Don't use cell phones during mass - bishop

A Church leader has reminded the faithful to refrain from using their cell phones at church while the mass is in progress.

Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines- Episcopal Commission on Mission, urged church goers “to exercise self-control by not using their smart phones during the mass and instead, to take part in the celebration.”

The prelate said that although mobile phones are useful, there are places where their use are inappropriate and improper.

“As a pastor, I find smart phones very useful. The bad thing is to abuse their use, like using cell phones in the wrong places like during mass or during religious services. Mobile phone users must exercise self-control,” Bastes said over Church-run Radio Veritas.

“The Church is the house of God where respect and importance must prevail. Texting and taking selfies during the mass are discouraged by the Catholic Church,” he added.

According to a report, the Philippines ranks third in Southeast Asia with the most number of smart phone users with three for every 10 Filipinos owning a cell phone.

The Holy Father Pope Francis has also discouraged the use of smart phones during the mass which, he said, is a big distraction to church goers.

The Holy Mass, the pontiff said, must be respected as it is a reminder of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.