Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 20) — Priests of the Manila archdiocese will gather for a mass on May 8 to pray for thousands of people who died of COVID-19 since the local outbreak began over a year ago, Manila apostolic administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo said.
The mass will be held at 9 a.m. at the Manila Cathedral, Pabillo said in his pastoral instruction dated April 20.
“We bring together at the altar of the Lord all the tears and sorrows of our people for their loved ones,” the prelate said.
“The whole Archdiocese will mourn for our dead during this pandemic but with great hope given by the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus,” he added.
At least 16,265 people in the country have lost their lives due to COVID-19, with many families unable to properly send off their dead loved ones due to health restrictions.
Pabillo suggested hanging up pictures of those who died this past year on a memorial wall to be set up in parishes, which could serve as reminder to always pray for them.
Pabillo also instructed parishes and religious communities in the archdiocese to dedicate a Holy Hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament at 6 p.m. on May 5 for those in the front lines, on May 6 for the sick and and May 7 for the dead.
The Philippines has recorded 962,307 coronavirus cases, of which 116,434 are currently sick, with 829,608 recoveries.
