KOTA KINABALU: The parish community of St Simon Catholic Church Likas officially welcomed the Perjalanan Salib (Cross Journey) cross on Divine Mercy Sunday, marking a significant spiritual occasion in preparation for the Malaysia Pastoral Convention (MPC) 2026.
The reception ceremony was led by parish priest Rev Fr Michael Modoit, who described it as a blessing for the parish to receive the pilgrimage cross on a feast day dedicated to Divine Mercy.
“It is truly a blessing to receive the Perjalanan Salib cross into our parish on Divine Mercy Sunday,” he said, highlighting the significance of the feast linked to the revelations of Saint Faustina Kowalska, whose visions of Jesus Christ led to the recognition of Divine Mercy Sunday as the Second Sunday of Easter.
Earlier on Saturday, about 50 parishioners from St John Tuaran Church participated in handing over the Perjalanan Salib cross to the Likas parish. The handover was marked by prayers, official exchanges, group photographs and fellowship between members of both churches.
In his homily, Fr Michael said the Perjalanan Salib 2025–2026 is a national devotional pilgrimage organised by the Catholic Church in Malaysia as spiritual preparation for the Malaysia Pastoral Convention scheduled for September 2026.
He explained that the programme involves nine interconnected crosses representing Malaysia’s nine dioceses, travelling to various parishes nationwide to promote unity, synodality and mission.
Reflecting on the meaning of the cross, Fr Michael urged parishioners to deepen their understanding of its spiritual significance.
“When we look at the cross, we are reminded of the triumph of Jesus over death. At the same time, the cross is our identity, because salvation comes in the name of Jesus Christ,” he said.
He said the cross remains central to Christian life, from baptism to prayer, worship and reconciliation.
“From the time we are baptised in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the mystery of God becomes part of our identity. Every prayer begins with the sign of the cross, and it continues to accompany us throughout our faith journey,” he said.
Fr Michael also encouraged parishioners to spend time in silent prayer before the pilgrimage cross while it remains at the parish chapel for a week before being transferred to its next destination, St Thomas Kepayan Church.
“One of the best ways to pray is to come quietly before the cross and reflect on Christ’s sacrificial love,” he said.
Speaking on the message of Divine Mercy, Fr Michael recalled how Pope John Paul II canonised Saint Faustina and helped spread devotion to Divine Mercy worldwide.
“Divine Mercy reminds us of one essential truth — that God is merciful and loving,” he said.
He added that the Gospel reading on the doubt of St Thomas serves as a powerful testimony of Christ’s resurrection.
“Every Sunday after Easter presents testimony after testimony about the risen Lord, affirming the truth of our faith,” he said.
The Perjalanan Salib cross will remain at St Simon Catholic Church for prayer and veneration before continuing its pilgrimage journey to the next parish as part of the nationwide spiritual programme.
St Simon Catholic Church Likas 