By UCA News reporter
A Catholic archbishop in Malaysia has urged people to show kindness toward a mentally unstable man who caused a commotion and interrupted Holy Mass at the Kuching Cathedral.
“As your shepherd and spiritual leader, I appeal to everyone to be kind with this person,” said Archbishop Simon Poh of Kuching.
Poh made his remarks in a Mar 9 statement after a man interrupted the evening Mass on Mar 8 at Saint Joseph’s Cathedral, Kuching, Today’s Catholic Online reported.
The prelate urged the faithful to “show mercy, kindness, and support for those who are struggling in life, especially with mental difficulties.”
The 25-year-old man, whose identity has not been revealed, entered the cathedral and threw and broke a bottle in front of the altar during Mass.
Poh thanked the ushers for handling the situation peacefully, pointing out that there was no physical violence involved.
The ushers stood beside the agitated man as he was gently escorted out of the cathedral.
Citing social media, Poh said he was aware that the man was suffering from mental health issues following the death of his mother.
The prelate expressed his gratitude to the police for quickly arriving on the scene and then sending the man for medical care.
“No police report was lodged,” considering the incident was a “medical situation,” Poh said, Today’s Catholic Online reported.
The police, however, are investigating the case under Section 295 of the Malaysian Penal Code, the MalayMail reported.
The section refers to destroying, damaging, or defiling any place of worship or any object held sacred by any class of persons with the intention of insulting the religion of any class of persons.
Its violation entails punishments that include a jail term extending up to two years and/or a fine.
The young man was receiving treatment at Kota Sentosa Hospital, Kuching District Police Chief Mohammed Farhan Lee Abdullah told the MalayMail, adding that he was not taking the medication provided by the hospital for his mental health condition.
“The 25-year-old man entered the church through the main door in a car, playing loud music and holding a bottle of alcohol,” Abdullah said in a statement.
“The man then suddenly started shouting profanities, throwing the bottle, and exited the church while still in an angry state,” he added.
Videos of the incident went viral on social media, sparking public outrage in the Muslim-majority country, the MalayMail reported.
Abdullah advised against making speculations or spreading inaccurate information about the incident.
Poh also appealed to the people to not “further viralize the videos, nor to post comments that add further pain and stigma to him and his family members,” Today’s Catholic Online reported.
Abdullah stated that the police will conduct periodic patrols at churches following the incident as part of a new security measure, the Borneo Post reported.
“These patrols ensure all congregants feel safe while carrying out their religious practices,” Abdullah said. – UCA News
