By Froilan Gallardo, Special Correspondent . THE Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro shut down six churches to the public after their parish priests got infected of the deadly Covid-19. Archbishop Jose Cabantan of the Cagayan de Oro Archdiocese said the churches would remain close to religious activities and other related activities starting on April 28. Cabantan said the churches would remain close for ten consecutive days while its premises would be disinfected. “ It was unexpected, never thought-of, never wished-for and in fact prayed against. Unfortunately a number of our priests have fallen victim,” Cabantan said. Father Der John Faborada, head of the archdiocese Social Action Center said six priests were infected including Monsignor Perseus Cabunoc, parish priest of Jesus Nazareno parish church in Barangay Lapasan , where the icon of the “Calleron” or Black Nazarene is enshrined. Cabantan ordered the closure of the Jesus Nazareno parish church in barangay Lapasan; and San Isidro Labrador in Cagayan de Oro City. He also ordered the closure of Our Lady of Candelaria parish church in Tagoloan town; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Bobontugan; Immaculada Concepcion parish priest in Jasaan town and the Church of San Cruz in Laguindingan town, all in Misamis Oriental. Cabantan said he reached this decision after consulting with the archdiocese Health Crisis Committee. “I humbly ask for understanding from our faithful, especially those directly affected and for prayers for our priests who have fallen victim,” Cabantan said. Faborada said priests and church members who were in close contact with the affected priests went on self quarantine including Archbishop Cabantan. He said Archbishop Cabantan have already finished 14-day self-quarantine and was found negative of the virus after being tested. Faborada said they are still waiting for the results of three priests who have close contact with the affected priests.
