Archdiocese of Kuching

The Archdiocese of Kuching (; Malay: Keuskupan Agung Kuching; Mandarin: Ã¥ÂÂ¤Ã¦ÂÂÃ¦ÂÂ»Ã¦ÂÂÃ¥ÂÂº) is a Metropolitan Latin archbishopric of the Catholic Church in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, covering the western part of the state, up from Lundu to Saratok. It is however remains dependent on the missionary Roman Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

Its cathedral archiepiscopal see is in St. Joseph's Cathedral, in the city centre, named after the spouse of the Virgin Mary, who was the diocese's patron.

Former auxiliary bishop Simon Peter Poh Hoon Seng was appointed as the third and current Archbishop of Kuching by Pope Francis on 4 March 2017 following the resignation of his predecessor, John Ha Tiong Hock.

Erected in 1927 by Pope Pius XI as an Apostolic Prefecture, Kuching was elevated to Metropolitan Archdiocese by Pope Paul VI in 1976 with the suffragan dioceses of Sibu and Miri, and it was first led by Peter Chung Hoan Ting.

History

It was erected it as the Apostolic Prefecture of Sarawak by Pope Pius XI on 5 February 1927, on territory split off from the Apostolic Prefecture of Labuan and Borneo.
It was promoted to the Apostolic Vicariate of Kuching by Pope Pius XII on 14 February 1952.
Lost territory on 1959.12.19 to establish the Apostolic Vicariate of Miri (now its senior suffragan see of separated Apostolic Vicariate of Brunei Darussalam and Diocese of Miri; by the installation of Anthony Denis Galvin, MHM as its first vicar in 1960, and Anthony Lee Kok Hin as its first bishop in 1977).
Pope Paul VI elevated it to the rank of a metropolitan archdiocese on 31 May 1976.
Lost territory on 1986.12.22 to establish the Diocese of Sibu as its second suffragan (by the installation of Dominic Su Haw Chiu as its first bishop).

Ecclesiastical Province

Its ecclesiastical province comprises the Metropolitan's own Archbishopric and the following suffragan sees, both daughter dioceses :

Bishops

The following are the lists of ordinaries (bishops of the diocese) and auxiliary bishops, and their terms of service. They are followed by other priest of this diocese who became bishop.

Apostolic Prefects of Sarawak

Apostolic Vicars of Sarawak

Archbishops of Kuching

Former Auxiliary Bishops of Kuching

Dato John Ha Tiong Hock (1998Ã¢ÂÂ2003), appointed Archbishop of this diocese
Simon Peter Poh Hoon Seng (2015Ã¢ÂÂ2017), appointed Archbishop of this diocese

Other priest of this diocese who became bishop

Richard Ng, appointed Bishop of Miri in 2013

Clergy

Vicar General

The Very Rev. Msgr. William Sabang

Diocesan Chancellor

Rev. Fr. Patrick Heng

Diocesan Deacons

Deacon Addie Frank Lingge

Diocesan Seminarians

Seminarian Boniface Chang

Diocesan Clergies

Rev. Fr. Adrian Kho
Rev. Fr. Augustine Jepy
Rev. Fr. Bernard Jim Bujang
Rev. Fr. Casimir Henrry Umar
Rev. Fr. Christopher Laden
Rev. Fr. Dannie Luis Romanus
Rev. Fr. Davie Entalai
Rev. Fr. Felix Au
Rev. Fr. Francis Dakun (Outstationed from Diocese of Keningau)
Rev. Fr. Galvin Richard Ngumbang
Rev. Fr. Henry Jimbey
Rev. Fr. Jerome Juleng
Rev. Fr. John Chong
Rev. Fr. John Ekly Direk
Rev. Fr. Joseph Chai
Rev. Fr. Joseph Liew
Rev. Fr. Lazarus Swinie
Rev. Fr. Leonard Yap
Rev. Fr. Mark Noel Bunchol
Rev. Fr. Martin Wong
Rev. Fr. Nicholas Ng
Rev. Fr. Paul Herry
Rev. Fr. Paul Ling Keh Yiing (Outstationed from Diocese of Sibu)
Rev. Fr. Peter Liston
Rev. Fr. Robert Jissem
Rev. Fr. Stephen Chin
Rev. Fr. Stephen Lim
Rev. Fr. Vincent Chin Chu Yang

