THE Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday urged prelates to begin encouraging their flock to return to churches and physically attend the celebration of masses amid the pandemic.
In its “Recommended Guidelines for Livestreaming the Liturgy,” the CBCP said the celebration of masses calls for the physical presence and participation of the faithful without sacrificing their adherence to health and safety protocols.
“Diocesan bishops shall inform and form the people of God to return to physical presence and communal participation with the Lord in the Eucharist in the churches, not virtualized or simulated, without prejudice to health and safety protocols,” the CBCP said.
“Thus, as soon as circumstances permit, however, it is necessary and urgent to return to the normality of Christian life, which has the church building as its home and the celebration of the liturgy,” it added.
The CBCP noted that many churchgoers remain reluctant in attending physical masses because of fear and uncertainties while the children and the elderly are prohibited to physically participate in Church masses.
The CBCP said churches are allowed to accommodate 50 percent capacity or less.
“As the ‘new normal’ gradually unfolds before us, we have to make a communal discernment,” it said.
With physical masses still having limitations, the CBCP said it is necessary to ensure those following masses virtually are “mystically united.”
“The Church has acknowledged efforts to use the modern means of communication to enable limited participation in the liturgy especially the Holy Eucharist,” it said.
“Every liturgical act, as the Council affirms, is always and inherently an act of full public worship done by the whole Mystical Body of Christ,” it aadded.
