Parishes told: Broadcast Masses online

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma is urging parishes to capitalize on the power of social media and internet to stream Masses and other religious activities as the faithful are advised to stay home due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.

“Since our faithful are advised to stay home, parishes are to initiate the full use of social media and the internet in streaming live the Eucharistic celebrations and other religious events,” read a portion of the updated pastoral guidelines on the COVID-19 pandemic (Circular No. 6/20).

Palma, who issued yesterday the pastoral letter, said the faithful can also watch televised Holy Masses, which are aired live on Sundays in different television networks, and hear Masses through radio.

This as the celebration of Holy Masses with a large congregation is suspended until further notice.

“This suspension does not mean the cancellation of Holy Masses. We abide by the CBCP circular stipulating that we should continue to celebrate the Holy Eucharist (Missa Sine Populo) and Holy Week Services even in the absence of a congregation,” the prelate clarified.

With social and traditional media platforms, he said, the faithful can still fulfill their Sunday obligation without risking exposure to the virus.

He said Catholics are not “morally obliged to physically attend” Sunday Masses and Holy Days of Obligation in the parishes.

“The archbishop will be exercising his prerogative to dispense  the faithful from said celebrations; hence, no sin is committed by those who merely stay at home and observe a spiritual disposition by acknowledging the presence of God in their respective homes,” the pastoral letter reads.

“A Spiritual Communion through oneness of mind and heart with our Lord can be desired in a prayerful manner,” it adds.

Funeral

In compliance with social distancing measure, the Archdiocese of Cebu still allows the holding of Requiem Masses.

But Palma said only immediate family members or a maximum of 20 people are allowed inside the Church.

“We allow low funeral Masses (without singing) to be celebrated inside our parishes but only immediate family members are required to be present,” he said.

“The smaller number of people in attendance, the better we can implement the social distancing requirement,” he added.

Palma said the bereaved family is also given a choice to just have a funeral blessing in the Church.

Other Sacraments

Moreover, those who wish to have the Sacraments of Baptism and Matrimony celebrated during these trying times are asked to defer the said celebrations.

But if delays meant causing major drawbacks, Palma said, the celebrations may push through.

“Should the principle of Omnia Parata be deemed applicable because further delay is grossly disadvantageous and impractical, the Pastor, by his due discretion, may administer these Sacraments,” he said.

However, only limited number of people is allowed to attend the celebrations.

Palma said the conduct of Pre-Jordan and Pre-Cana seminars is also not mandatory during these periods of uncertainty. A short catechesis can be done during the celebration of these Sacraments. 

As for the Sacrament of Baptism, Palma said, proper scheduling or interval in the administering of individual baptism of children is allowed.

On the other hand, the Sacrament of Confirmation can be postponed to a later date, while the Anointing of the Sick is to be made readily available when requested, said Palma.

Religious activities

Recollections, processions, pilgrimages, conferences and other services that gather a huge number of people are cancelled.

Also, the celebration of fiestas in the barrios and parishes is also cancelled.

The cancellation is in consonance with the latest CBCP circular, said Palma. 

Palma said the Holy Week celebrations might also be cancelled if the situation continues to worsen. Holy Week will begin on April 5 and will end on April 11.

“There is greater probability that even our Holy Week celebrations will be likewise conducted without the presence of the congregation,” he said.

“Again, we show our initiative and creativity in making use of the digital and virtual technology within our means so that our faithful are not deprived of their desire to have a meaningful observance of these sacred days,” he added. KQD (FREEMAN)