Emmaus Home top floor converted into hostel for outstation visitors

KOTA KINABALU -The top floor of Emmaus Home at the Sacred Heart Cathedral compound here has been converted into a hostel for outstation visitors.

It was blessed by Archbishop John Wong on 14 Feb 2017 in the presence of around 30 people, including contractor David Yu, donors, and members of the Catholic Service Centre, and archdiocesan media.

When asked, Abp Wong said the hostel plan was mooted in 2015 in response to the need of the outstation faithful who accompany their sick family members or relatives to Kota Kinabalu for medical treatment and who need a place to stay for a night or two.

The prelate said he saw the open top floor and thought it was worthwhile to convert it into a hostel for the purpose.

The renovation took three months – May to August 2016 – at the cost of RM160,000 inclusive of fixtures and furnishings – with funds donated by the parish Chinese community.

The hostel can accommodate 50 people in four rooms with two common bath and toilet facilities.  It can also be for outstation people attending seminars or conferences at the nearby parish centre.

Enquiries can be made at the Catholic Service Centre at 088-712416 (Tel) or 088-713435 (Fax).

Emmaus Home (formerly Vianney Home) was built in 1990 as a three-storey home for retired priests but it was found to be too noisy for the purpose.  Down the years it has become a place for visitors.