Entering The Fasting Period, The Archbishop Of Kupang Invites Catholics To Obey The Prokes

Ash Wednesday illustration (Photo: Annikamaria / Unspalash)

JAKARTA - The Archbishop of Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Mgr Petrus Turang, invited Christians in Kupang to raise awareness in their surroundings by complying with health protocols (Prokes). Especially entering the fasting period of Catholics which starts on Wednesday, February 17 or Ash Wednesday.

The start of the fasting period for Catholics is marked by sprinkling ashes on their heads to prepare for the arrival of Easter.

Ash is a symbol of human vulnerability, which is prone to weakness and sin. Ashes are also a sign of repentance

"During the fasting season to welcome Easter, let us appreciate and maintain our clean and healthy living environment by fully adhering to health protocols," said Mgr Petrus Turang in a written statement regarding the 2021 Fasting Message reported by Antara.

The bishop said the fasting period in 2021 was passed in difficult conditions because he was still under the exposure of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bishop Turang said the collective struggle to overcome the corona outbreak was racing in various public policies around the world. The government and the people of Indonesia are also working together to find effective solutions to international cooperation.

This is a good sign and bad things are still going together so that social movements experience restrictions and slowdowns. Therefore, in this difficult time, he continued, Christians need to emulate the fatherly elements of Saint Joseph who are brave and creative in difficult situations to give new enthusiasm in the life of faith and work.

"Thus we are not afraid to face difficult situations such as facing the current corona virus by remaining calmly pursuing a presence that brings positive change for the common good," he said.

Bishop Turang also urged Christians that during this fasting period they can rebuild Christian dignity in prayer, asceticism and charity for the blooming of a brotherly and friendly environment.

"Let us live the fast with joy and gratitude towards the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter," he said.