By Shirley Pizarro The Diocese of Balanga has reiterated a directive “to receive holy communion by hands, forego kissing the bishop’s ring, and holding hands while singing the ‘Our Father’ during the celebration of Holy Masses, until the outbreak is controlled.” Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga (CBCP / MANILA BULLETIN) In a directive reissued last Monday, Bishop Ruperto Santos of the Diocese of Balanga said that the “simple, yet practical, easy yet effective way to prevent Corona Virus is to always fold your hands in prayer, to turn to God and trust Him and to always pray the Diocesan prayer against the virus.” The bishop also said that “spoken words of ‘God bless you’ is more than enough to show respect instead of the traditional “Mano po.” He also affirmed that bowing down is a kind gesture and is already a sign of respect. The full text of the Diocesan prayer for the prevention and control of the corona virus is as follows: “O Loving God, you are the miracle worker. We know you are always concerned about our needs. Hear our prayers in this time of uncertainty. We pray that you control and precent a global epidemic of Corona virus. We fervently ask that you display your power and stop the rapid spread of this deadly virus. Manifest your presence to those who have already been infected. Give them hope and courage and may Your miraculous healing hands be upon them. We also ask that you protect the health care workers involved in the areas of outbreaks. May they stay healthy and grant them stamina to work for the severely ill. we pray for the scientists working tirelessly to find a cure. Grant them the wisdom so they may discover a vaccine against the virus.  We also lift up to you the drug making companies. May they stand against unscrupulous practices and not be motivated by profit over patients. Finally we ask that you direct the government authorities according to your ways so they may work diligently and have the people’s best interest at heart. Come to our rescue o heavenly father, and let us combat our fears and worries with the assurance that you will show compassion in the time of great need. We pray in Jesus’s name. Amen.”