CBCP: Churches ready to hold Simbang Gabi masses amid pandemic

Churches have made the necessary adjustments to ensure the safety of the Filipino faithful as they attend “Simbang Gabi” or dawn masses this holiday season, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said Wednesday.

According to Maki Pulido’s “24 Oras” report, more masses will be scheduled to avoid the overcrowding of churchgoers in a single mass.

“Depende kasi ‘yan sa Kura Paroko,” CBCP spokesman Fr. Jerome Secillano said. “We are merely operating based on the existing rules and regulations but I’m very sure that, right now, nagawa na nila ‘yung preparations.”

Under existing regulations, only 30 percent of churches’ capacity can be occupied to ensure social distancing.

At the Quiapo Church, dawn masses will be held at 4 a.m., 5:15 a.m., and 6:30 a.m. starting December 16, while anticipated masses will be held at 6 p.m., 7:15 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. starting December 15.

There will also be an 8 p.m. anticipated mass at the Liwasang Bonifacio near the Manila City Hall.

“Mas maraming option ‘yung tao kung anong oras sila pupunta na hindi masyadong magdidikit-dikit o magsasama sa isang misa lang,” Quiapo Church parochial vicar Fr. Douglas Badong said.

He has also sought the assistance of police and the Manila City government for crowd control outside the church.

“Sa loob talaga ng simbahan, maayos naman na… ‘Yun lang pong sa labas dahil naghahalo ‘yung nagsisimba at saka ‘yung namimili dito sa paligid ng Quiapo,” Badong said. -Julia Mari Ornedo/MDM, GMA News