Catholic radio in Keningau to meet the challenge of the mission in the age of COVID-19

The Diocese of Keningau launched Kekitaan FM last October to boost evangelisation at a time of limited contacts and shuttered churches. Radio is a means to reach many more people, a tool that allows more radio staff to be “prophets of modern times”. Today Malaysia’s king proclaimed a state of national emergency.

Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) – The task of evangelisation in the age of the new coronavirus pandemic, with its limits on contacts and travel, is a great challenge.

For the past three months, Catholics in the Diocese of Keningau, Malaysia, have relied on Internet radio, which now has an audience in the millions, including outside the diocese.

In a recent Mass (pictured) concelebrated by Bishop Cornelius Piong of Keningau and Fr Clement Abel, director of the Diocese’s Commission for social communications, the prelate thanked “the Holy Spirit who inspired the idea of ​​founding Kekitaan FM”.

Bishop Piong told Herald Malaysia that through the new medium of communication, they can reach people who could not otherwise come to church, at a time when travel is limited to counter the spread of COVID-19.

At the end of his homily, Bishop Piong, Fr Abel and the radio staff (radio presenters, DJs and technicians) renewed their commitment to be “prophets of modern times” and heralds of the Good News.

Using technology, especially the latest, has become an imperative since the pandemic has limited contacts and forced many churches to close.

After months during which the pandemic seemed under control, the coronavirus has spread more widely in Malaysia, as in other Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand.

In view of the situation, Malaysian King Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah today issued a state of national emergency. Many fear that COVID-19 could overwhelm the country’s healthcare system.

Kekitaan FM began broadcasting on 3 October and found a ready audience in the Diocese of Keningau and beyond.

For the bishop, these months have brought significant changes and great blessings to the diocese, enhancing the way the Church reaches out to people in terms of pastoral care.

To mark the third month, a half day mini-retreat was held for all the staff on Sunday, 3 January,  from 1 pm to 5 pm, at the Tatal Retreat Centre.

For the prelate, nowadays it is increasingly necessary to use all the forms of media available for evangelisation.

Kekitaan FM chairman Didiroy Joneh, who spoke at the retreat, thanked all those who put their personal talents to work for the success of the radio and the mission.

• malaysia
• kekitaan fm
• radio
• catholic church
• covid-19
• lockdown