Pastoral Advisory #12: Update on our Church Activities in the Context of the Current Pandemic

PASTORAL ADVISORY #12
Series of 2021

UPDATE ON OUR CHURCH ACTIVITIES
IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CURRENT PANDEMIC

We all know that in the Davao region, most particularly in the City of Davao, there is a very alarming rise in the number of Covid-19 infections. Please consider the following:

1. Public attendance in our liturgical celebrations, especially in the Holy Eucharist, continues to be allowed following all existing health protocols. We are thankful to the Lord for this.
    
   This is a clarification following some queries whether in the present situation public attendance in our liturgical celebrations is now prohibited. This is not true.

   I enjoin you, especially Parish Priests and those who take charge of these liturgical celebrations, particularly the Holy Eucharist, to see to it that all health protocols are strictly observed and followed. Recently, I issued a circular reminding us that our health authorities have noticed that in some parishes there were lapses in the strict observance of these health protocols.
    

2. The City Government has issued Executive Order No. 31 Series of 2021 effective 26 May 2021. This Executive Order pertains to the regulation of all events and activities of all barangay, local and national government officials. In short, this is for all government offices and agencies in the city. Please see attached copy of this Executive Order.
    
   Even though this Executive Order applies only to government offices and related agencies, I particularly consider that this Executive Order has a lot of wisdom for us. Thus, I enjoin all of you to take serious consideration and prudent judgment in making similar measures to regulate and to put on hold non-essential parish activities, such as fiesta-related events, face-to-face meetings of parish committees and religious movements and organizations, and outings, etc.

Parishes in the Island Garden City of Samal, please make your prudent application of this advisory.

Please be guided accordingly.

May our Blessed Mother continue to intercede for us.

With my fraternal blessing, I remain

Sincerely yours in Christ,
+ ROMULO G. VALLES, D.D.
Archbishop of Davao