Latest news with #RomanCatholic
Borneo Post
2 hours ago
- General
- Borneo Post
St Peter's Church Padungan launches book chronicling legacy, architecture
Archbishop Poh (right) launches the 'Anchoring Tradition, Embracing Changes' coffee table book as Fr Chin (second right), along with editorial team members Donald and Marina, look on. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (June 28): A coffee table book titled 'Anchoring Tradition, Embracing Changes', chronicling the rich history and architectural evolution of St Peter's Church Padungan, was launched today during a ceremony that also marked the official opening of the parish's new church building. The book was unveiled by Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching Dato Dr Simon Poh, witnessed by St Peter's Church Rector Rev Fr Vincent Chin and editorial team members Donald Tan and Marina Tan. A cloth was lifted from the display copy to reveal the cover, symbolising the culmination of years of collective effort to preserve the parish's legacy in print. Described as both a visual and written testament to the church's journey, the book captures decades of faith, transformation, and architectural craftsmanship. In his 'Introduction & Feature Brief' of the new church, Fr Chin reflected on the design philosophy behind the building. 'Today marks a significant milestone for our parish as we officially open this new St Peter's Church – a house of God built with love, faith, and purpose. 'In designing this sacred space, we were guided by the principle of anchoring traditions, embracing change. It was Archbishop Emeritus John Ha who suggested we adopt a classic Neo-Gothic style – to root this church in timeless tradition. In contrast, our Cathedral of St Joseph speaks boldly of modernity. 'Together, they reflect the balance our Church seeks – grounded in the past, open to the future,' said Fr Chin. The book documents the history of St Peter's Church, Padungan, and highlights the building's architectural features and unique design elements. It stands as a product of the parish community's collective efforts — guided by the Parish Council and supported by the faithful — and as a living testament to God's grace at work in both Padungan and Bintawa. Copies were presented to Deputy Sarawak Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who officiated the ceremony on behalf of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The grand opening began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by key dignitaries including Uggah; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian; Archbishop Poh; Bishop of Penang, His Eminence Cardinal Dato Sri Sebastian Francis; Melaka-Johor Diocese's Right Reverend Bishop Bernard Paul; and Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd director James Ling, the project's main contractor. Fr Chin then led the symbolic opening of the church doors, welcoming parishioners and guests into the new sacred space. In a show of support, Uggah also presented a RM1 million cheque from the Sarawak government through the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) to support the St Peter's Church Development Fund. The cheque was received by Archbishop Poh and Fr Chin, witnessed by Dr Sim and Unifor director Datuk Georgina Apphia Ngau. A musical highlight of the event featured 11-year-old organist Kai Laird performing a digital organ showcase, introduced with a technical explanation by Stephen Chin. The historic celebration concluded with lunch for invited guests, marking the beginning of a new chapter for one of Kuching's most cherished parishes. coffee table book Kuching simon poh St Peter's Church Padungan
Borneo Post
5 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak govt's RM1 mln contribution completes funding for St Peter's Church
Uggah (second left) presents the RM1 million cheque to Poh (centre) as additional aid for the construction of St Peter's Church, Padungan. Also seen are (from left) Unifor director Datuk Georgina Apphia Ngau, St Peter's Church Rector Rev Vincent Chin, and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (June 28): The Sarawak government has contributed an additional RM1 million to the building fund of St Peter's Church, Padungan, marking the final financial boost needed to complete the RM38 million construction of the new church. The cheque was handed over during the church's official opening ceremony today, in a gesture of continued support for religious harmony and development in the state. 'On behalf of the Sarawak government, we will be handing over a RM1 million cheque to the church in further aid to the building fund,' said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in a text of speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. Abang Johari congratulated the Catholic community on the successful completion of the iconic house of worship. 'This is not just a place for prayer and reflection, it is a symbol of vision, resilience, and deep-rooted faith. 'Located in the very centre of Kuching, 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. The church's completion was made possible through a combination of donations, government funding, and community support, with much of the fundraising effort taking place amid the challenges of the pandemic. Poh speaks to reporters when met at the event. – Photo by Roystein Emmor Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching Datuk Dr Simon Poh said the total cost of the building was RM38 million. 'Yes, so from the overall initial planning it was RM38 million and then you know the pandemic knocked out all the donors and pledgers so we had to start from zero again,' he said. Poh acknowledged the critical role of the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), which had earlier contributed RM2 million through two separate cheques presented in the past two years. 'And then today is the final cheque,' he said. According to him, the RM1 million presented today brought the total contribution from the Sarawak government through Unifor to RM3 million. 'With this last RM1 million, today we received a total of RM3 million from the Sarawak government through Unifor. We have enough just to cover everything and pay everything so tomorrow we will consecrate the whole church together,' he said. While some minor funding is still needed for furnishings and interior work, Poh said the contract sum for construction is now fully covered. 'The smaller things like furnishing and interior work still need to be done, but the building, the contract sum, everything is cleared. With the last RM1 million coming in, we can cover everything,' he added. The Archbishop noted that support had come not just from Catholics but from many other communities and faiths in Sarawak. 