Archdiocesan Liturgical Directives:
LITURGICAL CELEBRATION OF HOLY WEEK AND EASTER 2022 IN TIME OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC
This current directive is to give instructions to the important celebrations of the Holy Week and Easter 2022 in the midst of the ongoing threat of the Covid-19 pandemic. All these directives on the liturgical celebrations of the Church during this world crisis should help us find the balance between the worthy celebrations of the Paschal Triduum, the heart of our Christian faith and life, and the call of our health and civil authorities to help stem the rapid transmission of the virus. These directives are updated modifications of communicated instructions from the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments (“Decree in time of Covid-19”) and the CBCP’s Episcopal Commission on Liturgy.
The IATF has placed the Province of Pampanga under “Alert Level 1” (from 01- 15 March 2022) that allowing a greater number of people in public gatherings but with adherence to minimum health protocols. It is within these parameters that these liturgical directives for Holy Week and Easter 2022 in time of the Covid-19 pandemic are issued.
All are enjoined to abide by the stringent policy of the Government on “Social Distancing” and the use of face masks during church services. We continue to sanitize our churches every after liturgical celebrations and provide alcohol for the sanitation of our faithful.
PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD
1. “The commemoration of the Lord’s Entrance into Jerusalem is to be celebrated within sacred buildings.”
2. Therefore, the liturgy of Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord should NOT be celebrated in malls, club houses, function halls, private mansions…These are not sacred buildings.
3. In big churches like “In the cathedral the second form given in the Roman Missal is to be adopted” in a modified way. Since the blessing of the Palm branches is in this form, it may be used at the Entrance rite when the presider is already in the sanctuary. The faithful must be seated already or in their places.
4. The priest may also begin the celebration at the door of the church. The faithful however will remain in their places. The priest with a few ministers will represent the assembly in the act of procession.
5. In smaller parish churches and other sacred buildings the third form is used.
6. The blessing of palms outside the church with procession to the church is not used.
7. The Blessing of the Palm branches is done at the Entrance Rite when the presider is already in the sanctuary. The faithful must be in their places before the beginning of the celebration. NO need to sprinkle holy water. The proclamation of the Word of God and the prayer of blessing suffice to impart the blessing.
8. When there is not enough palm branches, any leaf or plant branch may be used.
9. When the faithful follow the liturgical celebration through live-streaming, the blessing of their palms or any leaf branches is imparted by the scriptural reading and the Prayer of Blessing. There is no need for holy water for the blessing of their palm or leaf branches.
10. For the proclamation of the Passion Narrative, it is enough that there are two lectors/readers, and the priest-presider each given the proper roles of the characters in the Gospel narration.
11. “Bishops and priests celebrate the Holy Week,… avoiding concelebration.”
12. There should be a live streaming of the liturgy of Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion in the Cathedral and Parish Churches. Live-stream liturgical celebration means actual, real-time celebration, not pre-recorded, not even recorded readings, etc.
13. No motorcade, house to house blessing of palms in exclusive subdivisions, villages and private mansions.
14. Where it is not possible to celebrate Mass, there should be held a Liturgy of the Word about the Lord’s Messianic entry and his Passion, either on the Saturday evening or at a suitable time on Sunday. Palms and leaf branches are NOT to be blessed without at least such a Liturgy of the Word. The faithful should be informed beforehand that there is NO individual blessing of Palms or leaf branches after the Mass at the sacristy or sanctuary.
15. Other celebrations are NOT permitted, NOT even funeral masses.
HOLY MONDAY, HOLY TUESDAY, & HOLY WEDNESDAY
1.Other celebrations are NOT permitted, with the exception of funeral masses. NO weddings Masses, and other ritual Masses and votive Masses.
2. The presentation of the Holy Oils can be done on one of the masses celebrated during these holy days.
3. In the event that a procession or preferably a motorcade is allowed on Holy Wednesday within the given locality:
- Coordination with the Local Government Unit (LGU) and barangay officials is needed.
