Celebrating with caution

Annual tradition: Christians attending Christmas Day service at Cathedral of St John The Evangelist in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama

Christians observe Covid-19 SOP during Xmas service

KUALA LUMPUR: Christmas spirit was in the air and as Christians gathered to attend church services, many were cautious about the spread of Covid-19 and took preventive measures by wearing face masks as they celebrated the occasion.

As is the customary practice in the federal capital, Christians, both locals and foreigners, gathered in large numbers at the various churches since early morning to attend their religious events on Monday.

There was a joyful atmosphere at the churches as people came dressed in colourful attire, with some wearing face masks, although this was not mandatory.

Parish priest of the Cathedral of St John, Gerard Theraviam, reported over 4,000 visitors to the 68-year-old church since Sunday, with three masses held yesterday – two in the morning and one in the afternoon, reported Bernama.

In Melaka, Cheryl De Silva, a 33-year-old resident from the Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir, said despite the vibrant atmosphere of the Christmas celebration there, she chose to keep it simple due to concerns about the rising spread of Covid-19.

“It was still a joyful but moderate celebration. I decorated my home as in previous years, with the lights and all, “ she added.

In Perak, Christians were observed visiting the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Ipoh as early as 8am to celebrate Christmas with family and relatives.

In Selangor, the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Klang was filled with joy and anticipation as families and relatives gathered to participate in the Christmas service as early as 8am.

In Sabah, the Christmas celebration was marked with events such as the Christmas and New Year Open House 2024, jointly organised by Parti Bersatu Sabah and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku, with the presence of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, in Penampang.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, in a statement, called on the public to always cherish the state’s values of unity and family during Christmas, emphasising the vital role of unity in maintaining harmony among the people of the state.

Hajiji reminded the people to adhere to the Covid-19 SOP, including maintaining personal hygiene, practising physical distancing and consistently wearing face masks, especially in crowded public areas.

In Sarawak, many were not deterred by the drizzling rain in Kuching as Christians were already present for church service early in the morning, including at Blessed Sacrament Church and St Joseph’s Cathedral.

Similarly, in Pahang and Terengganu, the overcast and rainy weather in the morning did not prevent Christians from attending church service in their respective areas.Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail conveyed his Christmas greetings through a Facebook post, extending warm wishes for happiness, prosperity, peace and harmony to all those celebrating the festive occasion.

In Negri Sembilan, Church of The Visitation’s pastor Xavier Andrew said over 2,000 Christians visited the 175-year-old church in Seremban as early as 7.30am for prayers in conjunction with Christmas.

“I am grateful that this year’s Christmas is a joyful celebration, especially among youngsters who actively joined our prayer and caroling sessions, “ he said.

In Penang, the focal points of Christmas celebrations for Christians, both locals and foreigners alike, were St Anne’s Church in Bukit Mertajam and St George’s Anglican Church on the island.