priest

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday April 19, 2003

A different Easter

Tess Malolos understands the SARS quarantines are necessary, but says it is particularly hard to miss out on services and masses during Easter.

The Toronto woman is a member of the devout Bukas Loob Sa Diyos (BLD) Covenant Community, a charismatic prayer group, in Toronto. The 500 members were all quarantined after being exposed to SARS at a religious mass and retreat, a funeral home and large gathering.

“The bishop is clear that right now, your public duty is your religious duty,” said Malolos, who is in quarantine with her husband and two teenage boys until the 10-day isolation ends Tuesday.

Her sister-in-law Clarita Malolos, added, “It’s a tough time because we are a religious group and practising our faith is very important to us.”

The BLD members are among about 650 Ontarians in quarantine and Dr. James Young, Ontario’s commissioner of public safety, said it is crucial that people follow quarantine rules.

Anyone with flu-like symptoms or fever is urged to stay home and not attend Easter services.

Young called this long weekend a “very, very critical time” in the fight against SARS.

SARS had an impact on those who did attend Good Friday services. (CP)