All Catholic cemeteries in the Diocese of Legazpi in Albay will be closed during the observance of the All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.
Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon ordered the closure of all Catholic cemeteries from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3, 2021 due to the continuing threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
"Since the COVID-19 cases in our province are still alarming, I deem it prudent to implement the closure of all the Catholic cemeteries in the Diocese from Oct. 30 until Nov. 3, 2021, except of course for the burial," he said in a circular letter dated Oct. 9.
"The Catholic faithful who wish to visit their departed loved ones are encouraged to go to the cemeteries outside these dates," added Baylon.
The prelate suggested that visits must not be done in groups to avoid congregating in the cemeteries.
Baylon, meantime, asked pastors and persons-in-charge of the cemetery management to clean and prepare the cemeteries as soon as possible.
"I also remind priests that no celebration of the Mass in the cemetery and other pastoral services therein are allowed during these critical times," he said.
All Masses, Baylon said, are to be celebrated in the churches.
He said parishes may again reproduce the Novena Prayer for the Dead used last year and make it available to their parishioners.
The faithful honor the saints during All Saints' Day while during All Souls' Day they remember and pray for their beloved dead.
On these two occasions, traditionally the faithful usually visit the cemeteries.