By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 25: A historic chapter will unfold this Saturday as some 1,500 people are expected to gather for the Official Opening Ceremony of the new St Peter’s Church in Padungan, marking the beginning of a week-long Consecration Celebration of the city’s newest and most iconic spiritual landmark.
Scheduled to commence at 10am on June 28, the ceremony will be officiated by a senior Sarawak government representative and witnessed by Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching Dato Dr Simon Poh alongside government dignitaries, religious leaders, benefactors, and parishioners.
St Peter’s Church Rector, Reverend Father Vincent Chin, said that the event will also see the formal handover of the new church building from contractor Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd to Poh, followed by the launch of a commemorative coffee table book “Anchoring in Tradition, Embracing Changes” and a light reception.
“We will also showcase our custom-built digital-pipe combination organ, crafted specifically for the church by the world-renowned brand Allen. An 11-year-old boy will be performing a selection of musical pieces during the ceremony,” he said during a brief press conference at the church premises today.
Located in the heart of Padungan, the newly completed St Peter’s Church is a beacon of faith, heritage, and unity in Kuching. The consecration celebrations will run until July 5, 2025, featuring a vibrant programme of religious, cultural, and community events.
On Sunday (June 29), the Consecration Mass will be held at 7pm, presided over by Archbishop Poh, with an estimated 6,000 people expected to attend.
“While the church itself has a seating capacity of about 1,000, additional marquee tents have been set up to accommodate another 4,000 guests and worshippers, with the old church building providing 800 more seats.
“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.
Highlights of the week-long celebration include the “4070 Celebration” commemorating the 40th anniversary of priestly ordination and the 70th birthday of Chin, “Echoes of Love – An Evening of Music” featuring local and visiting musical talents on July 1, multilingual Eucharistic celebrations, and a special Sunset Mass led by St Joseph’s Cathedral.
Due to the large turnout anticipated, Chin stressed that parking within the church compound is strictly limited to invited guests.
The public is encouraged to use designated public parking areas, including Yun Phin Commercial Building, Bangunan Binamas & DUBS Carpark, Trinity Methodist Church, MBKS Building, Jubilee Ground, Travillion, and the Jalan Padungan commercial area. Carpooling and the use of e-hailing services are strongly recommended.
On June 29, church entry for the Consecration Mass will be coordinated with general attendees for the tent seating are to enter via gates near Gate B and Gate C; invited guests are to enter via Gate D; while Gates A and C will remain closed.
To manage the expected traffic volume, road users are advised to plan alternative routes around Padungan from noon onwards on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Chin revealed that St Peter’s Church Padungan still requires RM1.5 million to fully complete its RM38 million church project.
The official opening of St Peter’s Church marks not only a spiritual milestone but also a significant addition to Kuching’s architectural and cultural heritage. For the full programme of events, visit www.stpeterschurchkuching.org. — DayakDaily
