By Suzie Petroneyla
BAU — 25 September 2022 was a day to remember for all the Christians in Kampung Kandis Baru, Bau following the official opening and blessing of the new church building of St Thomas More by the Archbishop of Kuching, Simon Poh.
The event was also witnessed by the Food Industries, Commodities and Regional Development Minister, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. Also present were Sarawak Deputy Minister of Transport cum Tasik Biru assemblyman Dato Henry Harry Jinep, Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh, Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada, Unit For Other Religions (UNIFOR) Director Richard Lon, and the rector of St Stephen’s Church, Fr Peter Liston.
The construction of the new church started in 2017 and took almost three years to complete at the cost of RM1.6 million. The funding of the cost was spearheaded by the local community through the New Church Building Fund and also assisted by the Sarawak government.
During the same event, Archbishop Simon also administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 132 candidates from eight villages in the Siniawan Zone, namely Kampung Kandis Baru, Kampung Sungai Pinang, Kampung Podam, Kampung Ngiramak, Kampung Pries, Kampung Sega, Kampung Kopit and Kampung Segubang.
Fr Peter Liston concelebrated and assisted Archbishop Simon to administer the sacrament to the confirmands.
In his homily, the Archbishop explained to the candidates the importance and necessity of the great Sacrament as the grace received in Confirmation would help them to fight against the temptations they would experience when they went into the world.
After the Mass, he attended a thanksgiving luncheon with all the guests, confirmands, congregants and residents of Kampung Kandis Baru.
For those who wish to visit the church, you can contact Mr Stephen Bill (014-6741219) or Mr Jukey Jandek (013-5687623).
