A diocese in the Philippines urged its priests to deliver shorter homilies during the nine-day “Simbang Gabi” (anticipated evening Mass) to help contain the spread of the new coronavirus disease.
“Homilies must be made short, a maximum of 10 minutes. A shorter gathering lessens the chance of spreading the virus,” read the guidelines released by the Diocese of Malolos this week.
It said that Masses must also be simpler and shorter by eliminating the processional incensation and by reciting instead of singing some parts of the Mass.
“A simpler and shorter celebration will help both presider and people to conserve their energy … thus conserving their resistance to the virus or even the common cough and colds,” it said.
Priests are also urged to use a microphone exclusive to him, wear a face mask, and use only one set of vessels and linens exclusive to him that will be disinfected or washed immediately.
Other health protocols during Masses include limiting to only one lector to do all the readings, or if there are more than one, microphones must always be disinfected.
If a full choir sings during the celebration, it should be confined on the choir loft or in a place that provides a safe distance from the congregation.
Altar servers will also be limited to two and not more than four.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has earlier issued instructions on the celebration of the “Misa de Gallo” and “Simbang Gabi.”
The “Misa de Gallo” is a series of predawn services traditionally held from December 16 to 24 to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. The celebration culminates with Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.
The “Simbang Gabi” is an anticipated “Misa de Gallo” celebrated in the evening of the previous day.
The bishops’ conference has earlier advised that the usual 4 a.m. Masses be moved to 6 a.m. to comply with curfew hours set by the government.
Priests were also advised to hold Masses in larger areas for physical distancing purposes.
The bishops also advised to hold the Midnight Mass forward to 6 p.m. to make sure churchgoers are home by 8 p.m. when the curfew starts.
The usual kissing and touching of images during Christmas, especially of the Baby Jesus, will be prohibited.
