Livestreamed Masses only way to go to “church” at the moment

For many Catholics now, participating in livestreamed Masses online seems to be the only way we can go to “church” and experience God’s loving mercy.

Mar 29, 2020

IPOH: For many Catholics now, participating in livestreamed Masses online seems to be the only way we can go to “church” and experience God’s loving mercy.

Since the Catholic Church in Malaysia has suspended publicly celebrated Masses, many are thankful for the chance to go through the main parts of the Mass, from the opening sign of the cross to the “Thanks be to God” at the end.

In Ipoh, St Michael’s Church parishioners are grateful for the timely WhatsApp messages from parish priest Fr Anthony Liew, who keeps them informed of the online Mass times, complete with daily Scripture readings to keep them connected and prepare for Mass.

Mr and Mrs Amoes Chew said it felt “strange to celebrate Mass through online streaming.”

“But then we have done that many times, when the main church was too crowded on special occasions and the Mass was livestreamed at the nearby hall.

“It had that similar feel, only no Holy communion.

"We still hear the priest’s sharing in the homily, and feel a sense of connection,’ said Amoes.

His wife Agnes shared her  thoughts of getting more out of Mass now.

“Its actually a blessing in disguise, for what has happened has made us learn more about the Mass.

“By not receiving communion physically for the time being, we enter into a deeper solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world who lack access to regular Mass for various reasons.

“They have been denied this privilege that we easily enjoyed and did not appreciate previously, until it was taken away,” said Agnes Chew.

Rita Ramadu, whose two daughters are altar servers and attends daily Mass, said she felt a sense of relief and blessing, as the online daily Mass allowed her to experience God’s presence amid the ongoing crisis.

“I get to embrace God’s presence through the holy words of prayers said by the priest, although I cannot receive Holy Communion physically.

“I pray and hope that this pandemic will be curtailed nationwide soon, and that our churches can re open so that everyone can come to Mass and receive Holy Communion, by the Almighty’s grace,” she said.

Agnes Wong and her family, comprising her sisters and parents, said it was wonderful and spiritually enlightening to be able to attend Mass (live-streamed)  in unity with the family, community, country and the world.

“I pray we can overcome this period and cleanse and prepare ourselves for the coming of our Risen Christ,” she said.

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