Bishops cancel activities for Holy Week

Apart from suspending the celebration of Holy Mass until April 14 to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus disease, Catholic bishops in Metro Manila have also decided to suspend religious activities during Holy Week in support

“Since the dates for the Metro Manila community quarantine will coincide with the last three Sundays of Lent and Holy Week, it would mean that the liturgical celebrations during those days, including Palm Sunday, the rest of the Holy Week and Easter Sunday, will not be open to the public,” they said in a pastoral statement released on Monday.

There will also be no public blessing of palms, the Visita Iglesia, Siete Palabras, Good Friday procession and Easter Salubong, they added.

“We will abide by the government’s directive to suspend all large gatherings from March 15 to April 14. So there will be no celebration of the Holy Mass with a large congregation within this period, plus other religious activities during the Holy Week which usually attract huge crowds of the faithful,” the bishops said.The order covers the Archdiocese of Manila and its suffragan dioceses of Cubao, Novaliches, Pasig, Caloocan, Parañaque, Antipolo and Malolos, and the military diocese.

Fr. Regie Malicdem, rector of Manila Cathedral, said that like the parishioners, members of the clergy were also sad that public religious celebrations, especially during Holy Week, had to be suspended.

“I’m sure people will be sad as we priests also are. But I’m sure that they will understand. Anyway, the private celebrations of Holy Week will be available online,” he said.

The bishops encouraged people to stay at home and follow Masses and Holy Week activities on television, radio or online.“Let us all be vigilant. We offer to the Lord the difficulties and uncertainties that confront us in the spirit of Lent, which is the spirit of fervent prayer, penance and generosity. We are assured of Easter. Life will overcome death. This virus will pass us by,” they added. INQ