By Ivy Chai
KUCHING — A ‘Gawai Thanksgiving Mass’ was organised by the Pertubuhan Kebudayaan Katolik Dayak (PKKD), and St Joseph’s Cathedral, Kuching on 20 May 2022.
The Holy Mass at the Cathedral to celebrate the Harvest Festival, was also live-streamed so home viewers could participate online via the Kuching Archdiocesan YouTube and Facebook official channels.
Kuching Archbishop Simon Poh celebrated the Mass in BM, with the readings and hymns read and sung in the various languages of the people in Sarawak.
Concelebrating the Gawai Mass were Vicar General Msgr William Sabang, visiting priest Fr Francis Anthony, Fr Nicholas Ng, Fr Alvin Ng, Fr Galvin Ngumbang, Fr Benard Bujang and Fr Mark Bonchol.
The prelate welcomed the congregation, with some of them dressed in their traditional costumes, to the “first Gawai Mass after two years of pandemic.”
He said, “Let us put our faith in Jesus Christ. We want to give thanks to God for protecting us throughout this difficult and challenging time.” He advised Catholics to “be united in our faith” and with gratitude, give thanks to God.
The theme for the Gawai Mass or Misa Hari Gawai was: “Aku hendak memasyhurkan kasih abadi TUHAN, puji-pujian kepada TUHAN.” Translated, it means, “Let me sing the praises of the LORD’s goodness, and of his marvellous deeds.”
As part of the celebration, members from the PKKD performed a cultural dance at the end of the Eucharistic celebration.
Msgr William, Fr Galvin and Fr Mark offered their Gawai greetings before Archbishop Simon Poh concluded the Mass with his message, and Gawai greetings on behalf of Archbishops Emeriti Peter Chung and John Ha, and all Priests.
Archbishop Simon also informed parishioners that in view of reports that many people who celebrate the Harvest Festival were unable to travel home, or unwilling to expose the Covid virus to their village community, another Mass with congregation would be celebrated at the Cathedral at 9.00am on 1 June, 2022.
The Archbishop read out the UNIFOR advisory notice on basic safety SOP for celebrating Gawai, before giving the final blessing.
