When the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) affected the Philippines, public places that attract large crowds were closed down, including malls, concerts, and religious locations where people gather. With this, churches and other religions across the region temporarily suspended their mass schedules, while others have opted to utilize streaming platforms to continue the service. The Church, however, encourages believers to “dress up properly even if you are just at home.” Aside from that, Fr. Drans Nolasco, SBD from the Diocese of Cubao, shares tips on the proper etiquettes or ‘netiquettes’ during an online mass. Check them out below!  

SET UP AN ALTAR

Don’t forget to light a candle or two to help set the ambiance. You may also opt to place some flowers and figures. Before the mass stream, make sure to dispose of yourself properly by taking three mindful breaths.  

DRESS UP PROPERLY

Dress up as if you are still going out to church. Hop out from your pajamas or ‘pambalay‘, fix up your face and hair—make yourself presentable. You don’t attend the Eucharist Mass with the ‘just woke up’ look, right?  

REMOVE DISTRACTIONS

During Mass, turn off or switch your phone to silent mode and keep other unnecessary gadgets to maintain focus and solemnity.  

PRAY THE ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

This act of spiritual communion is used when actual communion is not possible.

ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION My Jesus, I believe that You are in the Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I long for You in my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though You have already come, I embrace You and unite myself entirely to You; never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

 

PRAY THE ORATIO IMPERATA

Also, pray for our Mother Mary’s intercession and the welfare of all healthcare workers and other frontliners.

REVISED ORATIO IMPERATA ON COVID-19 God our Father, we come to you in our need to ask your protection against the COVID 19 that has disturbed and even claimed lives. We pray that you guide the people tasked to find cures for this disease and to stem its transmission. Protect the medical experts that they may minister to the sick with competence and compassion. We pray for those afflicted. May they be restored to health soon. Protect those who care for them. Grant eternal rest to those who have died. Give us the grace in this trying time to work for the good of all and to help those in need. We implore you to stop the spread of this virus and to save us from our fears. Grant all these through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. We fly to Your protection, oh Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our petition in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, oh glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen. Our Lady, health of the sick, pray for us. St. Raphael the Archangel, pray for us. St. Rock, pray for us. St. Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us St. Pedro Calungsod, pray for us.

 

REFLECTION

Last but not the least, Fr. Nolasco advises us to “reflect on how God is teaching us to love in this time of corona[virus], and how we may have fallen short because of our own selfishness” right after Mass.   Ready to attend the Mass? Check out available streaming schedules here. —

SOURCE

• Facebook.com/hugot ni Lord
• news.mb.com.ph