ROSARY PRAYER AT THE MARIAN ROSARY CORRIDOR

BY DALIUS L LOBINJANG, SOCCOM SANDAKAN

Marian Mount at the background

Sandakan: The month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary whereby Catholic faithful will gather to recite the Holy Rosary together as family and community. On 22nd October 2014 around 60 parishioners from the neighbouring BECs (Basic Ecclesiastical Community) of St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish gathered at the Marian Rosary Corridor to recite the rosary prayer.

Being a public holiday, the Parish BEC Core Group took the opportunity to organize the rosary prayer at Marian Mount at 9.00am seeking Mother Mary's favorable intercession for the intention that God may lead the Church to greater heights, protect over our Holy Father, Bishops, clergy and religious, bestow blessing upon our country for greater unity and heal those who are sick.

The Rosary Corridor on the Marian Mount, is a trail of some one kilometre of gradual terrain with lush greenery of trees and shrubs. The blessing and opening of the Rosary Corridor was graced by Rt Rev Julius Dusin Gitom, Bishop of Sandakan on 15th August 2014 in conjunction with the Parish Day of the Cathedral.

Also seen among the parishioners in the recitation of the rosary were Fr. Sunny Chung, the assistant rector of the Cathedral and the three Franciscan Sisters. In his short reflection on the Gospel of the day, Fr. Sunny related that the coming of everyone for the rosary prayer was not to fulfill our obligation to pray but also to make ready of oneself in the coming of the Lord as mentioned in the scripture.

He added, “We are gathered here not only for the Church and personal petitions but also to bring Jesus' love for one another through the intercession of Mother Mary”.

The recitation of the Holy Rosary was divided into two groups, with the senior parishioners leading 15 minutes ahead of the youth group. This was to avoid congestion at every mystery station. It was refreshing walking along the pathway in a peaceful and tranquil environment with a meditative mind that heighten one’s sense of spirituality and self-alignment with God. The recitation of the holy rosary blended with the surrounding atmosphere synchronized beautifully with the rhythms of nature. 

Fr. Sunny Chung, Pius Gorohom, Edaldrie Tan, Sr. Appolonia Gumpu FSIC

Being the oldest member in the group does not hinder Pius Gorohom from participating in this special prayer because of the intention for the well-being of Mgsr. Nicholas. While, for Edaldrie Tan who came with his family, shared that they came to support the BECs and he felt that he wanted to share the burden of carrying the cross (life’s challenges) together with the brothers and sisters. Sr. Appollonia Gumpu fsic, one of the Spiritual Advisers for BECs hoped that the coming together in meditating the rosary at the Marian Rosary Corridor, should not be taken as a recreational event but an opportunity to unite the many groupings in the parish. She hoped that this noble event will be an on-going activity for the BECs.

Pope Francis reminded us that praying the Holy Rosary prepares our hearts to receive God’s grace and teaches us to place ourselves in the hands of God, allowing him to guide our steps along the path of our faith journey. Praying the Rosary allows us to make room for God, to glorify his name, and to make him truly present in our lives.

A scenic view of part of Sandakan town taken from the peak of Marian Mount

The rosary prayer concluded one hour later with a closing prayer led by Fr. Sunny Chung. Thereafter, parishioners gathered at the peak of Marian Mount to pose for group photos.