MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) reminds members of the clergy and the faithful to celebrate Holy Week activities next week “with great caution” and avoid concelebrated Masses that could encourage large gatherings amid social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus disease.
The CBCP earlier recommended that priests go around the parish either to bless the palms on Palm Sunday, or bring the Blessed Sacrament and the Cross.
The circular signed by the CBCP President, Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, also indicated “omitting the sign of peace” and instead nodding or bowing one’s head for this part of the liturgy.
He said the Vatican guidelines emphasized that all Holy Week and Paschal Triduum celebrations be made available through radio, television and social media, and that their schedules be known and live coverage used so that the faithful can follow them.
—TINA G. SANTOS