Eva’s Final Journey

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Tabi basa & greetings everyone! Today I’d like to share the pictures captured during the funeral of Eva, who passed away on 13 Sep 2022. The whole procession took place at Kampung Pichin, a Dayak Bidayuh village located at Serian division of Sarawak, situated around 1.5 hours journey from Kuching.

The late Eva was only 16 years old when she passed away, leaving her parents and family devastated, especially her beloved mother.

The whole ceremony was done in accordance to Catholic faith and a mix of Bidayuh Piching tradition. Though she passed away on 13th, she was not buried immediately to give time for relatives from afar to come and gave their final respect.

On the morning of 15th, whilst preparation were being made and the villagers does the customary “gotong-royong” (working together), friends, family and relatives, including Eva’s classmate gave their last respect at the house.

Around 10am, the prayer leader signals to the crowd that the prayers are about to begin before transporting her casket to Holy Trinity Church of Kpg Pichin. There was a short procession from her house to the church, where those who are able joined the procession walk to church.

There, the Funeral Mass were done, and the celebrant was Brother Christian Levi, another Pichin young man too. He shared that death comes like a thief. It is certain, but no one knows how, when and where. All we can do is to prepare our best.

Once the mass is ended, there is another final sign of respect to the departed. It is a heartbreaking sight indeed, to see such a life departs from such a young person, but those who believe in Christ shall not perish, but live an everlasting life with Him.

After it is done, there were another convoy to the cemetary, Eva’s final resting place.

The group in charge was from Binyok Zone, where they act as the undertaker, dug her grave and buried her once the prayers are finished.

Once the casket was lowered down, Brother Christian made a sign of the cross using her cross to mark the completion of the prayer. His also shared words of assurance for the living to continue on with life, and to glorify God’s name.

This reminds me to a sharing by an accomplished doctor, where it is easier for people with religion to cope with death, because religion gave them strength, especially those surrounded by brothers and sisters of the same faith. He does not have any religion back then, but he shows a keen interest in learning more about Christianity. May God bless him wherever he is now.

As for the procession, once the burial is complete, flowers and candles are planted there, the last group photo with Eva was done, including with her family and classmates. May God bless Eva’s departed soul and grant strength to her family. Amen.