THIRTY-ONE months after the start of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Friday, October 14, 2022, strongly urged the Filipino faithful to start going back to their churches and hear Sunday Masses physically.
In its Circular No. 22-36, the CBCP said the weakening of the Covid-19 pandemic and the more relaxed community restrictions create a scenario where the Catholic faithful can go back to hearing Masses inside church establishments instead of being limited to virtual attendance.
"These circumstances permit and oblige us to return to the normality of Christian life, which has the church building as its home of the celebration of the liturgy, especially the Eucharist," said CBCP President Bishop Pablo David.
"We strongly encourage our faithful to return to the Sunday Eucharist with a purified heart, renewed amazement, and increased desire to meet the Lord, to be with Him, to receive Him, and bring Him to our brothers and sisters with the witness of a life full of faith, love and hope," he added.
The CBCP chief said this is in accordance with Church teachings that the faithful are to hold the Holy Masses "in the highest honor by taking active part in the celebration, receiving the sacrament devoutly and frequently, and worshipping it with supreme adoration."
David added that Sunday is a day when the faithful are expected to gather to hear the Word of God and take part in the Eucharist.
In doing so, the CBCP said health protocols should still be implemented in all parish churches and venues for liturgical celebrations.
"We make sure that our faithful are convinced that they are safe in our churches and venues for the liturgical celebrations," said David.
He also reminded all parishes that the "Act of Spiritual Communion" is a devotional prayer that should not be prayed aloud when communion is received by the faithful in attendance at the celebrations.
"The 'Act of Spiritual Communion' is intended for those who are following the celebration online. It is better projected on the screen for those following the Mass online," said the Kalookan prelate.
The bishop also said it is necessary to provide constant catechesis on the necessity of the faithful to return to churches for the Sunday Masses.
"(This) should be explained in our homilies and in our catechesis," said David.
As for the continuation of the virtual Masses, the CBCP said there is a need for a widespread consultation within the diocese.
"We evaluate and study the needed frequency of celebrations of the Holy Eucharist by livestreaming," said David.
On March 13, 2020, the CBCP issued a circular dispensing the faithful from the Sunday and the Holy Days of Obligation, while pushing for the provision of the celebration of the Eucharist through virtual means.
This was due to the declaration of the Covid-19 pandemic, which resulted in stricter community restrictions imposed by the government.
Subsequently, physical attendance in churches has been allowed but on limited capacity and strict protocols.
Livestreaming of liturgical celebrations remained available for those that still opt to hear Masses virtually. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)