Emmaus Home in Kota Kinabalu Cathedral compound
By SHPC
Dec 3 2020
KOTA KINABALU – Whilst the pandemic crisis has brought unprecedented challenges, we have been humbled by the wave of changes that call for innovative responses.
In an official release from the Sacred Heart Cathedral parish Dec 3, the public was informed that Fr Felix Chung, who lives at Emmaus Home situated within the compound of the Cathedral, was tested positive with COVID-19. One of the church workers was exposed to him.
In the interest of the safety of the public and as a precautionary measure, the parish made the decision to close the Cathedral, the parish office, and the Cathedral compound from all activities, including the individual Confessions for the next two weeks, or until the church/parish is allowed to reopen again.
The closure was essential to allow sanitising works to be carried out in and within the compound of Emmaus Home.
The Holy Hour, and the daily/First Friday/Sunday Masses at the Cathedral would continue to be streamed live on the parish Facebook page and YouTube channel at the usual times.
The parish advised those who have obtained tickets/passes for the individual Confessions to hold on to them. They would be informed of the rescheduling of the dates and times for Confessions in due course.
Parishioners were further informed that in view all priests of the Cathedral had to undergo swab tests and quarantine, the daily/Sunday Masses at the parish of St Paul Dontozidon and the sub-parishes of the Church of Mary Immaculate, Our Lady Queen of Peace Kobusak and St John’s Chapel Kopungit would also be suspended.
They were advised to follow the live streaming on the Sacred Heart Cathedral Facebook page for daily Masses and YouTube channel for Sunday Masses.
All parishioners were urged to pray earnestly for God’s protection for Fr Felix and for his speedy recovery, as well as for the well-being of our church workers.
Meanwhile, Archbishop John Wong has sent out an advice to update all clergy and religious of Fr Felix’s health condition and to alert those who have come in close contact with him to do a voluntary swab test and self-quarantine to minimize the spread of the virus.
