The Department of Health (DOH) is no longer preventing the public from kissing religious images this Holy Day even though the number of COVID-19 cases is slightly increasing — but they won’t support penance and crucifixion.
It will be remembered that it was only in 2022 that the DOH notified the Catholic Church to first stop activities such as kissing statues as well as crucifixion, especially in the middle of the pandemic, this while there are other ways to show religious vows.
“‘Yung flagellation, ‘yung pagpapako sa krus, we do not encourage and we really do not… push for or support these kinds of activities during the Lenten season,” said DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire, Tuesday.
“Unang-una, ang maaari niyong makuha kapag kayo ay nagpapapako sa krus ay tetano. Maaaring… matetano rin kayo ‘yung flagellation, ‘yng hinahampas kasi minsan may mga pako rin ‘yung mga dulo ng pang-hampas.”
“So we discourage this.”
Vergeire said it could also lead to various types of infections that can potentially affect a wide body area.
Christmas can also result in bruises and sprains, apart from breaking small bones in the hands and feet.
‘Pahalik’ allowed this Holy Week
Filipinos are nailed and beaten every Holy Week for various reasons — some to atone for their sins, to give thanks, or perhaps to keep a vow.
According to the DOH official, finding another way to show faith this holiday season is better to avoid any adverse health effects.
Meanwhile, there is currently no ban on kissing images this Holy Week. Despite this, there are ways to make it safer.
“‘Yun pong ating paghahalik sa mga poon, wala ho tayong restriction ngayon. Katulad nga ng sabi ko, maaari po nating gawin kung ano po ‘yung mga usual na ginagawa natin. Dapat lang ang bawat isa sa atin alam kung paano tayo mag-iingat,” added Vergeire.
“So it wil be up to each and every person, bawat Pilipino, na isipin kung sa tingin nila kapag hu malik sila ay sila ay sila ay magiging safe, maaari po nilang gawin ‘yon. Pero kung kayo naman po ay sa tingin niyo hindi kayo magiging safe, don’t do that. Just as long as you know how to protect yourself.”
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