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

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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

Published: February 26, 2020 12:15 AFP and Compiled by Nathaniel Lacsina, Digital Content Producer

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Copy-of-2020-02-26T050925Z_1096402970_RC258F9B1Z9M_RTRMADP_3_CHINA-HEALTH-ASH-WEDNESDAY-(Read-Only) — 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. Image Credit: Reuters

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Copy-of-2020-02-26T055554Z_871685507_RC238F93XEBG_RTRMADP_3_CHINA-HEALTH-ASH-WEDNESDAY-(Read-Only) — 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. Image Credit: Reuters

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Copy-of-Philippines_Virus_Outbreak_18255 — 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. Image Credit: AP

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Copy-of-Philippines_Virus_Outbreak_99687 — "It makes me feel safe," said Wendy Tamidles, a 19-year-old student. Image Credit: AP

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Copy-of-Philippines_Virus_Outbreak_58675 — She was among thousands of people, some wearing surgical masks, who lined up at Baclaran church in Manila for services on Wednesday. Image Credit: AP

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Copy-of-2020-02-26T050528Z_593110875_RC258F9JO4IC_RTRMADP_3_CHINA-HEALTH-ASH-WEDNESDAY-(Read-Only) — Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the run-up to Easter, and includes Catholics having crosses drawn in ash on their foreheads. Image Credit: Reuters

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Copy-of-Philippines_Virus_Outbreak_58788 — 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. Image Credit: AP

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Copy-of-2020-02-26T030804Z_514725051_RC238F9PLDXA_RTRMADP_3_CHINA-HEALTH-ASH-WEDNESDAY-(Read-Only) — 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. Image Credit: Reuters

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Copy-of-2020-02-26T030702Z_1460038623_RC238F9U9RWF_RTRMADP_3_CHINA-HEALTH-ASH-WEDNESDAY-(Read-Only) — "We are being cautious so that the coronavirus won't spread," said Victorino Cueto, rector of Baclaran church. Image Credit: Reuters

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Copy-of-Philippines_Virus_Outbreak_61058 — 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. Image Credit: AP

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