By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 25: St Peter’s Church in Padungan will be closed to visitors until July 5 to facilitate final preparations for its upcoming Consecration Week, said Rector Reverend Father Vincent Chin.
The week-long celebration will officially commence with an opening ceremony on June 28, expected to draw 1,500 guests, followed by the grand Consecration Mass on June 29, which will see a congregation of around 6,000 people.
Nestled in the heart of Padungan, the newly completed St Peter’s Church stands as a symbol of faith, unity, and cultural heritage for the Catholic community and the city of Kuching.
Running until July 5, the Consecration Week will feature a vibrant lineup of religious, cultural, and community programmes.
Key highlights include the “4070 Celebration” — commemorating both the 40th anniversary of Fr Chin’s priestly ordination and his 70th birthday — and “Echoes of Love – An Evening of Music”, a musical concert showcasing an ensemble of local and international talents.
The schedule also includes multilingual Eucharistic celebrations and a special Sunset Mass led by clergy from St Joseph’s Cathedral.
The inaugural musical performance, themed “Echoes of Love: Yes Lord, You Know I Love You,” will take place on July 1 at 7.30pm at St Peter’s Church.
It promises an evening of soul-stirring music and worship, featuring performances by the St Peter’s Choir, Dolce Chanticleer Choral Ensemble, Dewi Shriestra, Larissa Ping, Matthew Ngau Jau, Kai Laird, Esme Wong Su Leei, Jacob Carter Nydegger, Ezra Tekola, the Kenyah Maidens, and others.
“This is the first time we’re using this facility for a musical event. If it goes well, we’re considering hosting more performances in the future — particularly church and classical music,” Fr Chin said during a press conference at the church today.
Proceeds from ticket sales will support the church’s Consecration Week. Tickets are available via QR code on the event poster or online at https://tinyurl.com/SPCMusicEvening.
The official opening of St Peter’s Church not only marks a major spiritual milestone but also adds a new chapter to Kuching’s architectural and cultural heritage.
For the full schedule of events, visit www.stpeterschurchkuching.org. — DayakDaily
