Keningau diocese honours Our Lady of Mount Kinabalu
Mountains are often mentioned in the Bible as places where individuals encounter God. For instance, Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16-19). Likewise, Mary is seen as a guide to encountering God, particularly on Calvary Hill, where Jesus was crucified (John 19:25-27).
Oct 26, 2024

By Liza Magnus
Mountains are often mentioned in the Bible as places where individuals encounter God. For instance, Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16-19). Likewise, Mary is seen as a guide to encountering God, particularly on Calvary Hill, where Jesus was crucified (John 19:25-27).
On September 30, Bishop Cornelius Piong presided over a Eucharistic celebration to mark the opening of the Rosary Month and the launch of the honorary title of Our Lady of Mount Kinabalu. The Mass began with a sumazau dance, followed by a procession featuring an impressive 30-inch picture of Our Lady of Mount Kinabalu, elegantly covered in blue cloth.
Once the picture was placed on the altar, the cloth was removed, and Bishop Cornelius blessed the image, assisted by Fr Joseph Gapitang and Fr Appolonius Yakis.
In his homily, Bishop Cornelius shared that the inspiration for the title Our Lady of Mount Kinabalu originated from the recent Sabah Youth Day-6 held in Keningau. He noted that Sabah boasts several popular icons and landmarks recognised both locally and internationally, suggesting it is fitting to honour the Mother of God with such a significant landmark, similar to Our Lady of Lourdes and Our Lady of Fatima.
The bishop emphasised, “I believe that those who are devoted to Mother Mary have experienced her help. The wedding at Cana, where the hosts ran out of wine, demonstrates her compassion and care. Running out of wine symbolises the loss of joy. Pray to Our Lady for the restoration of joy in families and communities, as wine represents joy.”
He further reflected, “Since the Diocese of Keningau was established 31 years ago, Mother Mary has always walked with the people of this diocese.” Bishop Cornelius expressed his hope that young Catholics in Sabah would emulate Our Lady’s faith, inspired by the SYD-6 theme, Mary arose and went with haste, encouraging them to spread the Lord’s Good News and be the salt and light of Christ wherever they go.
The artwork of Our Lady of Mount Kinabalu was created by Didiroy Joneh, Chairman of the Social Communication Commission of the Diocese of Keningau, and digitally rendered by Eva Glenn Robert from the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu.
After the Eucharist, the congregation viewed a video catechesis prepared by Fr David Gasikol, explaining the significance of honouring the Mother of Christ as Our Lady of Mount Kinabalu.
Total Comments:0