Dambai chapel blessed by KK prelate

PAPAR – The Catholic community of Kg Dambai here witnessed the blessing of its newly built chapel dedicated to St Damian by Archbishop John Wong on 26 Feb 2017.

The ceremony began with the blessing of the chapel’s entrance door followed by Holy Mass presided by the prelate, concelebrated with Fathers Thomas Yip and Thomas Madanan.

In his welcoming speech,  Joseph Anjuman, organising committee chairman, said the old chapel (built on 40 ft by 60 ft land donated by Masil Lokuman and blessed by then Bishop Simon Fung in 1977) was too small for the increasing population.  The present 0.42 acre plot of land located at Kg Suok was donated by Augustin Ikun Tunjam.

Dambai is approximately 4 km from Papar township, comprising Kg Molugus, Timbagan Balailait, Baun and Suok.

In his speech, Abp Wong thanked Datuk Victor Paul for donating the building.  He expressed the hope that the new chapel will raise missionary awareness among the faithful and renew the faith of those living in the outskirts.

The construction began on 15 Apr 2016.  At its completion, the building was handed over to St Joseph Parish on 11 Oct 2016.  The signage board and giant crucifix were donated by Lee Thien Loi Company.

Fundraisers included donations from individuals, private companies, and raffle ticket sales.

After the Mass, the prelate signed the commemorative chapel plaque, witnessed by those present.

Children of the local Kadazandusun and Indonesian communities entertained the faithful with traditional performances during dinner. – William Charles Mindus /SOCCOM Papar Limbahau