Consecration of New St. Anthony of Padua Church, Tudan, Miri

Catholics in Permyjaya finally have a proper church for worship and other activities with a 1.5 acres land opposite Emart Commercial Centre granted by the state government.

“The land title was issued this year” said Minister of Transports Datuk Lee Kim Shin after attending the official opening of St. Anthony of Padua new church building in Tudan.

“Our Sarawak government has been helping various religions in Sarawak, especially with the establishment of Unifor (Unit For Other Religion).

“When Unifor was first set up a total of RM20 million was allocated, then another RM30 million was given last year. This year, Unifor has allocated RM50 million for non-Muslim houses of worship,” said Lee who reminded Sarawakians to treasure the peace and harmony that enable people of various races and religions to live together.

Touching on the new church building of St. Anthony, the whole project cost RM1.7 million with RM850,000 from the state government.

Bishop Richarg Ng thanked the Sarawak government, donors and sponsors for the new church building.

“This new church building can accommodate 600 to 700 people. The old one next door will be turned into a community hall, Sunday School and funeral parlour,” revealed Ng who said many locals live in small houses and experience difficulties in holding funerals for departed loved ones.

The Bishop also thanked the state government for a land in Permyjaya to build a new church to serve over 2,000 Catholic families there.

Compiled by Ben Chang