Rain or shine, Christians in Sabah head for Good Friday mass with umbrellas in hand

Congregates carried umbrellas to the Good Friday mass for two things - to shelter them from Sun and rain.

KOTA KINABALU: Congregates were seen carrying umbrellas as they made their way to the St Thomas More Catholic Church in Kepayan, near here, on Friday (March 29).

Thronging the church for the Good Friday mass, the umbrellas were meant to protect them not only from the scorching Sun but also from a sudden drizzle, which lasted less than two minutes.

Despite the short-lived excitement, a congregant said that the drizzle could be a good sign that the dry spell might be coming to an end.

Congregates came as early as 1.30pm for the 3pm mass service in the hope of getting better seats that would shelter them from the hot sun.

Those who came later were seated under tents prepared by the church, which anticipated a large number of people welcoming the Easter celebration this week. Some resorted to standing while holding umbrellas.

Caroline Timothy, who came with her daughter Melody Felix, said the umbrella was among the first things she grabbed before leaving the house.

“I knew it was going to be packed, so I carried my umbrella so that if we had to sit outside, we could protect ourselves from the sun.

“Plus, I am still avoiding packed areas, a practice since the Covid-19 pandemic, especially since my daughter is with me,” she said.

Both mother and daughter were wearing masks.