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Long ago, people making journeys to the Holy land had to walk for days, weeks or perhaps months to reach their destination. Thanks to the modern facilities, we can make it all in one day; a distance of 320 miles or so, to and fro.
On 16th May, 1988, we, members of the Kudat Catholic Women’s League, left our household chores and children to the care of our husbands for just one day. We were going on a pilgrimage to the Holy Rosary Church, Limbahau, Papar.
As early as 5.30 a.m. we gathered in St. Peter’s Church. After praying in thechurch , we set out in two buses. More than 50 of us: women, youth, Sr.Agnes, Sr. Clare and Fr. David Sham.
All along the way, we said the Rosary and sang hymns. We laughed and chatted and forgot about the tediousness of the journey. At about 11 am we arrived at the Holy Rosary Church.
Fr. Dapoz, who had been waiting for us for quite some time, greeted us warmly.
The Kudat pilgrims strolled round the place to lose their fatique. It was a lovely place, with cool and serene surrounding; an ideal place to pray and contemplate. It was one of the three churches chosen by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Bishop John Lee for pilgrimage on this Marian Year. The other two churches are, Stella Maris, Tanjung Aru and St. Theresa's Church Tambunan.
After recovering from the long journey, we entered the church to attend the Holy Mass. We felt very near to God and nature; as inside the church the birds flew in and out twittering sweetly and outside the church; it was raining heavily.
After the Mass, Sr. Clare led the rosary. Soon we said good-bye to Fr. Dapoz.
At 1 p.m. the buses took the hungry pilgrims to Papar town for lunch.
It was unfortunate that on our arrival at the town, we saw a fire burning somewhere. Later we learned that the old St. Joseph’s School building was burnt down. We felt so sorry for them but thanked God that no lives were lost.
After lunch, we didn’t look around much due to the heavy downpour. We went straight to St. Joseph’s Church, Papar. For many who saw the church for the first time, couldn’t help but admire the magnificence of it.
Our next destination was the Holy Family Residence, Papar.
On arrival, Sr. Stella came out to to greet us. We walked around the place and were indeed impressed. The eight old ladies staying there received such love, care and attention that it is indeed a great comfort to them in their old age.
After taking the group photo, we were given a treat of drinks and refreshments. After that we crossed the long wooden bridge to the Convent of St. Mary of the Angels for the aged sisters. We took our sweet time relaxing there, while some of us were impatient to be back.
After buying holy pictures and rosaries from the sisters we took leave of them.
It was 7 pm when we reached Kota Belud, St. Edmund’s Church. There we stopped for a bite and drink and prayer in the church before proceeding on our way. It was late when we reached home.
This is indeed a memorable day in our lives.
By
Agatha Lai
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