Circular No. 2023 – 106
15 December 2023
TO: ALL THE CLERGY, THE CONSECRATED MEN AND WOMEN, AND THE LAY FAITHFUL IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA
RE: HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
Dear Reverend Monsignori, Fathers, Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Greetings of peace in the Lord!
Our communities will once again gather for the traditional Simbang Gabi or Misa de Aguinaldo. Children and young people will visit homes to offer Christmas carols. Our ministries and organizations in our parishes and communities will have their Christmas parties and gatherings. The next days will again show us how vibrant, festive, and faith-filled Filipino Christmas is.
We continue to receive reports about incidences of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. But we will not allow them to deprive us of Christmas joy.
Heeding the recommendations of the Ministry on Health Care of the Archdiocese of Manila, we request our communities to observe the health and safety protocols. Let us practice voluntary wearing of face masks and hand hygiene. Those who are ill must be reminded to stay at home so as not to spread infection.
Let these measures be our gesture of charity and compassion for others, especially those who are vulnerable.
As I wish you a blessed Christmas season, I gladly assure you of my prayerful solicitude.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+ JOSE F. CARDINAL ADVINCULA
Archbishop of Manila
