Bishops send messages to the faithful in the aftermath of the quake

The 6.0 magnitude earthquake which rocked Sabah at 7.15am on June 5 caused the deaths of 18 people: four mountain guides and 14 people, who were on Mount Kinabalu at that time.

Jun 18, 2015

KOTA KINABALU: The 6.0 magnitude earthquake which rocked Sabah at 7.15am on June 5 caused the deaths of 18 people: four mountain guides and 14 people, who were on Mount Kinabalu at that time.

In our previous issue, we higlighted the message of Rt Rev Cornelius Piong, the Bishop of Keningau Diocese.

Archbishop John Wong from the Kota Kinabalu Archdiocese, in his message to the people, shared his sorrow and expressed his condolences to the families of all the climbers.

Special Masses were offered in the Archdiocese and many parishes have intiated efforts to assist the affected villages.

He ended by saying that the catastrophe reminds us of how vulnerable we are and the need we have to re-examine our relationship with God and His creation.

Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom from the Diocese of Sandakan, whose home parish, Bundu Tuhan, was also affected, was saddened by the tragedy and the loss of lives.

He too conveyed his condolences to all those affected.

He also acknowledged the commitment of the Search and Rescue Team, especially the mountain guides, who worked tirelessly, bravely giving their lives for others.

-- Please see below and right for the full text of their messages.

June 10, 2015
MEDIA STATEMENT

The Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu wishes to express our deepest condolence to the families of all the climbers and mountain guides who were killed by falling rocks and rubble on Mt. Kinabalu during the June 5 earthquake which occurred in and around the district of Ranau. This unprecedented calamity had caught many unprepared.

In solidarity with all those affected by the quake, parishes in the Archdiocese will be offering special Masses for the victims and their families. May their sorrows be relieved and healed by the presence and support of concerned individuals, groups and organizations. May they have the courage and strength to move on with life.

Our parishes will initiate efforts to assist the affected villagers in cash and kind. All donations will be channelled through the Archdiocesan Centre to those in need.

The Archdiocese also wishes to affirm the courageous and selfless spirit of the mountain guides for their heroic acts; also, to the villagers near the foothills of Mt Kinabalu for their patience and endurance in facing the crisis. May the presence of our priests, religious, catechists and lay leaders bring comfort to them as they go through this traumatic time.

Meanwhile, the earthquake reminds us of how vulnerable we are. It is a wakeup call for us to re-examine our relationship with God the Creator and with His creation — human and nature. Life can be very fragile, especially at a time when we least expect. But when we are close to God and obey Him, we will not be destabilised, even if calamities befall us. Because we dare to claim His promise, “Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken, My love shall never leave you nor my covenant of peace be shaken...” (Ps 18.2-3)



Most Rev. John Wong Soo Kau
Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu


We were saddened to hear of the 6.0 magnitude earth quake that struck Mount Kinabalu and its surrounding areas last Friday, June 5, 2015. Properties were damaged and lives were lost. As of date, the death toll has risen to 16, comprising local and foreign visitors. Efforts are still underway to reach out to those unaccounted for.

The tragedy has brought much grief and pain to the affected families. In the most difficult period of their lives, I would like to extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families and friends of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. May Almighty God give them strength to withstand this tragedy.

The affected areas also include my home parish, Bundu Tuhan, a short distant from Mount Kinabalu.

As we mourn the loss of our unfortunate brothers and sisters, we do acknowledge the commitment of the members of the Search and Rescue Team, especially the local mountain guides who have been working tirelessly and braving their lives to save others. The loving concern of the local community in preparing food for those involved in the rescue mission is to be commended.

Let us continue to pray for the affected families and offer whatever assistance possible.



Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom
Diocese of Sandakan

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