MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) told parishes to virtually hold Masses in light of the government’s call for social distancing so the faithful could still fulfill their spiritual obligations amid the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) threat.
In his circular, CBCP president and Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles said each parish had the prerogative to dispense the public from their Sunday obligation depending on the situation of their respective localities.
Valles noted though that the dispensation doesn’t mean that priests would no longer fulfill their duties to their flock during this “time of crisis.”
“Every diocese must therefore provide for the celebration of the Eucharist, other liturgical services and spiritual activities, transmitted live through the internet, television or radio,” Valles said.
“In spite of the fact that our faithful cannot be physically present in the Eucharistic celebration, the crisis gives us the opportunity to unite ourselves with one another in the bond of spiritual communion through digital technology,” he added.
The prelate noted that the faithful who cannot access the Masses online or through other means may instead just pray on their own since the “mere desire to be part of the Eucharistic celebration, with the given circumstances, already unites us spiritually to the Body of Christ.”
Earlier, the diocese of Manila suspended all of its church activities from March 14 to March 20. In Cubao and Pasig, church activities have been suspended indefinitely.
The suspensions are in compliance with the government’s directive to practice social distancing, as well as to avoid large gatherings since there is already local transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the flulike COVID-19.
Apart from the virtual Masses, Valles also recommended that recollections, pilgrimages, conferences, processions and other activities with big crowds be canceled or postponed.
He stressed though that churches should still remain open “so that those who need to pray and seek prayerful moments may find solace and strength in these trying moments.”
Similarly, the giving of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick should still continue, provided that precautions are followed, such as wearing face masks.
Valles asked that parishes also call for a Day of Prayer and Fasting for all those who have been infected with the virus, those who have died and for the public’s “deliverance from this pandemic.”