The Quezon City government and the Bishops of Dioceses of Cubao and Novaliches have agreed to limit their activities in line with the Holy Week to help quell the rise in the number of COVID-19 cases.
Mayor Joy Belmonte met with Bishops Roberto Gaa and Honesto Ongtioco of the Diocese of Novaliches and Cubao, respectively, and agreed to implement restrictions in the observance of the Holy Week to begin on March 28 and end on April 4.
The bishops agreed to prohibit the conduct of penitentia or traditional penance involving self-flagellation, crucifixion or self-infliction of pain, she said.
Physical gatherings for “pabasa” or reading of the passion of Christ is prohibited, while virtual or online “pabasa” is encouraged, she noted.
The traditional “visita Iglesia” or station of the cross is also encouraged to be practiced online, she said.
A public gathering for “palaspas” or Palm Sunday on March 28 and “salubong” or the welcoming of the risen Christ on Easter Sunday will be suspended.
“I know that these traditions have been here for the longest time but let us set them aside in the meantime while the virus is still here, and that cases are rising,” Belmonte said.
Upon the request of the prelates, processions of religious images will be allowed provided these are limited to a convoy of three vehicles and there will be no audience or parishioners following on foot.
A livestreaming of the procession may be conducted.