Bishops support closing cemeteries during Undas 2020

Some bishops, as well as the head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on the Clergy, supported the proposed closure of cemeteries during the upcoming celebration of Undas 2020.

The Archdiocese of Ozamiz has assured that it will follow the rules to be implemented by the government concerning the upcoming Undas.

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In an interview with Radio Veritas, Archbishop Martin Jumoad said the archdiocese would abide by the recommendation of the National Task Force against COVID-19 to ban visits to cemeteries on November 1 and 2 as a precaution against coronavirus.

“Let’s follow the suggestion of Inter-Agency Tasks Force; we are in this pandemic, and this is temporary,” said Jumoad.

According to the Archbishop, it was agreed at a meeting of the priests of the archdiocese on September 9 to continue the celebration of the Holy Mass in commemoration of the day of the saints on November 1 and remembrance of the deceased loved ones on the second.

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The Diocese of San Pablo, Laguna, will also abide by the government’s order to close all cemeteries to the public during Undas 2020.

Also read: Manila North Cemetery only allows 30 people in burials

Bishops support closing cemeteries during Undas 2020

San Pablo Bishop Buenaventura Famadico, chairman of the CBCP-Episcopal Commission on the Clergy, stated that it is necessary to follow the government’s rule for the welfare of the people.

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“Kung ano ang ipag-uutos ng gobyerno susundin yon para na rin sa pansariling kagalingan at kagalingan ng nakararami,” said Bishop Famadico to Radio Veritas.

COVID-19 testing czar Vince Dizon clarified that the rules for commemorating All Saints and All Souls Days have not yet been finalized, and they will recommend to the government to ban visiting cemeteries for Undas 2020 temporarily.

Archbishop Jumoad, meanwhile, urged the people to visit the graves of loved ones on other days as a precaution and health care.

“My advice, which is the position of the Archdiocese is to continue to say Mass on November 1 and 2 for the souls in purgatory but not administer the usual Responso sa puntod for health reasons,” Archbishop Jumoad added.