- Limit the route of the procession or motorcade through roads or streets that will allow greater possibility for social distancing.
- Procession or motorcade marshals are necessary to maintain the safe distance of the participants of the procession.
- Do not use “andas” for the sacred images which need to be carried by people during procession because this will not ensure social distancing of those who carry such platform. Make use of “carosas” or vehicles instead to carry the sacred images. Take great care not to allow an opportunity for our faithful to congregate outside their homes.
- These directives should be omitted wherever strict lockdown is enforced.
- There should be live-streaming of the Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday and Holy Wednesday liturgies in the Cathedral and parish churches. Live-stream liturgical celebration means actual, real-time celebration, not pre-recorded, not even recorded readings, etc.
4. Devotions not related to the Holy Week must be omitted, v.g. Wednesday novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on First Friday of the Month.
EVENING MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
1. The Holy Thursday Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper is to be celebrated ONLY in the Cathedral and in Parish Churches and NOT in oratories, malls, club houses, functions halls, private mansions.
2. The Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper is to be celebrate at late afternoon, not in the morning, or at noon. (Veritas Temporis)
3. In the event that the Dakit Cordero procession is allowed within the given locality, follow instruction on processions during Holy Wednesday.
4. The presentation of the Holy Oils can be done here.
5. A simplified washing of the feet or mandatum may be done during this celebration. The number of the persons whose feet are to be washed need not be twelve (12). There can be less than twelve (12) but not more due to pandemic considerations. Nevertheless, the traditional washing of the feet or mandatum, which is already optional, may be omitted.”
6. Options for the Eucharistic adoration. CHOOSE ONLY ONE:
- Option 1:
“To prevent the faithful from congregating in number for the Visita Iglesia, we can instead bring in motorcade the Blessed Sacrament (in a veiled ciborium NOT in a monstrance) around the parish after the celebration of the Lord’s Supper while people venerate outside their houses. They may be encouraged to kneel and hold candles. If this is done, strict coordination with the LGU and Barangay officials is necessary. There will be no need for an altar of repose that will be set up in the Church for this option.
After the celebration, the Blessed Sacrament will be reposed in the sacristy in silence. The church will be closed from then on till the next celebration.
- Option 2:
Another option, if the parish decides to have the Altar of Repose, is to open the Church for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for a short period of time e.g. 1 hour, then the Church is closed and public adoration is ended.
a. The transfer of the Blessed Sacrament is done in a simplified way from the altar to the altar of repose without the usual procession within the Church.
b. A simple altar of repose is to be prepared. Since it is a reposition and not an exposition, the Blessed Sacrament is kept inside a veiled ciborium and NOT in a monstrance (which is for benediction).
c. Assigned adorers should be limited in number observing physical distancing.
d. The short adoration should also bel live-streamed.
- Option 3:
The altar of repose may be set outside the church, ONLY if the church is too small and will not be able to accommodate many people for the “Visita Iglesia”. The adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be held for a short period of time e.g. 1 hour, then the area is closed and public adoration is ended. Careful organization and management of the conduct of the “Visita Iglesia” will depend so much on the planning and preparation of the parish.
a. The transfer of the Blessed Sacrament is done in a simplified way from the altar to the altar of repose without the usual procession.
b. A simple altar of repose is to be prepared. Since it is a reposition and not an exposition, the Blessed Sacrament is kept inside a veiled ciborium and NOT in a monstrance (which is for benediction).
c. Visiting adorers should be managed in limited numbers at any given time while always observing physical distancing.
d. The short adoration should also be live-streamed.
7. Today, the faithful are encouraged to offer gifts in cash or kind for the needy members of the community.
8. The family members gathered in their homes are encouraged to gather the money or good that were fruits of their Lenten penance. They can send this to their parish, to any charitable institutions, or a poor family in the community.
