Don t politicize pandemic, say Malaysian bishops
Prelates stress that accessibility to Covid-19 vaccines should not only be for the privileged UCA News reporter Updated: February 09, 2021 10:24 AM GMT
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Archbishop Julian Leow, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia. (Photo: Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur)
The Catholic Church in Malaysia is asking the country’s leaders to not exploit the Covid-19 pandemic. Bishops say the pandemic should not be politicized and any form of corruption in the procurement and distribution of vaccines must be avoided.
“The pandemic cannot be used to politicize or divide Malaysians. We call on our leaders to put aside any differences in order to steer the country and help rebuild our lives and that of the nation. The lives of the
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By Fr Francis Lim, SJ
On Dec 22, teachers from both SK St Joseph and St Joseph’s Private Primary School were on hand to witness the official handing back of the school building along Jalan Were, Kuching, by the outgoing Headmaster of SK St Joseph, Richard Kawi to the Archbishop of Kuching, His Grace Simon Poh.
An official letter addressed to the Director of Sarawak Education Department with the historic date of December 22, 2020 to designate the handing back of the school building, was presented by Archbishop Simon Poh to Richard Kawi. In his letter to the Director, the Archbishop expressed his gratitude to the Sarawak Education Department and the Ministry of Education Malaysia, for having provided quality education through SK St Joseph since 1963. Archbishop Simon Poh also thanked Richard Kawi, teachers and staff who have served in the school.
By Ivy Chai
The Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) has released the SOP for Christmas Church services that is seen to be on the same page as the National Security Council (MKN), and the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC).
Churches can celebrate Christmas Eve (Vigil) Mass between 6.00 pm – 10.00 pm on 24 December, and Christmas Day Mass from 7.00 am – 1.00 pm on 25 December.
In view of the new SOP for Christmas for Catholics, Archbishop Simon Poh from the Archdiocese of Kuching, announced the cancellation of all Masses scheduled to be celebrated after 1.00 pm on Christmas Day. Christmas Eve Masses have been rescheduled to finish before 10 pm.
By Ivy Teo
The Mandarin RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) 2019/2020 candidates from Blessed Sacrament Church (BSC) were baptised and confirmed at a Service Rite held in BSC on 5/6 December 2020. A total of 34 candidates received the Sacraments of Baptism & Confirmation, while another four candidates received only the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The first batch received their Sacraments and Certificates on 5 December, while the second batch received theirs on 6 December under full compliance with the Parish’s SOP. The neophytes also received their first Holy Communion on the same day.
The current COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated some changes to the performance of the rites. Godparents and limited family members of candidates were given permission to attend the celebration with an estimated congregation of around 60 persons at each Mass.