An investigation has ruled out sabotage as the cause of skin rashes from ashes used during an Ash Wednesday ritual in a Manila diocese.
Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan said the “mystery burns” people had on their foreheads after the ashes were administered were caused by acid.
Bishop David said several Mass-goers reported feeling a burning sensation on their foreheads immediately after being marked. When the people washed the ashes off, rashes and blisters appeared on their skin.
The ashes in question were not used after reports were received. Doctors who examined the rashes said a chemical substance caused the skin burns. The ashes are still being tested in a laboratory. He has already ordered a review of close-circuit television footage to look for possible “sabotage.” A laboratory test found high level of acidity in the ashes due to “over burning.”
“They call it overcooked charcoal that turned into caustic ashes that produced high acidity when mixed with water,” said the prelate.
He said a similar incident was reported in
Ireland several years ago.
Bishop David said the burning of a huge pile of palm fronds resulted in the “over burning” of ones on the bottom that produced greyish ashes instead of black charcoal.
“Not everybody was affected. Only those who received the acidic ashes had blisters,” said the prelate.
After reviewing close-circuit television footage the possibility of sabotage was ruled out.
He said the parishioners who suffered blisters received proper medication.
Mass-goers reported feeling a burning sensation on their foreheads immediately after being marked with ashes.
