Week-long celebration to mark consecration of new St Peter's Church in Padungan
KUCHING (June 25): The new St Peter's Church in Padungan here is set to usher in a significant chapter in its history with a week-long consecration celebration from June 28 to July 5, marking its official debut as one of Kuching's latest architectural and spiritual landmarks.
St Peter's Church Rector Rev Vincent Chin said the celebration will begin with the official opening ceremony on Saturday (June 28) where around 1,500 visitors are expected to be present.
'The ceremony will be officiated by a senior representative of the Sarawak government and witnessed by Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching Datuk Dr Simon Poh, government dignitaries, religious leaders, benefactors, and parishioners.
'We will also witness the formal handover of the new church building by contractor Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd to His Grace Archbishop Datuk Dr Simon Poh, followed by a commemorative coffee table book launch and a light reception,' he told a press conference at the church today.
He said that the ceremony will feature music played by an 11-year-old pianist on the church's custom-built Allen digital organ, which was specially imported from the United States.
Chin said on Sunday, Poh will preside over the consecration mass at 7pm.
'The liturgical service is expected to last up to three hours and we are honoured to have the Bishop of Penang Cardinal Sebastian Francis; Catholic Bishops' Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Archbishop Julian Leow; Bishop of Melaka-Johor Diocese Bishop Bernard Paul; as well as Archbishop Emeritus Dato Sri Peter Chung and Archbishop Emeritus Datuk John Ha joining us during the service.
'St Peter's Church is more than a place of worship; it is a beacon of heritage, spirituality, and community for the city of Kuching. We are honoured to invite the faithful and the wider community to witness and be part of this milestone,' he said.
The church will have a seating capacity of approximately 6,000, including the outdoor areas.
'Marquee tents have been set up to accommodate overflow guests, while the old church building will also be opened to provide additional seating.
'Live feed screens will be made available to ensure all attendees can follow the proceedings,' he added.
In addition to the opening and consecration events, a series of special events and services will be held during the week namely the 4070 Celebration in honour of Chin's 40th anniversary of priestly ordination and his 70th birthday; Echoes of Love – An Evening of Music, a concert featuring local and visiting musical talents; eucharistic celebrations which will be conducted in various languages across the week; and sunset mass to be led by St Joseph's Cathedral.
Due to the anticipated large turnout, particularly during the opening and consecration events, Chin strongly advised the public to park at designated public parking areas near the church.
'Parking within the church compound is limited to invited guests only.
'The public is encouraged to park at nearby areas such as Yun Phin Commercial Building, Bangunan Binamas & DUBS Carpark, Dewan Masyarakat Kuching, Hokkien Garden Carpark, Jalan Ang Cheng Ho Commercial Area, MBKS Building & MBKS Boulevard, Travillion Commercial Centre, Jalan Padungan Commercial Area, Song Kheng Hai Hawker Centre, Song Kheng Hai Rugby Field, and Jubilee Ground Carpark.
'We also highly recommend carpooling and the use of e-hailing services to ease congestion and ensure a smoother arrival,' he stressed.
He said for the consecration mass on Sunday, guests are to enter the church compound via designated entrances.
'For the general queue for seats at the tents, guests can enter from the gate next to Gate C and Gate B whereas invited guests are to enter from Gate D.
'Gates A and C will be closed during this event.'
He also advised the public to use alternative routes in the vicinity in view of the anticipated high volume of traffic flow from noon onwards this coming Sunday.
On a related matter, Chin said the construction of the church, which cost approximately RM38 million, is still short of RM1.5 million in funding.
For the full programme of events and updates, visit www.stpeterschurchkuching.org. St Peter's Church Padungan Vincent Chin
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