Unity Mass in Cebu Against Covid-19

Top church and government leaders in Cebu will hold a unity mass on Black Saturday, April 11, 2020 to offer prayers as the province fights against the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The Easter Vigil Mass will be celebrated by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and will be aired on different radio stations in Cebu and live on social media.

“Naay Easter Vigil mass sa Black Saturday sa 5:30 sa hapon on April 11. Ang idea is usa ka misa for the whole Cebu united as one,” said Cebu Port Authority Commissioner Mike Acebedo Lopez in a press conference on Thursday, April 2 with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Palma earlier cancelled all Lenten activities to curb the spread of COVID-19. However, this mass will be the exemption as only a limited number of people will be allowed to enter the Cebu Cathedral where the mass will be held.

Government leaders expected to attend include Garcia, Cebu City Mayor Edgaardo Labella, and Presidential Assistant to the Visayas Michael Dino, among others.

“Di man ta kaadto sa simbahan. Atong himuon ang whole Province nga usa ka dakong simbahan,” Garcia said.

With this, the governor urged all local government units (LGUs) to join hands in a common prayer, adding that the Lenten season is a time for reflection.

She added that Cebuanos can now focus on the true meaning of Lent since all church activities have been suspended.

“I think, this is really the time that we are given to truly focus on the true meaning of Lenten. Not to be distracted by other activities, kaning mga procession og uban pa these are part of the rites and ceremonies. But when that is taken away tungod niining coronavirus karon then we are forced to be alone with our thoughts,” she said.

“When you are now put to that situation perhaps you may even reach deeper realizations about a relationship with a Lord,” the governor added. (SN)