SARIKEI, Sibu – A grand celebration took place in Sarikei on Feb 5, as the Catholic community gathered to mark a significant milestone in the history of the Church of St Anthony. The event, described as an “All in One Celebration,” highlighted the grand opening and blessing of the church’s new infrastructures, as well as the 144th anniversary of its establishment.
The occasion was filled with grace, reflecting on 144 years of faith and dedication in the Mighty Rejang Basin, and honouring the memory of Fr Edmund Dunn, the first Mill Hill Missionary priest who arrived in the region in Sep 1881.
The ceremony was graced by Bishop Joseph Hii of Sibu, who served as the main celebrant. He was joined by Archbishop Simon Poh of Kuching, and Fr James Ting, the Rector of the parish, as concelebrants, together with 14 members of the clergy. Making a rare appearance was Bishop Emeritus Dominic Su, the first Bishop of Sibu, who, at the age of 86, attended the event in a wheelchair, embodying a living testament to the long legacy of the Church in the region.
In his homily, Bishop Joseph expressed gratitude to God for granting Fr James the leadership and strength to persevere in his role despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Fr James’ leadership over the past eight years, the community has seen remarkable growth, with people coming together to carry out what is now referred to as a “Work of Wonders” (WOW).
The celebration also marked the achievements of the church and its surroundings, with parishioners proudly displaying nine symbolic “WOWs” on their white T-shirts. These included the St Anthony Heritage Centre, House of Emmaus, Tomb of Jesus, Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, and more.
Fr James, in his speech, exclaimed, “Wow! You make our dreams come true!” as he reflected on the growth of the Catholic community, likening it to a mustard seed blossoming into a great tree. He also took a moment to acknowledge the many contributors to the church’s success, from parishioners to local authorities, and the support of both financial backers and workers who made the celebration possible.
The evening was filled with vibrant cultural dances and performances from children and teenagers of the parish, adding to the festive spirit of the occasion. More than 1,500 people were treated to a grand feast of food and drinks, as the community gathered to celebrate their shared faith.
The event was a true testament to the living synodality in action within the community of the Church of St Anthony. The grand celebration not only honoured its past but also looked forward to continuing its journey of faith, unity, and service for generations to come. – Herald Malaysia
