Asean Catholics to mark subdued Ash Wednesday amid virus fears

Catholics in South-East Asia will have to do without one of their most recognisable traditions this year due to the coronavirus outbreak. On Feb 26, the Christian holy day known as Ash Wednesday, Catholics in Malaysia and the Philippines will have dry ash sprinkled onto their heads instead of the traditional smearing of a damp grey-black ash cross. - The Star/ANN

MANILA/KUALA LUMPUR/SINGAPORE: Catholics in South-East Asia will have to do without one of their most recognisable traditions this year due to the coronavirus outbreak.

On Feb 26, the Christian holy day known as Ash Wednesday, Catholics in Malaysia and the Philippines will have dry ash sprinkled onto their heads instead of the traditional smearing of a damp grey-black ash cross. Singaporean Catholics will have to do without their ashes as the church hierarchy there has suspended all public gatherings.