By Ivy Chai
KUCHING — After 18 months of pilgrimage throughout the 12 parishes in the Archdiocese of Kuching, the journey of the Salib (Cross) has come full circle.
PERJALANAN SALIB was launched on 3 April 2025 at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, during the first Malaysian Catholic Youth Day (MCYD2025). Nine solemnly blessed Salibs (Crosses) were presented to the Cardinal, Archbishops and Bishops to bring back to their respective Arch/dioceses.
The Thanksgiving Mass marking the completion of Perjalanan Salib in the Archdiocese of Kuching was held on 29 August 2026 at St Joseph’s Cathedral. It was presided by Archbishop Simon Poh, with Fr Davie Entalai and Fr Henry Jimbey concelebrating.
Perjalanan Salib in Kuching Archdiocese
Recalling the beginning of the journey of the pilgrim Cross in Kuching, Archbishop Simon said the Salib was carried in a Palm Sunday procession on 13 April 2025 from St Peter’s College Seminary to the Cathedral sanctuary. From there, it began its journey throughout the Archdiocese’s 12 parishes, reaching urban and rural housing areas for public viewing and veneration.
At the Thanksgiving Mass, representatives from all the 12 parishes visited by the Salib gathered to celebrate and witness the completion of the Perjalanan Salib.
The Salib will be taken to Sibu for the Malaysia Pastoral Convention from 9 to 13 September, where about 900 delegates will congregate. There, it will join the Salibs from the other eight Arch/dioceses to form a large Cross measuring 9ft tall and 5ft wide, with a Corpus affixed to it. The large Cross will “symbolise the assembly of one Malaysian Church, a symbol of faith, sacrifice and unity for Christians.”
Perjalanan Salib represented a spiritual journey of reconciliation, renewal and solidarity among Catholics in Malaysia. As it travelled from parish to parish, it served as a focal point for prayer, reflection and worship for individuals and communities.
Why Touch and Pray before the Salib?
Archbishop Simon noted that many people touch and pray before the Salib. What do they hope for in doing so? “It carries the hopes, suffering, pain, petitions, prayers and thanksgiving of every place it has visited,” he said.
The Salib is a “unifying symbol for Christians,” transcending geographical, cultural and linguistic barriers. It unites Sabah, Sarawak and Semenanjung Malaysia as one Catholic community.
The Thanksgiving Mass concluded with “Bangkitlah”, the official hymn of PERJALANAN SALIB … a reflection of Christ’s passion and a celebration of His victory and the grace of salvation that we receive through His love.
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