By Ben Balce
Associate Editor

IF Davao-based preacher Rod Cubos categorically warned his followers against getting vaccinated, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Jose A. Cabantan today urged people to get inoculated.

Cubos, who calls himself bishop of the Christ the Healer International Missions Movement (CTHIMM), has been preaching about what he called a “Great Reset,” and a 1,000-year reign of Christ.

“Ayaw mo pagdawat. It will not only endanger your body but your soul as well," Cubos warned his followers in a video clip circulating online.

Cabantan however, advised not to be misled by erroneous fears or deceived by the latest misinformation in social media.

“We have the moral obligation to receive one of those vaccines,” said Cabantan adding that it is a moral choice, a moral duty because it is about life and the lives of others.

With this situation, the question of vaccination continues to be asked among our faithful. Is this our hope? Is this the answer to our prayers? We can hear varied opinions on this matter in society and even within the church. Thus, it creates confusion among our people.

In this directive, I would like to clarify that the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro affirms the pronouncements of Pope Francis, the Congregation for the Doctrine and Faith (CDF), and also those of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), as well as the Bishops’ Conferences worldwide.

In a video posted on the archdiocese’s social media page in January this year, Pope Francis urged people to get inoculated.”

“The pandemic is still far from over, we pray that through vaccination, we can begin to curb the scourge of the pandemic,” Cabantan said in his letter to all the clergy, religious, and the lay faithful of the Archdiocese.

According to Cabantan, the Covid-19 virus has mutated and become stronger and continues to wreak havoc among our families and communities.

The cases have soared high in various places. These are not just numbers. We learn who got infected, but they are our friends, relatives, and people from all walks of life. And it is sad to know that some of them perished. Besides that, the pandemic has sorely affected our economy, especially the poor and the most vulnerable in society.

First, the CDF in December 2020 declared that vaccination is morally acceptable against the Covid-19 virus.

All vaccination recognized as clinically safe and effective can be used in good conscience with the certain knowledge that the use of vaccines does not constitute formal cooperation with the abortion from which the cells used in some aspects of research and production of the vaccine may derive.

In the absence of other means to stop and prevent the pandemic, the common good may recommend vaccination especially the weakest and most exposed.

Meanwhile, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, according to Cabantan, said that vaccination is not just to protect one’s health but also to promote the good within society.

“Thus, the act of vaccination can be an act of charity, an act of love of our neighbor and part of our moral responsibility for the common good,” it said.

Of course, some with comorbidities and following the advice of their doctors Cabantan said may not avail of vaccination.

To these, and those who for reasons of conscience do not wish to be vaccinated, they must all still do their utmost to avoid becoming vehicles for the transmission of the infectious agent, Cabantan added.

“Vaccination is a simple but profound way of promoting the common good and caring for each other especially the most vulnerable,” said Cabantan adding that it is an act of love for oneself, for one’s family and friends, and all people.

On the Bishops of the Philippines in their Pastoral Letter on Covid-19 vaccines, dated Jan 8, 2021, gave thanks to God for all the efforts to produce vaccines and call for a fair distribution of vaccines.

The bishops acknowledged the role of conscience in our entire decision-making and repeat the Vatican teaching that when ethically irreproachable Covid-19 vaccines are not available, it is morally acceptable to receive the Covid-19 vaccines offered.