HOLY WEEK is not cancelled because of the lockdown but there will be drastic changes following directives by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
UST Parish Priest Fr. Paul Reagan Talavera, O.P. told the Varsitarian that guidelines from the Vatican would also be observed.
According to a decree released by the Vatican last March 25, Easter cannot be cancelled or postponed because it is “the heart of the entire liturgical year and not simply one feast among others.”
The CBCP, in a circular letter released last March 2, instructed dioceses to livestream Holy Week rites, emphasizing Domus Ecclesiae or the “Church of the family.”
“[A]lmost everything and everyone is affected. Our social, economic and religious life are painfully hit by the ‘social distancing’ that is a necessity this time of pandemic to stem the transmission of the virus,” CBCP President Romulo Valles, the archbishop of Davao, said.
Priests will go around the streets of their parishes during Palm Sunday to bless palm fronds of the faithful in front of their homes. No Holy Water will be used during the blessing, as a precaution.
Chrism Mass will be held on Maundy Thursday but only the clergy will be allowed inside cathedral churches, observing physical distance, hygiene and sanitation.
For the rite of the “Washing of the Feet,” CBCP suggested that it be omitted, or the number of people whose feet will be washed be reduced.
The Visita Iglesia will be replaced by the procession of the Blessed Sacrament while the faithful wait at their houses with lighted candles.
Catholics may follow reflections on the Passion of the Lord on television or the internet before the Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday.
Easter Vigil will have a reduced number of readings as allowed by the Roman Missal. The Blessed Sacrament will be carried by the presider around the parish, instead of the traditional long procession of the Santo Entierro or the image of the interred Christ.
The faithful were urged to bring a statue of the Blessed Mother at their doors or windows during the Salubong rites at dawn on Easter Sunday.
Reach out to the poor during pandemic
The CBCP also urged Catholics to plan with the leaders of basic ecclesial communities and local communities on how to “translate the effects of the Celebrations of the Paschal Triduum” to the poor, as many were financially affected by the lockdown.
“The journey of Lent that culminates in Easter forms in us the new man and woman in the risen Lord. He strengthens us to live like him, giving oneself to love others especially the poor and the needy,” the CBCP circular read.
The Vatican instructed bishops to offer intentions for the sick, the dead, and those who feel lost or dismayed.
