Alarmed by the increase in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the country, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines has asked the faithful to pray fervently and unceasingly for an end to the pandemic.
"In the past few days, we saw the very alarming rise of COVID-19 infections in the country, especially in the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding provinces. Last Friday, March 26 2021, a new record high of a single-day tally of 9,838 COVID-19 infections was reported. This is really very alarming, to say the least," CBCP President Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles said in his March 28 letter addressed to the bishops.
"I enjoin you...to move them to pray fervently and unceasingly for the Lord to intervene, so that we will be spared from this rise of infection, and that there will be an end to this pandemic," he added.
"Let us enjoin everybody to intensify our prayers to the Lord, praying among others, the Oratio Imperata and the Mass In Time of Pandemic, if liturgically possible, so that this pandemic will end the soonest," Valles said.
The prelate also urged everyone to pray for the people in the archdiocese and dioceses in the NCR and neighboring provinces.
"Let us not forget those suffering most from this pandemic, especially the poor families and those who lost their daily income in order to put food on the table. Together, let us put our efforts to bring mercy and compassion to them," said Valles.
The CBCP head said the people should also be reminded of the importance of observing strictly hygiene protocols every time and everywhere during this pandemic.
"Let us remind ourselves to exert extra effort to make sure that public health standards and hygiene protocols are strictly followed in our church activities. Also, it is good for us to be always in close coordination with our local government and health authorities in this situation," Valles said.
On Saturday, March 27, the government placed NCR and other nearby provinces under enhanced community quarantine from March 29 to April 4.
Liturgical celebrations with the public in attendance in these areas are again prohibited.
Catholic prelates in Metro Manila namely; Archdiocese of Manila apostolic administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo and Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said they will cooperate with the government.
"We cooperate," said Pabillo in an interview.
"We adapt to new situation. This situation is unforeseen," he added.