Archdiocese of Manila to welcome 33rd Archbishop on June 24


The clergy and the faithful in the Archdiocese of Manila will witness on Thursday, June 24, the historic installation of Cardinal Jose Advincula as the 33rd Archbishop of Manila.

(Photo from the Facebook page of Archdiocese of Capiz / FILE PHOTO)

Based on the schedule released by the Chancery of the Archdiocese of Manila, Cardinal Advincula will be formally welcomed to Intramuros at 8 a.m. by the Mayor of Manila and the Administrator of Intramuros at the Postigo Gate.

At 8:30 a.m., there will be a Civic Ceremony at the Ayuntamiento, the old city hall of Manila that now houses the Bureau of the Treasury, with the five mayors of the cities within the Archdiocese of Manila, namely, Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasay, and San Juan.

The Mass, which will start at 9 a.m., will be attended by the bishops of the Philippines, the clergy of the Archdiocese of Manila, the clergy from the Archdiocese of Capiz, government officials, representatives of religious men and women, the Council of the Laity of the Archdiocese of Manila, the family and guests of Cardinal Advincula.

Days before the installation, the Manila Cathedral provided an overview of what will happen during the solemn reception and installation of Advincula including the meaning of every gesture and action in the liturgical celebration.

The rites will begin with the reception of Advincula at the door of the Manila Cathedral, where the rector offers the newly appointed bishop a crucifix to be kissed. This is a reminder of his office: to witness to the self-giving love of the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for his flock.

The bishop then sprinkles holy water on himself and to the people present manifesting the fundamental bond that the bishop and the faithful share in the faith, that is, the baptism that makes us all children of God.

He will then kneel for a moment of silent adoration and prayer, a powerful witness to the presbyterium and faithful gathered to become men of prayer and holiness.

Cardinal Advincula then proceeds to the St. Joseph Chapel where he will prepare and vest for the Installation Rites and Eucharistic Celebration. It is his explicit request that he would offer flowers and a prayer to St. Joseph, his namesake and patron, before the Mass begins. The year he is installed as Archbishop of Manila is the Year of St. Joseph as declared by His Holiness Pope Francis.

Reading of the Apostolic Letter

This is an ancient tradition of the church that expresses the bond of unity of the local church to the universal church, headed by the Bishop of Rome, the Pope. This is the essence of the rite of taking possession of his diocese.

The faithful express their acceptance and gratitude by responding "Thanks be to God."

Greeting of the faithful

In view of the health protocols, Bishop Broderick Pabillo, Auxiliary Bishop of Manila, delivers words of homage to Cardinal Advincula in the name of the people of the Archdiocese of Manila. As a sign of homage and pledge of obedience, the priests of the Archdiocese will renew their Priestly Promises.

Seating at the cathedra

The installing prelate leads the new bishop to sit on his cathedra, the "chair" which symbolizes his teaching office and pastoral ministry in the local church. The cathedra makes clear that the bishop is presiding over the whole community of the faithful.

Presiding in the Eucharist

The culmination of the celebration is his presidency over the Eucharistic celebration, for "the office of bishop as teacher, sanctifier, and pastor of his church shines forth most clearly in a liturgy that he celebrates with his people."

The Intramuros Administration, meantime, announced that all gates leading to Intramuros will be closed, except Gate 11 near the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)/roundtable from 6 a.m. to 12 noon on June 24 for the installation of Archbishop Advincula.

Intramuros streets will also be cleared of illegally parked vehicles starting Wednesday, June 23.