Diocese of Pasig reopens Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Diocese of Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara has announced the reopening of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Pasig City in time for the celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary yesterday, September 8.
 
Bishop Vergara said the reopening of the cathedral to the faithful “signals a new beginning and a new life as it coincides with the celebration of the birth of Mary.”
 
The cathedral was temporarily closed to the public after parish parochial vicar Rev. Fr. Bernardo Carpio tested positive for COVID-19 and parish personnel went on preventive quarantine. Fr. Carpio has since recovered.
 
“We are observing strict safety health protocols particularly inside the church where a physical distancing of three meters between individuals is observed. Mass attendees are also limited to ten percent of church capacity,” Vergara, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Permanent Council Southwest Luzon Representative, said over Radio Veritas.
 
The prelate called on the faithful “to continue to strengthen their faith and to put their trust in God amid the pandemic.”
 
“As we go through this health crisis, be steadfast in facing life’s challenges. Many are faced with fear but let us hold on to our faith. Trust in God, He will never forsake us,” Vergara said.
 
The bishop particularly asked for prayers for the safety and well-being of all medical and service front liners “to lighten the burden of their workload while facing danger - all in the service of their fellow Filipinos.”