These Metro Manila churches and convents have opened their doors to provide shelter for medical frontliners

Several churches and convents in Metro Manila have opened their doors to medical frontliners who are risking their lives to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country.

According to the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP), food and shelter for health workers and hospital staff are readily available at the following:

• St. Mary's College (37 Mother Ignacia Ave., Diliman, QC)
• St. Anthony's Shrine (254 Manrique St., Sampaloc, Manila)
• Convent of the Holy Spirit (Immaculate Concepcion, 1111 Poinsettia St., QC)
• Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Convent (2499 Beata St., Pandacan, Manila)
• Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Senora de Guia (M.H. Del Pilar Street, Ermita, Manila)
• OFM Provincial House - San Pedro Bautista Province (69 San Pedro St., SFDM, QC)
• St. John Bosco Parish Makati (Antonio Arnaiz Avenue cor. Amorsolo Street Makati)

In an interview with GMA News Online, the executive secretary of AMRSP, Rev. Fr. Angel Cortez, OFM, said the initiative was guided by Bishop Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David, who emphasized in a recent message that the Church is no stranger to opening its doors at times like the COVID-19 pandemic wherein disease sweeps the world.

He also cited Pope Francis's recent blessing in Rome and urged other churches and its members to open their hearts and to "not be afraid" of facing the challenges at present.

"Para sa mga religious convents (and) churches, katulad ng mensahe ng Santo Papa sa kanyang blessing the other night, huwag po tayong matakot dahil itong mga pagkakataong ito ay pagsubok sa ating pananampalataya," Dr. Cortez told GMA News Online.

"Wala tayong ibang dapat gawin kung 'di magmalasakit, tumulong, at iabot ang natin ang ating kamay, dahil kung sama-sama tayo, ay malalampasan natin ito."

According to Fr. Cortez, a few front liners who have come to stay at the shelters are also provided with transportation going to their designated hospitals.

Meanwhile, those willing to make donations, monetary or in kind, may directly contact Fr. Cortez at +69177759343. — Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News