DAVAO CITY — A priest from Matalam town in North Cotabato was tested positive for Covid-19 after attending a birthday party of one of his parishioners in Matalam town last week.
Diocese of Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo believes that Fr. Jonel Peroy, a member of the Diocese Clery of Kidapawan (DCK) and assigned as parish priest of Sto Nino de Fraga parish in Matalam, was infected during the party.
This, as all 30 priests including Bagaforo will undergo 14-day isolation.
The priest is stable now, said Bagaforo. It was uncertain, however, how and from whom he got the virus.
This developed as three more priests who have direct and close contact with Fr. Peroy will be swabbed on tomorrow, October 20.
Priests under the Diocese of Kidapawan include those from Our Lady of Medtiatrix for all Graces Cathedral in Kidapawan City and clergies from the towns of Arakan, Pres. Roxas, Antipas, Matalam, Carmen, Kabacan, M’lang, Tulunan, Makilala and Columbio in Sultan Kudarat.
The prelate also said that “dry masses” in parishes will continue with the Church goers observing stricter health protocols and just one “Kaabag” (lay minister) is allowed to administer Holy Communion.
Dry Masses also mean having a pass with lay ministers.-Edwin O. Fernandez
