Attend Mass thru livestreaming or on TV, Dumaguete bishop urges Catholics

CEBU CITY –– The Diocese of Dumaguete in Negros Oriental has canceled all public Masses in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

In a circular letter issued on March 14, Bishop Julito Cortes advised the faithful to attend church service through live streaming or Masses aired live on cable and local television networks and radio station dyWC.

But for far-flung areas like in mountain villages, he said he would leave it to the discretion of the pastors there if they would continue to hold regular public Masses.

Cortes pointed out that the situation concerning COVID-19 was alarming since a municipal councilor, who was found positive of the virus, was fighting for his life in a hospital for severe pneumonia.

Tayasan town, where the official was from, had been on lockdown while health authorities continued their contact tracing of those affected.

“We have a grave responsibility for the health, safety, and well-being of our People. Therefore after consultations, I have decided to cancel all public Masses, liturgies and related ceremonies starting today, March 14, including Sundays and the 400th anniversary of the Cathedral Parish on Tuesday until further notice,” he said.

But Cortes said the priests would continue to say daily Masses in their parish churches with only a “handful of needed and healthy attendees e.g. lectors, acolytes, choir, regulated by safety protocol, especially social distancing.”

As the bishop stressed the importance of cleanliness in the churches, he also temporarily closed down the air-conditioned Adoration Chapels, while churchgoers were encouraged to use the main Church that would remain open as long as safely possible.

“Let us intensify our prayers, even more, using the Oratio Imperata as a guide. With more time at home, encourage the Faithful for more time in praying the Rosary, offering Holy Hour especially for the protection of families, for those who have died, are sick, the health personnel, etc. Via Crucis may be done in backyards,” the bishop said.