Ecumenical prayer service marks Sarawak Day celebration
An Ecumenical Prayer Service held to celebrate the 61st Sarawak Day, July 18. Held at Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre, it was organised by the Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS). This year’s service, hosted by the Roman Catholic Church, was themed May they all be one (John 17:21).
Aug 09, 2024
By Ivy Chai
An Ecumenical Prayer Service held to celebrate the 61st Sarawak Day, July 18. Held at Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre, it was organised by the Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS). This year’s service, hosted by the Roman Catholic Church, was themed May they all be one (John 17:21).
The event began with the ACS combined choir leading the singing of the national and state anthems, accompanied by the hoisting of flags by the Boys and Girls brigades. Organising chairman, Fr Davie Entalai of the Catholic Church, welcomed heads of Churches, special guests, state dignitaries, priests, religious figures, and attendees of all faiths.
Fr Davie emphasised the significance of the theme, urging unity through love for one another and our homeland, bumi Kenyalang.
The opening prayer, delivered in English by ACS chairman Datuk Danald Jute, Anglican Bishop of Sarawak and Brunei, was followed by Scripture readings in BM, Iban, Mandarin, and Bidayuh Jagoi, with the Gospel read in English.
Archbishop Simon Poh of Kuching Archdiocese reflected on the theme. Speaking in English, with key explanations in BM and Mandarin, the archbishop talked about God’s love and the sins of mankind, citing examples from Genesis of how pride, greed, and ecological destruction can fracture human relationships.
He highlighted Jesus as a bridge between God and humanity and urged the congregation to live by the Beatitudes, showing mercy and kindness.
Archbishop Simon quoted Pope Francis, stating, “The name of God is Mercy,” and called for reconciliation and a commitment to building a nation of peace, respect, and unity. He encouraged prayers for Sarawak and its leaders.
The service included prayers in various languages by representatives of participating Churches, intercessory prayers for leaders and authorities, and appeals for global peace, justice, and righteousness.
The event concluded with a Benediction led by Datuk Danald Jute, followed by a final blessing from the heads of Churches. The ACS combined choir, consisting of members from various Christian parishes, performed a “Prayer for Peace” song, leaving the audience with the message to “Go light the World,” a performance animated by the Catholic Church before the Benediction. Over 1,000 attendees were present at the service.
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