By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 30: The newly consecrated St Peter’s Church is more than just a building of stone and glass—it is a sanctuary and a symbol of shared faith, unity, and the collective journey of the Catholic community in Kuching.
“This church is not just a building of stone and glass. It is a sanctuary—a place where we come together to worship, to find solace, and to strengthen our bonds as a community,” said Rector Fr Vincent Chin in his speech during the Consecration Mass held at the new church here yesterday (June 29).
“It is a symbol of our shared faith, our unity, and our collective journey.”
Chin delivered his address before a full congregation that included Archbishop Simon Poh, Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Archbishop Emeritus Peter Chung, Archbishop Emeritus John Ha, Archbishop Julian Leow, Bishop Bernard Paul, as well as guests and parishioners both within the church and in overflow areas outside, including tents, the old church, and those watching via livestream.
Quoting Psalm 127, “Unless the Lord builds the house, in vain shall its builders labour,” Chin reflected on the significance of the moment, expressing “immense gratitude and joy” for what he described as the culmination of five years of unwavering faith, dedication, and collective effort.
He recalled how the journey began with a vision to create a sacred space that would accommodate the growing congregation while also standing as a testament to both rich heritage and architectural aspirations.
“Inspired by Gothic architecture, our new church now proudly stands as a beacon of faith in the heart of our beloved Kuching,” he said.
He noted that the vision, shared by Archbishop Emeritus John Ha, was made possible through “the steadfast and invisible leadership of the Lord,” adding, “My role is just to carry out as the servant who does what God wants.”
Chin emphasised that the project could not have succeeded without the support of the community and government.
He thanked the Sarawak government for its financial backing through Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), which contributed RM3 million towards the church’s construction, helping the parish achieve its fundraising target of RM38 million.
“We are profoundly grateful to the Sarawak government for their generous support.
“The RM3 million grants in total from Unifor have finally brought our vision to reality. We have reached our target of RM38 million.”
He also praised the team at Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd for ensuring quality and timely completion of construction, and acknowledged the Italian artisans Roberto Fasoli and Ernesto Reducci for their stunning stained glass windows that now adorn the church, each depicting significant moments in the life of Jesus.
In expressing gratitude to the broader community, Chin said: “Your generous contributions, both financial and spiritual, have been the bedrock of this project. Your faith and commitment have been a source of inspiration for us all.”
He went on to acknowledge many individuals and groups whose efforts were instrumental in realising the project.
“There are many more on this list, but it is impossible to mention all. However, God knows what you have done and will definitely reward you all,” he added.
Chin concluded with a heartfelt message of appreciation, saying: “May this church continue to be a beacon of hope, faith, and unity for generations to come. Thank you.” — DayakDaily