'This church stands more than just the church for the Catholic because people from all walks of life are looking and saying wow this is in Kuching. It's amazing that we don't need to go to Europe to see a very nice church here,' he said. Poh said the church had become a new landmark symbolising unity and mutual respect among Sarawakians. 'This became a landmark for a sign of our desire for harmony, contributing to society and building a better Sarawak for peace, for harmony, as a model for other parts of Malaysia and for the world,' he added. Built entirely using local materials and expertise, the church also showcases Sarawak's growing capabilities in architecture and construction, said Poh. 'This is the beginning of something that's possible. So Anak Sarawak out there, those graduating in a few years, by 2030, they can come back. We believe Sarawak will provide employment and continue contributing to peace, harmony, and progress.' The consecration of the new St Peter's Church is scheduled to take place tomorrow. building fund douglas uggah embas sarawak government St Peter's Church
Winnipeg Free Press
8 hours ago
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
GERMAIN (GERRY) JOSEPH MAGUET
Adjust Text Size: A+ A- GERMAIN (GERRY) JOSEPH MAGUET With heavy but full hearts, we announce the passing of Germain, a true gentleman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, mechanical engineer, and leaves to mourn his children Elise, grandchildren Lorelle Pegus (Daniel), great-grandchildren Henry and Pascale, and Kurt Weiss; Marc (Lynn), Raymond (Wendy), grandchildren Brett, Josée, Colby; Gérald (Sally), grandchildren Isabelle, Macie; and daughter Diane. Germain is survived by his sister Marie, and sisters-in-law Marguerite and Karen, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was predeceased by his first wife Denise Dubois (1995), his second wife Eva Debreczeni (2022), his newborn son Joseph (1961), and his brothers Louis (1996), Denis (2024), and Paul (2025). He also leaves to mourn stepdaughter Kim Debreczeni and her son the third child in a family of five, Germain was born in Ste. Rose du Lac, MB on the family farm where he also grew up. His dedication to education showed early; biking ten km to high school each way, later leaving home at the age of 15 to complete Grade 12 at St. Paul's College in Winnipeg. He earned his Bachelor of Science (1955) and Master of Science (1965) degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Manitoba, becoming a life member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of a 39-year engineering career, most of it at W.L. Wardrop & Associates, later Wardrop Engineering Inc., he specialized in water/wastewater treatment and HVAC systems. His work shaped key infrastructure projects in Winnipeg and took him abroad. He took great pride in helping improve drinking water in Ghana and French earlier years, he camped across the country with Denise and their children. In retirement, he became a gifted stained glass artist, creating beautiful pieces that now brighten the homes of loved ones. He and Eva travelled the world together, missing only Australia and Antarctica. His push-pin world map remains a colourful testament to a life left behind a lasting legacy by researching his family's genealogy, tracing 19 generations from Brittany, France, to Kergwenan, MB, from the 1600s to the early 2000s, a journey that even brought him to France to walk in his ancestors' footsteps.A devout Roman Catholic and proud Knight of Columbus, he passed on the importance of faith and French culture to his family. He lived generously, supporting the Canadian Red Cross, Salvation Army, and other meaningful for his sharp mind and discipline, Germain tracked his finances by hand with remarkable precision. He loved learning languages, especially Spanish, with some Russian, German, and Hungarian. He also treasured simple pleasures: the outdoors, homemade cocktails, and family dinners, proudly serving as Eva's loyal legacy as a gentle soul, marked by kindness, generosity, and quiet strength, will live on through the generations he lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, Victoria Hospital Foundation, Cancer Research Society, Heart & Stroke Foundation, or a cause meaningful to family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at St. Norbert Personal Care Home for their compassionate care during Papa's many years there. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, at Paroisse Saint-Norbert, 70 rue St-Pierre. Private interment will follow at a later date. Tributes: As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 28, 2025
The Hill
12 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Raskin on LGBTQ books ruling: Implications are ‘breathtaking'
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) on Friday criticized the Supreme Court ruling that sided with parents who seek to opt out their children from reading LGBTQ books in school, calling its implications 'breathtaking.' 'If you can opt out of mandatory classroom readings because it offends your religious objections, you can do it because it offends your philosophical beliefs, your political beliefs, your moral beliefs, or what have you, and the court basically says, 'We'll deal with all that down the road,'' Raskin told CNN's Jim Sciutto Friday afternoon. The ruling, which stemmed from a case of Muslim, Roman Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox parents in Maryland suing over a school district's incorporation of book with LGBTQ characters in curriculum, was decided in a 6-3 vote along ideological lines. 'You're gonna have a lot more cases where people are saying 'Our family doesn't believe in evolution. So we don't want our kid to be in class when evolution is taught,'' Raskin said about the decision, which impacts his constituents, Friday. The Montgomery County school district originally provided an opt-out option for families but rescinded it after several parents wanted to opt out for religious reasons. Parents argued up to the Supreme Court that the lack of drop out options infringed on their constitutional right of religious liberty. In a separate statement on Friday, the Maryland Democrat railed against the decision, saying it 'opens a gigantic Pandora's box.' 'At a time when public schools are under severe attack by right-wing politicians, this decision just makes running a school and teaching in a classroom that much more difficult,' he added, alluding to the Trump administration's upheaval of the Department of Education.
