CBCP urges public to celebrate Palm Sunday at home

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) urged the public to follow the Palm Sunday celebration online or via television in the wake of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat.

According to GMA News’ COVID-19 Bulletin, CBCP spokesperson Fr. Jerome Secillano said Filipinos may hold their palm branches while the priest passes along and recites the prayer of blessing of palms.

Priests will go around the streets of their parishes during Palm Sunday to bless palm fronds of the faithful in front of their homes.

Meanwhile, the annual Visita Iglesia will be replaced by the procession of the Blessed Sacrament.

Secillano reminded the public that the essence of Holy Week is doing good to other people.

The Philippines has so far recorded a total of 2,084 cases of COVID-19 including 88 fatalities and 49 recoveries. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News