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The Fourteen Pilgrimage Churches of St. Michael’s Parish, Penampang

Tracing the Legacy of Early Missionaries

The Catholic faith in Penampang was established in 1886 by Fr. Alexander Prenger, MHM, who founded the first mission at Inobong. His dedication and missionary zeal laid the groundwork for what would become the Penampang Mission, earning him recognition as its founder.

In 1906, Rev. Fr. August Wachter, MHM, arrived in Penampang as an assistant missionary. A talented educator, builder, and evangelist, he founded schools, expanded mission stations, and fostered the spiritual development of the Kadazan-Dusun Catholic community. Under his stewardship, Penampang emerged as the principal Catholic mission center in North Borneo.

With the establishment of the Prefecture Apostolic of North Borneo by the Holy See in 1927, Fr. August Wachter was appointed its inaugural Prefect Apostolic. From his base in Penampang, he directed the Church’s growth throughout Sabah by inaugurating new missions, enhancing Catholic education, and promoting local vocations.

Recognizing the necessity for a local religious congregation, Msgr. August Wachter founded the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (FSIC) on 16 June 1936, with the support of Mother Rose Charnley. This congregation became the first indigenous religious institute in North Borneo and continues to serve the Church in Malaysia through education, catechesis, pastoral care, and charitable activities.

The magnificent St. Michael’s Church, whose foundation stone was laid on 29 September 1936, stands today as a lasting testament to Msgr. Wachter’s vision and faith. Although construction was interrupted by World War II, the church was completed in 1947 and remains one of Sabah’s most cherished Catholic landmarks.

The Fourteen Pilgrimage Churches

These fourteen churches embody the enduring missionary heritage of St. Michael’s Parish. Collectively, they form a spiritual pilgrimage honoring the pioneers who introduced the Gospel to Penampang and celebrating the steadfast faith of its Catholic communities.

St. Michael’s Church – Penampang (Mother Church)
St. Therese of the Child Jesus – Kolopis
St. Marcellinus – Minintod
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Sukang-Mabpai
St. Aloysius Gonzaga – Limbanak
Divine Mercy – Maang
Assumption of Our Lady – Sugud
Mary, Mother of the Redeemer – Potuki
Our Mother of Perpetual Help – Mahansung
Mary, Mother of Mercy – Timpangoh Sugud
St. Julius I – Timpayasa
St. Bernard – Terian
Mary, Mother of the Church – Tiku
St. John Paul II – Buayan

Pilgrim’s Reflection

“Following in the footsteps of Fr. Alexander Prenger and Msgr. August Wachter, pilgrims traverse these fourteen churches to reconnect with the origins of the Catholic faith in Penampang. Each church stands as a living testament to the sacrifices of the Mill Hill Missionaries, the devoted service of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, and the unwavering faith of the Kadazan-Dusun Catholic community. May this pilgrimage renew our dedication to Christ and inspire us to perpetuate the missionary spirit that has thrived in Penampang for over a century.”

St. Michael's Parish, Penampang

Historical List of Priests

Founding Era

1886–1890 – Rev. Fr. Alexander Prenger, MHM – Founder of the Penampang Mission.

1890–1892 – Rev. Fr. Rientjes, MHM.

1892–1893 – Rev. Fr. Reyfert, MHM.

1893–1917 – Rev. Fr. Duxneuner, MHM.

1917–1945 – Msgr. August Wachter, MHM – First Prefect Apostolic of North Borneo, founder of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (FSIC), and builder of St. Michael's Church and School.

Post-War Priests

1947–1962 – Fr. Anthonissen, MHM; Fr. A.G. Lampe, MHM; Fr. A. Verhoeven, MHM; Fr. Roetenberg, MHM.

1962–1965 – Fr. Joseph Dapoz.

1965–1968 – Fr. Willibrord Smit.

1968–1969 – Fr. Terpstra.

1969–1973 – Fr. Florian Jud.

1973–1975 – Fr. Gerard Preyde; Fr. Michael Henselmans.

1975–1979 – Fr. Jan van Velzen.

1977–1979 – Fr. Cosmas Lee.

1978–1981 – Fr. Nicholas Ong.

1979–1983 – Fr. Alexander Sipanul.

1981–1982 – Fr. Thomas Makajil.

1982–1983 – Fr. Bede Anthonius.

1983–1985 – Fr. Alexander Induku.

1985–1989 – Fr. Primus Jouil.

1986–1990 – Fr. Felix Chung.

1989–1992 – Fr. Thomas Makajil.

1990 – Fr. Peter Abas; Fr. Patrick Erik Jerome.

1990–1994 – Fr. Augustine Amandus.

1992–1997 – Msgr. Primus Jouil.

1996–1997 – Fr. Marcellinus Pongking.

1997–1999 – Fr. William Poilis.

1999–2001 – Fr. Aloysius Fidelis.

Priests Serving Since 2001

Fr. Alexander Jimsy Julius; Fr. Alexander Sipanul; Fr. Fundes Motiung; Fr. Jasery G. Emmanuel; Fr. Jalius Sading; Fr. Isidore Gilbert; Fr. Wiandigool Runsab; Fr. Daniel Jomilong; Fr. Erik Jerome; Fr. Jeffri Gumu; Fr. Gilbert Marcus; Fr. Lawrence Kim; Fr. Andrew Kim; Fr. Wilson Francis.

Current Clergy (2026)

Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Wilfred Atin.

Assistant Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Jerry Joseph Muhamat.

Assisting Priests: Friar Cruzender E. Alex, OFM; Friar Gerald Terence Saimel, OFM; Rev. Fr. Mattheus Augustine Luta.