Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista, head of the Permanent Committee on Public Affairs of the bishops’ conference, said the Church is strictly observing the government’s quarantine measures.
Based on the quarantine classification issued by authorities, mass gatherings in areas placed under the “enhanced community quarantine” are strictly prohibited.
Churches in areas under the “general community quarantine” can allow up to 10 attendees during Masses while places under a “modified GCQ” can accommodate mass goers at 50 percent of the venue’s capacity.
“Hopefully, in God’s mercy, we will be able to transition to a modified general community quarantine [classification] that allows more people to go to church,” said Bishop Evangelista.
Church leaders have been appealing to the government for the public celebration of Masses
“There is no doubt in our mind that prayers and liturgy are paramount in the lives of the people specially in this time of crisis,” said Father Jerome Secillano of the public affairs office of the bishops’ conference.
Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Manila earlier said that the online celebration of Mass is not enough because it is not the same as the real Eucharist.
