KUCHING, April 12: Christians have been told to remain faithful in Christ and continue to pray and seek God’s divine intervention to curb Covid-19 that has infected people irrespective of race, religion or social status.
Association of Churches in Sarawak chairman, Archbishop Rev Simon Poh, reminded the Christian faith to not have prejudice and anger against another person who contracted the coronavirus.
“We are not to stigmatise those who have contracted Covid-19. With their families, they too are victims of Covid-19.
“Instead of sowing seeds of hatred and anger, let us pray, offer life, hope and words of comfort and encouragement to families and the people around us,” he said in a statement.
He added: “Today, as a Catholic, we will never be alone. At the Solemn Intercessions immediately after my homily, Pope Francis has added a special intercession for the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In short, we are in communion with 1.2 billion Catholics throughout the world.”
Rev Poh said the closing of churches for worshippers to perform Sunday services has been a great sacrifice for the Christian community in Sarawak as contribution to fight Covid-19.
However, he was saddened over thousands of adults Catechumens who are preparing for baptism in the Catholic Churches throughout Sarawak.
He explained that the Easter Vigil night, which fell on yesterday evening (April 11), is the night where adults Caterchumens would have been baptised, confirmed and received Jesus in Holy Communion.
Rev Poh noted the church understood their disappointment and acknowledged their strong desire.
He encouraged the affected individuals to remain faithful to Jesus and given his assurance that baptism would be arranged at a later date this year.
“On behalf of all Christians from Association of Churches in Sarawak, together with the Catholic bishops and priests of Malaysia, I take this occasion of Easter Sunday to wish all Christians, leaders, friends and all people of good will, peace and joy of Easter season,” he said. — DayakDaily
