Last Mass at OLLP due to COVID-19

14 March 2020. Just few hours before CBCP President and Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles declared the suspension of Masses and liturgical activities in the entire metropolis due to the widespread of COVID-19, Parish Priest Father Henry Campeon was able to say his last public Mass with the formators of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Bangkal.

In his homily the directive of the Archbishop Valles regarding the precautionary measures that the faithful shall observe in the midst of the threat of COVID-19.

Father Campeon also made clear in his homily the rationale, as well as the consultation process done concerning the makeover of the Church altar.

Hours after the said mass, Archbishop Valles released his second video on his Official Statement regarding the crisis of COVID-19. Soon after the pronouncement, the following statements were declared from the office of the OLLP Parish Priest:

1. Masses with the faithful are cancelled until further notice. However, parish priests may continue to say private masses with all of your intentions or “pamisa”.
2. The Parish church and office will still remain open.
3. All ministry meetings, recollections, seminars, and gatherings are cancelled until further notice.
4. Other liturgical sacraments such as marriages, funerals, baptisms, anointing of the sick, and blessings are still acceptable with strict compliance to the guidelines issued by the DOH and City Government like social distancing, hand washing, sanitation, and some other precautionary measures.
5. Follow the archbishop’s instructions in his pronouncement.
6. Let us always pray the Oratio Imperata.
7. Stay safe, keep yourselves healthy, and believe that God is good at all times.

(Vonz Hijada | OLLP Formator-SoCCom)