Catholic community celebrates opening of St Peter's Church in Padungan
The impressive architecture and outer facade of St Peter's Church in Kuching. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (June 28): A deep sense of pride and gratitude filled the air today as members of the Catholic community celebrated the long-awaited opening of the new St Peter's Church in Padungan.
For many, the event marked not only the completion of a much-needed house of worship, but also a testament to the growth, unity, and resilience of the local Catholic community.
Lukas Sangkin
Lukas Sangkin, 61, a church warden and private sector employee, said the new church fulfilled a long-standing hope among parishioners.
'The old building could no longer hold the growing number of worshippers. Sometimes we had to sit outside during Mass, exposed to the elements.
'Now, with this spacious and beautiful new church, we finally have a place we can gather in comfort,' he told reporters when met during the opening ceremony.
Retiree Somin Jopi, 66, believes the church's potential extends beyond its role as a place of worship.
Somin Jopi
'This is more than just a church — it could become a new religious tourism destination for Sarawak. Friends from near and far have already expressed interest in visiting.
'I think it will soon become a landmark we can all be proud of,' she shared.
Teresa Julis, 65, a housewife who is active in the church's women's association, is optimistic that the new facility will encourage youth to become more involved in church activities.
Teresa Julis
'With a proper and welcoming space like this, I believe it can inspire young people to reconnect with their faith and play a more active role in the community.
'I'm also proud to have been part of the team that helped make today's event a success,' she said.
More than just a celebration, the launch of St Peter's Church reflects the Catholic community's unity, resilience, and shared vision for a stronger future — one rooted in faith, fellowship and service. Catholic community interview Religious St Peter's Church Padungan
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Borneo Post
7 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Catholic community celebrates opening of St Peter's Church in Padungan
The impressive architecture and outer facade of St Peter's Church in Kuching. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (June 28): A deep sense of pride and gratitude filled the air today as members of the Catholic community celebrated the long-awaited opening of the new St Peter's Church in Padungan. For many, the event marked not only the completion of a much-needed house of worship, but also a testament to the growth, unity, and resilience of the local Catholic community. Lukas Sangkin Lukas Sangkin, 61, a church warden and private sector employee, said the new church fulfilled a long-standing hope among parishioners. 'The old building could no longer hold the growing number of worshippers. Sometimes we had to sit outside during Mass, exposed to the elements. 'Now, with this spacious and beautiful new church, we finally have a place we can gather in comfort,' he told reporters when met during the opening ceremony. Retiree Somin Jopi, 66, believes the church's potential extends beyond its role as a place of worship. Somin Jopi 'This is more than just a church — it could become a new religious tourism destination for Sarawak. Friends from near and far have already expressed interest in visiting. 'I think it will soon become a landmark we can all be proud of,' she shared. Teresa Julis, 65, a housewife who is active in the church's women's association, is optimistic that the new facility will encourage youth to become more involved in church activities. Teresa Julis 'With a proper and welcoming space like this, I believe it can inspire young people to reconnect with their faith and play a more active role in the community. 'I'm also proud to have been part of the team that helped make today's event a success,' she said. More than just a celebration, the launch of St Peter's Church reflects the Catholic community's unity, resilience, and shared vision for a stronger future — one rooted in faith, fellowship and service. Catholic community interview Religious St Peter's Church Padungan
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Abang Johari: New St Peter's Church building a symbol of vision, resilience and faith
KUCHING: The Gothic-inspired St Peter's Church building in Padungan here, one of the most iconic buildings in the city, was officially opened today, five years after its construction commenced in 2019. