Catholics flock to Quiapo, Baclaran churches on Ash Wednesday

Catholics flocked to Quiapo and Baclaran churches to receive ash crosses on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday, March 2.

Some devotees expressed their joy as they attended Mass for the first time in two years for the imposition of ashes on their foreheads, according to Joseph Morong's "24 Oras" report.

A long queue formed outside Quiapo Church in Manila, but they were reminded to observe social distancing.

“Masaya, siyempre nakapasok na kami dito sa simbahan. Salamat sa Panginoon, maluwag na tayo,” devotee Corazon Buan said.

(Of course, I am happy since we are now permitted to enter the church. Thank you, God, for the easing of the restrictions.)

Fr. Douglas Badong, parochial vicar of Quiapo Church, said some activities, including the public display of the Black Nazarene on Good Friday, will push through if Alert Level 1 is maintained in Metro Manila during Holy Week (April 10 to 16).

Social distancing was not observed by devotees who trooped to Baclaran Church in Parañaque City.

Some church staff quickly reminded them to follow safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In the midst of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has urged the faithful to fast and pray for peace on Ash Wednesday.

CBCP president Bishop Pablo Virgilio David deplored the ongoing conflict between the two countries, saying that the public must show solidarity with the people of Ukraine who "are now asking for prayers."

Pope Francis earlier called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and expressed his "most profound pain" for the country's suffering, the Ukrainian Embassy to the Vatican said. — Richa Noriega/VBL, GMA News