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Saturday 10 October 2020

PERSEVERANCE IN SERVICE, CONSTANT IN PRAYER

The month of October is traditionally dedicated by Catholics as the month of the Rosary. Once again, we are invited to seek the intercession of Our Lady, as we face challenges together, especially with the rise in COVID-19 cases in our country.

On Tuesday, 6 October 2020, the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, His Grace Most Reverend Julian Leow, suspended all Public Masses in Catholic Churches located within Kuala Lumpur and the State of Selangor, as a safety measure in order to prevent the risk of transmission of the virus. This temporary suspension will be reviewed before 20 October 2020, and as to whether it will be an extension of the suspension or a retraction, will all depend on the COVID-19 situation in our country, at that time.

 

As we see a record-high rise of new cases, we turn to Our Lady of the Rosary seeking her assistance and intercession to flatten the curve, and to fight against this virus. We desperately need her maternal care and strength. In troubled times like this, Mother Mary is our source of comfort and hope, in both good times and difficult times. She will assist our families and communities, especially during this current pandemic, as she offers hope and comfort to all who need her motherly care and protection.



Being a loving Mother, she responds to those who are sick and dying, bringing comfort and healing from her Son, Jesus Christ. She also offers us courage when we feel frightened during times of trial. When we continuously pray the Rosary, she reassures us that we are not alone and that we will never be alone in this fight against COVID-19. As our Spiritual Mother, she gives perseverance and determination, as she stands close to us, providing protection when we are at great risk.

 

When facing fear, anxiety and uncertainty, we should turn to Mother Mary with faith and hope. During these difficult times, we may sometimes lose patience, and panic easily, but Mother Mary inspires us to stay close to one another spiritually and emotionally, through prayer.

 

On the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (7 October 2020), at the end of his Wednesday audience at the Vatican, Pope Francis said that we should “rediscover the beauty of the prayer of the Rosary” in October. He invites us “to pray the Rosary, and to carry it in your hands or in your pockets” as we face the threat that is looming all over the world. 

 

It is a crucial month for us to say the Rosary with family, at least once before we end our day. Surely, Mother Mary will turn her merciful eyes towards us, amid this pandemic. Catholics should make a special request while praying the Rosary, for an end to this pandemic. Let’s be united in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity, as we seek Mary’s intercession and assistance during this pandemic, and grow “stronger in faith, persevering in service and constant in prayer.”



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