Philippines observes 'no-contact' Ash Wednesday to beat coronavirus

Priests urged to sprinkle ash on the head to avoid physical, fight the spread of the virus

Last updated: February 26, 2020 | 12:39

AFP and Compiled by Nathaniel Lacsina, Digital Content Producer

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Manila: Filipinos bowed their heads to be sprinkled instead of having a cross drawn on their foreheads to mark Ash Wednesday, as Asia's bastion of Catholicism guarded against the spread of coronavirus.

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Leaders of the Philippine church urged priests to adapt the rite in order to reduce the risk of fanning a contagion that has killed over 2,700, mostly in China.

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Since the outbreak, which has resulted in three confirmed cases and one death in the Philippines, churches have also discouraged worshippers from holding hands during mass.

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"It makes me feel safe," said Wendy Tamidles, a 19-year-old student.

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She was among thousands of people, some wearing surgical masks, who lined up at Baclaran church in Manila for services on Wednesday.

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Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the run-up to Easter, and includes Catholics having crosses drawn in ash on their foreheads.

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The Philippines is overwhelmingly Catholic, with some 80 percent of its people said to be believers. Its unique brand of the religion also includes gruesome annual re-enactments of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

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Local church officials have also "strongly recommended" that Catholics do not kiss or touch the cross during Good Friday services, which is usually common practice.

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"We are being cautious so that the coronavirus won't spread," said Victorino Cueto, rector of Baclaran church.

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A Catholic nun sprinkles ash on the head of a devotee as they wore protective masks during Ash Wednesday rites in Paranaque, metropolitan Manila, Philippines.

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