Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown will celebrate a Mass at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila on Christmas Day at 11 a.m., the Manila Cathedral announced in their Facebook page.
(CBCP / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Brown presided over his first public Mass in the Philippines at the St. Anthony of Padua Church in Malate, Manila last Dec. 18.
The new papal nuncio arrived in the country last month.
Meanwhile, Archdiocese of Manila Apostolic Administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo is thankful that the COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped people from expressing their faith.
The prelate said many people still attended the nine-day “Simbang Gabi” (dawn Mass) which ended on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.
"With proper health protocols and the cooperation of our local government officials, many people have attended our Simbang Gabi Masses and received the sacraments," he said in his Christmas message.
Pabillo said many also followed the religious activities in their homes through the Internet and many participated in the online recollections organized by parishes during the Advent season.
"All of these manifest the faith and devotion of our people and their great longing to welcome the Lord Jesus with the Blessed Virgin Mary," he said.
While many are beset with many problems amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Pabillo said Christmas assures us that God is with us.
"God has become man in order to share our journey in this life. This is the source of our confidence and joy," he said.