By Julie Lim
Jul 19 2021
KUALA LUMPUR – In light of the worsening pandemic crisis, coupled with the near breakdown of our hospitals and healthcare services, the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, Most Rev Julian Leow, rallied all Catholics to join him in a Holy Hour to storm heaven for an end to the pandemic.
The Holy Hour was held at the Archbishop’s Chapel in Cardijn House on July 15 and live streamed via YouTube. Catholics from across the country flooded the comments section of the YouTube page with petitions and intercessions. During the hour before the Blessed Sacrament, nearly 5800 devices were tuned in. With people sharing devices, there would surely have been more people united in prayer than the number of devices would suggest. As at press time, data analytics show that there were more than 20,000 views.
The Archbishop of Kuching, Most Rev Simon Poh, stood in solidarity with Archbishop Leow by encouraging all Catholics to join the Holy Hour. “As a priestly people, grounded in the faith that God is always with us, let us pray and intercede for the world, especially in this pandemic time.” Archbishop Leow had, in a pastoral letter dated July 9, called on the faithful of the Archdiocese to join him in prayer for a one-hour adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
In his letter, the archbishop described the gruelling disruptions to the economy, as well as the challenges to the social, emotional and psychological well-being of the people which have caused tremendous fear and anxiety. However, “what remains unchanged is that we are a people grounded in the faith that God is always with us.”
“The growing number of individuals, Churches and organisations which are responding to human needs is indeed a sign that God is with us, and that humanity can, and will, prevail when faced with hardships and challenges. With all the good that is happening, let us be mindful that persistent prayer will anchor us in the realisation that we are not alone,” said the archbishop.
The prayerful mood of the Holy Hour continued on to the next day which was the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. A Rosary Relay was organised for Catholics to seek the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for an end to the pandemic.
During the 12-hour relay, which was live streamed via YouTube, the mysteries of the Rosary were recited in various languages and interspersed with reflections by the Carmelite Friars. Video clips on the Blessed Virgin Mary were also screened. Mass was celebrated and Vespers was prayed.
During the Mass at which he presided, Archbishop Leow once again reassured the faithful that God is in the thick of the pandemic and is journeying with us.
“We pray that we’ll come out of this pandemic full of zeal and with faith renewed, and that we’ll continue to give strength and hope to one another,” he said.
The Rosary Relay was organised by the Carmelite Friars from Seremban in collaboration with various component groups in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, including the elderly, the youth, and children. – Herald Malaysia
