St Mark’s Church Fiesta 2024 a resounding success

By David Hii

BATU KAWA — St Mark’s Church (SMC) Fiesta 2024 was held on 17 November 2024, at the Church’s compound at Batu Kawa from 7.00 am to 2.00 pm. SMC Deputy Chairman David Hii was the organising chairman.

Before 6.00 am, the stalls were set up to cater for the 7.00 am Mass congregation. The stall operators were from SMC Family Bloc Rosary (FBR) groups, Mandarin group, Ladies Guild, Youth Ministry, CHOICE group, ERT, C.I.C., Wardens and parishioners, Sacred Heart Parish (SHP), FBR Central St Joseph, Vincentians, PKKD, Emmaus, OCDS, MCC Kuching, Lions Club, St Colette, parishioners from other Churches, and two travel agencies.

The Fiesta was graced by Deputy Premier Sarawak, Yang Berhormat (YB) Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian who was also the Guest of Honour. 

Upon arrival, YB went to inspect the ongoing construction site of SMC Phase One (Block A). He was accompanied by the rector of SHP and SMC Fr Felix Au, UNIFOR representative Elder Ambrose Linang, and SMC main committee members. They were shown the impressive 50 percent completed rectory comprising an administrative office, residence for the priests, caretakers and public toilets.

After inspection, they proceeded to the Opening Ceremony where Fr Felix Au and YB delivered their speeches. They acknowledged the contribution of the Catholic community to the society in Batu Kawa and the support of the State Government. They were pleased to see the community come together to raise funds for the SMC Building Fund.

They then proceeded to cut the ribbon to officiate the opening of SMC Fiesta 2024 and made their rounds of the stalls, supporting the stall operators by giving away coupons for the Fiesta.

Throngs of parishioners and non-parishioners patronised the stalls. The highlight of the Fiesta was the Lucky Draw held in the SMC hall at 12.30 pm after the 11.00 am BM Mass.

Fr Felix Au performed the Closing Ceremony with thanks and prayers after the Lucky Draw.