Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos. (File photo)
MANILA – The Diocese of Balanga on Tuesday prohibited the celebration and public attendance to live stream Masses inside residences.
In a letter to the clergy, Bishop Ruperto Santos said this is in compliance with the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) which remains in effect over the province of Bataan and other 'high risk' areas amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
He added that a Holy Mass, live stream or not, should only be celebrated in a chapel or church.
“Holy Mass celebrations, especially (on) Sundays are via live streaming with proper observation of physical social distancing, limited participation’s, wearing face masks and taking in consideration personal hygiene. Holy Mass live streamings should only be celebrated on/inside the parish church, or any chapel inside the parish church. There should NEVER be Holy mass in any private homes, likewise, NO holy mass live streaming in any home,” Santos said.
Santos said they do not want the public to think that favor is given to certain people over the matter.
“Having private holy mass even live streaming might create misrepresentation that only spacious or beautiful houses or known family can be allowed or hold private masses. A holy Mass in a private house could lead to division and confusion "why there? Why not in our house?," the Balanga bishop added.
He said live streaming of Masses are being held because of the current situation the country is in.
“And lastly, this live streaming is just because of this situation, the right and proper place of the holy mass is the Church. Holy Mass is communal, presence, and sacrificial physical gathering,” Santos added.
At the same time, Santos said they follow the national and local government directives.
“Any outside religious activity should be done with proper consent and permission of our local government units,” he added.
Religious gatherings remain prohibited both under the ECQ and the general community quarantine. (PNA)
