SARIKEI: Catholics here celebrated the 131st anniversary of the spread of their faith here at St Andrew’s Chapel in Sare near here recently.
The historical event was graced by Second Bishop of Sibu Diocese, Rt Rev Joseph Hii Teck Kwong and St Anthony’s Church Parish Priest Father Joseph Sebastian.
According to prayer leader of St Andrew’s Chapel, George Paulus, the Roman Catholic faith was introduced here at Sungai Enseluai, Sare near here in 1881 by Father Dunn, an Irish priest.
With the help of the local Iban community, the priest settled at Tembawai Tuan (a place named after the priest) where he built a chapel.
He appointed a local, Aki Lasu as the first Lay Leader there and after a while, another local by the name of Angok was appointed to replace the former, he said.
Since then, the local Catholic clung on to their faith under the guidance of their lay leaders.
In 1952, another priest, Father Chen came to the area and built a chapel near a football field besides a longhouse, he said, adding, the Chapel was officially named St Andrews in 1956.
Father Chen appointed several lay leaders with Mulok serving till 1956, followed by Mamat till 1961, Joseph Ramping till 1979.
Given the good response from locals during his time, Father Chen appointed Paulus Sigat as a catechist in 1966 and he served till 1975.
It was unfortunate that since 1967, locals preferred to pray in their longhouses and left the St Andrew’s Chapel idle.
The present Parish Priest of St Anthony’s Church, Father Joseph Sebastian during his recent visit to the area requested them to renovate the chapel in view of its historical significance.
A memorial cross was erected in the compound of the chapel to commemorate the advent of Roman Catholic faith in Sarikei in 1881 and in conjunction with the celebration, Bishop Hii baptised 131 Catechumens.