By Ivy Chai
KUCHING — The Gawai Dayak Mass presided over by Archbishop Simon Poh and live-streamed from St Joseph’s Cathedral on 19 May 2023 was to celebrate a “harvest of God’s love in thanksgiving.”
Archbishop Simon welcomed and invited everyone in the Cathedral and online, to join him to “ask God for His blessing.” The Lord promised that those who “ask” will receive, “seek” shall find, and for those who “knock”, the door will open.
Concelebrating the Gawai Mass were the rector of St Joseph’s Cathedral, Fr Nicholas Ng and priests serving at the Cathedral, Fr Galvin Richard Ngumbang and Fr Mark Bonchol. Also concelebrating were Msgr William Sabang from Chapel of Mother Mary Stutong, Fr Lazarus Swinie from St Theresa’s Church Serian, and Fr Davie Entalai.
The Readings at the Bahasa Malaysia Mass were in Iban and Bidayuh Bau, with Archbishop Simon speaking intermittently in English during his homily.
A traditional Dayak dance performed by the Catholic Cultural Dance troupe, followed by Msgr William, Fr Mark and Fr Lazarus giving Gawai messages in their native tongues concluded this year’s Gawai Dayak Mass.
A dinner with all the trappings of a Gawai celebration was held at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre (CEWC) the following evening. It was organised by the PKKD of St Joseph’s Cathedral Kuching, attended by over 1000 guests, many of whom came in traditional costumes.
