Bishop Broderick Pabillo, apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila, has declared a “day of prayer and remembrance” in the archdiocese for those who have lost their lives to the coronavirus.
In a pastoral instruction released on Tuesday, April 20, the bishop said a “Mass for the Dead” will be celebrated at the Manila Cathedral at 9:00 a.m.
“We bring together at the altar of the Lord all the tears and sorrows of our people for their loved ones,” said Bishop Pabillo.
“The whole archdiocese will mourn for our dead during this pandemic but with great hope given by the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus,” he added.
Bishop Pabillo urged the faithful to join the Mass through online streaming.
He said memorials can also be set up in parishes with the pictures of those who died of the disease.
“This can serve as a reminder to all to always pray for them,” said the bishop.
The “day of prayer” will be preceded by three days of “Holy Hour” at 6:00 p.m. in front of the Blessed Sacrament, which will also be streamed live online.
A pre-recorded video of a reflection for each day will be played during the prayer service.
“Together we shall implore the Lord for the frontliners on May 5, for the sick on May 6, and for the dead on May 7,” said the bishop.
On April 20, the Philippines logged 7,379 new COVID-19 infections and over 21,000 new recoveries.
The death toll increased to 16,141 after 93 more patients died of the disease.
