MANILA – Wearing of face masks inside churches is still highly encouraged by the Archdiocese of Manila.
In Circular 2022-85 signed by Fr. Carmelo Arada Jr. dated November 8, the archdiocese advised monsignori and priests to urge churchgoers to wear their face masks while attending indoor Masses and other religious activities.
“The Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission and the Ministry on Health Care of the Archdiocese of Manila request that we continue to encourage our parishioners to wear face masks in our churches during liturgical celebrations and other gatherings in compassionate regard to the elderly and the vulnerable,” read the circular.
“The pandemic difficulties stirred us to take care of each other and by this, we will be known that we are disciples of the Lord.”
The Archdiocese of Manila encompasses the cities of Manila, Makati, San Juan, Mandaluyong, and Pasay.
The circular was issued after the government’s relaxed restrictions on wearing face masks.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order (EO) 7 on October 28, allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks in indoor and outdoor settings.
The EO, however, stated that the wearing of face masks is still mandatory in health care facilities, medical transport vehicles, and public transportation.
It likewise encouraged the elderly, persons with comorbidities and immunocompromised, those who are pregnant, unvaccinated individuals, and symptomatic persons to continue to wear face masks. (PNA)