KUCHING: Catholic Archbishop of Kuching, Simon Poh (pic), has urged those celebrating the Chinese New Year to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure a safe celebration.
He said this was important in view of the current Covid-19 Omicron cases which are on the rise in the country.
“I exhort everyone to comply with the safety SOPs while in public or at home, seeking to minimise social circles of contact.
“Let us ensure the safety of everyone and all families,” he said in his CNY message on Sunday (Jan 30).
He also called upon Christians as they celebrate the Lunar New Year, to remember to give to charity and specially to assist families that have been badly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This year’s CNY coincides with the year of the Tiger… it is said that there is a Chinese character ‘王’, pronounced as ‘wang’ and it means king.
“And when placed on the forehead of the tiger, he is the king of the animals, a tiger is bold and given the greatest honour.
“To denote an authority higher than the king, a stroke (‘) is added above “王”, to become ‘主’, which pronounced as ‘zhu’ means Master or God. And Catholics use the term ‘天主’ which is pronounced as ‘tian zhu’ that means Heavenly God.
“So, for Christians, Jesus Christ as the Son of God is also considered as Lord and King who had willingly given up his life on the Cross to bring forgiveness and mercy on humanity. He had performed this sacrifice of love so that we may live,” he said.
He said Christians are thus invited to imitate Jesus in making sacrifices of love and do acts of charity for the common good of all people.
“Apart from that, we have been under the shadow of Covid-19 since we were hit by it and with the new Omicron variant today.
“But, as we come to the Lunar New Year 2022, it is good to be reminded that the Chinese Lunar New Year takes place in spring,” he said.
He said that spring comes after a long winter season when trees seem dead with wiry branches and without leaves.
“Springtime is thus a celebration of life with new shoots and buds sprouting on the trees, with birds and animals coming out into the field.
“Therefore, spring thus symbolises new life and a fresh beginning in life. Spring offers us hope for a better future,” he said.
“I wish everyone and friends of goodwill a blessed new year, filled with hope, health, peace and joy.”
