SERIAN — Bung Mako was identified by the rector of St Theresa’s Parish, Fr Paul Herry as a new pilgrimage site, in line with the call by Pope Francis to love, to care and to protect God’s creation in his encyclical Laudato Si.
Bung Mako belongs to the communities of Kpg Seroban and Kpg Ranchan. It is about 5 km from Serian town. Bung Mako (which means ‘Tobacco Hill’ in the local Bidayuh language) is situated on the other side of Bukit Semunja opposite Kpg Seroban. The way up to the hill is cool because of the natural vegetation. A panaromic view of Serian town can be cherished on the way up.
Fr Paul Herry celebrated the first Holy Mass at Bung Mako on 31 August 2015. Thereafter, many Masses were celebrated, with the most recent one on 7 July. On that day a big crowd of participants of old and young followed Fr Paul up the hill to attend the Mass.
The participants had a short rest at Bung Kota, a place where people hid in the old days to escape from their enemies. Then they proceeded to Parun Rimu where the Stations of the Cross began as they continued to ascend. The Holy Mass was celebrated at 11.30 am at the chapel on top of the hill. The participants had fellowship lunch after the Mass before they left the chapel for home in the afternoon.
It is beautiful to see the spirit of co-operation, assistance, love and care from all the participants for each other on the way especially when crossing the stream. However, it is hoped that a bridge could be built soon to make navigating the stream easier as many more participants are expected in the near future.
Roofing materials for the chapel were provided by the Rural Chapels Development Committee of the St Theresa’s Parish Council. The community transported them and put them up on a gotong royong basis. They also constructed the steps and cleared the path up to the hill top.
The first anniversary of the discovery of Bung Mako will be celebrated on 31 August.
For further information, please contact Rector Fr Paul Herry (082-875304) or Alexander (013-5612487).
Contributed
Today’s Catholic Vol.28 No.5 August 2016
