By Peter Tan
SRI AMAN — In the gentle glow of evening light, parishioners gathered in unity and devotion at Our Lady Queen of Peace (OLQP), Sri Aman, to mark the closing of the Rosary Month. As October honours Our Lady and the power of the Rosary, this closing evening bore witness to a heartfelt celebration filled with prayer, song, and community spirit.
The evening began with the Daily Mass at 6.30 pm, presided by Fr Henry Jimbey, celebrated with a sense of deep reflection and thanksgiving. Following the Mass, the community gathered at the Shrine of Our Lady, where Mr Marshal provided a short briefing on the procession and the Rosary prayer.
At 7.30 pm, an Iban hymn, Dinga O Maria, signalled the beginning of the Rosary procession, inviting all into a prayerful atmosphere as they moved with reverence through the Church grounds.
Each of the Luminous Mysteries was prayed in a different language, symbolising the beautiful diversity of faith and synodality within the parish:
- The Baptism in the River Jordan (Bahasa Iban)
- The Revelation at the Marriage Feast of Cana (Bahasa Malaysia)
- The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God and the Call to Conversion (English)
- The Transfiguration (Chinese)
- The Institution of the Eucharist (Bahasa Bidayuh – Serian)
The diversity of languages brought a vibrant inclusivity to the prayer, each decade bridging cultures and bringing everyone closer to the heart of the Rosary.
As the last mystery was completed, Fr Henry led the final prayer, uplifting the congregation’s hearts and sealing the month’s devotions with a blessing. Sr Hilda, SSFS offered a prayer of thanksgiving before the meal, and together, the parish community sang As I Kneel Before You, creating a moment of quiet reverence as the Rosary Month concluded.
The evening closed with a joyful potluck dinner at the Catholic Centre. Parishioners gathered over food and fellowship, sharing dishes and laughter that reflected the warmth of a close-knit faith family. The closing of the Rosary Month left everyone with hearts full of gratitude and a renewed spirit of devotion, ready to continue living out the love and peace of Our Lady in their daily lives.
