Manila archdiocese holds first post-ECQ Chrism mass today

MANILA, Philippines — The Archdiocese of Manila will hold the Chrism mass today, more than two months after it was deferred when Metro Manila was placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Fr. Reginald Malicdem, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Manila, said that the Chrism mass will be held at 9 a.m. today with only members of the board of consultors and the vicars forane in attendance. 

Malicdem said they have to limit the number of attendees while the metropolis is still under general community quarantine, which still prohibits the holding of mass gatherings in a bid to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“We ask all the priests in the archdiocese to join the celebration through live streaming that will be provided by TV Maria. Please inform our faithful about this and invite them also to tune in,” Malicdem said in his circular orders. 

During the mass, the bishop will bless the holy oil to be used in anointing for the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, holy order and the sick. 

Malicdem said they will provide the holy oils for the parishes to the vicars forane, which will be distributed to the parishes in their vicariate. 

The Chrism mass, traditionally held on Holy Thursday, was previously deferred after the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease placed Metro Manila under ECQ.