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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Churches in Pasig diocese open on July 11

Churches in Pasig diocese open on July 11

Published Jul 7, 2020 02:28 pm

After nearly four months, churches in the Diocese of Pasig will finally reopen to the public on July 11, Saturday.

Pasig Bishop Mylo Vergara announced on July 6 the reopening of churches or days after the Inter Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) allowed churches in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) to hold religious services up to 10 percent capacity of the venue starting July 10.

"With great joy, I am happy to announce to you that we will re-open our churches beginning July 11, Saturday, Memorial of St. Benedict, for the public celebrations of the sacraments and sacramentals," he said in a letter addressed to the faithful.

"It has been almost four months since March 14 that mass gatherings and public celebrations of sacraments, including the Holy Eucharist, have been suspended in order to curb the spread of COVID-19," added Vergara.

The prelate, however, reminded the faithful to observe the safety protocols such as the wearing of face masks, saying the virus is still very much around.

"We have to comply with the minimum requirements of health and safety standards needed in attending our religious gatherings," Vergara said.


The Pasig prelate also asked those below 21 years old, 60 years old and above, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidities or other health risks, and pregnant women to stay home and just follow the live streaming of their Masses.

"They can join the live stream celebration of Mass in their homes through different media platforms," Vergara said.


According to the prelate, the dispensation from the Sunday mass obligation will still be temporarily maintained during this time while the vaccine is not yet available and the threat of the virus is still widespread. 

"This is to ensure that those impeded because of the regulations under GCQ and those who prefer to exercise extreme caution will not feel obligated to attend," Vergara said.

Meanwhile, Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said churches in his diocese will not reopen unless clearance has been obtained from the Mayor's office.

"The Mayor's office has not received a formal document allowing 10 per cent  of occupancy capacity of a church for public worship. We need clearance from the local government for its implementation," he said in a text message.

"We will not reopen our churches for public masses until there is clearance from The Mayor's office. We just have to wait," added Ongtioco.

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