CBCP launches Undas Online

MANILA, Philippines - The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) launched yesterday a website which allows overseas Filipinos to request for prayers for their departed loved ones.

Monsignor Pedro Quitorio III, CBCP Media Office director, said those who don’t have the opportunity to visit the gravesites of their deceased relatives could visit the website www.undasonline.com where they can submit prayer requests.

“This is primarily intended for Filipinos who are away from home especially those who have no way of going to parish churches or Catholic cemeteries in other countries. This includes our kabayan seafarers,” Quitorio said.

“For Filipinos away from home who wish that prayers or Mass be offered for their dead, they may visit www.undasonline.com by listing the names of their dead and sending it online. For their intention, Masses will be said from Nov. 1 to 8 at the CBCP chapel,” he said.

Quitorio said the website would also provide facts about the observance of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day as well as messages of Pope Benedict XVI on All Saints’ Day.

He said the CBCP will also hold a novena prayer for All Saints’ Day which will start from Nov. 1 to 9 and the octave prayer of the souls from Nov. 1 to 8.

Quitorio said the public, particularly those who are non-Catholics, could ask questions related to the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day via the CBCP fan page, “Good Morning CBCP.”

The CBCP official, however, stressed that the website is not intended for those who can go to their cemeteries and parish churches.

“It is encouraged for Catholics to visit the tombs of their loved ones or also visit oratories, chapels and churches where they can pray for their dead. They will gain plenary indulgences by visiting a church or oratory and praying the ‘Our Father’ and the ‘Creed,’ and a prayer for the intention of the Holy Father,” he said.