by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 15 — The Feast of Assumption is made more special at St Peter’s Church, Padungan tonight with the blessing of its new Shrine of Our Lady, a place of devotion as well as a heartfelt tribute to the countless hands and hearts who helped bring the new church to life.
The shrine’s centrepiece is a graceful statue of Mother Mary depicted in the mystery of the Immaculate Conception; the Catholic doctrine that she was preserved free from original sin from the moment of her conception. At its base, a plaque honours the many parishioners and benefactors who gave their time, resources, and energy to bring the new St Peter’s Church, Padungan, to completion.
“This shrine is dedicated to all those who have contributed to the completion of this church, in terms of money, time, energy, in all you’ve contributed, the shrine is an acknowledgement of your dedication,” St Peter’s Church Rector Fr Vincent Chin said in his homily.
Installed at the church’s front entrance, the sacred statue faces the road with open arms, a gesture that seems to embrace passers-by and invite them in. In a city that celebrates unity, this welcoming posture mirrors the parish’s own spirit of openness.
“With our Mother Mary’s statue here, we see her with her open arms to welcome people. In our Catholic belief, it is always through Mary to Jesus. Here, she’s welcoming everyone and helping them to the Church, and to Him,” Fr Chin shared.
Fr Chin also reminded parishioners and visitors that the shrine is a sacred space deserving of reverence. The surrounding fountain and pond, which will soon house koi fish, must be kept clean. The shrine is also not a wishing well, and coins should never be thrown in, as they can harm the fish. Feeding the fish is also discouraged, as church staff care for them daily. Parents are urged to keep children away from the pond’s edge for their safety.
Along with the shrine, St Peter’s Church, is open to all who wish to visit, reflect, or simply take in its beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
