The local government of Quezon City and bishops of the Dioceses of Cubao and Novaliches on Thursday agreed to limit Lenten activities to help prevent the transmission of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the city.
Mayor Joy Belmonte met with Bishop Robert Gaa of the Diocese of Novaliches and Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of the Diocese of Cubao, and both prelates agreed to implement restrictions during the Holy Week that will begin on March 28 until April 4.
Public gatherings for Palm Sunday or "Palaspas" on March 28 and the "Salubong" or the welcoming of the risen Christ on Easter Sunday will be suspended.
The two sides also agreed to prohibit the conduct of “Penitentia” or traditional penance, such as self-flagellation and crucifixion.
Meanwhile, devout Catholics are encouraged to practice the traditional Visita Iglesia and visits to Stations of the Cross online. Physical gathering during “Pabasa” or the reading of the Passion of Christ is also prohibited.
As requested by the bishops, the procession of religious images will be allowed, provided that this will be limited to a convoy of three vehicles and that there will be no parishioners following on foot. Livestreaming of the procession may be conducted for the devotees who cannot join.
“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 (I know that we have this tradition for a long time. But we have nothing to do, except set it aside while the virus is still here and our cases are increasing rapidly),” Belmonte said.