Manila churches to hold day of prayer dedicated to those who died due to COVID-19

Manila Archdiocese Apostolic Administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo has declared a day of prayer and remembrance in honor of those who have lost their lives to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), according to a post on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) website.

On May 8, the public is encouraged pause and mourn the thousands who have died from COVID-19 and attend a “Mass for the Dead” at the Manila Cathedral at 9 a.m. via livestreaming.

“We bring together at the altar of the Lord all the tears and sorrows of our people for their loved ones,” according to the pastoral instruction issued by Pabillo.

“The whole archdiocese will mourn for our dead during this pandemic but with great hope given by the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus,” he added.

Parishes can set up memorials with the photos of the loved ones or friends of parishioners.

“This can serve as a reminder to all to always pray for them,” Pabillo also said.

Before the Day of Prayer, churches will conduct a Holy Hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament for three days at 6 p.m. and a pre-recorded video of reflection can also be played during the prayer service.

The prelate said, “Together we shall implore the Lord for the front liners on May 5, for the sick on May 6, and for the dead on May 7.”

As of April 21, the health department reported 9,227 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the total tally to 962,307 as eight laboratories failed to submit data on time.

The total active cases to 116,434, of which 96.7 are mild, 1.3% are asymptomatic, 0.8% are severe, and 0.6% are in critical condition.

Meanwhile, total recoveries also climbed to 829,608 with 19,699 new ones while 124 new fatalities brought the death toll to 16,265. -- BAP, GMA News