St Thomas Cathedral Kuching, Malaysia

St Thomas Cathedral Kuching, Kuching Overview

The St Thomas Cathedral is an Anglican church situated in the Malaysian city of Kuching. The church features Basilian style of architecture with a bright-red barrel-vaulted ceiling. The Calvary steps, Narthex, Tower and Western Courtyard are the main features of this church. St Thomas Cathedral is supported by 12 pillars, each of which is marked with consecration crosses. The white pillars are thin at the bottom and thick at the top. The church is further adorned with beautiful arches that breathe at a height of about 48 feet. The Rood Beam houses the figure of the Crucified Lord, flanked in an ancient way by Saint John and Saint Mary.

The Calvary Steps of St Thomas Cathedral

The first 12 steps: The first series of steps symbolize the childhood of the Lord i.e. up until he attained the age of 12. It symbolizes the time when the Lord paid his first visit to the Temple during the Feast of the Passover.
The next 7 steps: The next series of steps represent the adolescence of the Lord. It represents the years during which Christ attained wisdom and stature. The pilgrim ends at the 19th step since the Lord was 19 when Joseph passed away. This made the Lord responsible for his mother, Mary as well as his family business at Nazareth.
The next 11 steps: These steps represent the hidden years of Jesus the carpenter. These steps make man realize the dignity of everyday work.
The last 3 steps: The final three steps represent the Ministry of Christ. It symbolizes the time when Jesus began to preach i.e. at the age of 30.