DOH: Avoid 'pahalik' and crucifixion during Holy Week

Catholic faithfuls attend mass on the observance of Ash Wednesday at a church in Manila on March 2, 2022.

AFP / Ted Aljibe

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health asked Catholic devotees to avoid kissing images of Christ during Holy Week to prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.

“We advise and request our churches kung maaari po itong practice na ito ay hindi muna natin ipatupad. Meron naman tayong ibang bagay or ways kung paano makakapag-show ng devotion,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a briefing Tuesday.

(We advise and request our churches to disallow this practice for now. There are other ways to show our devotion.)

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/04/05/2172449/doh-avoid-pahalik-and-crucifixion-during-holy-week