By Agnes Chai
KOTA KINABALU — In the light of the latest revised SOP from the Sabah State Government which includes the allowing of non-Muslim places of worship to be reopened, KK prelate Archbishop John Wong cautioned against the immediate reopening of churches for physical Mass.
In a brief and concise social media message to the clergy, he urged “patience and understanding” of the current situation which shows that the increasing number of infections remains unabated on a daily basis.
Worrying daily reports also indicate that the virus is not only contained within controllable clusters, but has spread everywhere.
Although the more relaxed set of SOPs which includes allowing the reopening of churches with limits of one third of the congregation within the local community, who have been fully vaccinated (2 doses), the Archbishop was rightly concerned as many parishioners have yet to receive the vaccines.
Although the clergy are individually responsible to decide the reopening of churches for their parishes, the Archbishop advised that they be prudent in waiting for a little longer, say a month or two, and to see the outcome of the next SOP from the authority before deciding to reopen for Mass.
Meanwhile, the Sacred Heart Cathedral parish has responded to the numerous enquiries about the reopening of the Cathedral for physical Mass in its Facebook account.
Parish priest Fr Paul Lo, at the advice of the parish health team, informed all parishioners that the parish would not rush into the reopening of the church for physical Mass in order not to create a health hazard for everyone. The decision was made in the light of the current situation of the continual rise of infections in the state despite the government’s easing of restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals.
The FB news received good responses and feedback as parishioners concurred with the wisdom of the parish and gave their full support and understanding.
