MANILA, Philippines — Like many Filipinos, celebrities have sought new ways to observe Holy Week during the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
Stars such as Judy Ann Santos, Kim Chiu and Joey de Leon are among those who have turned to the internet to practice their faith this Maundy Thursday.
Santos and her husband Ryan Agoncillo, as well as TV host Bianca Gonzalez and PBA player JC Intal, participated through video call in an online recollection led by Fr. Tito Caluag on Thursday morning. The recollections, aired on ABS-CBN channels, will run until April 11.
Fr. Tito Caluag holds a recollection over video call with celebrity couples Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo, and JC Intal and Bianca Gonzalez.
Fr. Tito Caluag holds a recollection over video call with celebrity couples Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo, and JC Intal and Bianca Gonzalez. Image: screengrab via Facebook/@dzmmteleradyo
Actress Kim Chiu meanwhile shared on Instagram Stories that she attended a retreat Thursday afternoon through the Facebook Live broadcast of St. John Bosco Parish in Makati
The church will also have an online retreat on Good Friday and Holy Saturday.
“Let us all pray for the world’s healing and Lord’s forgiveness,” Chiu encouraged.
TV host Joey de Leon and his family led the prayers in the Way of the Cross on the “Eat Bulaga!” Facebook page Wednesday night.
He has also been on a virtual Visita Iglesia on Instagram by posting pictures of churches he has been to in previous trips.
Music, too, is a form of prayer, and singer Jona performed the worship song “Oceans” by Hillsong United for Star Magic’s YouTube channel.
Rica Peralejo meanwhile has a Lent workbook for those who want to reflect on their own, which can be downloaded on her blog.
With or without the internet, certainly one can find solemnity as parts of the world come to a standstill during the coronavirus pandemic.