KUALA LUMPUR: Public health concerns related to Covid-19 have resulted in the suspension of all Roman Catholic public masses in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur this Christmas.
The diocesan territory covers four states including Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Terengganu and two federal territories which include Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
The Archdiocese's Chancellor Reverend Father Michael Chua today said the suspension has been ordered by Catholic Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur Most Reverend Julian Leow Beng Kim.
"After monitoring the current public health situation in the Archdiocese and having considered the recommendations given by the Archdiocesan Crisis Management Task Force, the Archbishop has decided to suspend all public masses in all parishes, churches, chapels and mass centres in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur from the eve of Christmas until the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord on Jan 3, 2021," he said in a statement.
"Archbishop Leow recognises that the Christmas season is one of the most important and sacred times in our Church's liturgical calendar," Father Chua noted.
He said Archbishop Leow fully understood the passion and devotion of the faithful who wish to come together in public celebration, but he had come to the difficult decision by having cognisance of the following:
* Although the Church has been both prudent and cautious in implementing public safety recommendations as well as additional protocols proposed by the task force, such measures may be inadequate to address additional risks imposed by the expected large crowds for Christmas and the difficulty of complying with additional restrictions from the public health authorities (such as the limit in numbers allowed to attend Masses)
* Due to relaxation of interstate travel restrictions and with the expected increase in visitors returning to their hometowns or travelling to holiday destinations during the holidays, contact listing and pre-registration for Masses may be rendered exceedingly difficult if not impossible.
* Even though the National Security Council and state authorities may choose to relax their restrictions, the hike in sporadic cases and emergence of new clusters in these past few weeks increase the risks of transmission in closed-door large gatherings such as a public mass.
Father Chua also said that the faithful within the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur have been dispensed by Archbishop Leow from the obligation of participating in mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation.
"Masses for the Christmas season," he added,"will be live streamed from https://Tv.ArchKL.org and the faithful are encouraged to follow these Masses faithfully with due reverence.
"As much as many of us look forward to a return to some degree of normalcy and seek to spend this holy season in the company of our loved ones as we offer worship to God, His Grace, the Archbishop continues to exhort each of you to be vigilant, not only for your personal safety but also for the benefit of those you love," said Father Chua.