By Fr SK Selvan, CMF
MIRI — The last weekend of the year was celebrated with the greatest joy, pomp and ceremony at the Holy Family Parish at Lapok, one of the more remote parishes in the Diocese of Miri.
On 27 December, amidst the glow of Christmas joy, the Diocese of Miri celebrated the ordination of a new deacon. Deacon Joel Rut Markus’ family hailed from Long Jegan, one of the more remote villages of the Holy Family Parish in Lapok. It was especially deeply personal and meaningful for the local parishioners to witness one of their own taking the Holy Orders.
Nearly 600 faithful filled the small simple Church. Many came from other parishes to witness the solemn ceremony, bringing to mind the words of Psalm 133:1, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” His Grace, Bishop Richard Ng celebrated the Diaconate Mass, concelebrated by priests from various parishes.
In his homily, Bishop Richard Ng voiced a heartfelt concern over the declining number of young people embracing the priestly and religious vocations. With pastoral zeal, he urged families and youths alike to courageously respond to God’s call. He challenged the young to rise as beacons of hope and reminded parents that vocations are nurtured first in the domestic Church which is the family unit.
The celebrations continued the next day on 28 December, the final Sunday of the year, coinciding with the Parish feast-day and the closing Mass of the Jubilee Year of Pilgrims of Hope.
Sunday was the Feast of the Holy Family. Reflecting on the faith of Mary and Joseph in Mt. 2:13-23, Bishop Richard reminded the people that even though Joseph and Mary faced many challenges, they lived for God. Bishop Richard encouraged families not to surrender to despair but to hold onto God’s promises even in times of trials, and to walk steadfastly in hope, trusting God’s divine timing.
After the Mass, Bishop Richard Ng blessed the newly constructed Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, together with Rev Fr SK Selvan, CMF, rector of the Holy Family Parish, and the newly ordained Deacon Joel. The blessing stood as a symbol of renewed faith and Marian devotion. The ceremony beautifully mirrored Proverbs 16:3: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”
A thanksgiving celebration followed in the parish hall, where the Bishop encouraged continued collaboration and ecclesial solidarity. He also presented to Mr Lucas, the chief architect and manager of the Grotto project, a token of appreciation for his dedication and craftsmanship. In the spirit of Christmas giving, Bishop Richard also distributed gifts to children, lighting up young faces with pure joy.
The celebrations concluded with a joyful prayer: “May the Holy Family continue to intercede for our families, guide our youth, and bless our mission.”
As 2025 drew to a close, the parish will step into 2026 with uplifted hearts, strengthened by the assurance of Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous; the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” May we all have a grace-filled new year. Oo-hah!!
