CATHOLICS around the world will be celebrating Palm Sunday on April 5, 2020. But due to the current coronavirus pandemic, the faithful are encouraged to only hear mass through television and online.

According to Monsignor Joseph Tan, media liaison of the Archdiocese of Cebu, the essence of celebrating Palm Sunday is not limited to only the blessing of palm fronds or lukay.

The palm fronds the Catholics are used to carrying during the feast are called sacramentals, and Tan said it does not hold as much value as the actual participation in the Sacrament of Eucharist.

Tan added that sacramentals refer to religious objects that aid prayers while a Sacrament refers not only to religious materials but the "presence of God in Grace in the celebration."

He explained that palm fronds are as good as a blessed crucifix one has inside their homes.

The most important thing Catholics have to do while at home during the feast is to hear the Holy Eucharist.

"Since karon, dili man ta ka-participate physically, we encourage (the faithful) nga motan-aw sa live broadcasted mass online or on television. Our participation is only limited to that," Tan said.

He assured that the intentions of the people will be included and prayed for during the mass celebrated by priests inside the church.

For people who cannot follow the broadcasted mass, Tan said they can read the Gospel story of the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ in their bibles.

The moveable feast of the Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem and falls on the Sunday before Easter. (WBS)