Pastoral Visit to Church of Holy Family Parish, Lapok and Kampung Long Jegan 21st - 22nd September 2019

The journey by road Miri to Church of Holy Family Parish, Lapok registered 106.5 km followed by another 33 km off road to Kampung Long Jegan challenging drive through hilly, winding, sandy and poor visibility conditions.

Kampung Long Jegan a 178-door Berawan longhouse constructed in 3 separate blocks 113-40-25 doors is situated at sungei Tinjar, Baram.  Majority of the Berawan community are Catholics.

On Saturday 21st September 2019, Right Reverend Bishop Richard Ng and Fr. Alex Anantharaj celebrated sunset Mass at Gereja Kebangkitan Tuhan Yesus, Kampung Long Jegan where 101 candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation.  The chapel was packed with over 200 parishioners seated inside.

Penghulu Patrick Jelaman, Tuah Kampung Francis Yubi, Cathecist Dennis Tija and the Berawan community performed the traditional grand welcome of dances, music and songs to receive the guests upon arrival at longhouse.

Cathecist Dennis Tija mentioned the late Reverend Fr. De Vries was the missionary Mill Hill priest who first brought the Catholic Faith to the Berawan community in 1960.

The next morning 22nd September 2019, Right Reverend Bishop Richard Ng, Rector Fr. Andy Lee and Fr. Alex Anantharaj celebrated Mass 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time at Gereja Yesus Tuhan, Lapok with over 500 parishioners where 70 candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The Sunday School Children 50 member Choir from SRK Long Lapok ranging Primary 1 to Primary 6 students enlivened the Mass congregation with their joyful voices to glorify GOD during the Mass.  School teacher Ariadanai is the conductor of the 50 member Choir and also the guitarist herself performing on stage with the choir at the parish hall get together entertainment.