ASIDE from spiritual nourishment, visiting and praying in churches physically are helpful to the overall well-being of the people amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
Novaliches Bishop Roberto Gaa stressed this, saying church visits play a crucial role in helping the faithful cope with the stress and anxiety brought about by the public health crisis.
"A person's general wellness includes going to religious worship. Going to church is part of an individual's general wellness," said Gaa over Church-run Radio Veritas.
He said this is the reason why Catholic Church leaders in the country have long been appealing to the government to allow more people to attend religious gatherings.
Gaa noted how inadequate is allowing only 10 people attend religious gatherings, such as masses.
"The best response to the people's needs is to open churches to at least 10 percent capacity... If they will allow 10 percent capacity, it would be a big help," Gaa said.
Earlier, Department of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra asked Church and spiritual leaders to help in addressing the reported increase in suicide cases in the country due to the anxiety brought about by the pandemic.
The appeal came as some church leaders have questioned the 10-person limit for religious gatherings, including masses, in areas under the general community quarantine, saying more should be allowed inside churches. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)