Malacañang on Thursday expressed support to the initiative of the Catholic Church to hold a Day of Prayer on May 8 to honor the people who perished due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, a Covid-19 survivor, said special prayers for thousands of people who died of Covid-19 are always welcome.

“Suportado po natin iyan bilang isang biktima ng Covid din po (We support that, considering that I am also a victim of Covid-19 infection),” Roque said in an online press briefing. “We support all prayer initiatives because we know that prayers can move mountains.”

Bishop Broderick Pabillo, in a pastoral instruction dated April 20, said the “Mass for the Dead” will be held at the Manila Cathedral on May 8 at 9 a.m.

Pabillo urged the faithful to join the mass through live streaming.

The day of prayer will be preceded by three days of “Holy Hour” at 6 p.m. in front of the Blessed Sacrament, which will also be live streamed.

Pabillo said there will be prayers for front-liners on May 5, for the sick on May 6, and for the dead on May 7.

Roque also enjoined the public to pray for the quick recovery of people infected with Covid-19.

“Ine-enganyo ko po ang lahat, ipagdasal po natin ang lahat ng ating mga kababayan na meron pong sakit ng Covid-19 (I am encouraging everyone to pray for our fellow countrymen who acquired Covid-19),” he said.

The Philippines on Wednesday logged 9,227 new Covid-19 infections.

The country has a total of 962,307 Covid-19 cases, with 829,608 recoveries, 116,434 active cases, and 16,265 recorded deaths. (PNA)