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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Churches to limit songs during Holy Week Mass

Churches to limit songs during Holy Week Mass

Published Mar 26, 2021 05:31 pm

Expect some changes when you attend a Mass this Holy Week—especially in Metro Manila.

(UNSPLASH / MANILA BULLETIN)

To prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a limited number of songs will be sung during the Mass.

"The songs will not be the same as in the normal celebration of Holy Week. There will be limited songs that will have to be sang during the celebration to prevent spreading the virus through singing," Father Genaro Diwa of the Ministry of Liturgical Affairs of the Archdiocese of Manila said during the Department of Health forum on Friday, March 26.

He added that only one cantor and instrumentalist will be allowed in all celebrations.

Diwa said they were also asked by the Inter Agency Task Force not to use their public address systems and monitors outside the church.

"We were also asked not to use the trompa, the loudspeaker outside the church... and also to turn off all our LED screens or monitor so that people will not be tempted to stay outside of the  church," he said.

When asked if there will still be the traditional Washing of the Feet on Holy Thursday, Diwa said the Vatican has already suggested to forego this due to the pandemic.

The priest met with the IATF this week to make an appeal if they can be granted an allowance of at least 10 percent church attendance.

This was following the decision of the IATF to ban religious gatherings in general community quarantine areas such as Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

On March 26, the IATF allowed once-a-day religious gatherings in 'NCR Plus' areas from April 1 to 4, 2021, with 10 percent maximum seating capacity.

Gatherings outside the venue are  not allowed.

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