Forbes
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Forbes
Supreme Court Lets Parents Opt Kids Out Of LGBTQ Books In Schools
The Supreme Court cleared the way Friday for parents to broadly object to content in schools that they find objectionable on religious grounds, a ruling that centers on books with LGBTQ themes—but critics warned could "radically change" what public schools teach. Protesters in support of LGBTQ+ rights and against book bans demonstrate outside of the Supreme ... More Court Building on April 22 in Washington, DC. Getty Images The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 along party lines in Mahmoud v. Taylor, a dispute over the school district in Montgomery County, Maryland, and its decision not to let parents opt their children out of being exposed to children's books with LGBTQ themes, on the basis of it conflicting with their religion. The court granted an injunction that allows the parents to opt their children out of the books as the case moves forward, ruling the parents are likely to ultimately prevail in the case. The school district added several books with LGBTQ themes—like about a child attending their uncle's same-sex wedding, and a dog getting lost at a Pride parade—as part of a broader mission to diversify their instructional materials, and while the district initially let parents opt their children out of reading the materials, it later changed the policy after the slew of children opting out became 'unworkable.' Parents—who are Muslim, Roman Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox—sued the district, claiming the inability to opt their kids out of being exposed to the books violated their First Amendment right to freedom of religious expression and forced them to 'surrender their right to direct the religious upbringing of their children.' The dispute over Montgomery County's policies comes as a number of states have already passed laws regarding children's instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity, and parents' rights to object to it. Florida's Parental Rights in Education law—known as 'Don't Say Gay'—was the most controversial when it was enacted in 2022, but similar laws restricting such instruction or giving parents the right to opt out of it have also been enacted in Arkansas, Montana and New Hampshire. Texas also allows parents to opt children out of any 'objectionable' content, while Arizona, Tennessee and Wyoming require parents to instead 'opt-in' to any instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity. Key Background The parents suing Montgomery County went to the Supreme Court after both lower district and appeals court judges sided with the school district, shutting down the plaintiffs' efforts to opt their children out of the LGBTQ-themed books. The dispute over the district's policies comes as recent culture wars have caused upheaval when it comes to public education, as objections by parents and GOP lawmakers to instruction on topics like LGBTQ issues have sparked book bans and laws like Florida's 'Don't Say Gay.' Advocacy group PEN America has tallied nearly 16,000 book bans since 2021, a number the group says is higher than any period since McCarthyism in the 1950s. More than 10,000 book bans took place during the 2023-2024 school year alone, the highest year on record. The Trump administration, which filed a brief in the Montgomery County case urging justices to side with the parents, has also sought broad changes, seeking to dismantle the Department of Education as President Donald Trump has more broadly taken aim at LGBTQ rights and diversity, equity and inclusion policies. Some Democratic-led states have also passed measures in response to the new attacks on books and public school instruction, with states including California and Illinois passing laws that outlaw book bans. Supreme Court considers parents' efforts to exempt children from books with LGBTQ themes (SCOTUSblog) Supreme Court's conservatives are poised to strike down elementary school policy denying opt-outs for LGBTQ+ books (CNN) Authors in Supreme Court LGBTQ books case detail 'surreal' fight (The Hill) This story is breaking and will be updated.
