The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines – Health Ministry cited the importance of celebrating the feast day of saints as necessary in enriching one’s faith and spiritual life.
Father Dan Cancino, M.I., executive secretary of the commission, encouraged the faithful to commemorate the feast day of saints while observing the safety health protocols against the coronavirus.
"The observance of the feast day of saints will help deepen our faith and strengthen our spiritual life. But at this time of pandemic, we must always remember to also observe our safety health protocols,” Fr. Cancino said over Radio Veritas.
"Let us remain vigilant in safeguarding our health. We should be concerned and mindful not only of our own safety but also of the people around us. This is our moral responsibility to also maintain and sustain the health of our brothers and sisters,” he stressed.
The Church leader said the observance of the minimum public health standards must be made a part of our daily habits to protect us not only from COVID-19 but also from other health problems.
The Catholic Church observes the feast day of a number of saints during the month of May when town fiestas in their honor are traditionally held. Feast rites are also usually held in May in honor of the many titles of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Santacruzan and the Flores de Mayo are traditional observances in honor of the Blessed Mother.