By William Gan
MIRI — 9 April 2025 was a unique day for St Joseph’s Cathedral, Miri when it hosted the double celebration of the Chrism Mass and the Launching of Perjalanan Salib in Miri Diocese.
The event was celebrated by Rt Rev Bishop Richard Ng, the bishop of the Diocese of Miri. Present as con-celebrants were all the priests from the diocese, including those already retired, as well as priests from the neighbouring Vicariate of Brunei. The faithful, from various parishes, some of whom made a day-long journey to reach Miri, filled the Cathedral to the brim, making it a lively event. The entire event was broadcasted live.
The event commenced with the procession into the Cathedral led by the Perjalanan Salib cross, to the beautiful voices of the combined choirs singing a multi-lingual entrance hymn. This hymn was specially composed by a team of musicians from the Cathedral Choir for this special occasion. The Mass was celebrated in Bahasa Melayu, English, Iban and Mandarin.
Bishop Richard introduced the special cross which symbolized the national Perjalanan Salib, explaining that Christ’s Cross united us in hope and redemption. Then he led the Rites of Blessing, incensing and veneration of the Perjalanan Salib cross before the start of the Chrism Mass proper.
In his homily, Bishop Richard pointed out that the word “Chrism” came from the Greek word “Christos” which means “the anointed one”, and therefore, the readings were all about anointing. He reminded the congregation that all baptised have been anointed, and being anointed means we share the mission of Jesus Christ – to bring, and be, the good news to our local communities wherever we are, especially the poor and marginalised. After blessing the oils, Bishop Richard presented the Chrism oils to all the Parish Rectors of the Diocese of Miri and the Vicariate of Brunei.
Before concluding the Chrism Mass, Bishop Richard presented the Perjalanan Salib cross to the congregation, instructing that the cross be brought to all the parishes, calling the faithful in all corners of the diocese, from small villages to urban areas, to unite all in peace and joy. He also announced the appointment of the new Vicar General of the Diocese of Miri, Mgsr Joseph Ding, upon the retirement of the previous Vicar General, Mgsr Francis Kulleh.
At the end of the Mass, many stayed behind to spend a moment to venerate the Perjalanan Salib cross at the sanctuary. It was indeed a joyous and memorable event for the faithful in Miri Diocese.
