Faithful can attend Masses online, CBCP says following restriction on religious gatherings

Priests will still celebrate Masses but the faithful can just attend online, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said on Monday after the government restricted the conduct of religious gatherings amid a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases.

"Sa IATF Resolution No. 104, sinasabi kasi nila bawal muna ang mga public gathering including  religious gathering... 'Yung pari, magmimisa pa rin," CBCP Permanent Committee on Public Affairs executive secretary Fr. Jerome Secillano said in an interview on Dobol B TV.

Secillano however said the faithful can attend Masses online and take part in Holy Week activities such as the blessing of palm leaves (palaspas) virtually.

"Sapat na 'yung words ng prayer para 'yung mga nagsisimba through social media partners, mababasbasan din 'yung mga palaspas nila," he said.

"May IATF Resolution pero hintayin din nila 'yung kanilang diocese na mag-anunsyo rin," Fr. Secillano added.

The national government on Sunday banned religious gatherings anew in Metro Manila and nearby provinces from Monday, March 22, until April 4, 2021, amid the spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in these areas.

The Quiapo Church issued an advisory urging parishioners to watch the livestream Masses and liturgical activities to be held on March 22 to April 4.

It also encouraged the faithful to follow safety protocols and pray for everyone's safety.

The Manila Cathedral also issued an advisory saying its Masses will be streamed online, and they will post the schedule soon.

—KG, GMA News