Perjalanan Salib concludes historic 18-month journey across Malaysia

KOTA KINABALU – After traversing the length and breadth of Malaysia for 18 months, the Perjalanan Salib (Journey of the Cross) has officially come to a close, leaving in its wake countless stories of spiritual
awakening, conversion, and renewal that have touched the lives of Catholics from the bustling cities to the most remote villages.

A Journey of Unity and Faith
The historic pilgrimage, which began on Apr 3, 2025, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Kota Kinabalu during the Malaysian Catholic Youth Day (MCYD), saw nine crosses journey across all nine arch/dioceses of Malaysia. The initiative, part of the larger vision to strengthen Church unity under the theme “Celebrate, Listen, Walk as One Church,” has been in development since 2018 and serves as a precursor to the Malaysia Pastoral Convention 2026 (MPC 2026), the first-ever gathering of all Malaysian arch/dioceses, which, at press time, to be attended by over 800 delegates.

Crosses Reach the Peripheries
While the nine crosses were ideally scheduled to visit 165 parishes nationwide, their journey extended far beyond urban centers. In several dioceses, the crosses made their way to remote interior chapels, ensuring that Catholics at the peripheries could experience the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.
The concept of the Perjalanan Salib draws inspiration from the Salib Belia, a cherished tradition in Sabah’s dioceses where the cross traditionally travels to every parish before culminating at the host parish of the Sabah Youth Day.

Parish Communities Embrace the Cross
During each parish stay, the cross served as a catalyst for spiritual renewal, bringing entire communities together through a rich tapestry of activities. Parishes organized various programs ranging from spiritual reflections to family-oriented talks and activities.
Some parishes chose to place the cross at their parish center, inviting all parishioners to come and worship in a central gathering. Others demonstrated extraordinary dedication by carrying the cross to remote villages, breaking with convention where activities are often centralized at the parish center. This outreach ensured that even the most isolated communities could experience the presence of the cross.

A Symbol of Victory, Unity, and Personal Transformation
Adorned with the national Bunga Raya (Hibiscus), each of the nine crosses carries a profound dual
symbolism: they represent Christ’s triumphant victory over the world, His reconciliation with the Father, and the unifying grace of the Holy Spirit, while the national flower itself roots the pilgrimage in Malaysia’s
heritage of love, independence, and national unity.
Presiding over the launch Mass, Cardinal Sebastian Francis underscored that the Perjalanan Salib is more than a physical trek across the country, it is a deeply interior spiritual exercise aimed at nurturing
communion and solidarity among the faithful.
This vision of unity found its living expression in the Diocese of Keningau, where Bishop Cornelius Piong fittingly bestowed upon the traveling cross the name “Salib Solidariti” (Cross of Solidarity). For Bernardine Sebastian, 35, the cross’s arrival was not merely a ceremonial event but a profound personal journey.
“At first, I felt it had become a heavy burden,” he confessed. “However, once the Cross began its pilgrimage to every parish and I was able to spend extended moments in quiet reflection with it, I experienced an indescribable peace and tranquility. This simple Cross has deepened my appreciation for the true meaning of sacrificial, unconditional love. I am deeply grateful that it has reached even the most remote communities, and I am certain they, too, are experiencing an extraordinary personal encounter.”

A Call to Mission
Addressing the youth delegates at MCYD, who were joined by representatives from Brunei, Thailand,
Timor-Leste, and Macau, Cardinal Sebastian urged them to embrace their role as disciples and witnesses
of Christ.
“Do the most fundamental thing first, introduce Jesus to others,” the Cardinal said. “When you know Him, you will love. When you love, you will care. When you care, you will long for Him, and when you long for Him, you will be open to His grace and blessings.”
He outlined four key areas of focus: building small communities within the Church; strengthening families; enriching community values; and increasing ecological awareness, essential gifts from God that must be shared in the mission to bring the joy of the Gospel to others.

A Lasting Impression
The Perjalanan Salib was accompanied by its own anthem, “Bangkitlah,” which was adapted into multiple languages including Malay, Iban, Chinese, and Tamil, reflecting the multicultural fabric of Malaysia’s Catholic community.
As the crosses conclude their journey, they leave behind transformed communities and a renewed sense of unity that will carry the Malaysian Church forward toward the historic Malaysia Pastoral Convention 2026.

EPILOGUE
The Perjalanan Salib officially concluded its diocesan journey on Sep 6, marking the end of an
extraordinary pilgrimage that will be remembered as a defining moment in the history of the Catholic
Church in Malaysia. For the countless parishioners who experienced the cross’s presence, the journey’s
end is but the beginning of a renewed commitment to walking together as one Church. – Peter Z

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