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Thursday, March 28, 2024

New normal: Use of cotton balls, sprinkling of ash for Holy Week

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This year’s Ash Wednesday would make use of cotton balls for the faithful who wish to have ash on their forehead, according to the guidelines issued by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines’ Episcopal Commission on Liturgy. 

Bishop Victor Bendico, chairperson of the commission, said Monday that in observance of existing health protocols, they have come up with options to put ash on the faithful. 

Among the new guidelines are the sprinkling of ashes on the head or using cotton balls to put ashes on the forehead of churchgoers. 

“One way is by sprinkling the ashes on the head of the faithful. For those who wish to have the ashes on their forehead, another way is by using cotton balls in applying ashes,” Bendico said. 

“Each of the faithful who wants to receive the imposition of ashes may approach the minister. The minister, with the aid of a cotton ball dipped into the vessel of the blessed ashes, traces the cross on the forehead of the faithful. The minister will use a different cotton ball for each of the faithful,” he added. 

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Since many Catholics are still unable to go to church for the Ash Wednesday celebration due to the limitations imposed by the government on church attendance, the CBCP has recommended that the faithful who could come to church be given a small plastic sachet containing blessed ashes that they, in turn, can impose to their family members. 

“Those who cannot come to church on this day may receive the ashes from family members who were able to go to church for the celebration,” he said. 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic started last year, the Catholic church has issued guidelines to help pastors and Christian communities in the proper celebration of the liturgy. 

Roman Catholics worldwide will celebrate Ash Wednesday on Feb. 17, marking the start of the Lenten Season.

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