Holy Week processions which have been long-time Filipino tradition will not be allowed again this year.
In a letter to all clergy and the faithful of the Diocese of Antipolo posted on the social media sites of the diocese and the respective Facebook pages of the parishes, Bishop Francis De Leon recalled his earlier statement issued on February 24 allowing religious processions during the observance of Lent.
De Leon pointed to the uncontrolled crowd that may cause a spike in Covid-19 cases and the rising fuel prices as the two reasons behind the prohibition of processions and motorcades during the Lenten season.
De Leon said: "I retract my statement, and instead, processions, including motorcades will be prohibited for the following reasons:
1. If the crowd is not controlled, it may elevate the COVID-19 cases
2. We must take into account the recent increase in gasoline prices
During the height of lockdowns and quarantine restrictions from 2020 to 2021, some parishes in the diocese, that include the entire Rizal Province and Marikina City in Metro Manila, resorted to holding motorcades in lieu of processions, especially during Holy Week and feast days of patron saints.
Tthe National Shrine of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, otherwise known as the Antipolo Cathedral and the Antipolo City government, had earlier announced the cancellation of the "Penitential Walk" or "Alay Lakad," a Holy Thursday and Good Friday tradition in the city, this year.