A famous pilgrimage site in the province of Albay has been temporarily closed as a measure against the spread of the new coronavirus disease.
The Shrine of the Divine Mercy and the Stations of the Cross at Kawa-Kawa Hill in the city of Ligao’s Tuburan village will be closed “until further notice.”
Bishop Joel Baylon of Legazpi made the order ahead of Holy Week to avoid the mass gathering of people.
“I am declaring this temporary closure … to prevent the possible spread of the virus,” said the bishop in a circular dated March 19.
A visit to the shrine and praying at the Stations of the Cross will not be allowed. “Kindly know that we are after the safety of everyone,” he said.
The shrine features life-size sculptures of the 14 Stations of the Cross and is one of the popular destinations in the province during Lent.
Thousands of pilgrims from different provinces visit the site to pray during the Holy Week.
The bishop asked the faithful to instead pray with their families at home or join online religious activities.
“We can still observe the Lenten discipline of prayer by participating in the actual Masses in our parishes, the faithful recitation of the Holy Rosary, and offering personal prayers,” said the bishop.
“In this way, we continue to make our Lenten journey solemn and meaningful,” he added.
