Going back to basics: experiencing Domus ecclesiae (House Church) in the celebration of the liturgy during COVID-19

ABSTRACT

The spread of the virus COVID-19 has caused many religious restrictions. As the world faces unprecedented changes, theological, liturgical, and pastoral questions are arising. Sacraments and sacramental celebrations have been canceled while adjustments have been made in celebrating matrimony and anointing of the sick. For the first time since World War II, masses have been suspended in the Philippines where the majority of its inhabitants are Roman Catholics. The Philippines boasts of being a ‘Christian majority country in Asia' which will celebrate 500 years of Christianity in the year 2021. This theological reflection is divided into three sections which contribute to practical theology dialogue in the pandemic. First, we will begin by revisiting the idea in early Church history of the existence of house Churches in the context of Roman persecution. Second, we will examine the extraordinary celebration of the liturgy in contemporary house Churches during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the Philippine setting. Finally, we will reflect on how house Churches can be understood as an emerging model of the Church in times of pandemic or other forms of crisis in the future.

KEYWORDS:

• Domus ecclesiae
• House Churches
• pandemic
• COVID-19
• liturgy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 The Philippine oratio imperata can also be downloaded online at (Accessed May 30, 2020). https://www.cbcplaiko.org/2020/02/14/circular-guidelines-and-oratio-on-2019-novel-corona-virus/.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jeff Clyde G. Corpuz

Jeff Clyde G. Corpuz is an Assistant Professorial Lecturer of the Theology and Religious Education at De La Salle University and De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, Manila, Philippines. He is a Ph.D. candidate in Applied Theology at De La Salle University. He is the National Treasurer of the Religious Educators Association of the Philippines. His research interests include interreligious studies, liturgical studies, practical theology, ecclesiology, and missiology.

Philip Joseph D. Sarmiento

Philip Joseph D. Sarmiento is an Assistant Professor of Theology under the Christian Living Education Department, Institute for Christian Formation and Social Integration at Holy Angel University, Angeles City, Philippines. He earned his degree Doctor of Education major in Religious Education and Values Education from De La Salle University-Manila, Philippines. He is the National Auditor of the Religious Educators Association of the Philippines. His research interests are theology, religious education, spirituality, and Catholic education.