KUCHING: All parishes in the Archdiocese of Kuching have arranged a drive-through blessing of personal Mandarin oranges in conjunction with the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration.
Every year, the blessing of oranges is done after the CNY thanksgiving mass in churches, but this year, due the Covid-19 pandemic and under the present conditional movement control order (CMCO) standard operating procedures (SOPs), no in-person mass in churches are allowed.
Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching, Most Reverend Simon Poh said the respective parishes have received a number of requests on the blessing of oranges, thus, the drive-through has been decided.
“Do check with the respective parishes for the available schedule for the drive-through blessing of personal oranges for CNY,” he said toward the end of the live-stream Sunday mass on Sunday (Feb 7).
He said as for St Joseph’s Cathedral, the drive-through blessing of oranges will be carried out at the chapel’s entrance from Monday (Feb 8) to Wednesday (Feb 10) at 9am to 12 noon, and will continue at 2pm to 5pm.
“Parishioners who wish to bring their oranges for blessings must adhere to the following SOPs,” he said.
Among the SOPs, he said parishioners must place the mandarin oranges at the back seat of their vehicle and stop at the designated spot at the church, while making sure to always use a face mask. They are to remain seated in the car with only their rear window down.
“The priest will bless the oranges without touching them and there will not be any close contact,” he said.
Poh added that those who wish to give love offering (cash donation) or ang pow (red packets) may do so. The offering will be given to the needy.
“Also, for those who cannot make it for the drive-through, at the end of the live-stream CNY mass on Friday (Feb 12), I will invite all heads of the family to lead the prayer of the blessing of oranges in their respective homes.
“So, don’t worry if you cannot make it. I would lead the head of the family to recite the prayer,” he said.
On CNY, Poh welcomes church members to attend the CNY thanksgiving mass which will be live-streamed online.
“St Joseph’s Cathedral will conduct live-stream mass. It will start at 9am on that day,” he said.
He also said in view of CNY, it is anticipated that there will be a lot of movement, and Christians are urged to continue to remain vigilant, observe strictly the SOPs as a sign of respect and filial duty to the elderly who are most at risk for Covid-19.
