On Saturday 8th June 2019, Tuai Kampung Valentine Muyang and some 250 parishioners welcomed Right Reverend Bishop Richard Ng, Monsignor Fr. Francis Kuleh, Fr. Anup Lakra and Fr. Anthony Livin to a grand "Selamat Datai" traditional music and dances on arrival at 52-door Iban longhouse 98% Catholics. This is the first sunset Mass said at the longhouse by four celebrants Bishop, Monsignor and two priests. The wooden longhouse built in 1981 is 10 km away from Gereja St Michael, Batu Niah. Tuai Kampung Valentine Muyang was baptized by the late Fr. Mathieu Knapen 50 years ago on 1st June 1969.
Fr. Mathieu Knapen a Mill Hill priest began evangelization from 6th February 1966 serving Batu Niah community and bringing them to the Catholic Faith. A very popular priest and loved by the locals the pioneer who first established and built St Michael Church.
The legacy of Fr. Mathieu Knapen continues today as mentioned by the church leader and cathecist Dominic Majit "GOD is working in us in St Michael Parish, Batu Niah". The parish now serves 67 longhouses in Batu Niah including Suai and as far as Bekenu. Statistics indicate around 12,000 Catholics majority Ibans.
Monsignor Fr. Francis Kuleh is the Rector of St Michael Parish, Batu Niah and he has served 40 years 7 months in the Diocese of Miri.
Fr. Anup Lakra coming from India joined St Michael Parish, Batu Niah on 1st September 2017. Prior to his transfer to St Michael Parish, he has served 5 years 5 months in St Jude Parish, Bunan, Kuching Diocese. Fr. Anup Lakra speaks Bidayuh, Iban and Bahasa Malaysia language.
Fr. Anthony Livin also coming from India recently joined St Michael Parish, Batu Niah on 30th May 2019.
On Sunday 9th June 2019, the four celebrants Right Reverend Bishop Richard Ng, Monsignor Fr. Francis Kuleh, Fr. Anup Lakra and Fr. Anthony Livin celebrated 8.30 am Mass at Gereja St Michael, Batu Niah with some 500 parishioners 50% seated outside the church.
A grand traditional music and dance welcome on arrival at longhouse Rumah Valentine Muyang.
Sunset Mass said by 4 celebrants Bishop, Monsignor and two priests
Presentation and entertainment at longhouse
Sunday Morning Mass at Gereja St Michael, Batu Niah
Greetings after Mass and group photograph with Bishop
