Masses held before Palace can rescind religious gatherings order

Some parishes were able to celebrate Masses before Malacanang could take back its announcement that religious gatherings were allowed under the general community quarantine.

According to Mariz Umali's Friday report on 24 Oras, the St. Raphael the Archangel Parish in Pili, Camarines Sur opened its doors for the first time since the implementation of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

"Napakasaya na nakita ko muli 'yung mga tao at wala 'yung takot sa kanila at nandoon 'yung talagang paghahanap," Rev. Wilmer Tria, a parish priest, said.

Some of those who attended the mass were senior citizens, including those who had difficulty in walking.

"Napapaiyak ako. Syempre, marami nang taong bumabalik sa kanya. 'Tsaka kailangan kasi natin na mag-dasal," Amelita Tiope a devotee, said.

"Ngayon lang naka-puntang simbahan. Maginhawa po sa aming pakiramdam. Naiiyak ako kasi po sa kaligayan," Emelita Ramos, meanwhile, said.

Devotees who attended the mass observed social distancing and everyone inside the parish wore face masks.

However, at the St. Joseph Parish Church in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, devotees followed social distancing measures but they were not wearing masks.

"I place and thank the Lord because I really miss going to church every day," Adelina Fontanilla said.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, however, earlier announced that all mass gatherings, including religious and work-related, were still prohibited under the GCQ, making the masses a short respite from the prohibition. — Joahna Lei Casilao/DVM, GMA News