Screengrab from www.undasonline.com
Using a mouse and clicking on it on the internet, Filipinos overseas can visit a virtual memorial park and offer prayers for their dearly departed on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day—courtesy of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
The CBCP has relaunched its “undas” website (www.undasonline.com) that accepts prayer requests from millions of Filipinos scattered across the globe.
Filipinos abroad
“For those who cannot make it to [their] parishes, especially Filipinos in other countries or the seafarers, [they] may request for Masses to be celebrated for [their] beloved dead,” said Msgr. Pedro Quitorio, CBCP Media Office director.
In a CBCPNews post, visitors just have to click the “Prayer Request” button and list down the names of their departed loved ones.
For their intentions, Masses will be held starting Nov. 1 at the CBCP chapel in Intramuros, Manila.
In previous years, Undas Online received thousands of requests for prayers for dead Filipino Catholics.
OFW feedback
Now in its fifth year, the project was relaunched by the CBCP Media Office because of the positive feedback it received from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), according to Quitorio.
The website provides a trove of prayers that lets the Catholic faithful pay their respects, wherever they are, to their dead on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
These prayers include a chaplet for the departed, a novena for the souls in purgatory, and a prayer for sacrifice for the poor souls.
The website also offers some audio and video teachings on the significance and liturgical meaning of the celebration of the events.
There is a button for those who wish to make a donation or give Mass stipends that will be given to the priests who will be celebrating the Masses.
DOH warning
For those thronging the nation’s cemeteries, the Department of Health (DOH) issued this warning: Bring your own food and water.
“Food-borne illnesses are usually caused by food produced for mass catering [that] were not cooked, stored, or handled properly. Establishments that prepare, serve and distribute food for mass catering should guarantee the safety of the food for prevention of food-borne illnesses and outbreaks,” said Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial.
Ubial advised against bringing babies and small children as well as elderly to the cemetery, saying they are more prone to diseases and other infections due to their low resistance.
Cemetery crowd
“It would be better not to bring along babies and small children to cemeteries and memorial parks as they are vulnerable to contracting diseases due to their low resistance to infection, heat and congestion. The elderly are advised to stay at home especially if they have medical conditions or are visiting alone,” she said.
Ubial warned against animal and insect bites. “Use insect repellant. Bring umbrellas for protection from the rain or too much sun,” she said.