Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) Guidelines

Circular No. 17 Series of 2020
1 July 2020

Peace!

In response to the various inquiries from the different parishes and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Davao regarding the new quarantine level of Davao City, that is, the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) regulated by the Davao City Quick Guide issued by the City Government of Davao last 1 July 2020 vis-a-vis the Pastoral Advisory #8 (GUIDELINES TO BE OBSERVED DURING THE RESUMPTION OF PUBLIC LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS IN OUR CHURCHES) which I issued last 20 May 2020, I hereby give the following clarifications:

First, Public Masses are already allowed, beginning 1 July 2020, from Monday to Saturday only. Sunday Masses with the people are still prohibited because the Food and Medicine Pass (FM pass) does not allow the movement of people during Sundays. This is specifically mentioned in the Davao City Quick Guide: No Sunday Mass or Worship.

Second, we are reminded that only fifty percent (50%) capacity of our churches is allowed, and we presume that by now, our churches are already properly marked.

Third, regarding the celebration of anticipated Sunday Mass, we refer the parish priests and chaplains of churches to the Pastoral Advisory #8, Section A, no. 1 which allows the celebration of anticipated Sunday Mass on all evening Masses from Wednesday to Friday, including Saturday masses anytime after 12 noon.

Fourth, the Davao City Quick Guide, allows weddings, baptism and other religious ceremonies for family members only, up to a maximum of 25 persons. However, the Pastoral Advisory #8 of Archdiocese of Davao, Section F, no. 4 expressed clearly: Do not accept of schedule celebrations of weddings, baptisms and confirmations as of yet.

All other guidelines issued by the City Government of Davao are taken in harmony with the Pastoral Advisory #8 of the Archdiocese of Davao. It is important that we in the Archdiocese should cooperate with the Civil Authority who has the obligation to protect the welfare of the people, especially in this most trying time of the pandemic.

Should there be any other questions of queries, please refer to the Chancery Office of the Archdiocese of Davao.

With my fraternal blessing, I remain

Devotedly yours in Christ,

+ROMULO G. VALLES, D.D.
Archbishop of Davao