SAN CARLOS , Negros Occidental Bishop Gerardo Alminaza on Tuesday asked the faithful to pray for his immediate recovery after testing positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
The Catholic prelate suspected that he got infected after visiting numerous places where he offered prayers to make people feel the blessings of God amid the pandemic.
“Everything is a gift and providence! I took risks blessing people who would like to feel God’s tenderness and closeness to them. No regret! Now I have this rare and precious opportunity to see the other side of those we minister to,” Alminaza said in an interview over church-run Radio Veritas.
He also urged the people to also pray for Covid-19 patients for them to be healed from the disease.
“I ask for everyone’s prayers for my fast healing as for other Covid-19 patients even as I assure you too of my constant prayers and offerings my prayers for our front-liners have now become more heartfelt!” he said.
Alminaza tested positive for Covid-19 based on swab test results released on June 20. He is the eighth Filipino prelate to contract Covid-19.
San Carlos Vicar General, Monsignor Erwin Magnanao will be in charge of the diocese of San Carlos while Alminaza is recuperating.
Among those who recovered from the disease are Manila Archbishop Emeritus Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Manila Apostolic Administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo, Ilagan Bishop David William Antonio, Caloocan Bishop Emeritus Deogracias Iñiguez, and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.
Meanwhile, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz and Imus Bishop Emeritus Manuel Sobreviñas died of the disease.(Ferdinand Patinio)
