Penitential Walk in Manila only for members of clergy
The faithful are not allowed to participate in the Penitential Walk activity of the Archdiocese of Manila on Tuesday, June 1.
The activity is only for the clergymen, said Quiapo Church Parochial Vicar Rev. Fr. Douglas Badong. This will be conducted from the Quiapo Church to the Sta Cruz Church.
"Linawin lang po natin, ito po ay gagawin, pangungunahan ng mga pari hindi po pupwedeng sumama ang mga tao (Let's be clear, this will be participated by the priests. The public is not allowed to participate)," said Badong in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas.
Badong noted that the activity is not a procession, which is a form of religious gathering.
"Para po hindi tayo masita na parang nangunguna tayo sa pagsuway, sa paglabag ng protocol kasi sabi nga po walang prusisyon so ito po ay hindi prusisyon kundi maglalakad lang po ang mga Pari papunta dun sa Sta. Cruz Church (So that we will not be called out for violating health protocols because as we said, it’s not a procession but priests walking together to Sta. Cruz Church),” he said.
Badong also noted that the activity is not a political rally but instead to ask God's help in addressing the ongoing pandemic.
"Hindi po ito political rally, ito po ay penitential walk, wala po itong kinalaman sa . Syempre kasama sa panalangin natin ang lahat ng lider na maging malinaw ang desisyon pero higit sa lahat ito po ay pagdulog sa Diyos na tayo po ay tulungan na makayanan natin at malampasan yung pinagdaraanan natin dulot ng pandemic (This is not a political rally, this is a penitential walk, it has nothing to do with politics. Of course we will include our leaders in our prayers, but it is mainly to ask God’s help for us to overcome the challenges brought about by the pandemic)," he said.
In a recent statement, Manila Archdiocese Apostolic Administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo encouraged the public to just participate online.
“We can all do these in our homes and even in our offices and places of work. Because of the health protocols, we cannot externally manifest this desire to humble ourselves. Let the priests, the spiritual leaders of your parishes, schools, and ministries, do this on behalf of the people while you join us online,” he said.