By Ivy Chai
KUCHING — Catholics in the Archdiocese of Kuching displayed abundant love and compassion for humanity when they responded generously to the COVID-19 pandemic aid to India launched by Archbishop Simon Poh on 16 May. The total collection from the Dioceses of Kuching, Miri and Sibu amounted to RM212,099.28.
The Archbishop informed Christians attending his 30 May live-stream Sunday Mass that on 19 May, RM61,872.45 was remitted to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), through the Malaysian Catholic Bishops’ Conference (MCBC).
This donation came from the SarawakPay e-Collection for the three live-stream Masses celebrated on 16 May. Additional donations totalling RM150,226.83 went to the Chennai Claretian Province in India.
“Thank you for your generous donations amounting to RM212,099.28. One thing we are sure of is that the Lord will multiply our donations which will definitely become a source of blessing and healing for those receiving this as medical and food aids in India,” Archbishop Simon Poh said.
The Chennai Claretian Province has sent 10 missionary priests to serve in Kuching, Miri and Sibu dioceses and “Sarawak is grateful to this particular Claretians Province,” said the Archbishop. Currently, four of these Claretians priests now serve in the Serian and Bunan parishes in the Archdiocese of Kuching.
Gawai Dayak celebrations
Archbishop Simon also pointed out that the Gawai Dayak celebrations will start in a day’s time. “With a heavy heart, once again I exhort all Catholics, Christians and everyone working in cities and towns NOT to travel back to visit your parents and grandparents in kampongs or longhouses especially in COVID-19 free districts.
“Let us do this in a spirit of sacrifice of love and act of filial piety to our parents, as we protect our elderly and village folks who do not have access to medical facilities should COVID-19 infection be brought back to the villages.
“Make use of social media to connect and celebrate with your family so that although ‘jauh di mata tetapi dekat di hati,’ though distance may separate us, but we still remain close at heart. Make a difference this Gawai for all Sarawakians and Malaysians,” he pleaded.
The Archbishop announced a special Gawai Mass will be live-streamed from St Joseph’s Cathedral on Tuesday, 1 June at 9.00 AM. “See you at Gawai Mass. Stay safe at home to bless all families. Selamat Hari Gawai.”
Related post: Archbishop makes appeal to contribute to COVID-19 pandemic aid to India
