THE Cebu Archdiocese issued a set of guidelines on the use of church premises and the celebration of Masses for politicians.
While invoking the Lord’s blessing in any political exercise is commendable, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said politicians should respect the non-partisan stance of the Church, the sanctity of the sacraments, and the place of worship.
“In view of the onset of the campaign season for the 2016 elections, I deemed it necessary to lay down guidelines to regulate the use of church premises and the celebration of the sacraments (for politicians),” the prelate said.
Palma’s directive dated Oct. 16, 2015 was published in the archdiocese’s official newsletter, Ang Bag-ong Lungsoranon.
He said the guidelines must be “strictly observed” by all priests and chaplains in the archdiocese.
Palma is in Rome to attend the Synod of Bishops on the Family which will end today.
In his circular, he said politicians who request the celebration of Mass inside the church must first meet with the parish priest and present the flow of the activity or the manner by which they want the Eucharistic celebration to be done.
All political gatherings held within the church compound must be approved by the parish priest.
To avoid misconceptions, Palma said speeches by any candidate are prohibited at any part of the Mass. Priests should “politely excuse” themselves from photo ops with candidates.
“Candidates may not be introduced or called out by the requesting party’s emcees at any time before, during or after the Mass,” he said.
Campaign materials, except those worn by the candidates and their supporters, are not allowed inside the church.
Priests are allowed to impart special blessings to candidates but using the approved texts formulated by the Church.
Only approved texts from the Commission on Worship shall also be used during the General Intercession, commonly known as the Prayers of the Faithful.
During the Liturgy of the Word, candidates are not allowed to read the scripture readings of the day as well as the Responsorial Psalm.
The directive was issued after candidates of the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) were presented after the Mass inside the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod at the South Road Properties (SRP) last Oct. 12, the first day of the filing of the Certificates of Candidacy.
Mayoral candidate Tomas Osmeña later apologized to anyone offended by what happened.
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