Iloilo, Guimaras churches resume public masses
Published May 24, 2020 12:00 am
By Tara Yap
ILOILO CITY — For the first time after the strict lockdown was lifted, the Catholic faithful flocked to churches in Iloilo City, Iloilo province and Guimaras province Sunday to physically attend Eucharistic masses.
While the public can again join Eucharistic masses, only a limited number of churchgoers are allowed at Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral in Iloilo City Sunday to effectively implement physical distancing. (TARA YAP / MANILA BULLETIN)
This, after the Archdiocese of Jaro allowed a limited number of people in churches under its jurisdiction.
For instance, the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral in Iloilo City only allowed 180 churchgoers inside to be able to effectively implement physical distancing and other safety protocols against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The cathedral’s pews were painted with numbers that designate where people can sit, while church staff guided each churchgoer on the proper protocols to observe, including reminding them to wear face masks, getting them to sanitize their hands sanitized, and proper entry and exit.
“We are exercising prudence as shepherds of souls in gradually opening the Sacred Celebrations to the public. We want everyone to continue the effort to responsibly participate in this transition period by studying and observing the guidelines given,” said Jaro Archbishop Jose Romeo Lazo in a statement.
For a two-month period beginning March 18, churches in Iloilo and Guimaras did not permit the public to attend Eucharistic masses as the government implemented quarantine measures against COVID-19. Eucharistic masses for that period were broadcasted on social media platforms, a Catholic cable channel and the radio.
With the resumption of the presence of the congregation, the archdiocese’s Commission on Social Communications reminded the faithful they can perform their obligations only once a week. This will give others the chance to hear the Eucharistic mass physically inside the church as the number of people are very limited.
Meanwhile, the archdiocese still recommend for those who have health issues to still stay at home and join Eucharistic masses that are broadcasted.
While the public can again join Eucharistic masses, only a limited number of churchgoers are allowed at Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral in Iloilo City Sunday to effectively implement physical distancing. (TARA YAP / MANILA BULLETIN)
This, after the Archdiocese of Jaro allowed a limited number of people in churches under its jurisdiction.
For instance, the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral in Iloilo City only allowed 180 churchgoers inside to be able to effectively implement physical distancing and other safety protocols against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The cathedral’s pews were painted with numbers that designate where people can sit, while church staff guided each churchgoer on the proper protocols to observe, including reminding them to wear face masks, getting them to sanitize their hands sanitized, and proper entry and exit.
“We are exercising prudence as shepherds of souls in gradually opening the Sacred Celebrations to the public. We want everyone to continue the effort to responsibly participate in this transition period by studying and observing the guidelines given,” said Jaro Archbishop Jose Romeo Lazo in a statement.
For a two-month period beginning March 18, churches in Iloilo and Guimaras did not permit the public to attend Eucharistic masses as the government implemented quarantine measures against COVID-19. Eucharistic masses for that period were broadcasted on social media platforms, a Catholic cable channel and the radio.
With the resumption of the presence of the congregation, the archdiocese’s Commission on Social Communications reminded the faithful they can perform their obligations only once a week. This will give others the chance to hear the Eucharistic mass physically inside the church as the number of people are very limited.
Meanwhile, the archdiocese still recommend for those who have health issues to still stay at home and join Eucharistic masses that are broadcasted.