SIX churches in Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental will be closed for 10 consecutive days from April 28 to May 7 for disinfection after several priests have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
The Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro has ordered the closure of religious activities and other related activities to six parish churches, two of which are in Cagayan de Oro and four are in Misamis Oriental.
Among the six churches are Jesus Nazareno or Black Nazarene Shrine; San Isidro Labrador Parish Church in Gusa; Our Lady of Candelaria in Tagoloan; Immaculate Conception Parish Church in Jasaaan; Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Bobontugan, Jasaan; and Santa Cruz Parish Church in Laguindingan.
Archbishop Jose Cabantan, in his letter, asked the faithful of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro for understanding and prayers for the priests who have tested positive for Covid-19.
"I also humbly sincerely thank you for praying for me while I was in quarantine with those living in my residence, and ask you to continue praying for me also," Cabantan stated in his letter.
Mayor Oscar Moreno, for his part, said that he received a test message from Monsignor Rey Manuel Monsanto about the order issued by Cabantan.
"Ang kining mga kaparian exposed gyud kaayo kay everyday, kana lang pagpangalawat, pagpangumpisal, etc. Lisod gyud kaayo," Moreno said.
Moreno hoped that the city will receive additional Covid-19 vaccines soon so that Cagayan de Oro can start the vaccination rollout for the priority groups under A3 and A4.
Priests, rabbis, imams, and other religious leaders are under the priority group A4.