By Peter Tan
SRI AMAN — On 16 November 2024, I had the opportunity to visit St Francis Church, Bungkang, Simanggang, and was captivated by its unique and elegant design.
The beauty of this sacred place inspired me to write about its history and promote it among parishioners, celebrating the spirit of community that has breathed new life into the church.
St Francis Church was originally built around 1991 but was no longer in use by 2000 due to a lack of priests serving the area. After many years, in 2021, the once-abandoned church was rediscovered. Recognising the importance of restoring it, parishioners, with the guidance and support of rector Fr Jerome Juleng, worked tirelessly to clear the area.
On 12 February 2021, a significant milestone was reached as the old church was demolished, paving the way for a new chapter in its story.
On 13 April 2023, a group of building consultants and architects surveyed the site, providing a vision for its reconstruction. By 1 May 2023, with the enthusiastic participation of the local community, work began with a gotong-royong to lay the foundation for the new church.
The dedication of the parishioners, under the pastoral leadership of rector Fr Jerome Juleng, is truly inspiring. The new St Francis Church now stands as a testament to their faith and determination, blending functionality and beauty. The spacious and elegant interior invites worshippers to encounter God in a serene and sacred environment.
Let us continue to support this remarkable endeavour, sharing the story of St Francis Church, Bungkang, Simanggang, as a symbol of unity and faith within our Catholic community. May it inspire others to cherish and uplift their places of worship.
