KAPIT — The Immaculate Conception Church, Kapit held a grand gathering cum Jubilee Dinner to commemorate its 130th Anniversary celebration held at the Civic Centre on Friday evening, 7 September.
Officiating at the function was Bishop Joseph Hii from Sibu Diocese. In his message to the congregation he congratulated the church and the organising committee members for their concerted effort to celebrate the 130th anniversary celebration of the church which also coincide with the 25th anniversary (Silver Jubilee) of Sibu Diocese.
“With its long history of existence, Kapit church could be considered as an ‘elder brother or big brother’ of the other churches. Hence as the elder or big brother of the church, it (the church here) must be able to be independent. You must be able to stand on your own.”
“In addition the church must not be ‘self sufficient’ but more importantly it must be able to share what they have and also to lend a helping hand to the other churches as well. Only then you could be called the elder or big brother of the church,” he said.
Later at the function Bishop Joseph Hii cut the ribbon as a symbolic launching of the 130th anniversary celebration followed by the cutting of the anniversary cake to commemorate the church’s 130 years of existence since 1882.
The Jubilee dinner was also to celebrate the church’s 10th anniversary of moving to its new building, to celebrate the second year of the priestly ordination of Fr David Ho and to celebrate the birthday anniversary of Fr Richard Lau from Song.
Fr David Ho who spoke earlier at the function told that the 130th anniversary celebration of the church and Jubilee dinner signified the growth of the church. “In marriage after 130 years of matrimony we may have many, many great, great grand children. Likewise since its establishment some 130 years ago the Catholic church members had also grown in numbers. Let our faith also grow,” he said.
He reminded the congregation to be a role model and to be more committed and dedicated towards the church. He was thankful to all the church members and the many priests coming from outside Kapit including those overseas as Kenya, India, the Philippines and Australia to attend the Jubilee Mass held earlier on Thursday evening and the Jubilee dinner.
“Even though the church has grown over the years, however unfortunately none of the local and visiting priests is from Kapit. Hence we must give our full support to those who committed and devoted themselves to work for the kingdom of God,” he said and told that Kapit only has Br Roy.
Also present at the function were Emeritus Bishop Dominic Su, Parish Priest, Fr Fabian Kong, Br George Omuto and Br Benedict from Kenya, Parish Council chairman, Lawrence Jaraw, organising chairman, David Chuo, Marian Guild chairperson, Helen Tanjong, catechists, sisters and more than 700 congregations.
Member of Parliament for Kapit , Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi and Member of Parliament for Hulu Rajang, Datuk Billy Abit Joo who have been invited to be the guest of honours at the function were unable to be present due to their commitment elsewhere. However as a gesture of apology for not being able to attend the function and to contribute towards the well-being and growth of the church Datuk Billy has announced a grant of RM10,000 to the church.
Favian Masing
[Photo: HAPPY ANNIVERSARY… Bishop Joseph Hii (fifth left), Father David Ho (fifth right) and Emeritus Bishop Dominic Su (fourth right) leading the guests for the cutting of the 130th anniversary cake.]
