To my brothers and sisters of the parish – St. Anthony’s.

It has been 6 Sundays since the lockdown (27/6) our parish Church could not open its door for Holy Mass.

I understand the emotional upset that the lockdown has caused and hindered us from coming together to worship on the weekends. Let us remember this, that the lockdown can close our Church; but it cannot close our hearts to the Lord and to one another. Although the church building is shut down, the Church the people of God, being the living body of Christ sharing Christ’s life cannot be shut down.

At this time, let us renew our faith and conviction that when we get hurt, Christ gets hurt too; when we suffer, he suffers with us too. His love for us is stronger than ever, and this new challenge is sent to test our faith in the Lord, and our love and concern for one another.

Due to strict lockdown, we cannot come together as parish community on the weekend basis to sing praises to God, to hear the Gospel, to receive Holy Communion, to say hellos to one another before or after Mass, but we still can be in touch with the Lord and with one another through personal prayers at home or hear Mass online, and through phone call.

Last Sunday, the Church celebrated the feast of the Assumption of Mary. Mary, after life on earth was over, was assumed into heaven. The Assumption of Mary reminds us of where we will end up in the end. She is the icon and our hope of heaven! We will follow her into heaven to be with God and with one another!

At this difficult time, we need to stay tuned to the voice of Jesus and his Church, stay connected to one another, being thoughtful and kind to one another wherever it may be.

Until we meet, stay safe and take great care.

With love!

Fr. Peter Tien.