Catholic churches in the Philippines were prepared for Ash Wednesday observance.
Catholic churches in the Philippines were already prepared for this year’s Ash Wednesday observance on February 17, 2021.
The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or Quiapo Church in Manila, one of the Catholic churches in the Philippines, was already prepared for the Ash Wednesday observance on February 17.
Manila Bulletin reported that Father Douglas Badong — the parochial vicar of Quiapo Church — on Monday said in a radio interview that the order of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is to “sprinkle the ashes on the head of the faithful” in order to avoid having a contact.
Priests usually impose ashes on the faithful’s forehead during Ash Wednesday, but the said ritual changed because of the threat of COVID-19.
According to Badong, priests would be the ones who would approach the faithful to “sprinkle the ashes”. Badong also said that priests would also be the ones who would approach the faithful during Holy Communion.
“They need not fall in line because the lay minister or priest will go to them to sprinkle the ashes on head. The minister go to them to distribute communion…we want less movement,” Badong said.
In addition, Badong said that they’re also ready to accommodate more people inside the Quiapo Church as they’re just waiting for the signal as to when they’re allowed to accommodate 500 people inside the church.
READ ALSO: How To Celebrate Ash Wednesday Amid Pandemic – CBCP
Meanwhile, Father Victorino Cueto of Baclaran Church said in a separate radio interview that they’ll slowly increase the number of faithful inside the Baclaran church as a safety precaution.
On Ash Wednesday, he said that they’re also planning to increase the number of security guards and ushers to guide the faithful and impose the minimum health standard.
Starting February 15, churches in Manila will be allowed to open up to 50% of their capacity for worshippers.
The Philippine government’s COVID-19 task force had eased the current limit of 30% of capacity for churches in areas under the general community quarantine (GCQ).
In addition, authorities also allowed the opening of more businesses like museums, cinemas, and tourist places such as historical landmarks and theme parks.
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