Easter services go on under new normal

United by faith: Keeping the faith alive under the new Covid-19 norm. Catholics attending Easter Sunday mass while following SOP at the Church of St Francis Xavier in Petaling Jaya. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Owing to the ongoing pandemic, Easter mass and services in churches were celebrated under strict Covid-19 standard operating procedure, with many Christians joining in the ceremony online.

Unlike last year when the movement control order prevented mass religious gatherings, the current MCO allowed such gatherings but with limited attendees and subjected to strict SOP.

Among them was St Francis Xavier Church here where worshipers gathered at 8.30am to attend Easter Mass donning facemasks and sitting at marked out areas on the pews to ensure social distancing.The mass, which was led by assistant parish priest Rev Fr Alvin Ho, was also streamed live to allow others to attend the religious proceedings online.