The Diocese of Dumaguete, headed by Bishop Julito Cortes, has set aside a special day for simultaneous masses to be offered for those who died due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

A circular letter released through the Chancery Office of the diocese and addressed to the clergy and consecrated persons on Friday said the simultaneous masses shall be held on Nov. 29 at 6 a.m. at the different parishes and chaplaincies.

“There is an appeal from families whose loved ones who have died of Covid-19 (and) the badly need closure,” the letter read.

Families who lost a loved one to Covid-19 are asked to submit the names and other information of the deceased to the parish and to attend the special masses in their respective areas.

The priests are asked to make their homilies “as consoling as possible” and “inviting them to hope, anchored in faith in Christ”.

Stipends are discouraged for this special intention although the parishes may receive the same for other intentions.

“Let us see this as an opportunity to serve the grieving families of Covid victims, with the hope that this gesture can help them finally find closure for a loved one’s passing away under tremendously distressing circumstances,” the Dumaguete prelate said while invoking the Blessed Virgin Mary “to give them comfort, peace, and hope”.

The special masses come at a time when many families are still grieving over the deaths of their loved ones due to Covid-19 and who could not or were not able to attend the cremation and/or burial of the deceased due to quarantine restrictions. (PNA)