The Archdiocese of Zamboanga announced that the religious activities during the Holy Week observance will push through with some modifications amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis.
Fr. Marciano Villagracia, Archdiocese of Zamboanga spokesperson, said Holy Week activities will start with Palm Sunday masses at the Metropolitan Immaculate Conception Cathedral (MICC) and in the parishes, but minus the parishioners or catholic faithful.
Villagracia said the Palm Sunday mass at the MICC will be celebrated by the Archbishop with the parish priest, assistant priests, lay ministers, commentators, lectors, and altar servers in attendance.
“Public masses are suspended but the Holy Week celebration will push through starting Sunday,” he said.
He advised the parishioners to raise and wave the palms they have prepared during the mass as the blessing will be done on live stream be it on television and radio.
“This will be done without the use of the holy water and only with the prescribed prayers of blessings,” he said, adding: “what is important is the blessing prayer.”
The Archdiocese spokesperson said there will be a Last Supper mass on Holy Thursday but no more washing of the feet.
Villagracia said that the way of the cross and “Bisita Iglesia” (church visits) were also canceled and that parishioners are encouraged to do the way of the cross live stream at home.
Villagracia said there will be veneration of the cross at 3 p.m. of Holy Friday sans the conduct of the Holy burial locally known as “Santo Entierro.”
On Black Saturday, Villagracia said the holding of the procession of Mother Dolorosa and afternoon vigil have been canceled except the Easter Vigil Mass.
“The blessing of the fire and procession of the candles are omitted,” he said, adding they will also do away with the early morning procession that highlights the “Domingo Encuentro” on Easter Sunday.
However, he said that the images of Jesus Christ and of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be placed at the altar and Easter Sunday masses will follow. (PNA)
