The Church as a Sacrament in a Time of Pandemic: The Philippine Experience

The declaration of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in various provinces and cities in the Philippines did not impede the Catholic Church from celebrating its sacraments and popular devotions. Mired with poverty and various forms of economic and social limitations, the presence of God for Filipin...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Abellanosa, Rhoderick John Suarez (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Edinburgh Univ. Press [2020]
In: Studies in world christianity
Year: 2020, Volume: 26, Issue: 3, Pages: 261-280
IxTheo Classification:CB Christian life; spirituality
KBM Asia
KDB Roman Catholic Church
Further subjects:B Contextual Theology
B Pandemic
B Philippine Christians
B church of the poor
B Sacrament
Online Access: Volltext (Verlag)
Volltext (doi)
Description
Summary:The declaration of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in various provinces and cities in the Philippines did not impede the Catholic Church from celebrating its sacraments and popular devotions. Mired with poverty and various forms of economic and social limitations, the presence of God for Filipinos is an essential element in moving forward and surviving in a time of pandemic. Predominantly Roman Catholic in religious affiliation, seeking the face of God has been part of Filipinos' lives whenever a serious disaster would strike., This essay presents how the clergy, religious and lay communities in the Philippines have innovatively and creatively sustained treasured religious celebrations as a sign of communion and an expression of faith. In addition to online Eucharistic celebrations that are more of a privilege for some, culturally contextualised efforts were made during the Lenten Season and even on Sundays after Easter., This endeavour ends with a reflection on the Church as the sacrament of God in a time of pandemic. Pushed back to their homes, deprived of life's basic necessities and facing threats of social instability, unemployment and hunger, Filipinos through their innovative celebrations find in their communion with their Church the very presence of God acting significantly in their lives.
ISSN:1750-0230
Contains:Enthalten in: Studies in world christianity
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.3366/swc.2020.0309