By Martina Juan & Diana Marie
KUCHING — On Saturday 16 March 2024, the Blessed Sacrament Church (BSC) Sunday School brought a group of 250 students on a day pilgrimage to Gethsemane Retreat Centre, Bunan Gega, led by 16 faith facilitators. Despite it being a spiritual exercise, the bus ride was fun-filled, and it felt like we were on a traveller’s expedition.
Just like many beautiful places of pilgrimage that have sacred water associated with them, the Gethsemane Retreat Centre was beautifully surrounded by fish ponds. Arriving as early as 9.00 am, the trip was a window into the countryside to many of those who joined the journey, especially first-timers to the centre. Pilgrimages such as this used to be an annual activity but were halted for three years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It surely was pleasing to see the overwhelming response, which resulted in the Church being filled to the brim.
Mass was held at 11.00 am that morning and was presided over by BSC Rector Fr Leonard Yap. The students and facilitators collaboratively took positions as commentators, readers, and musicians. In his homily, Fr Leonard asked the students who Jesus was to them and how they should respond when receiving the Holy Eucharist. We are grateful to Fr Leonard for his spiritual guidance throughout the Holy Eucharist and devotion.
We wish to thank our benefactors, parents, facilitators, and students for all their assistance. We also thank Fr Prince Cornelius Arockiam, CMF and Fr Pratap Baskey, CMF of St Jude’s Parish, Bunan Gega for their blessings and for preparing all the necessary facilities to make the programme meaningful. We were all touched by the profound generosity and hospitality.
The pilgrimage was a real gift. We offer our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all the pilgrims who have experienced God’s enriching presence, and we pray that more will be touched as they make their pilgrimage there. It was a delight journeying with everyone, and the conversations and time together were so blessed. God bless us all.
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