Auxiliary Bishop Pabillo: Holy Week observation challenged by pandemic

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo remarked that this year's Holy Week is 'doubly special' due to the COVID-19 pandemic challenging the faithful to observe it with deeper faith.

He questioned the essence of Holy Week without traditional external practices like palms, singing of the Pasyon, Senakulo, Chrism Mass, Washing of the Feet, Visita Iglesia, Way of the Cross, Good Friday Veneration of the Cross, procession of the Santo Entierro, solemn Easter Vigil Mass, and the Salubong.

In response to the pandemic, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) suspended all public Holy Week activities.

The Archdiocese of Zamboanga announced modified Holy Week observances, which will proceed with certain adjustments.

Palm Sunday masses will occur without parishioners, and blessings will be done via live stream without holy water.

The Archdiocese canceled the washing of feet on Holy Thursday, the 'Visita Iglesia,' and the 'Santo Entierro' procession on Good Friday.

Easter Vigil Mass will still be held on Black Saturday, though the blessing of fire and procession of candles are omitted, as is the 'Domingo Encuentro' procession on Easter Sunday.