CBCP MARCH 16 - 29, 2020, VOL 24, NO. 6
[email protected] PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE Several dioceses suspend Masses due to coronavirus By Roy Lagarde A RISING number of dioceses in the Philippines are making changes in response to the coronavirus outbreak, including a decision by bishops to suspend Masses. The first to make the move were the bishops of Metro Manila, where majority of the confirmed cases of the COVID1-19 are recorded. In a statement, the bishops of Manila, Cubao, Kalookan, Pasig, Novaliches, Parañaque, Antipolo, Malolos and the military ordinariate have released a unified response to the pandemic. “We will abide by the government’s directive to suspend all large gatherings from March 15 to April 14,” part of the letter, issued on March 16, read. This means, according to them, that there will be no public Masses and other religious activities within the said period, including the Holy Week. The Department of Health confirmed March 18 that COVID-19 cases in the country have jumped to 202, while A worker sprays disinfectant as a precaution against the coronavirus at the Divino Amor Church in Lipa City on March 17, 2020. JUN SANTIAGO III, CSSR fatalities increased to 17. The country has also Several other dioceses suspended in the Diocese Bishops Roberto Mallari for private prayer. They also and the internet. recorded seven recoveries including San Pablo, Legazpi, of Urdaneta from March 16 of San Jose and Dennis decided that their daily Mass “We should encourage the so far. Bacolod, Dumaguete, to 23 “unless the situation Villarojo of Malolos also will be broadcast live on faithful to avail themselves Public Masses have also Boac and Balanga.