CEBU CITY—The celebration of 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines, the Church’s biggest celebration in the country, would have only 300 guests physically present in public events in April.
The rest of what could be millions who would want to participate have to do it online, according to Church officials.
If public events for the celebration were cancelled because of COVID-19, the archdiocese of Cebu planned alternatives on social media and online sites, its “Plan B.”
Fr. Jonathan Rubin, content manager of the social media sites of the archdiocese, said Plan B will be attendance through internet platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Each of the four social media sites were assigned teams from the archdiocese who will be responsible for creating and posting videos, announcements and even reflections. The sites will also be showing Masses.
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said the social media sites and the new website will continue to operate even after the end of the celebration of the 500 Years of Christianity (500 YOC).
“While it is true that it is part of Plan B, these platforms are here to stay,” said Palma in a press statement on Tuesday (Feb. 2). “You can go to Church and when you go home, you can open social media and feel inspired by the reflections,” Palma said.
Fr. Mhar Balili, secretary general of 500 YOC, said that if plans push through, there will only be 300 guests allowed to attend every public event related to the celebrations, including Mass and the reenactment of the First Baptism.
Balili said the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has actually allowed 700 people who can attend events but for the safety of everyone, the Church has decided to allow only 500 people, which will include 300 guests and 200 staff members.
Balili also said there are daily meetings with the local government unit and the IATF for updates on the preparations for 500 YOC.
Archbishop Palma also said he is also regularly meeting with bishops from other parts of the country for the celebration.
“I have explained to the bishops that as much as we want to invite everybody, but in case the COVID would worsen, I would tell them not to come,” Palma said.
“But we are more hopeful and we are prepared and we are ready to execute the preparations given the possibilities,” he added.