E. Samar parish to observe Lenten rituals despite COVID-19
BORONGAN CITY, April 8 (PIA) — The Seven Dolors of Hernani Parish will continue to observe Lenten rituals this Holy Week amid the COVID-19 through online platform.
Rev. Father Joseph A. Nicolas, parish priest of Seven Dolors said that he will continue to celebrate the Lenten rituals despite the absence of his congregation.
“The celebration of the Lenten rituals, masses will continue without the congregation because people are not allowed to go to church, but they still can participate through an online facebook live streaming,” Nicolas added.
“For those near the church, they can listen to the church loud speakers for the celebration of the Lenten rituals,” he added.
“It is very difficult for me to accept that I am not allowed to hear mass, in fact, I ended up with tears,” Mrs. Pracita C. Martinez, a devout Marian said.
Most Reverend Bishop Crispin B. Varquez, D.D., issued Circular No. 03-2020 dated March 20, 2020 implementing the suspension of all public masses in the churches of the Diocese starting March 21, 2020.
“This is to limit the mobility of our people and the possibility of viral transmission, I hereby decree that all public masses and the public liturgical celebrations in all parishes and ecclesial communities be suspended starting March 21, 2020,” the circular said.
The Bishop also reminded the faithful that they can take part in the liturgical celebrations through other various means like TV, radio or online broadcasts in Facebook and Youtube.
“Masses will continue to be offered for the intentions of the faithful and especially for our immediate deliverance from the pandemic COVID-19,” Varquez further said.
On Palm Sunday which commemorates Jesus triumphant entrance to Jerusalem, signalling the beginning of the Holy Week, Fr. Nicolas celebrated the Palm Sunday Mass without the congregation.
“What we did, palm leaves were put in the church seats and I blessed them before the mass.
“I feel very sad and I am not comfortable to celebrate Holy Eucharist without my congregation but I have to obey the Bishop for the safety of our people,” Fr. Nicolas said.
Fr. Nicolas disclosed that this Holy Thursday, there will be no Last Supper, Vigil by Confraternity or catholic organizations, and Washing of the feet of the Apostles.
On Good Friday, the people can participate in the Station of the Cross in their homes just by listening to the church speaker or online.
He also said that Kissing of the Cross is omitted, but the people can participate in the Adoration of the Cross and this will be done through online, live streaming on facebook and church speakers.
On Black Saturday and Easter Sunday, the people can participate online and church speakers, but on the evening of Black Saturday, the preparation and lighting of the fire is omitted.
The people can still participate in the Holy Mass by lighting candles at home as a symbol of oneness of faith and to receive the light. (nbq/SDC/PIA-E. Samar)
source https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1038432