Guidelines for Ash Wednesday 2021 Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
ASH WEDNESDAY 2021 – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) issued guidelines on Ash Wednesday amid COVID-19 pandemic.
Nowadays, the way of celebrating occasions and commemorating events have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gatherings are prohibited now as part of the efforts to curb the spread of infection.
Even church events have changed. Social distancing must be practiced everywhere including churches and the churches are willing to help the government in the implementation of the protocols and the fight against the pandemic.
In fact, the Catholic Church has offered its areas for the COVID-19 vaccinations. There are spaces that can be used by the public.
This year’s Ash Wednesday will fall on February 17, 2021. Like the other religious events, there are also changes. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has released guidelines.
Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, the ashes that will be used for the Ash Wednesday 2021 will be made from dried leaves and branches “since many parishes will find it difficult to secure old palm branches blessed in the celebration of Palm Sunday of 2020”.
Also, the episcopal commission suggested that the faithful who can come to the church on Ash Wednesday may be given a small plastic sachet with blessed ashes that the person can impose on the family members at home.
Based on the report, those who cannot personally go to the church may attend the mass for Ash Wednesday 2021 through online platforms or the television. The CBCP will be providing guidelines for the imposition of the ashes at home and a family prayer.
“The minister, with the aid of a cotton ball dipped into the vessel of the blessed ashes, traces the cross on the forehead of the faithful. The minister uses a different cotton ball for each of the faithful,” stated.
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