The Archdiocese of Jaro in the central Philippines has suspended the public celebration of the Holy Mass following the reported rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in the city of Iloilo.
“Due to the immediate public health attention in Iloilo City … the archbishop suspends all public liturgical celebrations in all city parishes,” read an announcement from the archdiocese.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas has earlier asked Church leaders to suspend face-to-face religious gatherings for the next two weeks.
“While we request the different religions to temporarily stop mass gatherings, we cannot overemphasize the need for prayers,” said the mayor.
“We will do everything humanely possible, but the Lord will guide us to do the correct decisions. Please continue to pray to the Almighty especially during these times,” he added.
The archdiocese encouraged the faithful “to participate in the Holy Eucharist through online/ live streaming or in various media platforms.”
The suspension of the public celebrations will take effect from June 3 to 15.
The province of Iloilo has earlier announced the suspension of non-essential travels within and outside the province from June 4 to 18 to help curb the continuing spike in COVID-19 cases.
The city government has also revived the issuance of quarantine passes to regulate the movement of people.
