First Mass celebrated at new Kelatuan church

KELATUAN, Papar – Some 600 people turned up for the inaugural Mass celebrated at the new St Kenneth Church here on 18 Dec 2016.

Father Thomas Yip, pastor of St Joseph Papar, celebrated the Mass.

Among those present were members of the Papar Pastoral Council, catechists and members of the Catholic communities of Langsat, Langkawit and Koling.

The last Mass at the old church building was celebrated on Dec 11.  The old church could only accommodate 450 people at the most.

In his homily, the priest reminded the faithful to maintain a close relationship with the parish church.  He pointed out that it is not the size of the building that matters but that God’s presence among them.

After Mass all adjourned to the hall for a dinner fellowship.

The site of the new church is about 40 metres from the old church which is now used as a community hall.

The construction of the new church started after Easter 2016, funded by Datuk Victor Paul while the faithful contributed to the RM70,000 left and right wing extensions.

Archbishop John Wong will officiate the blessing of the new church on Dec 27. – William C Mindus, SOCCOM Papar-Limbahau