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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Priests to bless palm fronds virtually on Palm Sunday

Priests to bless palm fronds virtually on Palm Sunday

Published Mar 22, 2021 11:22 am

Since there will be no public Masses in some churches such as in Metro Manila for two weeks, the blessing of palm fronds on Palm Sunday will be done online.

(Unsplash)

Father Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines Public Affairs Committee, said since its virtual,  priests will bless the palms by offering words of prayer.

"The priest will still say Mass, read the Gospel, bless the palms not with holy water...but with words of prayer," he said in a radio interview on Monday, March 22.

The CBCP official said the faithful may also observe other Holy Week traditions online.

"Just stay home for the meantime. The processions, Visita Iglesia, and others can be done virtually," Secillano said.

He said the Way of the Cross may also be done without going to churches as religious radio stations will be having the Way of the Cross.

Secillano, however, stressed that churches in other areas will be opened to the public.

"This is only for dioceses affected by the Inter Agency Task Force resolution...in other provinces, there will be no such restrictions. The 50 percent capacity will still be allowed," he said.

On Sunday, Malacañang announced that Metro Manila and nearby provinces will be under a stricter general community quarantine, wherein religious gatherings shall be prohibited.

It will run from March 22 until April 4. 

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