Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David has issued special instructions to lessen direct contact among the faithful as part of measures to stop the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus or coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The Lenten season is the time for Catholics to meditate on the passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ by praying, doing penance and performing works of mercy.
Lent begins next week – Wednesday, February 26.
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The instructions, include sprinkling of holy water by priests or lay ministers on mass goers. With this, church ministers will leave holy water receptacles by the church doors empty.
Instead of imposing ash on foreheads, priests of lay ministers will strew or sprinkle a pinch of dry ash on the crown or top of heads.
“In place of shaking hands for the sign of peace, a reverent bow towards each other will be enough,” the bishop said.
Instead of taking the hand of the priests or of our elders for a blessing, the people can ask for a verbal blessing.
The priests can give their blessing by tapping on the head of the person with the back of the hand.
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There will be “Alkansya sa Kuwaresma” envelopes as an external sign of penance during Lent.
“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,” said David.
