KL Archdiocese advises Catholic couples to postpone May, June weddings in view of high Covid-19 cases

PETALING JAYA: Couples have been urged to postpone their weddings at Catholic churches in Kuala Lumpur to help prevent a surge in Covid-19 cases.

“The parish priests/administrators should strongly encourage couples to postpone weddings scheduled for May and June," the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur said in a notice on its website.

“In the event that this is not possible, weddings may proceed with a maximum number of 20 persons (inclusive of minister, couple, witnesses).”

The notice, signed by chancellor Father Michael Chua, stated that baptisms are to be postponed, except in case of an emergency.

“Given the critical nature of the current pandemic and witnessing our health care facilities, resources and personnel pushed to breaking point, His Grace, Archbishop Julian Leow, has decided to extend the temporary suspension of public Masses in all parishes, churches, chapels and Mass centres located within the Archdiocese with effect from Wednesday (May 12) until further notice, ” the notice stated.

Other recommendations of the Archdiocesan Crisis Task Force include limiting funeral Masses at church funeral parlours to a maximum of 20 persons, with family members and guests pre-registering their attendance.

“Priests may perform a short prayer at the funeral parlour but are discouraged from performing prayers in the home of the deceased, especially when there are issues of crowding and physical distancing, ” it said.

Father Chua also said Masses have been temporarily suspended and would continue to be live-streamed at TV.ArchKL.org.

The notice came following the implementation of the nationwide movement control order beginning May 12 to June 7, which was announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Monday (May 10).