Bishop Abel Apigo of Mati has ordered all parishes and Catholic schools in Davao Oriental to stop using their churches and buildings until authorities declare them structurally safe after the 7.6-magnitude earthquake that struck Oct. 10.
In a circular issued Saturday, the bishop stressed that safety must remain the top priority following reports of significant damage to several church and school structures across the diocese.
“I am directing all the parish priests and parish administrators, especially those that were badly hit by the earthquake, not to use the church buildings until we receive clearance from the competent and designated team from the province, city, or municipal office declaring that the buildings are safe,” Apigo said.
The directive also covers all Catholic schools in the diocese, with administrators instructed to ensure that classrooms and other facilities are properly inspected before resuming classes and activities.
“Let us keep safety as our priority,” Apigo said.
While church buildings remain closed, the bishop authorized parish priests and administrators to decide where to celebrate Masses “in a dignified manner,” reminding the faithful that the Eucharist strengthens them amid trials.
“The Holy Eucharist is our strength and so let us celebrate it with passion. St. Paul reminds us [to] ‘persevere in prayer’,” he added.
Encouraging patience and faith, Apigo urged his flock to “hang on to our faith in God” and to “be constant and firm” as they recover from the devastation.
The earthquake killed at least seven people, destroyed homes, triggered landslides, and prompted coastal evacuations after a brief tsunami scare across parts of Davao Oriental and nearby provinces.
The disaster followed a 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Cebu province earlier this week that destroyed properties and roads and killed at least 74 people, officials said.
