KUCHING: The newly built St Peter’s Church in Padungan here is set to officially open its doors with a historic week-long Consecration Celebration, marking its emergence as one of Kuching’s latest spiritual and architectural landmarks.
Reverend Father Vincent Chin said the celebration will begin this Saturday (June 28) and run until the following Saturday (July 5), offering a packed programme of ceremonies, services, and performances.
“The opening ceremony at 10:00 am on Saturday, will see contractor Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd symbolically hand over the church to Archbishop of Kuching, Datuk Dr Simon Poh.
“It will be followed by a ribbon-cutting, a guided tour of the new church, and the launch of a commemorative book.
“The event will be attended by religious leaders, government dignitaries, benefactors, and parishioners, with an expected attendance of 1,500 people,” he said in a press conference today.
One of the highlights of the opening ceremony will be a live performance on the church’s newly imported digital organ – a custom-made instrument from the renowned Allen Organ Company in the United States.
The organ will be played by 11-year-old Carl from Perth.
“As far as church organ is concerned, it is one of the top church organ producers and this digital organ is actually tailor-made for our church,” he said.
On Sunday, a solemn Consecration Mass will be held at 7:00 pm, led by Archbishop Poh.
Chin said the Mass will attended by an esteemed line-up of clergy, including Bishop of Penang Cardinal Datuk Seri Sebastian Francis, president of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Archbishop Julian Leow Beng Kim, Bishop Bernard Paul of Malacca-Johor, Archbishop Emeritus Peter Chung, and Archbishop Emeritus John Ha.
“This Consecration Mass is very important for us as Catholics.
“Every new church is properly consecrated and there is a long liturgical rite that accompanies it,” he said.
The same evening will also see a special dinner reception at the Riverine Ballroom at 7:30 pm, honouring Chin’s personal milestones – the 40th anniversary of his priestly ordination and his 70th birthday.
Throughout the week, various events will be held, including ‘Echoes of Love – An Evening of Music’, a concert featuring local and guest performers; multi-language Eucharistic Celebrations; and a Sunset Mass led by St Joseph’s Cathedral.
With a seating capacity of about 6,000, St Peter’s Church will also utilise marquee tents and the old church building, where attendees can follow the celebrations via live feed.
“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,” Chin said.
As parking within the church grounds is reserved for invited guests, the public is advised to park at nearby locations such as Yun Phin Commercial Building, Bangunan Binamas & DUBS Carpark, Dewan Masyarakat Kuching, Hokkien Garden Carpark, Jalan Ang Cheng Ho Commercial Area, MBKS Building & MBKS Boulevard, Travillion Commercial Centre, Jalan Padungan Commercial Area, Song Kheng Hai Hawker Centre, Song Kheng Hai Rugby Field, and Jubilee Ground Carpark.
Carpooling and the use of e-hailing services are highly encouraged.
For the full programme, visit www.stpeterschurchkuching.org.