Religious Clergies

Rev. Fr. Don Don Romero Ramerez, OFM (Outstationed from Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu)
Rev. Fr. Joseph Lee Hock Jin, OFM (Outstationed from Diocese of Sibu and Diocese of Malacca-Johor)
Rev. Fr. Joseph Ng, SJ
Rev. Fr. Lucas Ng, CDD (Outstationed from Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur)
Rev. Fr. Nelson Evarinus Sipalan, OFM (Outstationed from Diocese of Keningau)

Foreign Clergies

Rev. Fr. Agustinus Tanudjaja, SJ (Jesuit missionary from Indonesia)
Rev. Fr. Albert Jacobse, MHM (Mill Hill missionary from the Netherlands)
Rev. Fr. Aloysius Dirgahayu Bayu, CDD (CDD missionary from Indonesia)
Rev. Fr. Andre Delimarta, SDB (Salesian missionary from Indonesia)
Rev. Fr. Arockyaraj Pavulu, CMF (Claretian missionary from India)
Rev. Fr. Augustine Radhakanta Singh, CMF (Claretian missionary from India)
Rev. Fr. Berchmans Rayar, CMF (Claretian missionary from India)
Rev. Fr. Delphin Kahemba Ndungu, SDB (Salesian missionary from the Democratic Republic of Congo)
Rev. Fr. Eugenio (Eugene) Gocela Maglasang, SDB (Salesian missionary from the Philippines)
Rev. Fr. Paul Hu Pi Xian, CDD (CDD missionary from China)
Rev. Fr. Pratap Baskey, CMF (Claretian missionary from India)
Rev. Fr. Prince Carneelyes Arockiam, CMF (Claretian missionary from India)
Rev. Fr. Ramon Borja, SDB (Salesian missionary from the Philippines)
Rev. Fr. Stanley Goh, SJ (Jesuit missionary from Singapore)

Deceased Clergies

Rev. Fr. Terence Burke, MHM (1944Ã¢ÂÂ2017)
Rev. Fr. James Meehan, MHM (1933Ã¢ÂÂ2018)
Rev. Fr. Peter Aichner, MHM (1914Ã¢ÂÂ1995)
Rev. Fr. Leopold van Rooyen, MHM (1917Ã¢ÂÂ2008)
Rev. Fr. Michael O'Brien, MHM (1941Ã¢ÂÂ2022)
Rev. Fr. Noel Hanrahan, MHM (1928Ã¢ÂÂ2019)
Rev. Fr. Joachim Pang (1921Ã¢ÂÂ2007)
Rev. Fr. Richard Khoo Choon Phoe (1940Ã¢ÂÂ2016)
Rev. Fr. Dato Lawrence Chua (1936Ã¢ÂÂ2021)
Rev. Fr. Peter Ng Kan Lim (1941Ã¢ÂÂ2026)

Statistics and extent

As per 2021, it pastorally served 240,575 Catholics (38.2% of 812,900 total) on 19,173 kmÃÂ² in 12 parishes with 37 priests (26 diocesan, 11 religious), 82 lay religious (13 brothers, 69 sisters), 5 seminarians. There is a major seminary of St. Peter.

There are about 19 parishes and chapels administering outstations around the archdiocese.

Churches

St. Joseph's Cathedral, Taman Budaya, Kuching
sub-parishes of Carmelite Chapel, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Kuching
St. Colette's Catholic Centre, Taman Malihah, Kuching
Semariang New Township Catholic Centre, Kuching and
Mother Mary Chapel cum Archbishop's residence, Stutong, Kuching

