Prelates in 2 dioceses free to decide on ‘ash marking’

MANILA: Members of the clergy in the archdioceses of Pampanga and Manila are free to decide on whether or not to stick with the traditional marking of the cross on the foreheads of the faithful on Ash Wednesday next week.

“The imposition of ashes on the forehead remains an option for our parishes and communities at the discretion of their pastors,” said Circular Letter 17, Series of 2020, issued by the Pampanga archdiocese on February 21 and Circular 2020-11 issued by the Manila archdiocese on February 18.