Although the Basilica Minore Del Sto. Niño De Cebu has cancelled all public Masses from January 12 to 17, devotees of the child Jesus may still attend mass virtually or online.
In a statement, the Augustinian Friars of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu said devotees may attend the remaining days of Novena Masses and the feast day by tuning in to the Basilica del Sto. Niño's Facebook Page and Youtube Channel.
They also explained why they decided to cancel all public masses in the basilica.
"For four days, we have observed that the surge of people coming to venerate and celebrate the Novena Masses has brought us into a conclusion that a greater action should be done to prevent us from the (COVID-19) virus," read the statement released Monday, January 11.
"Having this situation in mind and moreover reminded by Christian morals that the utmost goal of the Church is to bring each and every Christian to an integral salvation, not only of the soul but also of the body which includes our health and well-being, we decided to cancel all public masses in the basilica and to continue to celebrate through virtual or online," it further read.
While the change in the celebration may bring sadness to many, the friars said the situation has "called us to rise above the situation and to choose this course of action for the common good and benefit of all."
"We ask for your great understanding and hoping that, with our hearts and minds attuned to God's mercy to deliver us from the scourge of the pandemic, we can celebrate the entirety of the Fiesta Señor in God's perfect time," they said.
Despite the cancellation of the face-to-face Holy Masses, the friars said the basilica and its compound would remain open for devotees who would want to visit.