MANILA (UCAN): The Archdiocese of Manila along with the dioceses of Kalookan, Paranaque, Novaliches, Pasig, Antipolo, Imus, Malolos and San Pablo cancelled religious gatherings in churches due to the rising number of Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) cases and the need for government authorities to reassess the country’s pandemic response.
They joined the Diocese of Cubao, which called off Masses and public gatherings on August 2.
Philippine president, Rodrigo Duterte, reimposed strict quarantine protocols on July 31 in Manila and other provinces after coronavirus infections spiked to more than 100,000. Public transport has been suspended and businesses are required to operate with only 50 per cent of their workforce.
Health workers had also called for a time-out and breather due to the overwhelming number of Covid-19 patients that have left no more hospital beds available in Metro Manila health facilities.
Apostolic administrator of Manila, Bishop Broderick Pabillo, said his decision to cancel religious gatherings was in response to the medical community’s call for a time-out and for the government to reflect on its pandemic policies.
“We share the compassion of medical frontliners, for the many sick people being brought to our hospitals. We have witnessed their dedicated service to those who come to them. Many among them are tired and even discouraged by their heavy responsibilities. So, we support their appeal for a time-out,” the bishop said in his pastoral letter.
“It seems that the current responses are not working because cases are still rising after four and a half months of quarantine.”
In Parañaque, Bishop Jesse Mercado said, “Let us intensify our support for our beloved frontliners, especially our prayers for their strength and good health, as well as protection of their families against Covid-19.”
Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga, said, “It has gotten worse. Just this past week, Covid-19 positive cases have doubled. Because of this, we are, once again, closing the doors of the church.”
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Bishop Santos said that Masses would be livestreamed from August 4 to 18.
Bishop Roberto Gaa of Novaliches, said the fight against the coronavirus is everyone’s responsibility saying, “First, we should take care of ourselves. Let us not pass this responsibility to others. And if we do that, we also take care of our family and all the people we meet.”
He also urged people to follow health protocols and avoid unnecessary trips outside of homes.
“If we do our part, we are also helping our (medical) frontliners,” the bishop added.
Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao, said in a pastoral letter that health workers deserved rest, which can only happen by restricting people’s movements to contain the spread of the virus.
“What is even more concerning is the urgent appeal by medical frontliners for a time out. Exhausted, overwhelmed by a steady deluge of the sick, and sometimes even taken ill themselves, they remain dedicated to their task,” Bishop Ongtioco said.
He praised doctors and hospital workers for not giving up the fight against coronavirus despite overwhelming numbers of infected people.
“They are not throwing in the towel or cowering from their task. They want a break to get their bearings back, to breathe and to energize for the burgeoning task ahead,” Bishop Ongtioco added.
He said suspending public liturgical celebrations in parishes would help allow health workers to rest and breathe.
“We will allow our frontliners to breathe, our government to assess and proactively respond to the situation, our Church to evaluate how we can better help our brothers and sisters who are suffering in this situation,” Bishop Ongtioco said in the pastoral letter.
“I pray that all of you keep open minds, open hearts and open hands at this crucial time. Your understanding, compassion and generosity are key in helping us overcome these challenges and alleviate our people’s suffering,” Bishop Ongtioco said.
As of August 11, Worldometers reported that the Philippines had 136,638 total Covid-19 cases— 66,185 of which are active, 2,294 deaths and 68,159 recoveries.
