According to Bishop Broderick Pabillo, apostolic administrator of Manila, religious celebrations should also be considered “essential services” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, “when the decision-makers consider what essential services to be allowed, they should also consider the opening of the churches and its services as important”.

A ceremony consecrating the Philippines to the Immaculate Heart of Mary will be held on the 13th of May, a month that the Church dedicates to the Mother of Jesus. Her help will be invoked so that the country and the world may overcome the global pandemic.

Philippine authorities have recently eased some of their restrictive measures, but the ban on places of worship and religious services has been kept, Asia News noted.

In Philippines, no handshakes during Sign of Peace, while Hong Kong diocese cancels public services, as coronavirus fears grow

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