By Peter Tan
SRI AMAN — On April 12, 2025, four Catholic parishes across Sri Aman demonstrated their commitment to faith through simultaneous Gotong Royong initiatives. While Our Lady Queen of Peace (OLQP), Sri Aman, Mount Hosanna Church, Holy Family Church Betong, and St Ignatius Church Saratok each conducted their cleaning activities, they were united in purpose—preparing their sacred spaces for Holy Week. Though physically separate, this collective effort beautifully embodied the scriptural truth that “there are many kinds of service, but the same Lord” (1 Corinthians 12:5).
Though physically separate, this collective effort beautifully embodied the scriptural truth that “there are many kinds of service, but the same Lord” (1 Corinthians 12:5). The simultaneous timing of these events created a powerful spiritual connection between the communities, proving that even when working separately, Christians remain “one body in Christ” (Romans 12:5). Volunteers at each location shared laughter and camaraderie as they worked, taking comfort in knowing their efforts contributed to a greater preparation for Christ’s Passion.
Sacred Preparations Across Parishes
At OLQP Sri Aman, teams moved purposefully through the sanctuary—some mopping tiled floors until they shone like the Jerusalem Temple courts. In contrast, others wiped every chair and pew with damp cloths, reverently cleansing surfaces that would support worshippers during Holy Week. Their diligent work mirrored the woman who anointed Jesus with precious oil (Mark 14:8-9).
Meanwhile, Mount Hosanna volunteers created a living welcome for pilgrims. They adorned stone steps with palm fronds, recreating the road where Jerusalem’s crowds laid cloaks before Christ (Matthew 21:8-9). Woven palm archways above the entrance whispered, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”
At Holy Family Church, Betong, volunteers engaged in dual ministries. Some arranged altar linens with the care of the women who prepared Christ’s burial spices (Mark 16:1), while others prepared traditional Sarawakian fare, their culinary ministry embodying the early Church’s “breaking of bread” (Acts 2:42).
St Ignatius Church, Saratok, focused on intergenerational service. Parishioners guided seniors in weaving palm crosses, fulfilling Titus 2:3-4’s call for mutual discipleship. These crosses would later reach homebound members, extending Palm Sunday’s grace beyond Church walls.
One Church, Many Hands
Though separated by distance, these four parishes wove a single tapestry of devotion through their unique acts of service. OLQP’s cleansing, Mount Hosanna’s welcoming arches, Holy Family’s nourishing meals, and St Ignatius’s crafted crosses—each task became a living prayer that transcended location. Together, they demonstrated how Christian unity flourishes not in uniformity but when diverse gifts are “activated by one and the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:11).
As Holy Week commenced, their collective efforts stood as a testament to what Christ’s Church achieves when its members serve with one heart: sacred spaces prepared, communities strengthened, and the Passion story made tangible through loving hands. May their example inspire us all to offer our daily work, however ordinary, as extraordinary worship.
