KUALA LUMPUR: The temporary suspension of public masses in Roman Catholic churches in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor has been extended to Negri Sembilan.
Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur Most Reverend Julian Leow Beng Kim, has issued the directive in view of the rising number of positive Covid-19 cases, and as a preemptive measure to stem the spread of infection among members of the Roman Catholic community and to the larger society.
"Given the volume of commuter traffic between the Klang Valley and Negeri Sembilan and in the light of uptick of new cases in Negeri Sembilan, the Archbishop has decided to extend the suspension of all public Masses to all parishes within the state of Negeri Sembilan," Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur chancellor Reverand Father Michael Chua said in a statement yesterday.
He said all public masses would be temporarily suspended effective today until Nov 8.
"The period of suspension," he noted, "will be reviewed based on public health advisories and any other direction from the National Security Council."
Father Chua has also requested that Catholics residing in areas where masses are suspended, refrain from travelling to neighbouring states and dioceses to attend mass to avoid the risk of transmission.
"As for parishes located within Kuala Lumpur and the state of Selangor, all public Masses remain suspended under the Conditional Movement Control Order, " he added.
"Celebrations of the Sacraments of Confirmation, First Holy Communion and infant baptisms, (except in the case of an emergency), should be postponed until further notice.
"All funeral Masses and services in the church or chapel are to be suspended until further notice," he said, noting that a short prayer service may be conducted by the priest in the funeral parlour or home.
"This should be confined to immediate family members and should not exceed a total of 15 persons (including the priest or minister).
"All high-risked persons are not allowed to attend, and there should be no in-person vigil or wake prayers.
"Visits by guests should be restricted to 15 minutes."
He said that funeral parlours located within churches may continue to operate with the above conditions
In the case of parishes located within Negri Sembilan, parish priests have been instructed by the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur to encourage couples to postpone their weddings, if this is feasible.
Otherwise, the attendance at the nuptial mass or service, should be restricted to 20 persons.