CLOSER 2024 Holy Week Pilgrimage
In welcoming the Holy Week, we embarked on a Mount Singai journey, praying the Stations of the Cross, reliving the sacrifice Jesus made for our salvation, inspired by 2023 World Youth Day and Pope Francis’ message during the VIA CRUCIS which meditations were based on young people’s considerations of the weaknesses affecting today’s society.
In the morning of March 23, 2024, young people from the different parishes and campuses from all over our Kuching Archdiocese, and some with their families, all numbering around 200, gathered at the Catholic Memorial Pilgrimage Center (CMPC) entrance and climbed up in small groups praying and reflecting on the fourteen Stations of the Cross. This prayerful journey was conducted in three languages – English, Chinese, and Bahasa Malaysia, to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all participants.
It concluded with everyone gathered as one in front of the CMPC chapel and grotto for a final prayer with singing and blessing. With everybody tired but inspired, they’ve spent moments of just relaxing together sharing snacks, stories and smiles to one another.
A small group among them, still enthusiastic to further their journey, proceeded to hike to reach Mount Singai peak. More tiring but more inspiring indeed!
Organized by the Kuching Archdiocesan Youth Commission, this pilgrimage sought to bring our youth CLOSER not just to their sisters and brothers in faith but above all to our loving saving God, ever grateful to His redeeming sacrifice.
KAYC gives its ardent thanks to all who joined in this Lenten pilgrimage, wishing all of us Catholics a blessed Holy Week culminating to a Happy Easter where we all, to God, get even CLOSER!
Written by Joan Lau.