BACOLOD CITY - The Diocese of Bacolod suspended Catholic masses in all churches within the city from September 3 to 15 to reduce the movement of people amid the rising number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases here.
The decision came after Bishop Patricio Buzon’s meeting with the Vicars Forane of the Diocese and the Diocesan Multi-Commission COVID-19 Technical Working Group on Wednesday at the Bishop’s House.
Last month, the Diocese suspended the scheduled masses in various parishes here from August 24 to 31, and recently extended its suspension for another two weeks in response to the continuing plea of frontliners given the increasing number of COVID cases and an overwhelmed local health care sector here.
This is also in line with the consensus by the multi-sectoral groups and the local government based on Executive Order No. 57 which placed Bacolod under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).
Buzon said the Diocese hopes that this gesture of solidarity and cooperation will help flatten the curve of the COVID-19 infection in the city.
All parishioners were advised to hear masses online via live streaming on ADSUM Diocese of Bacolod Facebook page and YouTube channel, as well as the DYAF CNM Bacolod Facebook page.
They can also tune in for live broadcast over DYAF CNM Bacolod 1133 kHz.
Buzon said funeral masses and other celebrations of the sacraments will continue provided that only 10 persons participate and that existing health protocols should be strictly observed.
As of Wednesday night, the city has a total of 1,344 COVID-19 cases, including 26 deaths.