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On Ascension Day 19th May 1977, the Diocese of Kota Kinabalu was
formally erected when Bishop Simon Fung was installed as her first Bishop
at the Sacred Heart Cathedral , Kota Kinabalu .
On 31st May 2002 , our Diocese will have reached its 25-year
milestone . Praise the Lord we have come that far ! But then , let's ask
ourselves this question ; Have we succeeded in responding to the challenge
of the Holy Father ; to put out into the deep for a catch ?
Looking back these past 25 years , we have seen the growth of our
church , St. Peter's Church , Kudat not only in faith but also in size .
More buildings are added and lands purchased ; the number of Catholics
increases not only through births but also through conversion . God
be praised !
There are many important happenings we can jot down as historical
events of our church ( Please read The History of St. Peter's Church for
detailed descriptions .) . The more recent events are the Catholic
Centenary Celebrations , the opening of our new church , convent ,
kinder-garden and the Opening of Rev. Fr. de Wit Memorial Hall .
One of the most important events is the Catholic Centenary
Celebrations which I will briefly relate here.
The Catholic Centenary Celebrations in Kudat took place from 25th
to 28th June , 1981 . Never had Kudat seen such a big celebration which
lasted for four days ! But the Kudat Catholics , led by Rev. Fr.
de Wit , made this possible. Fr. Thomas Sham and Fr. Louis Kessels
came along with Bishop Simon Fung to grace the celebrations.
On 25th ,26th June special services were held in the old church at the
Mission Road . On 27th June , the Kudat Catholics witnessed the
grandiose opening and blessing of the Lourdes Grotto . Some 300 Catholics
turned up for the important occasion. Later the faithful , led by the Bishop
and priests journeyed to the Open Air Stage behind St. Peter 's Primary
School for the Open Air Holy Mass , while reciting the Rosary .
The Open Air Mass was a memorable occasion for all present .
It was specially beautiful when all concelebrants together with the
Bishop said ,
Father , you are Holy indeed and all creation rightly gives you praise .
All life, all holiness comes from you through your Son, Jesus Christ
one Lord by the working of the Holy Spirit .
There was a huge Centenary cake for fellowship sharing after the Open
Air Mass which was attended by some 500 Catholics .
After the Open Air Mass , the gathering watched a concert in which
the faithful and the school children took part . A big crowd turned up
that day.
On 28th the late Bishop Simon Fung opened the Centenary Exhibition ,
another highlight of the Centenary celebrations. There was also a
grand party for this festive occasion.
By
Agatha Lai
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