BACOLOD CITY –– The Diocese of Bacolod has come up with options to ensure the safety of people during Ash Wednesday on Feb. 17.
Among these are sprinkling the ashes on the head of the faithful, and for those who prefer to have it on their forehead, the tracing of ashes using a cotton ball dipped in the vessel of the blessed ashes.
The minister should use a different cotton ball for each of the faithful.
If both options are not feasible, the faithful would be allowed to “self-impose” the ashes on their forehead provided that the proper sanitation of the hands is done, the Commission said.
If a faithful prefers this option, a vessel of blessed ashes will be prepared for them in a separate corner and a minister stationed to instruct the faithful during the imposition and sanitation.
Those who could not come to the church could join the celebration of the Mass of Ash Wednesday on TV or by other online means, the Commission said.