MANILA – The Archdiocese of Caceres in Camarines Sur has suspended all “Pagsungko ni Ina” activities in all churches to safeguard and protect the faithful from the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
In Circular No. 0020, signed by Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona released on Friday, the diocese decided to stop the holding of such activities after one of their two priests have contracted Covid-19 during its conduct.
“It is unfortunate to inform you that two of our brother-priests were tested positive for Covid-19. One is infected due to the activity of “pagsungko” around the parish. For this reason, we suspend all “Pagsungko ni Ina” within the Archdiocese in order to safeguard and protect the faithful from the spread of Covid-19. You are enjoined to follow this directive,” it said.
He also urged the faithful to pray “for God’s mercy and compassion in the protection of the Divino Rostropovich and through the intercession of Our “Ina”, Our Lady of Peñafrancia”.
The “Pagsungko ni Ina” refers to activities where the image of the Peñafrancia visits parishes as part of the preparation for its feast in September of every year.
Earlier, the archdiocese announced the suspension of the annual fluvial procession and 'traslacion' due to the novel coronavirus threat.
In September, the Bicolanos will celebrate the 310th feast of the Our Lady of Penafrancia and 138th year anniversary of the devotion to Divino Rostro (Most Holy Face of Jesus).
Earlier, Manila Apostolic Administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo, Caloocan Bishop-emeritus Deogracias Iniguez, and two priests in the Diocese of Kalookan also tested positive for Covid-19.
Pabillo was the first Church official that contracted and recovered from Covid-19. (PNA)
