By Ivy Chai
KUCHING – The date 18 March 2026 will be etched in the annals of history of the Archdiocese of Kuching. It was on this day, the Vigil of the Solemnity of St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that the archdiocese launched its 50th Anniversary Celebrations.
In his homily, Archbishop Simon Poh shared why St Joseph is so important. St Joseph is the patron saint of St Joseph’s Cathedral and the Kuching Archdiocese, the patron saint of Mill Hill Missionary Society, and the patron saint of mission in the world. Archbishop Simon reflected on the history of the Catholic Church in Kuching, its humble beginnings and how it evolved into what it is today.
The Mill Hill Missionaries played a pivotal role in bringing Catholicism to Kuching and beyond. It was them who first landed on the “land of Borneo, the land of head hunters” in 1881, culminating in the establishment of the Archdiocese of Kuching in 1976. “Today, we celebrate 50 years under the patronage of St Joseph,” Archbishop Simon said, suggesting that we learn from St Joseph … his faithfulness, obedience to God, and not be afraid to say “Yes” to God.
50 Years – Blessed with three Archbishops
The Archdiocese of Kuching credits its foundation to Archbishop Emeritus Peter Chung who arrived as a young missionary from Hubei Province, China in 1954.
He became the first Archbishop of Kuching on the establishment of the Ecclesiastical Province of East Malaysia in 1976. He retired as Archbishop of Kuching in 2003, succeeded by Archbishop Emeritus John Ha who retired in 2017. Archbishop Simon Poh became the third Archbishop and celebrates the 9th Anniversary of his installation this year.
Launching of 50th Anniversary Celebration of Archdiocese of Kuching
Archbishop Simon Poh launched the 50th Anniversary Celebration by unveiling the Jubilee official logo. He disclosed that the celebration includes a 5-year focus on GRACE (2026), GRATITUDE (2027), GROWTH (2028), GATHER (2029) and GLORY (2030).
Ms Perpetua Phang, Chairperson of the 50th Anniversary planning team, then explained the rationale of the logo and acknowledged and thanked everyone involved in one way or another for the launch.
Tribute to Missionaries and Laity
Fr Michael Corcoran, Superior General of the Mill Hill Missionaries (MHM) who was invited to witness the 50th Anniversary launch, paid tribute to all the MHM who had been here and “the generations of local clergy who have brought the diocese to what it is today,” but most importantly, “the laity of the metropolitan area of Kuching, Sibu and Miri.”
Fr Michael has seen the “great work the Lord has done through the people he has chosen.” He attributed the growth of the Catholic Church to the “tools” missionaries had used since 1881… Faith, Enthusiasm and Joy, and Message of God’s love for His people. He promised MHM will be the “travelling companions and continue to walk with” the Kuching Archdiocese.
Archbishop Simon then presented the 50th Anniversary banner and prayer cards to the parish rectors, seminary rector, SSFS and invited the congregation to pray the newly launched Anniversary Prayer.
The Vigil Mass concluded with Archbishop Simon Poh thanking the MHM for planting the seeds of the Catholic faith in 1881, and together with Archbishops Emeriti Peter Chung and John Ha, gave the final blessing.
The Solemnity of St Joseph also marked the 57th Anniversary of the dedication of St Joseph’s Cathedral (in 1969).
