By Christina Hermoso and Leslie Ann Aquino
Manila, Feb 22, 2020: To reduce the risk of transmission of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has recommended the sprinkling of blessed ash on the crown of the head instead of marking with ash the foreheads of the faithful during the observance of Ash Wednesday.
CBCP president Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles stated this in a circular letter addressed to bishops and diocesan administrators.
Valles said this was not an innovation but in accord with the ancient practice of the Church.
“In baptism, we have been anointed on the crown of the head. The ashes to be imposed on the crown signify our repentance from sin, which has marred the grace of baptism,” he said.
Bishop Honesto F. Ongtioco of Cubao expressed support to the idea of sprinkling the ashes on one’s head instead of placing the ashes on the forehead this Ash Wednesday.
“This Ash Wednesday, instead of the customary marking of the faithful’s forehead with ashes, I support the idea of sprinkling the ashes on the head to avoid contact. This practice is done in the Old Testament as well as in Italy, and in some countries in Latin America,” Ongtioco said over Church-run Radio Veritas.
“In the Old Testament, the people sprinkled their heads with ashes as a form of sacrifice. So, this is what we will do, sprinkle the ashes on the head as a sign of humility,” Ongtioco said.
CBCP vice president Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, earlier, suggested the sprinkling of ashes on the head of the faithful this Ash Wednesday as a safety measure against the life-threatening viral disease.
The Catholic Church will observe Ash Wednesday on February 26, the start of the 40-day season of Lent.
Bishop Ongtioco, likewise, released a circular reminding the parishes to take precautionary measures against the COVID-19 this Lenten season when more people are expected in churches as well as to pray the Oratio Imperata against COVID-19 that was released by the CBCP.
“I am urging the faithful to take extra precaution to help prevent the spread of the virus. I continue to encourage them to take communion by hand, not to hold hands during the singing of the Ama Namin, and to refrain from shaking hands or kissing when exchanging peace. The water fonts in church entrances will also be kept empty for now,” the bishop said.
The CBCP also recommended that the faithful refrain from kissing or touching the cross during the Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday.
Instead of kissing or touching the cross, Valles said the faithful are requested to genuflect or make a profound bow as they venerate the Cross.
The CBCP issued the liturgical guidelines days before the observance of Ash Wednesday.
“As we begin the season of Lent, we are reminded of the constant call for renewal in our Christian life by self-control (fasting and abstinence), generosity and charity (almsgiving) and prayer,” Valles said. “Our charity is also expressed in our concern for the well-being of our brothers and sisters, thus our utmost care and efforts towards the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.”
Source: news.mb.com.ph