Hundreds turn up for blessing of new St Kenneth Church

KELATUAN, Papar – Hundreds of faithful turned up for the blessing and opening of new St Kenneth Church here on 27 Dec 2016.

They came not only from Kelatuan itself but also from Langsat, Langkawit, Koling, Kimanis and other parts of Papar to witness the event officiated by Archbishop John Wong.  The Mass was concelebrated with Father Thomas Yip the pastor and his assistant, Father Thomas Madanan.

In his welcoming speech, Wilfred Yundang, the organising chairman,  said that the event was a three- in- one celebration: blessing of the Church, Feast of St Kenneth (normally celebrated in the month of October), and Christmas Celebration.

Among the invitees were former pastors Father Bruno Yasun and Father Jimsy Alex, religious brothers and sisters, catechists, members of St Joseph Papar and Holy Rosary Limbahau parish councils, and main donor Datuk Victor Paul.

The entrance procession from the old church building (now a community hall) was accompanied by tradition gong music and sumazau dancers.

In his short speech,  the prelate said that the blessing of the  new church is a witness of the grace and the merciful love of God.

The archbishop thanked  everyone for making it a reality, especially Datuk Victor Paul,  for his generousity and good deeds toward the church.

He also asked for prayers for the clergy and religious.

After the Mass, all witnessed the signing of the commemorative placques by the prelate.

The celebration continued at the community hall with the cutting of cakes and traditional dance and song performances by various ethnic communities, and lucky draws. –  William C Mindus, Papar-Limbahau SOCCOM