a paraliturgy booklet in four languages and a prayer card to St Helena, inviting parishioners to seek her intercession as the finder of the True Cross.
The Cross began its journey with visits to chapels in Kuala Sepetang, Pokok Assam, and Aulong, where each community hosted it for two days — one evening for para-liturgy and the next for Mass. One of the most memorable moments was the journey to St Anne’s Chapel in Kuala Sangga, accessible only by boat. The 30-minute boat ride became a quiet pilgrimage of anticipation, followed by two hours of prayer and reflection with the small but faithful Catholic community there.
At the Church of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Klian Pauh, the Bahasa-speaking community welcomed the Cross with heartfelt prayer. Each stop, whether marked by songs or silence, was united by reverence and a deep longing to encounter Christ.
The journey culminated at the Church of St Louis, with a candlelit Taizé Vigil led by the youth. The church was transformed into a place of quiet contemplation, with the Blessed Sacrament exposed and Taizé chants filling the air. Parishioners came forward one by one to venerate the Cross, many moved to tears. The next morning, catechism children spent 40 minutes in prayer before the Cross, an experience that planted seeds of faith in the youngest members of the parish.
The parish was also blessed by the presence of 30 migrant workers who attended the Mass, venerated the Cross, and received rations as a gesture of care and solidarity. The Mass ended with the solemn handover of the Cross to the delegation from the Church of St John the Baptist, Sungai Siput, continuing its diocesan journey.
Parishioner Ruth Roseline described the experience as a gracefilled moment for the entire community. “We were united, we were one, and the Cross has been grounded in our midst. I am excited and waiting to see the nine crosses come together as one to hold our faith on Malaysian soil, in Jesus’ greatest victory over sin and death. To God be the glory!” she said.
Another parishioner, Theodore, shared how the Cross touched him personally. “When the Salib came to our parish, I felt deeply moved. It reminded me that we are one Church in Christ. Praying before the Cross gave me peace and hope. Seeing everyone united around it inspired me. God’s love felt real and present in that moment,” he said.
Reflecting on the event, the organising team expressed gratitude to Msgr Stephen, parish leaders, volunteers, and all parishioners for making the Perjalanan Salib a true pilgrimage of hearts. The Cross will unite with others from across Malaysia at the Malaysia Pastoral Convention scheduled to be held in Sibu in 2026 — a powerful symbol of the Church’s unity.
For the TCC community, the journey does not end here. The lesson of the Cross — to help others, forgive radically, and hope in the Resurrection — will continue to inspire them to carry one another’s burdens in faith, compassion, and love. – Herald Malaysia
