With the onset of the Lenten season on Feb. 26, Ash Wednesday, the Catholic Church will observe precautionary measures against the threat of the corona virus disease (COVID)-19.
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) vice president Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David said, the Church will not suspend the observance of the traditional activities but will, instead, observe safety measures to help prevent the virus from further spreading.
“This season of Lent, we will still hold the holy masses and observe our traditional activities with caution. On Ash Wednesday, for example, instead of marking the faithful’s forehead with ashes, the ashes may be sprinkled on their heads,” David said over Church-run Radio Veritas.
“We also continue to suspend placing water in holy water fonts at the entrance of churches. The faithful may just wait for the priest to bless them with holy water after the mass,” the bishop said.
The Church, earlier, encouraged parishioners to receive holy communion by hand, to refrain from holding hands during the singing of the “Ama Namin” (Our Father), and not to kiss as they exchange peace greetings as well as to avoid kissing the ring of their bishop.
Overseas, the Diocese of Hong Kong and the Archdiocese of Singapore have suspended masses and other Church services as a protective measure against the COVID-19. (Christina I. Hermoso)