If you need further proof that CoViD-19 is well and truly here in the Philippines, the 16th of March ought to suffice. Why? Well, for the first time in (my) living memory, several churches were canceling public Masses and *gasp!* inviting the faithful to take part in them online instead.
All Part of a Containment Strategy
For a country as predominantly Catholic as the Philippines is, this is a HUGE deal. Sunday Masses here don’t get cancelled on account of typhoons or earthquakes, and the churches are usually packed on Sundays regardless of what transpired the previous week…..until now.
Much of it probably has to do with how quickly the virus spreads in large crowds. It also doesn’t help that widespread contagion in neighboring South Korea allegedly stemmed from one infected and undiagnosed individual attending a church service.
Still, if it’s any consolation, local religious authorities have absolved the faithful from physically attending services, all in the name of preventing the virus from spreading.
Livestream Next Sunday’s Mass Through These Links
If you need some spiritual comfort and guidance, worry not. You can still participate in the Holy Mass within the security of your own home. All you need is a laptop, smartphone, or tablet, and an Internet connection, as the following streaming services are free of charge:
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Ateneo LS Office of Campus Ministry.
Schedules: Every day at 7:15 AM, except for Sundays
Stream it here.
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Diocese of Cubao.
Schedules: Mondays to Saturdays at 8 AM, Sundays at 8 AM, 11 AM, and 6 PM.
Stream it here.
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Diocese of Kalookan.
Schedules: Every Sunday at 6:30 AM, 7:45 AM, 9 AM, 10:15 AM, 3 PM, 4:15 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8 PM.
Stream it here.
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Malolos Cathedral (Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception)
Schedules: Every Saturday at 6 PM, and Every Sunday at 5 AM, 6 AM, 8 AM, 11 AM, and 6 PM.
Stream it here.
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Manila Cathedral.
Schedules: Mondays to Fridays at 7:30 AM and 12 PM, Saturdays at 7:30 AM, and Sundays at 8 AM, 10 AM, and 6 PM.
Stream it here.
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National Shrine of the Sacred Heart.
Schedules: Every day at 7:30 AM.
Stream it here.
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Quiapo Church.
Schedules: Every day at 5 AM, 6 AM, 12:15 PM, 3 PM, and 4 PM.
Stream it here.
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Sambuhay TV Mass.
Schedules: Monday to Friday at 6:15 AM and 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday at 5 PM.
Stream it here.
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San Agustin Church, Intramuros.
Schedules: Every day at 10 AM
Stream it here.
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Sanctuario de San Antonio Parish.
Schedules: Monday to Saturday at 8 AM, Sundays at 8 AM, 12 PM, and 6 PM.
Stream it here.
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San Roque Parish.
Schedules: Mondays to Saturdays at 6 PM, and Sundays at 9:45 AM and 6 PM.
Stream it here.
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Santisimo Rosario Parish UST.
Schedules: Saturdays at 5:30 PM and Sundays at 6 PM
Stream it here.
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Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, Our Lady of EDSA.
Schedules: Every day at 12:15 PM
Stream it here.
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St. John Bosco Parish Makati.
Schedules: Every Sunday at 7:30 AM, 10 AM, 4 PM, and 5:30 PM
Stream it here.
Lastly, the faithful are advised to observe solemn and respectful behavior even as they stream the Holy Mass at home. This means refraining from eating or drinking during the ceremony, donning the proper attire, and perusing the Mass readings prior.
We certainly live in uncertain times, but we can take comfort in the presence of modern solutions at least.
