By Amy Olivia Dass
KUCHING — 16 April 2023 was a very special Sunday for Holy Trinity Church (HTC) Kenyalang Park, Kuching.
At the Divine Mercy Sunday Mass, His Grace Archbishop Simon Poh presided over the first Holy Mass in Bahasa Malaysia ever celebrated in the history of Holy Trinity Church. It was concelebrated by HTC Parish Rector, Fr Eugenio Gocela Maglasang, SDB.
About 100 parishioners attended this historic Mass, including the HTC Parish Pastoral Councillors who came to show their support. The Mass concluded with the Children’s Blessing and parishioners were all invited to join the fellowship lunch at the Good Shepherd’s Hall.
Also, to jointly celebrate the 60th birthday of Archbishop Simon Poh, who was presented with a cake.
This Mass in Bahasa Malaysia (BM) at Holy Trinity Church was the idea of Archbishop Simon Poh. When he saw youth dancers from Bloc Rosary Kampung Tabuan Dayak performing a multicultural traditional dance during the 50th Golden Jubilee of Holy Trinity Church at the Lok Thian Grand Riverine Ballroom in November 2022, he asked Fr Joseph Liew who was then Rector of HTC to consider having a Mass in Bahasa Malaysia.
This is to cater for the Tabuan Dayak, other Dayak communities including other races, be it Bidayuh, Iban, Chinese, Indian or BM speaking communities who are staying nearby the church.
The objective of this BM Mass is to bring and unite all people of God, to “Honor and Praise Him”.
Fr Eugenio who is now the Rector of HTC, was given the task to get the BM Mass set up and ready for the BM speaking community. He was actively involved in meetings held by Bloc Rosary Kampung Tabuan Dayak Committee to discuss the BM Mass.
During her speech, Amy the Chairperson of Bloc Rosary Kampung Tabuan Dayak, thanked everyone involved in the church ministry for their time and commitment towards making this Bahasa Malaysia Mass at Holy Trinity Church a success.
Holy Mass in Bahasa Malaysia will be held every Sunday at 11.00 AM. All are welcome.
