The Diocese of Caloocan will do away with the traditional marking of the cross on the forehead in Masses for Ash Wednesday as part of efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“In place of imposing wet ashes on the foreheads of the faithful, we can sprinkle a pinch of dry ashes on the crown or the top of their heads,” Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

He added that in place of holy water at the entrance doors, holy water can just be sprinkled on the faithful by the priests and lay ministers during the recessional.

David said during the sign of peace in Masses, the people are encouraged to just vow their heads towards each other.

“Instead of taking the hand of the priests or of our elders for a blessing, individuals can ask for the blessing verbally (as in saying ‘pa-bless po’) and receive it verbally as well, such as ‘God bless you’,” he added.

David also called on those who are fasting to just donate the money they saved.

“The money saved from fasting and acts of penance can be put in the “Alkansya” and dropped in the collection bags or offered during the Presentation of Gifts at any Sunday of Lent. They will be disbursed only for the corporal works of mercy: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, engage in relief work for calamity victims, bury the dead, shelter the homeless, assist prisoners, care for the sick,” he said.

On February 26, Catholics around the world will commemorate Ash Wednesday which marks the start of the 40-day season of Lent.

The Covid-19 has killed over 1,000 people, mostly in China, and has affected other countries. (PNA)