DAVAO Archbishop Romulo Valles, in an audience less Good Friday Mass, April 11, said the city will overcome the pandemic threat of coronavirus disease (Covid-19), which had already claimed lives in the city.
Valles officiated the annual Seven Last Words of Jesus and the Passion of the Lord, a Holy Week tradition which looks back and reflects on Jesus Christ’s last moments and last words spoken on the cross.
The local Catholic church leader led the Mass despite the Covid-19 threat in the city, which recorded 13 deaths.
In his message, he said that there is a “clear spark of the spirit of Easter in the hearts of thousands” of devotees in the midst of “this extremely grim situation”.
“Together, I believe that we will come out of this. Malampasan nato kini nga kahimtang (We shall overcome overcome this situation) and we become a better society, a better community, and each individual become(s) stronger. The death and darkness that we are experiencing will be conquered by us. Malampasan nato ni (We shall overcome) with a big smile, knowing that we can do this together, looking out for each other, that we are able to think of others,” Valles said.
He also reminded everyone not to forget the sacrifices Jesus had done amid Covid-pandemic.
The Archbishop, meanwhile, lauded the frontliners, including the medical, security, and other essential workers who are on the ground despite the possibility of acquiring the virus, which currently still has no cure.
“Indeed, it is so moving and so heartwarming to see individuals trying to save and protect the lives of ailing patients whose hearts are filled with selfless goodness for others, especially for the sick and poor,” Valles said.
Meanwhile, he encouraged everyone to follow the mandate of the government to stay at home, and continue praying for the recovery of the patients, and the eternal repose of the souls of those who succumbed from the virus.
The Archbishop admitted that it is “very unusual” for them to celebrate the annual Holy Week Masses without devotees inside the churches, following the strict mandate issued by the City Government, prohibiting religious masses and activities.
Valles has since suspended the activities of the Archdiocese on March 14.
Despite this, he acknowledged the “gift of technology” which allowed them to air Masses through television, radio, and social media via Facebook live streaming.
“Although we cannot attend the services physically, we can pray what is shown to us on TV and FB (Facebook) live streaming,” Valles said.
Valles, who is also the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president, also issued a pastoral advisory prohibiting all religious activities in the country amid Covid-19.
This is also in response to the recent Vatican guidelines specifically avoiding concelebrations as part of its efforts to prevent the further spread of Covid-19.
Valles, through the issued pastoral advisory, said all liturgical celebration will be broadcasted on radio via DXGN 89.9 Spirit FM-Davao, the official radio station of the Archdiocese of Davao, and will be livestreamed on its official Facebook page.