St. Peter's Church, Padungan, Kuching
sub-parish of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Bintawa, Padungan, Kuching
St. Teresa's Church, Serian
sub-parishes of Sacred Heart Church, Tebakang, Serian
St. Mark's Church, Triboh, Gedong, Serian
St. Elizabeth's Church, Ampungan, Serian
St. John Bosco's Church, Bintawa Lama, Serian
St. Mary's Church, Baru Mawang, Serian
St. Andrew's Church, Paon, Serian
St. Joseph the Worker's Church, Seroban, Serian
St. David's Church, Tong Nibong, Serian
St. Peter's Church, Lebor, Gedong, Serian
St. Patrick's Church, Tangga, Serian
Holy Trinity Church, Pichin, Serian
St. John Vianney's Church, Krusen, Serian
St. Patrick's Church, Marung, Serian
St. Philip's Church, Bugu, Serian
St. Henry's Church, Resak, Serian
St. Peter's Church, Pridan, Serian
St. Sylvester I Church, Mantung Birawan, Serian
St. Vincent's Church, Mubuk, Serian
St. John's Church, Mantung, Serian
St. James' Church, Merian Bedup, Serian
St. Daniel's Church, Bedup, Serian
St. Pio of Pietrelcina Church, Slabi, Serian
St. Thomas' Church, Sorak, Serian
All Saints' Church, Koran, Serian
St. John's Church, Koran Empaneg, Serian
St. Philip's Church, Koran Mawang, Serian
St. John Bosco's Church, Sangai Mawang, Serian
St. Luke the Evangelist Church, Sangai Empani, Serian
St. Lawrence's Church, Jenan, Serian
St. Martin de Porres Church, Sira, Serian
St. Andrew's Church, Ensebang Kuari, Serian
St. Vincent de Paul Church, Ensebang Padang Bilon, Serian
St. Bonaventure's Church, Meboi/Merbau, Balai Ringin, Serian
St. Lawrence's Church, Kpg. Sg. Engkabang, Serian
St. Dominic's Church, Menyang A, Balai Ringin, Serian
St. Patrick's Church, Krangan, Balai Ringin, Serian
St. Rose of Lima's Church, Antayan Keropok, Balai Ringin, Serian
St. Flora's Church, Krait, Serian
St. Charles' Church, Rasau, Serian
St. Matthew the Apostle Church, Sebangkui, Serian
St. Mark the Evangelist Church, Kakeng Karuh, Serian
St. Jude's Church, Slabi Sangkam, Serian
St. Lucy's Church, Tarat Sibala, Serian
St. Paul's Church, Rayang, Serian
St. Paul Miki's Church, Merang, Serian
St. Paul Miki's Church, Munggu Kopi, Serian
St. Sylvester I Church, Sebemban, Gedong, Serian
St. James' Church, Murud Plaman, Serian
St. Joseph Mikasa's Church, Pati, Serian
St. Valencia's Church, Betong Kanowit, Serian
St. Richard of Chichester Church, Segenam, Serian
St. Jerome of Bethlehem Church, Patung/Kerumboi, Serian
St. Peter's Church, Reteh Plaman, Serian
St. Ambrose's Church, Reteh Mawang, Serian
St. Christopher Magallanes' Church, Tanah Mawang A, Serian
St. Cleopas' Church, Kg. Kuala, Gedong, Serian
St. Joseph's Church, Semada Belatok, Serian
St. Ann's Church, Kakai, Serian
St. Joseph's Church, Balai Ringin, Serian
St. Monica's Church, Junggu Mawang/Batu Kudi, Balai Ringin, Serian
St. Michael's Church, Krangan Jaya, Balai Ringin, Serian and
St. Michael's Church, Longgo/Merang Bedup, Serian
St. Stephen's Church, Bau
sub-parishes of St. Agnes Tsaou's Church, Grogo, Bau
St. Lawrence Ruiz's Church, Suba Buan, Bau
St. Patrick's Church, Krokong, Bau
St. Francis of Assisi's Church, Seropak, Bau
St. Peter Damian's Church, Seromah, Bau
St. Edward's Church, Skio, Bau
St. Elizabeth's Church, Sogo, Bau
St. Ambrose's Church, Kopit, Bau
St. Andrew's Church, Serembu, Bau
Holy Trinity Church, Peninjau, Bau
St. Thomas More's Church, Kandis Baru, Bau
St. Mathias' Church, Rumih, Bau
St. Joseph's Church, Opar, Bau
Blessed Sacrament Church, Bijuray/Mongag, Bau
St. Faustina Kowalska's Church, Ledan Gumbang, Bau
St. Sylvester I Church, Tringgus, Bau
St. Philip's Church, Skibang, Bau
St. Mark's Church, Stass, Bau
St. Leo's Church, Serasot, Bau
St. Anthony of Padua's Church, Merembeh, Bau
St. Thomas the Apostle's Church, Skiat, Bau
St. Martha of Bethany's Church, Garung, Jalan Wira Penrissen, Kuching
St. Teresa de Avila Church, Stenggang, Bau
St. Jude's Church, Stum Muda, Bau
St. John's Church/Mt. Singai Catholic Memorial & Pilgrimage Centre, Singai, Bau
St. Peter's Church, Sippau, Singai, Bau
St. Leonard's Church, Atas, Singai, Bau
St. James' Church, Bitikie, Singai, Bau
St. Michael's Church, Sudoh, Singai, Bau
St. Henry's Church, Apar, Singai, Bau
Holy Family Woodhouse, Catholic Retreat Centre, Senibong, Singai, Bau
St. Andrew Kim Tae-gon Church, Bobak, Singai, Bau
St. Martin's Church, Segong, Singai, Bau
St. Gonzalo Garcia's Church, Padang Pan, Bau
St. Nicholas' Church, Gumbang, Bau
St. Paul Miki's Church, Nowang, Bau
St. Benedict's Church, Tembawang Sauh, Bau
St. Anna's Church, Jugan, Bau
St. Francis Xavier's Church, Serikin, Bau and
St. Mary's Church, Bogag, Serikin, Bau
St. Jude's Church, Bunan Gega, Serian
sub-parishes of Holy Cross, Tebedu, Serian
St. Leo, Mujat, Serian
St. Bernardette, Mongkos, Serian
St. Gabriel the Archangel, Terbat Mawang, Serian
St. Jacob, Daha Seroban, Serian
St. Peter, Gahat Mawang, Serian
St. Joseph, Tesu, Serian
St. Mark the Evangelist, Kujang Plaman, Serian
St. Nicholas, Daha Mawang, Serian
St. Andrew, Daha Kisau, Serian
St. Matthew the Apostle, Mapu Tantu, Serian
St. Joseph, Temong Mawang, Serian
St. Mary, Temong Mura, Serian
St. Augustine of Hippo, Kg. Tebedu, Serian
St. Simon, Kujang Sain, Serian
Gethsemane Pilgrimage Centre, Bunan Gega, Serian
St. Jude Thaddeus, Sungan, Tebedu, Serian
St. Paul, Tema Saan, Tebedu, Serian
St. Henry, Bidak Plaman, Serian
Sts. Peter and Paul, Payau Achau, Serian
St. John Paul II, Sebintin, Serian
St. James, Paon Gahat, Serian
St. Anthony, Kawan, Serian
St. Francis of Assisi, Mentu Tapu, Serian
St. Justin, Mentu Pondok, Serian
St. Lawrence, Lobang Batu, Serian
Sacred Heart, Pulau Piranuk, Serian
St. Martin, Batu Bedang, Serian
St. John, Kujang Mawang, Serian
St. Elizabeth, Bidak Mawang, Serian
St. Aiden, Mawang Tahup, Serian
St. William, Payau Burus, Serian and
St. Timothy, Sejijag, Serian

