CBCP offers 'Undas Online' for those who can't be at cemeteries

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Wednesday said they will open again "Undas Online" for those who can't personally visit the resting places of their dearly departed loved ones amid the pandemic.

This developed after Metro Manila  mayors agreed to restrict access to public and private cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria from October 29 to November 2 in a bid to avoid superspreader events during the observance of Undas or All Saints' and Souls' Day.

"The CBCP simply provides liturgies we can pray to honor the dead," said Fr. Jerome Secillano, CBCP Secretary of the Permanent Committee on Public Affairs, in a text message to GMA News Online.

"There’s also Undas Online prepared by the CBCP Media Office for those who can’t visit the cemetery. With this, people can offer masses for their departed loved ones aside of course from physically attending masses in their parishes," he added.

Last year, CBCP also administered Undas Online, where individuals may make wishes and send prayers for the deceased.

Secillano further pointed out that CBCP welcomed local chief executives' measures to restrict public access in cemeteries as the country is still facing the global pandemic.

"We have to understand that there is a health issue confronting us. Hence, we need to take cognizance of the fact that the risk of contracting Covid 19 is extremely high during public gatherings," he said.

As of Oct. 12, Philippines has reported a total 2,683,372 COVID-19 cases, with an active tally of 81,399, 2,561,248 total recoveries and 39,896 total fatalities. -NB, GMA News