By David Hii
BATU KAWA — Following planning, numerous committee meetings, and the dedicated efforts of many parishioners in preparing the premises, the long-awaited Blessing of the newly completed Phase 1 facilities of St. Mark’s Church was held on 20 June 2026.
At 5.00 p.m., the faithful gathered at the corner room on the top floor of Block A. Present for the occasion were His Grace, Archbishop Simon Poh, Rev. Fr. Felix Au, Rector of St. Mark’s Church, Rev. Fr. Solomon Ho, a visiting priest from Taiwan, members of the St. Mark’s Church (SMC) committees, benefactors, and parishioners. The celebration commenced with the singing of the entrance hymn, Holy God, We Praise Thy Name. Archbishop Simon Poh then began the Opening Rite with the Sign of the Cross.
In his introductory remarks, His Grace expressed profound gratitude and joy as the parish community gathered to dedicate the completed facilities to the Lord. Recalling the beginning of the project, he said: “Two years ago, we gathered to break ground. Truly, the Lord has been with us, guiding the hands of the builders and keeping them safe. Today, we dedicate these completed facilities to the glory of God and the service of His people.”
The Liturgy of the Word followed with a reading from the First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, after which the assembly responded with the Responsorial Psalm, “Lord, Give Success to the Work of Our Hands.”
In his homily, Archbishop Simon Poh reflected on the deeper purpose of the new facilities, reminding the faithful that every building dedicated to the Church should foster faith, strengthen the community, and serve as a place where God’s love is experienced and shared.
The Prayer of the Faithful included petitions for God’s continued blessings upon the various facilities and all who would use them:
• That the Sunday School and Faith Formation classrooms may become vibrant centres where children, youth, and adults grow in faith and discipleship.
• That the Rectory may be a place of peace, prayer, rest, and renewal for the priests entrusted with the pastoral care of the parish.
• That the Caretaker’s Quarters may provide comfort and security for those who faithfully care for the church and its facilities.
• That the public toilets and shared amenities may serve the community well and always be maintained with cleanliness, respect, and a spirit of shared responsibility.
• That all benefactors, consultants, contractors, labourers, and members of the SMC committees, whose dedication, generosity, and tireless efforts brought Phase 1 to successful completion, may be richly blessed. May God’s guidance continue to accompany the construction of Phases 2 and 3, leading them to their successful completion.
Following the intercessions, Archbishop Simon Poh, assisted by Rev. Fr. Felix Au and Rev. Fr. Solomon Ho, processed throughout Block A, blessing each room with prayers and the sprinkling of holy water. The faithful prayed Rosary and that all who enter and use these facilities would experience God’s love, peace, and abundant grace.
The celebration continued with the Sunset Mass, after which clergy, parishioners, benefactors, and guests gathered for a fellowship potluck. It was a joyful occasion of thanksgiving, celebrating not only the completion of Phase 1 but also God’s faithful providence throughout the journey. The event marked another significant milestone in the continuing development of St. Mark’s Church, as the parish community looks forward with hope and confidence to the completion of the remaining phases of this important project.