St. Ann's Church, Kota Padawan, Kuching
sub-parishes of St. Peter's Church, Simpok, Kota Padawan, Kuching
St. Maximillian Kolbe's Church, Bayur, Kota Padawan, Kuching
St. Michael's Church, Teng Bukap, Kota Padawan, Kuching
St. Mary's Church, Jambu, Kota Padawan
Christ the King Church, Tijirak, Siburan
St. Joachim's Church, Batu 12, Kota Padawan, Kuching
St. Vincent de Paul Church, Chupak, Kota Padawan, Kuching
St. Francis of Assisi's Church, Bidak, Kota Padawan, Kuching
St. Clare of Assisi's Church, Payang, Kota Padawan, Kuching
St. Agnes' Church, Serumah, Kota Padawan, Kuching
St. Andrew's Church, Sitaang, Siburan
St. Luke the Evangelist's Church, Petag/Bangau, Siburan
St. Anthony of Padua's Church, Peraya, Siburan
St. Emily of Vialar Church, Krian, Serian
St. Joseph's Church, Gayu, Serian
St. Patrick's Church, Masaan, Siburan
St. Catherine's Church, Bratan, Siburan
Holy Family Church, Punau, Siburan
St. Matthew's Church, Benuk, Siburan
St. Margaret's Church, Kpg. Betong, Landeh, Siburan
Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Sikog/Simboh, Siburan
St. Francis Xavier's Church, Seratau, Siburan
All Saints Church, PULAPOL, Kuching
St. John Baptist Mary Vianney's Church, Prutan, Siburan
St. Christopher's Church, Sapit, Kota Padawan, Kuching
St. Monica's Church, Kakas, Kota Padawan, Kuching
St. Augustine of Hippo Church, Kiding, Kota Padawan, Kuching
St. James' Church, Tatuk, Kota Padawan, Kuching
St. Dominic's Church, Kuang, Serian
St. Gerard Majella's Church, Sentah, Siburan
St. Joseph's Church RCBM, ILKKM Kuching, Semenggok, Siburan
St. Rita of Cascia Church, Pesang, Siburan
St. Joseph's Church, Bengoh, Siburan
St. John De Brebeuf Church, Tematu, Kota Sentosa, Kuching and
Sacred Heart Church, Semeba, Kota Sentosa, Kuching

