By St Peter’s Parish
KUCHING — On 15 August, St Peter’s Church marked the Feast of the Assumption with a historic celebration – the blessing of the new Shrine of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. At the conclusion of Mass, parishioners, led by Rector Rev Fr Vincent Chin, joined a joyful procession to the newly built shrine at the Church’s entrance for the blessing rites.
The shrine stands as a tribute to the faith and generosity of all who contributed to the completion of the new St Peter’s Church. With arms outstretched, the statue of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception symbolises a gesture of welcome and love to all who come to pray.
During the celebration, Fr Chin reminded the faithful of the true meaning of the Immaculate Conception—that Mary, from the moment of her conception, was preserved free from original sin, chosen to be a pure vessel for Christ. He also called on visitors to respect the shrine by refraining from throwing coins into the pond or feeding the koi that will soon be placed there, while advising parents to keep children safely away from the pond’s edge.
The evening concluded with rosary prayers at the shrine, after which parishioners were delighted by a surprise fireworks display, marking the celebration with joy and thanksgiving.
