KUCHING: St Peter’s Church, the city’s newest landmark, became a beacon of unity and inspiration as thousands gathered, including visitors from various faiths and backgrounds, to witness its inaugural Christmas midnight mass last night.
Among the attendees was Avinaash Loganathan, a 22-year-old Hindu student from Penang, who is currently studying at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).
“Even though I’m Hindu, I believe God is one. Back in Penang, I would sometimes follow my family members to St Anne Church in Penang.
“And seeing St Peter’s Church lit up tonight left me amazed and speechless,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
He also appreciated the peaceful atmosphere of the celebration, saying it was heartwarming to see not only Catholics, but people of different races and religions going to see the beauty of the church.
Avinaash and his friends were among the 5,000 attendees who patiently queued, waiting for the church gates to open at 9pm.
For Helena Sudin Edong, 61, from Kampung Keriat in Serian, St Peter’s Church holds a special place in her heart.
“I was baptised and married in the old St Peter’s Church. And I made sure to be able to make it to the midnight mass at the new church.
“To see the new church is truly a joyous moment for me,” she said.
Meanwhile, Jenria Ringo, a Bidayuh from Bau, attended the mass with her daughter Dora.
They arrived early at 4.30pm, parked nearby, and waited at the gate by 8pm to secure their spots when it opened at 9pm.
“This church is absolutely stunning. I feel so blessed to be part of this historic event,” she said.
For Mitchelle Noviany and her mother from Kampung Biawak in Lundu, the experience too was unforgettable for them.
“We arrived at 8pm, and it was just nice when the gates opened at 9pm.
“It felt like we were at a concert as when the gate opened, people run in, but in an orderly and quiet manner
“The excitement, the beauty of the church, it was all so moving,” she said.
