Archdiocese of Kuching suspends all masses, rites and services
KUCHING: The Catholic Archdiocese of Kuching has announced that it will suspend all celebration of masses, rites and services, All Souls Day’ visits to cemeteries and columbarium on Nov 2 with immediate effect.
Archbishop Simon Poh said the archdiocese has been monitoring the recent gradual increase of Covid-19 infections linked to many frequently visited places in Kuching.
“There are now more persons being in close contact with primary Covid-19 positive persons as well as widening circles of second or third-level contacts through business acquaintances or social networks.
“Although we do not have any report of close contact with Covid-19 positive persons in our churches, I have instructed that all masses in the red zones be temporarily suspended as part of the church’s social and pastoral response. In the meantime, all church offices will continue to open to serve our parishioners,” Poh said in a statement issued yesterday.
He added that all the churches would also suspend visits to cemeteries and columbariums this weekend leading to All Souls’ Day on Nov 2 in order to help break the transmission of any infection.
“As an act of filial and love for our elderly in the home villages, I ask that Catholics from Kuching to refrain from traveling to home villages for All Souls’ Day. I encourage such visits to be made later, during other days this month or in November.
“Let us all reduce and minimise all non-essential trips or visits since every point of contact creates an opening for Covid-19 infection.
“We will buy time for targeted ‘Active Case Detection’ and contact tracing that are currently in process to contain Covid-19 in Sarawak.
“Should you need to be in public places, remain vigilant and strictly adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs). Wear your face mask at all times and maintain social distancing,” he added.
Poh said all masses would be available via live-streaming such as the Chrism Mass at 5.30pm on Oct 29, Sunday
All Saints’ Day Masses on Nov 1 and blessing of the cemetery and All Souls Day on Nov 2.