CLOSER 2026
CLOSER 2026: A Journey of Prayer and Unity at Mount Singai
On the morning of 28 March 2026, just one day before Palm Sunday, 132 young people and a few adults gathered at the Catholic Memorial & Pilgrimage Centre (CMPC), Mount Singai, Bau, for CLOSER 2026—a Holy Week pilgrimage journey organised by Kuching Archdiocesan Youth Commission (KAYC).
Held from 8:30am to 11:30am, the event invited participants to enter into a deeper spirit of prayer, reflection, and unity through the Stations of The Cross prayer as they prepared their hearts for the sacred days of Holy Week.
Participants assembled at the CMPC entrance at 8:30am, coming from diverse backgrounds yet united in a common desire: to grow closer to God. The journey officially began at 9:00am with a prayerful pilgrimage up Mount Singai.
In a beautiful expression of the universality of the Church, the prayers were conducted in three languages: Bahasa Malaysia, English, and Chinese. Reflecting the rich diversity of the local Catholic community:
- Bahasa Malaysia group: 50 participants
- English group: 70 participants
- Chinese group: 12 participants
Despite the different languages, all walked the same path, prayed the same intentions, and journeyed as one body in Christ.
At 10:30am, participants gathered at the 14th station for the concluding prayer. The pilgrimage was not merely a physical climb, but a spiritual ascent, inviting each participant to reflect on Christ’s journey to the Cross, and their own call to follow Him more closely.
Following the prayers, participants enjoyed a time of rest, fellowship, and simple shared snacks. Conversations flowed easily as new friendships were formed and old ones rekindled.
A Testimony from a Participant
Lenten Journey ✝️ | Road to Holy Week 2026 “CLOSER: Encountering the Crucified Christ on our Synodal Journey” From Margaret Mary, youth from St. Bernard Church Dalat, Sibu Diocese. I AM Not someone who typically hikes; that makes this experience very truly different for me. It’s my first time going hiking, and I’m very glad I made it to Mount Singai! It wasn’t just a climb. *It was a calling.* Praying and pondering on the Stations of the Cross, while climbing the stairs of the fourteen stations was no easy task. We dwelt deeper on the suffering of Jesus. I felt touched and determined not to give up. It was also my first time joining a KAYC program. As I’m not a local Kuchingite; I am originally from Dalat, Sarawak. For years now, I’ve always longed to participate in such youth activities. And so i’m so thankful to God for this opportunity. I’m deeply grateful to share this Lenten journey with the Kuching Archdiocesan Youth Commission (KAYC) and the youth of Kuching. It has been a golden, grace-filled experience that will stay with me forever 🤍 Until next time, my dear brothers & sisters in Christ ✨ |
For those who wished to continue the journey, an optional hike to the summit began at 11:15am. A total of 54 youths, accompanied by Fr Ramon SDB and Joan Lau of KAYC, all took up the challenge, pressing on with determination and joy to reach the peak of Mount Singai.
CLOSER 2026 once again served as a meaningful reminder that the journey of faith is not meant to be walked alone. As participants descended the hill, they carried with them not only the memories of the morning, but also a renewed spirit, ready to enter into Holy Week with greater awareness, unity, and love.
Written by Joan Lau (KAYC)