Church Officials Urge Devotees To Physically Attend Ash Wednesday Mass
PHYSICALLY ATTEND ASH WEDNESDAY – Although not required, Church officials urged devotees to physically be present during Ash Wednesday rites.
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, several compromises have been made, especially when it comes to religious celebrations. As such, changes to the traditional Ash Wednesday celebration were imposed to ensure public safety.
As such, local government officials told residents that staying home and attending virtual masses would be optimal. Meanwhile, the churches said “take-home” ashes could be given to heads of households upon request.
However, when it comes to Ash Wednesday, parochial vicar of Quiapo Church, Douglas Badong said its better to be there in person. But, he clarified that they are not forcing people to do so.
Furthermore, Manila apostolic administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo stated that they still respect the devotee’s decisions if they choose to join virtual masses. Still, despite the pandemic, Pabillo was confident that devotees would physically attend masses.
Likewise, Jerome Secillano, executive director for public affairs of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said it would be up to the devotees if they wanted to be there in person. As per the article, he said:
But returning to the Lord does not only mean dying. It also means conversion, turning once again to God who is the lord of life
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