The Quezon City government and the Bishops of Dioceses of Cubao and Novaliches among others have agreed to limit the activities in line with the Holy Week to help quell the rise in the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
Mayor Joy Belmonte met today with Bishops Roberto Gaa and Honesto Ongtioco of the Diocese of Novaliches and Cubao, respectively, and agreed to implement some restrictions in the observance of the Holy Week, which will begin on March 28 until April 4.
Belmonte said the Bishops agreed to prohibit the conduct of penitentia or traditional penance involving self-flagellation, crucifixion or self-infliction of pain.
Physical gatherings for pabasa or reading of the passion of Christ is prohibited. Virtual or online pabasa is instead encouraged.
The traditional Visita Iglesia or Stations of the Cross are also encouraged to be practiced online, she added.
Public gatherings for palaspas or Palm Sunday on March 28 and salubong or the welcoming of the risen Christ on Easter Sunday shall be suspended.
“Alam kong matagal na nating itong tradisyon subalit wala tayong magagawa kundi pansamantala itong isantabi habang naririto pa ang virus at mabilis ang pagtaas ng mga kaso natin,” said Belmonte.
Upon the request of the Bishops, processions of religious images shall be allowed provided that these be limited to a convoy of three vehicles and there shall be no audience or parishioners following on foot. Instead, livestreaming of the procession may be conducted.
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