Despite the re-cancellation of some rituals of penance during Semana Santa, such as crucifixion, senakulo, and self-flagellation, other forms of faith are still alive in Angeles City, Pampanga.
Filipinos participate in activities such as passion reading and even the lifting of the cross.
In Barangay Lourdes Sur, several Catholics can be seen on the area’s streets barefoot and carrying a nearly 15-foot-long wooden cross.
Their faces are covered, they have a crown of leaves on their heads, and they are also wearing clothes similar to what Jesus Christ wore when He was crucified. They usually go around some churches to pray after carrying the cross.
Aside from Angeles City, the local government of San Fernando City has already banned crucifixion and others.
A reminder of the Catholic Church, the most important thing is to pray, meditate and ask for forgiveness for our sins, especially this Holy Week.
Meanwhile, it is essential for participants in this Easter procession that they should receive booster shots against COVID-19, according to some experts.
According to Dr. Rontgene Solante, an infectious disease expert, those without COVID-19 booster shots are vulnerable, especially senior citizens.
Dr. Maricar Limpin, president of the Philippine College of Physicians, said if the participants have received booster shots but want to join the processions, they should wear the facemask properly and stay away from the flow of people.
Crucifixion still forbidden this Easter
She advised those who take vacations and take public transport this Easter that it is better not to eat while in the vehicle and wear a facemask properly.
The Department of Health (DOH) is already seeing a flattening of COVID-19 cases across the Philippines after once again recording a lower number of new cases last week compared to its predecessor.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire explained that the number of COVID cases on April 5-11 was 26% lower at 1,903 or 271 cases per day than March 29-April 4.
It also recorded a total of 3,594,516 patients who recovered from the disease, while the death toll stood at 59,777.
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