Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.
— Calvin Coolidge, 30th president of US
I read with interest a letter written by a Kuala Lumpur Catholic in a national news portal on Dec 18. The letter was written by Carmelo Ferlito who signed off as the CEO for Centre for Market Education.
The letter was one of a kind as here was a Catholic challenging the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, the Most Reverend Julian Leow, on his decision to cancel Christmas services in the archdiocese due to the coronavirus pandemic.
However, as a Catholic myself, I feel that Ferlito meant well in his disagreement with the archbishop. I am also glad it was published for public consumption. This is rare as such reports normally appear only in Catholic publications.
There is the unwritten rule that Catholics belonging to a certain parish or archdiocese must exercise loyalty and obedience to the serving bishop or archbishop.
For example, as I am a parishioner of St Joseph’s Parish, Kuching, in the Kuching archdiocese, I am duty bound or owe my loyalty, allegiance and obedience to Kuching Archbishop Simon Poh. Although this was never meant as a doctrine, I am mindful of such an obligation pertaining to my faith.
In modern times, leaders of the church are also more broadminded and able to accept criticisms of their decisions by parishioners. In fact, some bishops have encouraged Catholics to speak up when they feel it was pressing to do so.
Why, even Pope Francis has regularly sought prayers from his flock, mindful that he is only human and bound to make mistakes.
In his letter, Ferlito questioned Leow for suspending Christmas masses and depriving Catholics of receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
He wrote: “Around the world, churches are fighting against restrictions from their respective governments, while in Malaysia, we find ourselves in the peculiar situation in which the suspension of Masses is decided and prolonged by the archdioceses and not the government.
“Without downgrading the risk posed by the rise in Covid-19 infections, as a Catholic, I ask His Grace the archbishop: “What do we hold most dear? Can we really live a true life without sacraments for the fear of the virus?”
The Catholic definition of a sacrament is an event in Christian life that is both spiritual and physical. The sacraments presuppose faith and, through their words and ritual elements, nourish, strengthen and give expression to faith.
I think it is Ferlito’s deep faith that places such importance and reverence for the sacraments. That must be applauded.
However, the archbishop must have valid reasons to announce there would be no sacraments and Masses for Christmas in the Kuala Lumpur archdiocese.
Surely, Leow’s top consideration must be the safety of parishioners as the alarming surge in Covid-19 cases in the Klang Valley continued unabated over the past weeks. I managed to get in touch with Archbishop Poh of Kuching for his comments on Ferlito’s pointers and this was his response.
“I have noted that a few priests in Kuala Lumpur had contracted Covid-19. There will be dire consequences if Masses were offered. Imagine the demand on the resources of the church if the whole congregation have to be tested after attending a church service.
“Kuala Lumpur and Selangor are currently red zones unlike in Kuching and other parts of Sarawak where we are luckier in some ways,” Poh said.
The Kuching prelate also revealed that Christmas services will be held but under strict SOPs.
“We have an alternative solution for Mass and communion for the elderly and those with medical conditions. For example, we have offered Mass at the car park in St Joseph’s Cathedral and this will continue over the Christmas weekend.
“Parishioners on chemo treatment, dialysis, and those with mobility restrictions plus the elderly can participate inside their vehicles at the cathedral’s car park. They will receive Holy Communion in their cars”, he added.
Well, I suppose the bishops everywhere in the country have carefully planned out what to do to ensure that Catholics will still be able to celebrate the joyous occasion of the Saviour’s birth as normal as possible during abnormal times.
Here’s a suggestion for my fellow Catholics. In locations where Christmas Masses are cancelled, we can still attend services online.
As penance for not being able to receive the holy sacrament, why not we do an act of charity this Yuletide by generously donating to needy families, especially those with children, so that they too will be filled with the peace, joy and happiness of welcoming the baby Jesus.
Have a happy and blessed Christmas, everyone.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
