Church authorities will impose changes in the conduct of processions when the traditional Peñafrancia festivities resume in the city of Naga this year.
This is to protect the well-being of devotees, pilgrims and public as the Covid-19 pandemic remains a serious threat.
In a circular released Wednesday, Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona of Caceres said that the images of Our Lady of Peñafrancia and Divino Rostro will be mounted on vehicles during the Traslacion.
During the fluvial procession, he said that devotees who will be allowed on the pagoda will also be limited.
“Kissing and touching the images will not be allowed at all time,” CBCP News quoted Tirona in his circular.
More details in the coming weeks as the archdiocese prepares for the festivities of the Divino Rostro on Aug. 31 to Sept. 9 and Our Lady of Penafrancia on Sept. 8 to 10.
“We look forward to a solemn and meaningful celebration, cognizant of the need to observe basic health protocols,” he said.
This year’s celebration will reflect on the theme “Mary accompanies us in our journey towards a synodal Church."
“May the coming celebration of the feast of the Divino Rostro and Ina open our hearts and minds to the Holy Spirit so we can imitate Mary in our journey towards the Father,” the archbishop said.