As Christendom begins the observance of the Holy Week, Ozamiz Archbishop Martin Jumoad has called on the public to follow and observe the safety measures being enforced by the government amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
“The observance of Palm Sunday is an opportunity to reflect on the example of Jesus who responded with obedience to the will of God the Father. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was in accordance and in obedience to the will of God the Father, where the faithful can find inspiration from, that is to be obedient in this time of crisis,” Jumoad said over Church-run Radio Veritas.
Christendom marked the first day of the Holy Week yesterday, Palm Sunday.
With the cancellation of public masses, the faithful heard the Palm Sunday mass online and on television. The virtual blessing of palm fronds or any branch with leaves in the absence of “palaspas” was held.
Jumoad urged the faithful “to have a meaningful Holy Week through social media as the commemoration of the Lord’s resurrection on Easter Sunday nears. Let us be obedient to the will of God, to listen to our conscience, to reflect, and to do our share in reaching out to others,” he said.
Holy Monday is traditionally observed with the holding of the three-day “pabasa,” particularly in the provinces where it has remained a common Holy Week observance.
This year, however, the religious custom might not be held because of the enhanced community quarantine which prohibits mass gatherings. (Christina Hermoso)
