By Sarawak Catholic Teachers’ Guild
KUCHING — On Saturday 25 November 2023, about 81 pilgrims made a historical journey to Mount Hosanna to mark the 35th anniversary of the Sarawak Catholic Teachers’ Guild (SCTG), the actual anniversary date being 26 November.
The formation of the Guild was mooted by the late Br Columba Gleeson. Together with Mr Paul Voon, the late Mr Paul Ngui, and several other teachers, they had gone to different divisions promoting SCTG. On 26 November 1988, it was registered as The Catholic Teachers’ Guild of Sarawak Malaysia with the Registrar of Societies (ROS).
Therefore, this pilgrimage was also a thanksgiving to God for giving us the ‘founding fathers’ / first committee of SCTG: the late Br Columba Gleeson (Chairman), the late Paul Ngui (Vice Chairman) and Paul Voon (Secretary).
The pilgrims began their journey at two pickup points, Bus 1 from St Joseph’s Private School (SJPS) and Bus 2 from St Lukas Centre, at 7.30 am, while those using private transport embarked on their own time. However, all arrivals at Mount Hosanna should be before the Holy Mass at 10.30 am.
Upon arrival, all pilgrims were duly surprised by other coincidental pilgrims from Tenom, Keningau, Bau and Annah Rais. Therefore, the Mass was a combined celebration in two languages BM and English, presided by Fr Jerome Juleng and concelebrated by SJPS principal Fr Stanley Goh, SJ.
After the Mass, SCTG pilgrims and families were treated to a buffet lunch at the Sri Simanggang Hotel. The highlight of this lunch was the cutting of the anniversary cake by two retired ex-secretaries, Florence Teo and Prisca Wong, and the current president, Leeroy Garet.
Pilgrims were also delighted to receive lucky draws before leaving the hotel.
