The Archdiocese of Manila urged the faithful to schedule the blessing of the tombs of their dear departed ahead of the annual observance of All Souls’ Day in November.
Bishop Broderick Pabillo, apostolic administrator of the archdiocese, made the announcement after the city government of Manila said it will close all cemeteries from October 31 to November 3
The prelate said the faithful can, however, schedule the blessing of tombs with priests way ahead of the annual observance of All Souls’ Day and All Saints’ Day.
He said priests are always available to bless the tombs and to celebrate Masses for the dead.
On Tuesday, Mayor Francisco Domagoso of Manila announced the temporary closure of all public and private memorial parks, cemeteries, and columbaries in the city due to the pandemic.
He made the early announcement to give people enough time to visit their dearly departed ahead of the annual observance.
“I’m doing this now to give you about two months to visit your loved ones who are buried in private and public cemeteries,” said the mayor.
“Forgive me if you are hurt by not seeing your loved ones during those dates,” he added. “I am asking for your understanding. This is also for your safety,” said the mayor.
Bishop Pabillo expressed hope that the mayor “will be successful in preventing people from congregating in the cemeteries.”
Father Jerome Secillano of the Nuestra Senora Del Perpetuo Socorro Parish in Manila said “it’s the call of the times” and everybody needs “to really be careful.”
“People can offer Masses for the departed instead of trooping to cemeteries,” said the priest.
Filipino families traditionally visit cemeteries and hold gatherings on the graves of their departed loved ones during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Manila, like the rest of the National Capital Region, is under a general community quarantine, which prohibits mass gatherings to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease.
The Philippines has the most number of Covid-19 cases in Southeast Asia, with 241,987 cases, including 185,178 recoveries and 3,916 deaths.
