The one way journey from Bishop's house in Miri to Holy Cross parish was 234.5km and another 18.4 km off the road drive to Uma Nyalang, Batu 6 Long Koyan.
This was the first visit by a Bishop to Uma Nyalang whereby 28 out of the 32 doors longhouse are Catholics.
It was indeed a great honor for them to have a Bishop visiting them as they show their appreciation with traditional dances in the welcoming ceremony. The varies tribes all dressed up in their tradition costumes, very much different from each other.
Right Reverend Bishop Richard Ng and Fr. Sylvester Ngau celebrated sunset Mass at Gereja John Paul II with the 230 kenyah parishioners. This chapel built for 280 capacity was previously blessed and declared open by Fr. Sylvester Ding on 26th December 2012.
The next day on Sunday 28th October 2018, some 450 parishioners participated in the morning Mass where His Lordship Bishop accompanied by Fr. Sylvester Ngau administered Sacrament of Confirmation to 90 candidates adults and students at Uma Balui Ukap, Sungei Asap a 90 doors Kayan longhouse.
Photography and story by Dennis Ng
Edited and compiled by Ben Chang
Arrival at the father house at Holy Cross Parish en route
Welcome to Uma Nyalang, 32 Doors Kenyah Long House
Gereja St John Paul II and Sunset Mass at Uma Nyalang
Altar of St John Paul II's Chapel
made from a tree stump
made from a tree stump
Children Blessing after the Mass
Entertainment at Uma Nyalang and Cake cutting to commemorate the Bishop
first visit to the Long House
first visit to the Long House
Presentation of gifts to the Bishop, Priest and Catechist
Compiled by Ben Chang