By JJ/Soccom Penampang Parish
PENAMPANG — It was indeed a triple blessing to welcome the new year when St Michael’s Penampang parish reached another milestone on its infrastructure development.
Before the year 2022 ended, the parish has refurbished its decades-old parish hall, built new Parish Gallery, Archive and Pilgrimage Centre, and extended the mission office.
Archbishop John Wong performed the prayer of re-dedication of the parish hall as well as blessed and opened the new infrastructures Dec 26, 2022, in conjunction with the parish family Christmas celebration.
The prelate congratulated the Penampang Parish and expressed his amazement to the total facelift of the hall and especially the opening of the Gallery, Archive and Pilgrimage Centre.
“Very impressive, well done and congratulations,” said the prelate, describing the new environment of the hall. The remarks invited loud applause by the crowd.
He was attracted to the significance of the Gallery, Archive and Pilgrimage Centre that he said, contains so much value and rich of inheritance.
“I was very impressed especially when I entered your gallery. In such rich tradition, I wish and pray that you continue to pass on and live the legacy. Pass your faith, beliefs and good culture to the next generation. Penampang is very dear to my heart,” underlined the head of Church.
All priests of St Michael’s Penampang Parish were present during the historic auspicious events; Fr Wilfred Atin and his assistants Fr Gilbert Marcus, Fr Wilson Francis, Fr Lawrence Kim, Fr Andrew Kim and Friar Cruzender Alex OFM.
Distinguished guests present adding joy to the celebration were Datuk Ewon Benedict, Federal Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives who is also the Penampang Member of Parliament, Jannie Lasimbang, Kepayan Assemblywoman, and Noami John, Assistant District Officer of Penampang.
The new Gallery, Archive and Pilgrimage Centre is not yet open for public but further information about it will be published in the upcoming Catholic Sabah on 5 February 2023. Get a copy in your local parish.
