By Jennifer P. Rendon
The Archdiocese of Jaro went on to celebrate regular Sunday masses amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) scare.
No word was made if the Catholic Church would heed to the call of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas who earlier asked religious organizations to call off their services for two weeks, as part of moves to restrict and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
But in anticipation of the lesser number of parishioners who will physically hear mass, the Archdiocese has turned to social media and the radio to broadcast God’s gospel.
On Saturday, March 14, the Archdiocese of Jaro – Commission on Social Communications announced via its Facebook account that it would do live broadcasts of Holy Mass in different radio stations and media platforms “for those who can’t attend Holy Mass tomorrow because of sickness or the imminent threat of COVID-19.”
Parishes with live FB streaming are the parish of San Julian de Cuenca in Janiuay town, Iloilo (7:30 a.m. mass); St. Augustine Catholic Church in Dumangas, Iloilo (8 a.m. mass); St. Nicholas de Tolentino Parish in Cabatuan town (7:30 a.m.); and San Juan Bautista in Banate, Iloilo (6 a.m. and 8 a.m.).
The Jaro SOCCOM FB page also held live streaming of the 8 a.m. mass at the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral and 5 p.m. from Molo Church.
Meanwhile, Bombo Radyo-Iloilo held a live broadcast of the 6:30 a.m. mass at the Jaro Cathedral; Aksyon Radyo for the 7:30 a.m. mass at Arevalo Parish; RMN-Iloilo for the 5:30 a.m. mass at Tanza Parish; and the Spirit FM for the 5:30 a.m. mass at Anilao Parish.
The Ang Dios Gugma Radio 1053 and TV broadcasted for the 6:00 a.m. mass from La Paz Parish, 8:00 a.m. from Sta. Barbara Parish; and 12:00 noon from the Prayer Center. These were also made available through Cable Star Channel 43 and ADG Facebook page.
“Tune in to these masses and pray the spiritual communion while joining the Holy Eucharist,” the Jaro archdiocese said.
As per advice by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the Archdiocese of Jaro will also join in praying the Oratio Imperata every 12 noon and 8 p.m.
It has also requested all parishes to ring their bells during the said hours to signal the praying of the Oratio Imperata.
GUIDELINES
The archdiocese also sent guidelines on the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
-We continue to implement reception of Holy Communion by the hand.
-Prior to the reception of Holy Communion, the presider says to the assembly, “Body of Christ,” to which the assembly responds: “Amen.” Then the communion ministers, both ordained and lay, are to give communion in silence. They are to sanitize their hands before and after the Holy Communion.
-Holy Water fonts at the doors and entrances of churches should be emptied during this time of crisis.
-Vessels and linens should be changed after every celebration. Water used in the washing of the hands should be properly disposed of.
-Those preparing the mass paraphernalia should observe proper hygiene.
