St Peter’s Church rector Rev Vincent Chin, is hopeful that the new St Peter’s Catholic Church building in Padungan would be able to hold its first mass on Christmas eve, 24th December 2024.
According to Borneo Post report, Rev Vincent was hopeful that the gothic inspired church will obtain a temporary occupational permit (OP) from Council of the City of Kuching South (MBKS) for the first mass to go on.
Rev Vincent also noted that the church hopes that everything will be ready by November 15, so that they can proceed with the inspection by the Fire and Rescue Department, and then apply for the temporary occupational permit.
Tourist attraction and pride of Kuching
Borneo Post also quoted Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian as saying that the new St Peter’s Catholic Church will also become a tourist magnet and distinctive landmark in Kuching.
His views come as the church had already had its fair share of visitors despite still being under construction with some coming from outside of the country.
The church itself had also become a symbol of pride for those in Kuching, and Sarawak in general, with sharings regarding the church design and feature getting thousands of positive feedback and shares on social media from people of all walks of life.
Official opening in June 2025
Despite planning the new St Peter’s Catholic Church first mass on the eve of Christmas this year, the church will only be officially opened on June 29, 2025.
The date was chosen as it coincides with the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, with the mass for the opening scheduled at 7PM.
Rev Vincent elaborated that the space in the church will be further improved between Christmas and the opening.
RM12 million needed
According to DayakDaily, despite being nearly completed, the new St Peter’s Catholic Church building is still short of funds. The funds needed are to pay for the building.
So far, the church had managed to collect RM26 million from public donations as well as the Sarawak government via UNIFOR, with another RM12 million needed to conclude payment for construction of the church.
New Sarawak Tribune quoted Dr Sim as saying that most of the contractors and vendors of the construction had contributed their services upfront, hence why the church could stand despite the lack of funding.
He further elaborated that these vendors and contractors had already extended their goodwill to do the work first and be paid later, and therefore should not be left unpaid.
Those interested to contribute can therefore do so by sending money to the St Peter’s Development Fund Maybank account at 511038627401 or contact the church authorities HERE.
