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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Deaths during pandemic 'very difficult, very painful,' says parish priest

Deaths during pandemic 'very difficult, very painful,' says parish priest

Published Nov 1, 2021 03:26 pm

Deaths during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic are "very difficult and very painful" because people are unable to say goodbye, a parish priest said on Monday, Nov. 1.

(NOEL PABALATE / MANILA BULLETIN)

"The pandemic changed our lives in so many ways, the experiences of death during the pandemic are so different. You have heard of stories of patients who entered the hospitals and their families were never able to talk to them, visit them, and all they got after a few days are ashes of their loved ones," Fr. Aris Sison, parish priest of St. John Paul II Church in the Diocese of Cubao, said in an interview with ANC.

"It's difficult when you are not able to say goodbye, it's difficult when you are not able to grieve, when you are not able to mourn. It's difficult when you're not able to condole with the families of the deceased," Sison added.

He noted that "Undas" remains to be one of the "most sacred" Filipino traditions.

"I have learned from the experience of Filipinos that Undas is one of the most sacred Filipino traditions. It seems to be as sacred as Holy Week. It's just so important for Filipinos to be able to visit the graves of their loved ones."

For the second year in a row, cemeteries nationwide will be closed from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 due to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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