MANILA (UCAN): Father Kim Margallo of the Saint Jose Maria Escriva Mission Station in Tacloban City, Leyte province, began celebrating drive-in Masses in the church parking lot in order to have services while mitigating the possible spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).

Father Margallo set up an altar on a stage in the parking lot so that churchgoers can attend Mass in their cars without fear of contracting the virus.

“The idea came to me when we had a sharp rise in Covid cases in Tacloban. We are not yet ready to ban celebrating Mass, hence this unique way of celebrating Mass inside cars,” he told reporters.

As of September 14, health authorities in the province had recorded 3,826 Covid cases.

Father Margallo said priest like him need ot think of other ways “to bring Christ even closer to the people” amid the pandemic.

“The people of God need Christ closer, especially during these times. They need Jesus more today to give them hope and courage. If we do not give them the sacraments like Mass, to whom would they go?” the priest asked.

He said he believed churchgoers in the province had steadfast faith despite being afraid of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

“Many are afraid of the virus, so I took the initiative to let people attend Mass in such a way they could still be with the Lord, even if they are inside their cars,” Father Margallo said.

Churchgoers roll down their car windows during Communion and am extraordinary Eucharistic minister approaches them to distribute the host.

Archbishop John Du of Palo in Leyte province, commended the initiative, saying priests should be more creative and innovative in bringing Christ to churchgoers.

“I always encourage priests to be more creative in giving the sacraments. I commend them for initiating creative evangelisation and pastoral work in our parishes amid this health crisis,” he said.