CEBU CITY—If politicians plan to speak or be presented during the Mass here, think again.
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has prohibited candidates from making speeches in any part of the Mass in Cebu.
Priests, he added, are also mandated to “politely excuse” themselves from having photo ops with candidates.
“Candidates may not be introduced or called out by the requesting party’s emcees at any time before, during or after the Mass,” he added.
These are just among the prohibitions listed in the set of guidelines issued by the Archdiocese of Cebu on the use of church premises and the celebration of Masses for politicians in the wake of the onset of the campaign season for the 2016 elections.
While invoking the Lord’s blessing in any political exercise is commendable, Palma cited the need to protect the nonpartisan stance of the Church, the sanctity of the sacraments, and the place of worship.
The directive was issued after the Archdiocese of Cebu learned that candidates of Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan were presented after the Mass inside the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod at the South Road Properties on Oct. 12, the first day of the filing of certificates of candidacy.
After the Mass officiated by Msgr. Roberto Alesna, former Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña took the microphone, stood in front of the altar and presented his election lineup to the public.
Osmeña, who is seeking a rematch with Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama after losing in the 2013 mayoral race, later explained that he had no intention of desecrating the church.
He apologized to anyone who felt bad about his gesture.
His apology, however, didn’t stop Palma from issuing guidelines that must be “strictly observed” by all priests and chaplains in the archdiocese.
“In view of the onset of the campaign season for the 2016 elections, I deemed it necessary to lay down guidelines to regulate the use of church premises and the celebration of the sacraments (for politicians),” the prelate said.
Palma’s directive dated Oct. 16 was published in the archdiocese’s official newsletter, Ang Bag-ong Lungsoranon.
In his circular, he said politicians who request the celebration of Mass inside the church must first meet with the parish priest and present the flow of the activity or the manner by which they want the Eucharistic celebration to be done.
All political gatherings held within the church compound must have the approval of the parish priest.
Campaign materials, except those already worn by the candidates and their supporters, are not allowed inside the church.
Priests are allowed to impart special blessings to candidates but using the approved texts formulated by the Church.
Only approved texts from the Commission on Worship shall also be used during the General Intercession, commonly known as the Prayers of the Faithful.
During the Liturgy of the Word, candidates are not allowed to read the scripture of the day as well as the Responsorial Psalm.
Palma said only official lectors, cantors and choir installed by the parish were allowed to serve during Masses requested by political candidates inside the church.
If Masses are held in the city or municipal halls or other government buildings, candidates may choose the lectors and choir. Campaign materials may also be mounted if the Mass is not held inside the church.