CEBUANO Catholics can expect a few changes during Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021.
This, as the Cebu Archdiocesan Commission on Worship and Liturgical Commission earlier issued updated guidelines for Lent, Holy Week and Paschal Triduum celebrations.
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Archdiocese of Cebu recommended to its parishes the use of the “Second Form: The Solemn Entrance” 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 mass presider is already at the sanctuary. The faithful must be in their places before the start of the celebration.
The archdiocese said that if the faithful follow the mass celebration through online streaming, the blessing if their palm crosses or any leaf branches is imparted in the Scriptural reading and the prayer of blessing during the celebration.
There is also no need for holy water for the blessing of palm crosses, the archdiocese said.
For the proclamatiom of the Passion narrative, the archdiocese said it is enough that there are two lectors, the priest and the presider, each given the proper roles of characters in the Gospel narration.
Archbishop Jose Palma will preside over the mass at 8 a.m. on Palm Sunday at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, which will be livestreamed in its official social media pages.
Churchgoers are advised to observe minimum health care protocols throughout the religious celebration. (WBS)