By Contributed
PENANG — The Lieutenancy of Malaysia Penang of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem organised a pilgrimage to the Church of St Peter, Kuching for its consecration Mass on 29 June 2025.
The delegation consisting of 28 Knights and Dames, led by our Lieutenant Dr Luis Chen, took place from 27–30 June 2025. We visited St Joseph’s Cathedral on 28 June and were briefed on the history of Christianity in Sarawak. Mass was then celebrated in the Chapel of St Peter’s Major Seminary nearby after a short introduction by the rector, Rev Fr Patrick Heng, followed by a visit to the Carmelite monastery. Archbishop Emeritus John Ha was there to welcome the pilgrims and gave a short history of the monastery.
Next was a visit to Benuk Long House Village, an hour away where we gathered at St Matthew’s Chapel. A very warm welcome was accorded by the Village Head and his Committee Members. We witnessed a local welcome dance and were feted to a sumptuous tea of local food at the Parish centre behind the chapel.
On Sunday morning, we visited the Kuching Cultural Village. Later in the evening we proceeded to St Peter’s Church at 5.00pm for the consecration Mass which started at 7.00 pm, preceded by prayers. It was very crowded with pilgrims from all over Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. The solemn Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Simon Poh, concelebrated by his brother Archbishops/Bishop and priests. The Mass was helmed by a magnificent Choir which made the celebration memorable indeed. When the Mass finished around 9.30pm, most of those present were mingling around and taking photographs of the beautiful and majestic Church.
Overall, it was a blessed experience to be at the consecration of the new Church with a supplementary better understanding of the rich culture of our brothers and sisters in Sarawak.
