Catholic churches in Laguna, Rizal yield to IATF, to go virtual with religious activities

LUCENA CITY –– Catholic church authorities in Rizal and Laguna province have declared that Holy Masses and other religious events would be held virtually to adhere to the government order to curb the rise in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases.

The Diocese of San Pablo, which has authority over priests and churches in Laguna, reminded all parishes under its jurisdiction to follow the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases guideline that “only 10 persons are allowed in all Masses and Holy Week celebrations up to Easter Sunday.”

“In practice, this means that the churches will be closed to the public, and only the priest celebrant and liturgical servers are allowed inside,” the Crisis Management Team of the diocese announced on social media on March 24.

“The faithful will limit themselves to watch the holy rites through live streaming to be provided by all parishes,” it added.

In Rizal, the Diocese of Antipolo has also declared obedience to the IATF order.

“In accordance to the IATF guidelines, the celebration of public masses (parishes and chapels) in the Diocese of Antipolo will be prohibited starting March 22 until April 4,” the diocese said in an advisory card also posted on social media.

Only 10 persons may attend masses, weddings, baptisms, funeral masses, and blessings, the advisory added.

“Online masses from the different parishes’ Facebook page will be available to cater to our spiritual nourishment and sustenance,” the Antipolo diocese said.

The IATF resolution placed Cavite, Bulacan, Laguna, Rizal, and the National Capital Region under the stricter general community quarantine status from March 22 to April 4 in a bid to curb the rising COVID-19 cases in the country.

LZB