As the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases escalate due to the Omicron variant, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula has urged priests in his archdiocese to continue and strengthen their online Masses.
"We encourage you to continue and strengthen your on-line Masses," he said in a circular letter dated Jan. 5.
"Sacraments and other religious activities are essential for the faithful, and, taking into consideration health protocols, they must not be deprived of their spiritual nourishment during these difficult times of fear and despair," added Advincula.
He also encouraged parishes to continue taking care of the poor in their communities through their feeding programs and community pantries/kindness stations.
In the circular letter, the Cardinal Advincula said they entrust the implementation of lockdown of churches to the pastoral prudence and discernment of parish priests, ad casum (case-to-case basis), in consultation with the parish pastoral council, Local Government Units, health authorities and other concerned government agencies.
He then cited the COVID-19 Guide prepared by the Ministry on Health Care issued in October 2020 which states when should temporary closure of a parish office be undertaken as a result of COVID-19 infection.
"When a confirmed case has led to exposure by close contact of everyone in the office, temporary closure of the parish office may be undertaken. In other words, everyone in the office is considered a case or a close contact and has to either go into isolation because s/he is symptomatic or go into quarantine because s/he is a close contact. Because of this situation, there is no one who can work in the parish office," it said.
Advincula asked everyone to be extra careful during this time and be united in prayer.