TO THE CLERGY, RELIGIOUS AND LAY FAITHFUL IN THE ARCHDIOCESE
My Dear People of God:
Peace in our Lord Jesus during these trying times!
The Department of Health (DOH) has declared a state of public health emergency in the country. This according to our health officials is a call to greater preparedness if the spread of the Corona Virus continues to affect greater number of the population. This has caused more fear, anxiety, and genuine concern. We need to take all of these seriously. We have already issued some guidelines in the recent past on the matter but we need to respond to the situation now in consistent efforts together. (CBCP Circular No. 20-10 dated March 10, 2020)
This opening statement of the CBCP Circular on the Public Health Emergency Covid-19 reminds us of our moral and pastoral obligations to help contain this worldwide pandemic. Please find hereunder our Archdiocesan guidelines related to said threat:
1. All sacred places of worship (parishes, churches, chapels, oratories) should:
a. provide alcohol or hand sanitizers at the doors of these sacred places of worship;
b. routinely clean with disinfectants the frequently touched fixtures and items such as pews, benches, door knobs as well as microphones.
2. All Priests and Eucharistic Ministers are to wash their hands thoroughly and apply alcohol or sanitizer.
3. Holy water fonts / stoups will temporarily be emptied.
4. The faithful are #discouraged to:
a. kiss and touch sacred images;
b. hold hands during the praying of the Lord’s Prayer and shake hands when giving the sign of peace during the celebration of Holy Masses;
c. attend liturgical celebrations and activities of worship if exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
5. The faithful are #recommended to:
a. stay at home when they are sick and seek medical attention for their safety and for the good of the family members;
b. disinfect hands with alcohol or sanitizers after handling the offerings like putting envelopes and money bills into collection boxes/bags;
c. take care to observe cough and sneeze etiquette like covering of the mouth;
d. receive Holy Communion by the hand only;
e. receive Holy Communion silently to minimize the possible spread of saliva.
6. The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) are #encouraged to:
a. use alcohol or sanitizers before and after the distribution of Holy Communion;
b. give communion silently to minimize the possible spread of saliva.
7. Physical contact during celebrations of liturgy and observances of popular devotions are restricted.
8. Usage of protective cloth during confessions and in confessionals are to be observed.
9. The Faithful can sanctify the Lord’s Day by praying in their homes, reading the Holy Scriptures and watching TV Masses.
10. For now, we do not prohibit big gatherings but nevertheless, preventive and precautionary measures are to be observed at all times.
Acknowledging our need for divine intervention during this state of public emergency, we continue to pray the #OratioImperata for this particular purpose. Storming the heavens with our prayers impels us also to undertake our much greater moral responsibility to take care of ourselves, our loved ones and those who are weak in health so that the compassion of God our Father may bring comfort and courage amidst these threats to our physical well-being.
We lift all our petitions and supplications to the loving intercessions of our Blessed Mother, Help of Christians, Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint Rock, Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and to our very own San Pedro Calungsod.
May God bless us and protect us all!
Sincerely in Christ, our Healer,
JOSE S. PALMA, D.D.
Archbishop of Cebu
[Signed]
By Mandate of the Archbishop:
MSGR. RENATO C. BELTRAN JR., P.C.
Archdiocesan Chancellor
[Signed]