CBCP exec urges churchgoers to follow IATF guidelines during Simbang Gabi

An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CPCP) on Wednesday asked the public and parishioners to observe the protocols set by health experts during the Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi.

In a Super Radyo dzBB interview, CBCP Public Affairs Committee Executive Secretary Father Jerome Secillano said the churches are ready for the influx of attendees of the nine-day votive masses, amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the threat of the Omicron variant.

However, he said that the CBCP will defer to the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases Resolutions (IATF) should they say that senior citizens and children are not allowed during these celebrations.

“Hindi naman ang Simbahan ang nagtatakda ng ganitong panuntunan. Ang Simbahan din naman ay sumusunod, ini-implement ang mga panuntunan kaya mas maganda sa mga churchgoers, parishioners, sa mga Pilipino na sundin naman ang panuntunan na itinakda ng IATF para walang gulo,” Secillano said.

(The Church is not the one setting the rules. We also follow and just implement them, thus everyone should also observe the IATF guidelines so that there will be no trouble.)

The whole country is currently under Alert Level 2 until the remainder of 2021, paving for churches to operate up to 50% capacity for fully vaccinated attendees, while 70% is allowed outside.

“We’ll rely on the honesty also of the parishioners. Kasi kung dadagsa nga ‘yan kung iisa-isahin mo ‘yan, napakahaba ng pila. Kaya ‘yung disiplina talaga panawagan namin tsaka honesty para at least pagpasok natin ng simbahan ay may kaayusan at na ma-maintian natin ‘yung solemnity ng pagdiriwang,” he said.

(If we check them one by one when they come, there will be a long line. So, we really call for their discipline and honesty so that at least when they enter the church, there is order and that the solemnity of the celebration is maintained.)

Further, Secillano explained that the dioceses all over the country have the freehand to adjust their own protocols or the frequency of the masses during the Simbang Gabi as they deem fit, so long as it starts from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Parishes that will be particularly affected by Typhoon Odetter may also opt to conduct live streaming of the Masses instead, if they wish.

“Ang bawat diocese naman, independent sila to craft its own policy, implement its own programs. So, ang mga parokya rin ganon,” he said.

(Each diocese is independent to craft its own policy and implement its own programs. Same goes with the parishes.)

The Quiapo Church administrators are expecting more churchgoers to attend the Simbang Gabi due to the eased community quarantine status.

Meanwhile, the Cebu archdiocese issued Simbang Gabi health and safety reminders for churchgoers in light of the pandemic. — RSJ, GMA News

CBCP exec urges churchgoers to follow IATF guidelines during Simbang Gabi
Source: Filipino Viral News PH