ILOILO City – Together with the whole family, spend the Holy Week at home and make it more meaningful.
The Archdiocese of Jaro issued this encouragement to the Catholic community while the movement of people is being restricted to preempt coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission.
People can still reflect within the comforts of their homes, according to Father Angelo Colada, director of social communications of the Archdiocese of Jaro.
Family members have the option to attend Masses and other worship services online.
“Isa ini ka pamaagi sang pagpamalandong, subong man bonding,” Colada said.
Also, the family can read the Bible and share the “Word of God” among members.
“Medyo namag-ohan kita sini nga butang pero madamo kita sang mahimu nga bagay nga makahulogan kag mabinungahon nga bal-an naton bala nga naga-angut man sa aton sa pagkabuhi bilang pamilya kag bilang community,” Colada told Panay News.
Visita Iglesia – a Holy Week practice where devotees visit and pray in at least seven churches – has also been called off.
Holy procession of saints was also suspended.
“In times of adversity, indi dapat mawad-an sang paglaum kag padayun lamang sa pagtuo sa Dios kag sa paghimakas sa kabuhi,” Colada said.
“Yes, nabudlayan kita pero damo pa sang mas nabudlayan sa aton. Pigado kita pero damo pa gid sang pigado nga nagakinahanglan sang bulig,” he added.
Colada also reminded the public to always observe minimum health protocols such as wearing of facemask and face shield, washing of hands and social distancing.
The Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral announced this schedule of activities the faithful can attend via Facebook Live:
* Holy Monday (March 29) – Mass at 5:30 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.
* Holy Tuesday (March 30) – Mass at 5:30 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.
* Holy Wednesday (April 1) – Mass at 5:30 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.
* Maundy Thursday (April 2) – Chrism Mass at 7 a.m. and Mass of the Lord’s Last Supper at 5 p.m.
* Good Friday (April 3) – Stations of the Cross (stationary) at 6 a.m.; Siete Palabras from 12 noon to 3 p.m.; and commemoration of Christ’s life, passion, death, and resurrection at 4 p.m.
* Black Saturday – Bihilya sang Paskwa at 8 p.m.
* Easter Sunday – encuentro or dampog (stationary) at 4:30 a.m. and Masses from 5 a.m., 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 noon, 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m.
DOH, CITY GOV’T JOINS CALL
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) in Region 6 through its spokesperson Dr. Jane Juanico echoed the Church’s call.
“As much as possible we only encourage you to stay at home if there are no necessary activities outside. As much as possible we decrease our mobility,” said Juanico.
Juanico stressed avoiding crowded places means avoiding possible virus transmission, too.
However, while there are still those who will go outdoors, Juanico reiterated that minimum public health standards must be observed.
Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City, on the other hand, said the observance of Holy Week is very timely especially with the increasing cases of COVID-19.
“Kinahanglan gid naton nga magpamalandong kay we have seen ang cases sa Metro Manila. Halong lang kita kag continue observing health protocols. If possible, indi lang maguwa sa balay kay para maproteksyunan ta ang aton mga pamilya,” Treñas emphasized.
Iloilo’s Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., meantime, underscored the importance of reflection this Lent, especially there is a COVID-19 pandemic.
“Usaron ta ni ang kahigayunan nga mabalik na aton ang sang una nga waay kita nagahulag. The Holy Week is not really a time for activity. Mapaumod ta anay,” he stressed.
The governor also encouraged Ilonggos to dedicate their time with their family.
“Bal-an ko man nga talagsa lang man may kahigayunan ang aton pumoluyo nga magbakasyon pero para mapunggan naton ang COVID-19 transmission, mas maayo gid ang aton pamalandong ilimita anay naton sa aton pamilya, simbahan and panimalay,” Defensor added./PN