Sacred Heart Church, Kota Sentosa, Kuching
sub-parish of St. Mark the Apostle's Church, Batu Kawa, Kuching
Immaculate Conception Church, Sudat, Kota Sentosa, Kuching
Sacred Heart Church, Sarawak Heart Centre, Kota Samarahan
St. Joseph's Church, Sg. Empit, Kota Samarahan and
Assumption of Our Lady Church, Sampun Kelili, Asajaya, Kota Samarahan

Blessed Sacrament Church, BDC, Stampin, Kuching

Holy Spirit Church, Lundu
sub-parishes of St. Clement Church, Perian/Senibong, Lundu
St. Gregory Church, Selampit/Bitokan, Lundu
St. Peter Church, Stungkor Lama, Lundu
St. Vincent Church, Stungkor Baru, Lundu
St. George Church, Bokah, Lundu
St. Mark Church, Rukam, Lundu
St. Felix Church, Biawak, Lundu
St. Anthony Church, Pasir Ulu, Biawak, Lundu
Holy Trinity Church, Jantan, Biawak, Lundu
St. Charles Lwanga Church, Jangkar, Biawak, Lundu
St. Cosmas Church, Pasir Tengah, Biawak, Lundu
St. Christina Church, Kendaie, Biawak, Lundu
St. Timothy Church, Sebiris, Lundu
St. Mary Church, Serayan/Keranji, Lundu
St. Boniface Church, Judin, Lundu
St. John Church, Sebako, Lundu
St. Simon Church, Sebat Dayak, Sematan, Lundu
Good Shepherd Church, Siru Dayak/Pueh, Sematan, Lundu
St. Louis Church, Raso 1, Lundu
St. Catherine Church, Raso 2, Lundu and
Holy Family Church, Paon, Lundu

Holy Trinity Church, Kenyalang Park, Kuching
Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Sri Aman
sub-parishes of Mount Hosanna Chapel, Sri Aman
Holy Family Church, Betong
St. Anthony Church, Skrang, Betong
St. Ignatius Church, Saratok
St. Matthew the Apostle Church, Meruji, Sg. Awik, Saratok and
St. Peter Church, Jaong, Ulu Roban, Saratok

Religious communities

Men

Congregation of the Disciples of the Lord (CDD)
Congregation of Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary / Claretians (CMF)
Discalced Carmelites (OCD)
Marist Brothers (FMS)
Saint Joseph's Missionary of Mill Hill / Mill Hill Missionaries (MHM)
Order of Friars Minor / Franciscans (OFM)
Society of Saint Francis de Sales / Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB)
Society of Jesus / Jesuits (SJ)

Women

Discalced Carmelites (OCD) (Women's section)
Sisters of St. Francis of Sarawak (SSFS)

Missionary schools

Primary

SK St Teresa, Kuching
SK Sacred Heart, Semeba, Batu Kitang, Kuching
SK St Stephen, Bau
SK St Jude, Bunan Gega, Serian
SK St Philip, Bugu, Serian
SK St Dominic, Pichin, Serian
SK St Henry, Slabi, Serian
SK St Patrick, Tangga, Serian
SK St John, Mantung, Serian
SK St Michael, Mongkos, Serian
SK St Norbert, Paon Gahat, Serian
SK St Anthony, Kawan, Serian
SK St Peter, Simpok, Kota Padawan
SK St Elizabeth, Tijirak, Siburan
SK St Francis Xavier, Seratau, Siburan
SK St Teresa, Stenggang, Bau
SK St John, Singai, Bau
SK St Patrick, Krokong, Bau

Secondary

SMK St Joseph, Kuching
St Joseph Private Secondary School, Kuching
SMK St Teresa, Kuching

References

Sources and external links