Catholic churches in the Philippine capital are now ready to accommodate more churchgoers, said Bishop Broderick Pabillo, apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila.
Manila Mayor Francisco Moreno has earlier signed an order increasing the number of people who can attend religious services from 10 percent to 30 percent of the venue’s total capacity.
“We are inviting everyone, you can already go inside the churches to worship,” said Bishop Pabillo in a radio broadcast on Monday, October 19.
“Many have been attending masses outside the churches. They can now go inside,” said the prelate.
On Monday, Mayor Moreno signed an executive order authorizing the increase of the seating capacity of religious gatherings “to promote not only the social and economic well-being” of people but also their “spiritual well-being.”
Under the executive order, only people with ages between 18 years old and 65 years old are allowed to attend religious gatherings.
The mayor also stressed that “religious leaders shall ensure that attendees of the religious gathering shall, at all times, strictly observe minimum public health standards and protocols set by the government.”
Bishop Pabillo also announced that the number of “Simbang Gabi” Masses this December will be increased to accommodate more people.
“We were informed earlier that the curfew for November will be from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. and it will be 12 a.m. to 3 a.m. in December in order to have more time for Simbang Gabi,” he said.
“We will increase the number of Masses for physical distancing and also so that more people can attend Mass,” said the bishop.
He said some churches will even hold Masses in sport gymnasiums.
Manila Mayor Domagoso met with Bishop Pabillo on October 16 to discuss the Church’s concerns for the holding of the traditional “Simbang Gabi.”
