Pray at home amid quarantine, faithful urged

Stressing that there were no big Churches in the past, Pabillo said Christians gathered in their homes to continue exercising their faith. (File Photo by twinsfisch/Unsplash)

MANILA – The Archdiocese of Manila on Thursday urged the faithful to make their homes the Church by praying with their families during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Bishop Broderick Pabillo, Apostolic Administrator of the archdiocese, said Roman Catholics can live the church in their homes since Masses in churches are suspended because of the Luzon-wide quarantine.

“We truly miss going to Church by now. We may see their big structures from a distance. We may hear the regular ringing of their bells. We see them in our screens as we watch the online Masses. …But let us not forget that though we may not be able to go to church, we can still live the church in our homes,” he said in a statement.

Stressing that there were no big Churches in the past, Pabillo said Christians gathered in their homes to continue exercising their faith.

“They live the experience of being Church in their homes. Let us return to this. Let us be churches in our homes,” the Manila auxiliary bishop added.

He also asked the faithful to spare time to pray with their loved ones as many families are complete inside their houses.

“During these quarantine days let us set aside time together to pray as a family. We join as a family in the online Masses, most especially on Sundays. The church bells are rung daily at 12 noon and 8 p.m., inviting families to pray the oratio imperata and the family rosary,” Pabillo said.

He urged the faithful to reflect on the words of God and read the Bible together.

“Stories of the Bible can be told and retold within the family walls. Faith is not just a personal matter. It should be a family affair,” he added.

Churches are holding Eucharistic Celebrations online everyday where people can hear Mass.

“We can live the experience of Church in our homes. God is very much present among us even if we cannot go to Church. He comes to our homes when we pray together, let the Word of God be heard within our homes, and love is lived among us as a family,” Pabillo added.