Church to faithful: Physically attend Ash Wednesday rites

MANILA, Philippines — Church officials yesterday urged the faithful to attend masses today as Roman Catholics observe Ash Wednesday, which ushers in the observance of Lent leading up to Holy Week.

Douglas Badong, parochial vicar of Quiapo Church, clarified they are not forcing people to physically attend masses, but said it would be better if they go to church.

Badong said the Quiapo Church is ready to accept 50 percent of the church’s capacity, referring to the allowed number of attendees for religious gatherings.

Manila apostolic administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo said they respect the decision of the faithful if they will choose to attend virtual masses on Ash Wednesday.

While it is not an obligation of the faithful to attend mass for Ash Wednesday, Pabillo expressed confidence that devotees would still go to church amid the pandemic.

Jerome Secillano, executive director for public affairs of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said it is up to the faithful whether or not to attend physical masses.

He said this yearCs Holy Week reminds the faithful of their mortality, adding that severything will come to an end, including the coronavirus disease.e

“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, Secillano said.

Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara said the Lenten season is important for a Christian to prepare for the 40-day suffering of Jesus Christ.

Vergara said they would follow the recommendation of the CBCP to just sprinkle ash on the head instead of the traditional daubing on the forehead.