ILOILO City – The Archdiocese of Jaro will temporarily suspend public liturgical celebrations in all city parishes starting June 3 until June 15.
Archbishop Jose Romeo Lazo issued a public advisory on Wednesday following Mayor Jerry Treñas’ request to suspend all religious mass gatherings amid rising coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
“Due to the immediate public health attention in Iloilo City and as requested by the Iloilo City Mayor, the Archbishop suspends all liturgical celebrations in all city parishes effective tomorrow, June 3, 2021 until June 15, 2021,” read part of the advisory.
The faithful were encouraged to instead “participate in the Holy Eucharist through online/ live streaming or in various media platforms.”
“While we requested the different religions to temporarily stop mass gatherings, we cannot overemphasize the need for prayers. We will do everything humanely possible, but the Lord will guide as to do the correct decisions. Please continue to pray to the Almighty especially during these times,”” Treñas said.
Father Angelo Colada, director of the archdiocese’s Social Communications, said face-to-face masses will continue for funerals, weddings and baptisms so long as attendees follow the minimum health standards of wearing of facemask and face shield, social distancing and hand sanitizing.
The archdiocese sent out these guidelines in conducting the following:
CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST
* The Archbishop dispenses the faithful from their Sunday obligation to participate in the Holy Eucharist, but they are still encouraged to make the day holy by praying together as a family and by doing acts of charity.
* All public celebrations or any congregational gatherings are cancelled that includes weekday and Sunday masses until further notice. However, priests by themselves should celebrate mass in their private capacity and offer this for the intention of the cessation of the spread of the virus, for the sick and the safety of our health workers.
* The faithful are encouraged to participate in the Eucharist celebration through social media.
* In some peculiarities in the Christian community, the parish priest may make pastoral judgment but always in the consultation with the Archbishop.
CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM/CONFIRMATION
* Proper scheduling of baptism and confirmation is to be observed in order to ensure that the number of those to be baptized or confirmed do not overcrowd the venue.
* The baptism of a child/infant can be celebrated with parents and two godparents in attendance.
* Prepare a towel for each of the baptized which should be properly washed and cleaned after the celebration.
* Use a piece of cotton soaked in Chrism oil for each of the baptized/be confirmed. It should be burned after the celebration.
* The priest should wash and sanitize his hands before and after the rite.
CELEBRATION OF WEDDING
* The sacrament of the Holy Matrimony must be celebrated as simple as possible.
* Social distancing should be observed. Holding of hands is to be avoided.
* During the marriage rite, the principal sponsors will stay in their place.
* The bride and groom will receive communion under the specie of bread only.
* No need of the secondary sponsors.
CELEBRATION OF CONFESSION
* Any faithful who is extremely in need of the sacrament of confession may approach any priest who should ensure that proper precautionary measures are observed.
“Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Iloilo City, in accordance with the Omnibus Guidelines of the IATF on religious gatherings and the Executive Order No. 45 of the Iloilo City Mayor, all parishes are to celebrate public liturgical celebrations up to 10 percent of the church’s seating capacity while strictly observing minimum health protocols,” the archdiocese advised.
However, Colada now told Catholics to stay at home instead, especially senior citizens and minors prohibited by the city government to go out except in procuring essentials./PN
