Negros bishop catches COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental became the 11th prelate to test positive for COVID.

Alminaza on Sunday announced on social media that he contracted the virus and asked the faithful to pray for him.

The 61-year-old prelate assured the public that he is receiving the best medical attention and support from the government and faith-based groups.

“I ask for everyone’s prayers for my fast healing as well as for other COVID patients even as I assure you too of my constant prayers and offerings. My prayers for our frontliners have now become more heartfelt,” Alminaza’s post read.

Vicar general Monsignor Erwin Magnanao will assume Alminaza’s responsibilities in the diocese while the prelate is on isolation.

Among the prelates who contracted COVID were Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples Prefect Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Manila Apostolic Administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo and Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz.