Starting today, March 22, the Dioceses of Novaliches and Cubao will be implementing a lockdown amidst the rising number of cases, particularly in Metro Manila.
In a statement, the Diocese of Novaliches encouraged their parish churches to go online streaming for the Holy Mass and other religious and spiritual activities. Services will resume on April 4, Easter Sunday.
“By this self-initiated action on our part, I am confident that we can contribute to the containment of the present COVID-19 surge and give us enough time to strategize our way forward,” Novaliches Bishop Roberto Gaa noted.
The Diocese of Cubao will be reopening for public worship on April 5, Easter Monday.
Both dioceses admitted that while voluntarily closing their places of worship at the highest point of the liturgical year is heartbreaking, their eyes are open to a situation that might put many of their faithful at risk.
“Your bishop, parish priests, religious leaders, relevant ministries will exert all possible efforts to find the best and most fruitful ways for the faithful to celebrate Holy Week on safe, online platforms,” Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco enjoined in a statement.
Once they re-open, the dioceses will still implement even stricter safety protocols. – Allan Francisco
