By Peter Tan
SRI AMAN — On the blessed morning of 23 March 2025, Mount Hosanna Church (MHC) stood as a beacon of faith, hope, and divine connection as it celebrated its Blessing and Eucharistic Mass. This momentous occasion presided over by His Grace, Archbishop Simon Poh Hoon Seng, and joined by the Rector, Rev Fr Jerome Juleng, marked a significant milestone in the Church’s journey—a journey that began on 16 November 1997 when it was first blessed by Archbishop Emeritus Peter Chung and the late Fr Richard Khoo. Now, after years of prayer, dedication, and the recent extension of the Church, MHC was blessed once again, a testament to God’s enduring will and grace.
The celebration was not only a spiritual gathering but also a historic moment, graced by the presence of Yang Berbahagia Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau, Director of UNIFOR. UNIFOR’s generous contribution of RM140,000 in 2023 played a pivotal role in the Church’s extension, enabling the community to witness this day of renewal and thanksgiving. The collaboration between faith and philanthropy was a beautiful reminder of how collective efforts can bring about divine transformations.
The event was attended by approximately 700 participants, a vibrant gathering of faithful from near and far. Among them were congregations from Good Shepherd Church, Siru Pueh (138 attendees), St Mark’s Church, Batu Kawa, Kuching (32 attendees), D’Seven Travel (34 attendees), Holy Rosary Parish, Limbahau, Papar Sabah, St Anthony Parish, Tenom Sabah, Kampung Mayang Kawan (42 attendees), St Ignatius Church Saratok, Holy Family Church Betong, and Our Lady Queen of Peace (OLQP) Sri Aman. Their presence added to the spirit of unity and shared devotion, making the celebration even more meaningful.
In his homily, Archbishop Simon Poh delved into the profound meaning of “Hosanna,” which translates to “Save Us Now.” He drew parallels between the Church’s name and its mission to be a sanctuary of salvation and hope. Reflecting on the newly extended structure, His Grace highlighted the staircase as a powerful symbol of Jacob’s dream—a connection between heaven and earth. Quoting from Genesis 28:12, he shared the scripture: “He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.” This vision, the Archbishop explained, is a reminder that Mount Hosanna Church is not just a physical structure but a spiritual ladder, bridging the gap between humanity and the divine.
He encouraged the congregation to ascend spiritually, just as Jacob did, and to deepen their relationship with God during this Lenten season. The Archbishop’s message was both inspiring and challenging. He urged the faithful to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, emphasising the importance of the Stations of the Cross displayed within the Church. These stations, he noted, are not just artistic representations but profound reminders of Christ’s sacrifice and love. His closing appeal resonated deeply as he called for acts of charity, reminding everyone that giving to the poor is an essential expression of faith. He also encouraged the congregation to embrace prayer, fasting, and penance as acts of love and devotion, especially during this sacred season.
The celebration was further enriched by the heartfelt speech delivered by Amelia Bt Rosli, Chairman of Mount Hosanna Church. She expressed immense gratitude for the generous donations and tireless efforts of the community, particularly those who contributed to transporting stones and sand for the Church’s renovation. Amelia also announced that the renovation of MHC would commence in July 2025, a project that promises to further enhance this sacred space for future generations.
Rev Fr Jerome Juleng, in his address, shared a vision of Mount Hosanna as a place where all who enter would feel the profound love of God. His words echoed the Church’s mission to be a spiritual home for all, a place where heaven and earth meet, and where souls are uplifted.
As the Mass concluded, the air was filled with a sense of unity, gratitude, and divine presence. The celebration continued with a symbolic Belian tree-planting event, a gesture deeply rooted in the spirit of growth, sustainability, and faith. The tree was planted by Archbishop Simon Poh, Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau, Fr Jerome Juleng, SSFS Sr Genevieve, and Amelia Rosli, Chairman of MHC. This act not only symbolised the Church’s commitment to nurturing God’s creation but also served as a living reminder of the faith and dedication that have brought Mount Hosanna Church to this historic moment.
The Blessing and Eucharistic Mass at Mount Hosanna Church was not just a celebration of a physical structure but a reaffirmation of faith, community, and God’s unwavering love. It was a reminder that, like Jacob’s ladder, the Church serves as a bridge between the earthly and the divine, calling all to ascend in faith and devotion.
May Mount Hosanna continue to be a place of salvation, hope, and connection for generations to come. Hosanna! Save us now, O Lord.
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