9. Other celebrations are NOT permitted, not even funeral Masses.
10. There should be live-streaming of the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper in the Cathedral and Parish Churches. Live-stream liturgical celebration means actual, real-time celebration, not pre-recorded, not even recorded readings,
etc.
11. The altar may be decorated with flowers with moderation that accords with the character of the day. The tabernacle should be entirely empty, but a sufficient amount of bread should be consecrated in this Mass for the communion of the limited number of ministers who will assist at the Good Friday liturgy.
12. Where there is no offertory procession, the offertory chant is omitted.
13. Eucharistic Prayer II or III is used for the Eucharistic liturgy. Eucharistic Prayer II is actually the revised version of the oldest Eucharistic Prayer from the Apostolic Tradition of St. Hippolytus of Rome.
GOOD FRIDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION
The Good Friday Liturgy of the Passion of the Lord is to be celebrated ONLY in the Cathedral and parish churches, NOT in Barangay chapels, private oratories, malls, club houses, function halls and private mansions etc.
The Good Friday Liturgy is to be celebrated NOT earlier than 3:00 in the afternoon.
The liturgical color of the Celebration of the Passion of the Lord is red, NOT black or violet.
The proclamation of the Passion narrative, it is enough that there are two lectors/readers and the priest-presider, each given the proper roles of the characters in the Gospel narrative.
After the reading of the Lord’s Passion, the Priest gives a BRIEF HOMILY and at its end the faithful may be invited to spend a short time in silent prayer.
At the solemn intercessions/universal prayer, there is an additional intention during this time of pandemic—for the COVID-19 victims, doctors and nurses, health workers, the front-liners and those who have died.
The presider ALONE (representing a communal veneration) will do the kissing at the Veneration of the Cross. The faithful will be asked to make a common gesture (e.g. kneeling, bowing) of adoration of the cross together. Marshalls shall be stationed near the cross so as to prevent the faithful from kissing or touching the Cross. People may also venerate their cross at home.
No blessing, no recessional song. After genuflection to the cross, all deposit in silence.
After the celebration, the altar is stripped, but the cross remains on the altar with two or four candlesticks.
Vespers (Evening Prayer) is not celebrated by those who have been present at the Solemn afternoon liturgical celebration.
ONLY ONE cross should be used for the veneration of the Holy Cross as this contributes to the full symbolism of the rite. It must be a wooden cross. (Behold the WOOD of the cross…)
NO veneration (“burul” or “lame”) of the Santo Entierro. The primary image of Good Friday is the Cross, NOT the Santo Entierro.
In the event that a procession or preferably a motorcade is allowed on Good Friday within the given locality:
a. Coordination with the Local Government Unit (LGU) and barangay officials is needed.
b. Limit the route of the procession or motorcade through roads or streets that will allow greater possibility for social distancing.
c. Procession or motorcade marshals are necessary to maintain the safe distance of the participants of the procession.
e. Do not use “andas” for the sacred images which need to be carried by people during procession because this will not ensure social distancing of those who carry such platform. Make use of “carosas” or vehicles instead to carry the sacred images. Take great care not to allow an opportunity for our faithful to congregate outside their homes.
f. These directives should be omitted wherever strict lockdown is enforced.
Other celebrations are NOT permitted, NOT EVEN funeral Masses.
There should be live-streaming of Good Friday liturgy in the Cathedral and Parish Churches. Live-stream liturgical celebration means actual, real-time celebration, not pre-recorded, not even recorded readings, etc.
EASTER VIGIL IN THE HOLY NIGHT
The Easter Vigil Liturgy is to be celebrated ONLY in the Cathedral and Parish Churches, NOT in Barangay chapels, private oratories, malls, club houses, function halls, private mansions, etc.
Since the curfew hours have been lifted, the time of the celebration is set as the Roman Missal requires, after sunset. The Easter Vigil is to be celebrated NOT earlier than 6:00 in the evening. It is a vigil. (Veritas Temporis)
At the beginning of the Easter Vigil, the preparation and lighting of fire is omitted.
