My dear brother priests and all those entrusted with the care of our churches and chapels:
The recent tragic incident involving a priest during the celebration of Holy Mass reminds us of an important responsibility. Our churches must not only be sacred places; they must also be safe places for everyone.
I therefore strongly encourage all our parishes, shrines, chapels, and other church institutions throughout the Archdiocese to conduct regular and careful inspections of our church buildings and facilities.
Please pay particular attention to crucifixes, statues, sacred images, chandeliers, ceiling fixtures, electrical installations, walls, roofs, bells, and other objects that could pose a danger when damaged, weakened, or improperly secured.
Let us not wait for an accident before we act.
Where there is any doubt about the safety of a structure or fixture, please have it inspected and, when necessary, repaired or secured by qualified personnel. This is especially important for older churches and structures exposed to weather, earthquakes, termites, corrosion, and the natural deterioration that comes with time.
As shepherds, caring for God’s people includes caring for the places where they gather to worship.
Reverence must go together with responsibility. Devotion must go together with diligence. Prevention is also an act of pastoral care.
I ask our parish priests and team of pastors to take this matter seriously and to work closely with their parish councils, maintenance personnel, engineers, architects, and other competent professionals.
Our churches are houses of God and homes of His people. Let us care for them with the attention, dignity, and responsibility they deserve.
“Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:31
May the Lord protect our priests, religious, church workers, and all the faithful who enter our churches. May our sacred places always remain holy, welcoming, and safe places of prayer.
+ Alberto S. Uy
Archbishop of Cebu