Quick guide to online Masses, Lenten activities this Holy Week

As Metro Manila and neighboring areas go under another enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and the country experiences daily record surge in COVID-19 cases, Filipino Catholics are urged to observe the Holy Week from their homes.

If you’re looking for ways to continue the tradition while keeping safe, here are a few activities you can do:

1. Stations of the Cross at home

Catholic families can do the Station of the Cross in their own homes. They can create makeshift stations and set up candles to recreate the solemn ritual.

2. Virtual Visita Iglesia

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is offering an online Visita Iglesia. With the tool, the faithful can virtually visit several churches all over the country.

3. Online Masses

Many churches all over the country are preparing virtual Masses so the public can still partake in the solemn tradition even when they’re at home. You may check if your community church has livestreams, or visit the following links:

Pope Francis’ Holy Week rites

Manila Cathedral

Santisimo Rosario-UST

San Fernando de Dilao Parish in Paco, Manila

From March 29 to April 4, areas covered by NCR Plus—Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal—will be placed under ECQ, which prohibits mass gatherings, including religious activities that were previously allowed. – RC, GMA News