With cemeteries and columbaria across the country closed from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4, the media office of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) revived its “Undas” website to accept prayer requests for the departed.
Now on its 9th year, the CBCP Media office said the Undas Online was originally intended for Filipino seafarers and those in other countries who had no way of celebrating Undas.
The website initially highlighted an online facility to request for Masses for their beloved dead. Now, it also has photos of different cemeteries along with a Google street view of the Manila North Cemetery to those who’d prefer a virtual experience of visiting the cemetery.
Aside from this, live online Masses from different places in the country will also be streamed. according to CBCP Media Office Director, Msgr. Pedro Quitorio III.
“One can even light a candle online while praying for their dear departed,” he said.
The website also accepts other prayer requests and Mass intentions that can be offered in one of the streamed Masses.
Reflections and catechesis for All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day are also available in the website
Archdiocese of Manila Apostolic Administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo encouraged the faithful to observe Undas by going to church to hear Mass and pray for the departed.
He said that more Masses will be added by parish churches in the archdiocese to accommodate churchgoers and still observe physical distancing.
“On November 1 and 2, all are encouraged to go to Church and offer Mass for our beloved dead. The Holy Eucharist is the best prayer that we can offer,” Pabillo said. Rommel F. Lopez