JOHOR BAHRU – Representatives of various religions gathered at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Johor Bahru to remember those who had died from HIV/AIDS.The April 22 memorial ceremony was organised by the Catholic Aids Ministry (CAM).
Attendees included representatives of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) and a number of Religious and laity.
Good Shepherd Sr Mercy Daniel, CAM spiritual advisor, called on all to pray for those who have died of AIDS, and their family members.
“In my experience of journeying with persons living with HIV/AIDS ... what kills them is not so much the virus as the stigma and discrimination not only from society but more so from members of their own family,” she said.
The nun urged everyone to show support for these people as this would help them in their struggle to cope with their condition.
Religious representatives also prayed prayers in Tamil, Punjabi, Mandarin and English during the candelit ceremony.
By Vincent D’Silva
