The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) continues to accept prayer requests for the departed online.
The names of the faithful departed will be included in all masses from Nov. 1 to Nov. 8, the CBCP said.
With the closure of all cemeteries and columbaria around the country from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4 as a safety measure to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, the CBCP said, the faithful may access “Undas” online for their prayer requests for their departed loved ones.
Now on its 9th year, “Undas” online was originally intended for Filipino seafarers, overseas Filipino workers, and Filipino migrants who want to observe All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
The website initially highlighted an online facility to request for holy masses for the faithful departed. Now, the website has more features like a virtual cemetery that approximated a virtual experience in observing “Undas.”
Monsignor Pedro Quitorio, CBCP media office director said, the website will make available “live online masses that will be streamed from different places. One can even light a candle online while praying for their dear departed,” he said.
The website also offers audio and video reflection and catechesis on All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.
Meanwhile, Manila Archdiocese Apostolic Administrator Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo said more masses for the departed will be celebrated in the parishes under the archdioceses on Nov. 1 and 2 to accommodate more churchgoers.
Pabillo, likewise, encouraged the faithful to use online platforms like zoom to “connect with distant family members and hold prayer meetings for their departed.”