Religious gatherings remain suspended

MANILA, Philippines — Physical religious gatherings will remain suspended in general community quarantine (GCQ) areas to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). 

The Archdiocese of Manila, however, hopes the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases will allow the opening of churches tomorrow when Metro Manila will be placed under GCQ with eased restrictions. 

“We are nearing the time of the Pentecost and hopefully there will be the opening up of our churches by the time of the Pentecost. Little by little, yes, with restrictions,” Manila Auxiliary Bishop and apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila Broderick Pabillo said. 

The Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ. 

The Archdiocese of Manila said on its Facebook page that an online Pentecost will be held at 10 a.m. today to be presided over by Pabillo and Rev. Fr. Hans Magdurulang, spiritual director of the Archdiocesan Catholic Charismatic Renewal Manila.   

The online Pentecost will be held on the Facebook pages of the Manila Cathedral and Quiapo Churches on TV Maria channels.  

As he acknowledged the easing quarantine restrictions, Pabillo urged the faithful to use the opportunity to recalibrate their mission amid the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. 

“We have been locked down, unable to move, but now little by little, we’ll be able to go out. Hopefully, it’s not just to enjoy ourselves, but we go out to mission,” Pabillo said. 

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, who is an IATF member, said that religious gatherings will be allowed up to 50 percent of the church’s capacity only in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) on June 1. 

But Guevarra said that the IATF has yet to discuss the fate of religious gatherings in GCQ areas like the National Capital Region (NCR). 

“As to those in GCQ areas like the NCR, the IATF will host a dialogue between the religious sector and representatives of the LGUs (local government units) on Monday morning. Then, the IATF will make a final resolution on the same day,” he said. 

The IATF had met with religious groups last May 26, but no decision was agreed upon. 

Guevarra said the religious groups have presented numerous health protocols and other stringent measures during the meeting, but some local government officials allegedly expressed concern on the resumption of physical religious gatherings. 

He said the LGUs are concerned about increasing the number of attendees in religious gathering as it may spark an upsurge in COVID-19 infections and derail their advancement to a more relaxed MGCQ.