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the church building is not just a place for prayer and reflection, it is a symbol of vision, resilience and deep-rooted faith. "The presence of St Peter's Church among other religious houses in close proximity is a powerful testament to the religious harmony and unity that Sarawak is so proud to uphold," he said in his speech at the opening ceremony. His speech was read by his deputy, Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas. Abang Johari said Sarawakians are blessed to live in a land where mutual respect and peaceful coexistence are not mere aspirations, but a way of life. "This church adds further beauty to that legacy and will undoubtedly be a feature tourism attraction in the years to come," he said. "What is even more heartening is the spirit of togetherness that made this vision a reality." He lauded the remarkable collaboration shown by the Catholic community, joined hand-in-hand by friends and supporters from other faiths and walks of life. He said whether through generous funding or dedicated physical labour, this has truly been an exemplary showcase of what a united community can achieve. He also said it is the shining model of how shared purpose and collective goodwill can give rise to greatness. Later, Uggah, on behalf of the premier, handing over a RM1 million cheque to the church in further aid to the building fund. The RM38-million church, which can accommodate up to 1,000 parishioners, first opened its doors for the midnight mass on Christmas Eve last year. The new church also features an impressive collection of stained glasses that have been handmade and expertly designed by Italians, as well as incorporating the Brooke family crest and the Sarawak emblem in two stained glasses, along with local Dayak motifs showcasing the uniqueness of Sarawak's culture and history. Thye church's history dated back to 1937 with the purchase of seven acres of swampland in Padungan by Monsignor Aloysius Hopfgartner to foster the growth of the local church. With the availability of the land, he later initiated the construction of the church, which was completed in December 1949. Since then, it had undergone several further developments by the 1960s to accommodate the growing congregation. Present at the event were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundie, former federal minister Tan Sri Leo Moggie, Penang Cardinal Bishop Datuk Seri Sebastian Francis, Kuching Archbishop Datuk Dr Simon Poh, Melaka-Johor Diocese Bishop Berard Paul and St Peter's Church rector Father Vincent Chin.
The Star
8 hours ago
- The Star
New Gothic-style St Peter's Church symbolises Sarawak's unity and harmony
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah (centre) entering the new St Peter's Church in Kuching, accompanied by Archbishop Datuk Simon Poh (right) and rector Rev Vincent Chin. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star KUCHING: The newly opened Gothic-style St Peter's Church in Padungan stands as a testament to Sarawak's religious harmony and unity, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. The Sarawak Premier highlighted the church's location in the city centre, close to other religious houses of worship, as a reflection of the region's spirit of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. "We are blessed to live in a land where mutual respect and peaceful coexistence are not mere aspirations but a way of life. "This church adds further beauty to that legacy and will undoubtedly be a tourism attraction in the years to come," he said at the church's opening ceremony on Saturday (June 28). His speech was read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah. Abang Johari praised the collaborative spirit that brought the church to fruition, with the Catholic community working alongside friends and supporters from various faiths and backgrounds. He noted that the completion of the church demonstrated the power of a united community working towards a shared purpose and collective goodwill. "This is not just a place for prayer and reflection, it is a symbol of vision, resilience and deep-rooted faith," he added. Catholic Archbishop of Kuching Datuk Simon Poh described St Peter's Church as more than just a building, but a landmark of harmony, friendship and goodwill. He noted the opening ceremony's diverse attendance, with people from different faiths contributing to peace and harmony. "So this church becomes a sign of our desire for harmony, contributing to society and building a better Sarawak as a model for other parts of Malaysia and the world. "Kuching is a city of unity and Sarawak the land of unity. This touches the hearts of many people who come from all walks of life, giving their support for the church building project," he told reporters. The RM38mil church began construction in late 2019 and was completed in December last year. It was funded by public donations and received RM3mil from the state Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) over three years, including RM1mil handed over during the opening ceremony. St Peter's rector Rev Vincent Chin explained that the building was inspired by the classical neo-Gothic style of the old St Joseph's Cathedral. "In designing this sacred space, we were guided by the principle of anchoring traditions and embracing change. The roof trusses carry the same design from our old church but constructed with modern steel instead of traditional wood," he said. With a seating capacity for 1,000 people, the church's Gothic features include pointed spires, flying buttresses, arches, and stained glass windows. Chin noted that the stained glass was made entirely on site by Italian master craftsmen and incorporated local Dayak designs. He also mentioned that the tiles were produced by a local factory, while the main door and cross were crafted by a local wood specialist, and fittings by local artisans. "This is truly a Sarawak-built church and we should be proud of it," he said.
