Masses Cancelled: Abp. Valles cancels public masses to avoid spread of Coronavirus

Archbishop of Davao Romulo G. Valles has instructed all parishes in the archdiocese to suspend celebration of the Holy Masses to avoid the spread of coronavirus.

In his announcement broadcast over DXGN 89.9 last March 14, the archbishop, after consultation with the City Government of Davao has decided to suspend the celebration of the public masses where large numbers of people congregate.

“Ug gikan sa maong konsultasyon, ako isip Arsobispo sa Davao, mopahibalo kaninyo karon sa desisyon nga wala unay Misa nga pagatambungan og katawhan (public Masses) dinhi sa Archdiocese sa Davao,” Archbishop Valles said in the statement.

“Kini nagpasabot nga wala unay Misa sa Domingo ug mga adlaw sa semana. Magsugod kini karong hapon, adlaw’ng Sabado. Wala nay Misa, sama pananglit sa gitawag nga anticipated Mass,” the archbishop said hours before the supposed celebration of the anticipated mass at 6:00 PM.

Aside from the Holy Mass, the archbishop has also instructed the cancellation of recollections, pilgrimages, processions, conferences, conventions and other public gatherings in the church.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte issued guidelines last March 12 saying everyone is advised not to attend masses, prayer meetings, and other faith-based and religious gatherings in the hope that Coronavirus will not spread in the city.

The archbishop encouraged the people to watch the Holy Mass via live streaming or television and pray together as a family at home. He also recommended the praying of the Holy Rosary or Alay Kapwa Guide for Family Prayer.

Priests can still celebrate masses even without a congregation in attendance.

He also said the people should practice good hygiene, frequent washing of hands, using of alcohol, using of face masks and follow social distancing, or self-imposed quarantine to prohibit the spread of the disease.

Neighboring diocese like Digos has discouraged people to join in gatherings like the Holy Mass with Bishop of Digos issuing a pastoral message last March 16. Diocese of Mati canceled public masses, and Tagum Diocese has done the same.

The Diocese of Kidapawan has also suspended public masses.

To contain the virus, cities and provinces in Davao Region have agreed to suspend land, sea and domestic air travel for 14 days starting last March 19 while air travel both domestic and international to and from Davao City are also suspended by Mayor Duterte.