The “Lucernarium” is celebrated within the building of the Church. The faithful will remain in their places. The Paschal candle is lighted (lucernarium) and the presider with only a few ministers will represent the assembly in the act of procession with the usual acclamation “the Light of Christ”, then the Easter Proclamation (Exultet) is sung. The shorter form of the Exsultet may be used.
The acclamation “the Light of Christ” can be done only once if there is no procession of the Paschal candle.
At the Liturgy of the Word, only three readings from the Old Testament are proclaimed, the reading from Exodus (Ex 14:15-15:1), should NOT be omitted.
For the “Baptismal liturgy,” ONLY the renewal of Baptismal promises is retained (cf. Missale Romanum), since Easter is baptismal in nature.
Baptisms are omitted. Thus, the font is not blessed. The litany is omitted. The blessing of water is NOT omitted.
After the blessing of water, all stand, holding lighted candles in their hands, and renew the promises of baptismal faith.
No dipping or immersion of the Paschal Candle.
At the renewal of baptismal promises, people in their homes are encouraged
to participate. They may also hold lighted candles in their homes as they
renew their baptismal vows.
Candles should be prepared for all who participate in the Easter vigil.
The “Salubong” can be replaced by a motorcade of the statue of the Risen Lord
and the Nuestra Señora de la Alegria (Our Lady of Joys) brought around the parish, after the celebration of the Easter Vigil or in the dawn, before the first Easter Sunday Mass. If this is done, strict coordination with the LGU and Barangay officials is necessary so as to strictly implement social distancing.
There should be live streaming of Easter Vigil liturgy in the Cathedral and Parish Churches. Live-stream liturgical celebration means actual, real-time celebration, not pre-recorded, not even recorded readings, etc.
EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD
The Penitential Rite is omitted.
The celebrant introduces the Mass of the day. The priest in front of the altar
holds the Paschal Candle prepared and blessed during the Easter Vigil. He exhorts the people. Then he raises the Paschal Candle and an acclamation may be sung.
Then, the Gloria is sung. While the hymn is sung, bells are rung according to local custom.
The sequence, Victimae Paschalis Laudes (Christians, to the Paschal Victim) may be recited after the second reading and before the alleluia.
After the homily, the Renewal of Baptismal Promises is done.
All are sprinkled with water blessed on Easter Vigil. The EMDC may assist the
priest in the sprinkling of the people with Holy Water.
There should be live-streaming of Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the
Lord liturgy in the Cathedral and Parish Churches. Live-stream liturgical celebration means actual, real-time celebration, not pre-recorded, not even recorded readings, etc.
If it was not done after the Easter Vigil, a motorcade of the image of the Risen Lord and the Nuestra Señora de la Alegria (Our Lady of Joys) may be brought around the parish. If this is done, strict coordination with the LGU and Barangay officials is necessary.
RELATED CONSIDERATIONS
Expression of popular piety and processions which enrich the days of Holy Week and the Paschal Triduum can be transferred to other suitable days in the year, for example 14 and 15 September (Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross and Our Lady of Sorrows).
NO Cruzada of Virgen de los Remedios at Santo Cristo del Perdon y Caridad during Holy Week and Easter Octave. The focus of attention and celebration is the Paschal Mystery, the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Lord. The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy teaches us that: “the commemoration of the very mysteries of salvation takes precedence over devotions” “Such devotions should be drawn up that they harmonize with the liturgical seasons…” The liturgy is a sacred action surpassing all others. No other action of the Church can equal its efficacy by the same title and to the same degree. The Cruzada should only resume on the Monday after the Octave of Easter, that is Monday after the Divine Mercy Sunday.
Family/Home celebrations do not replace the liturgical celebrations. After following live-streamed Holy Week liturgy, the family does this celebration: the father or any of the elders of the household can lead the celebration.