key: cord-1014232-31g6tvs7
authors: Cordero Jr, Dalmacito A
title: Different faces but the same meaning: creative ritual practices during the COVID-19 pandemic
date: 2021-03-30
journal: J Public Health (Oxf)
DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdab108
sha: 5cd12a71b82a95d2e5f84eb28930177ad2d4b58f
doc_id: 1014232
cord_uid: 31g6tvs7

nan

To the editor In a recent correspondence published in this journal, the authors argued that creative ritual practices like taking home of ashes and the launching of digital Lenten ashes filter have changed the landscape of faith-based practices, and this implied trans-local participation of the Catholic community as witnesses of faith while upkeeping public health. 1 These 'creative ways' of religious rituals/practices have already started since the breakout of coronavrus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In the Philippines, regular online celebration of Masses was held in place of the face-to-face setup and when the restriction is relaxed, the 30% capacity for churches has increased to 50% last February 2021. 2 The usual wellattended annual procession during the feast of the Black Nazarene was also canceled and 15 Masses were just held instead at the Quiapo Church with only 400 attendees allowed for each time slot. 3 The 'pahalik' ritual or kissing of the image was likewise scratched to prevent the spread of the virus. Changing the landscapes of death and burial practices by the bereaved families of patients who died of COVID-19 was also considered. 4 For the remaining days of the Lenten season, it is certain that other 'creative ways' will be applied or canceled temporarily for preventive measures. These rituals may include the Linggo ng Palaspas (Palm Sunday), Pabasa ng Pasyon (Reading of the Passion), Daan ng Krus (Stations of the Cross), Pitong Huling Wika (Seven Last Words), Visita Iglesia (Seven Churches Visitation) and Salubong (Encounter/Meeting between the Blessed Virgin Mary and the resurrected Christ). With this, a significant question arises, will these ways a ect religiosity and lessen the high level of identity of Filipinos as devout Catholics? I, therefore, emphasize three points in this paper. First, these creative faith-based practices/rituals are not in contradictory nor a factor to consider that weakens the religiosity of Filipinos. They are simply 'adjustments' initiated by the Church for the sake of public health, thus, for the good of everyone. Bishop Broderick Pabillo, the Apostolic Administrator of Manila, firmly explains out that we now have a different way of expressing our devotion to God. He emphasizes that 'Even though not all of us are physically present in our Mass . . . through our prayers, even if we are only inside our homes, through online, we are approaching God and Jesus who is the expression of God's love towards us'. 5 Second, these ways can still lead us to take part actively in this season through active participation in various charitable ways as suggested by pastors. Catholics can share with the poor the food and money they will save while fasting or abstaining from meat and other luxuries. All parishes in the archdiocese will hold a second collection for all Sundays of Lent and the proceeds will be remitted to Caritas Manila, the archdiocese's social arm, for their relief and emergency response and humanitarian aid. Those who cannot attend Masses physically can also join Caritas Manila's 'Alay Kapwa 40 for 40 Challenge' where one can set aside PhP40 ($0.82) for each of Lent's 40 days. Meanwhile, 'Pondo ng Pinoy' Community Foundation is also relaunching its Fast2Feed program which will help fund the 'Hapag-Asa' Integrated Nutrition Program. This program seeks to reduce malnutrition prevalence among Filipino children and lactating mothers through supplemental feeding. 6 Lastly, let us not forget that the meaning of holy week does not depend on the quality of participation by the faithful. Holy week remains 'holy' because of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and this reality is constant no matter what kind of attitude or participation are exhibited in the celebration. As Fr. Jerome Secillano clarified, Holy Week 'should not be less holy since what makes it holy is the sacrifice of Christ and not the participation of people'. 7 It is a matter of directing our full attention to what is essential as of the moment without losing our fervor to express our faith in God.

Take-home and digital Lenten filter ashes for Ash Wednesday: creative ritual practices of faith during COVID-19 pandemic

OKs 50% Capacity for Religious Gatherings in GCQ Areas Starting