MANILA – The Diocese of Bacolod would implement changes in the live streaming of Masses in churches following the lifting of coronavirus restrictions by the government.
In a Sept. 14 decree signed by Bishop Patricio Buzon and released Friday, the diocese said the online broadcasting of Eucharistic Celebrations will be stopped effective Sept. 24.
“In recent months, health protocols have been relaxed, and the use of face masks has become optional. Churches are now open, and we are no longer physically prohibited from attending the Mass,” he said in the order.
“In light of these positive developments, we are informing all parishes, chaplaincies, and private oratories that the live streaming and broadcasting of Masses will be discontinued. This includes the live streaming and broadcasting of fiesta masses,” the Catholic prelate added.
However, the Bacolod diocese noted that there will still be live streaming and broadcasting of a Mass for the sick and homebound.
“For the sake of the sick and the homebound, the only Mass to be streamed and broadcast is the 10:00 AM Sunday Mass at the San Sebastian Cathedral. Parishes and chaplaincies that broadcast their Sunday Masses in other radio stations may continue to do so but are responsible for informing the faithful that such apostolate is only for the sick and the homebound,” Buzon added.
The order said the act of spiritual communion, being a devotional prayer, will no longer be read aloud when communion is received by the faithful in attendance.
Instead, it will be projected on screen for those who are following online.
At the same time, he reminded all the faithful of the importance of actively and physically attending the Sunday Mass.
"Taking part in Mass via the communications media, those who hear or view these broadcasts should be aware that, under normal circumstances, they do not fulfill the obligation of attending Mass. Visual images can represent reality, but they do not actually reproduce it,” he said.
The government is no longer requiring the wearing of face masks in both indoor and outdoor spaces, including public transportation, among others. (PNA)
