THE UNIVERSITY will follow guidelines released by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and the Archdiocese of Manila, allowing the sprinkling of dry ashes on top of the head on Ash Wednesday as a precaution against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
“In compliance with existing health precautions, the imposition of ashes during the University Mass for Ash Wednesday shall be done by dropping or sprinkling a small portion of blessed ash on the crown of the head of penitents,” the UST Center for Campus Ministry’s Facebook post read.
The liturgical guidelines were also posted on the Facebook page and bulletin boards of the UST Santisimo Rosario Parish.
“The posts [regarding Ash Wednesday] are available at the bulletin boards [inside the Parish]. If you attended the Mass last Sunday, announcements were made in all masses,” UST Parish Priest Fr. Paul Reagan Talavera told the Varsitarian.
Fr. Napoleon Sipalay Jr., O.P., prior provincial of the Dominican Province in the Philippines, will lead the Eucharistic celebration for Ash Wednesday on Feb. 26 at Plaza Mayor.
According to CBCP President Archbishop Romulo Valles, the ashes imposed on the forehead “signify our repentance from sin, which has marred the grace of Baptism.”
“This is not an innovation but in accord with the ancient practice of the Church,” Archbishop Valles wrote.
The CBCP urged the faithful to “refrain” from kissing or touching the cross for veneration and instead “to genuflect or make a profound bow as they venerate the Cross” on Good Friday, during the celebration of the Passion of the Lord.
Last month, the CBCP and the Archdiocese of Manila issued an “oratio imperata” against the spread of COVID-19, and suggested that communion in the hand “be practiced ordinarily.”
They also discouraged parishioners from holding hands when they pray the “Our Father” during the Mass. Ma. Alena O. Castillo with reports from Joenner Paulo L. Enriquez
