Heavy rains dampened the Simbang Gabi in Antipolo City, resulting in a lesser number of churchgoers in the 4th dawn masses at the National Shrine of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage on Sunday, Dec. 19.
Shrine Rector Fr. Reynante Tolentino told Manila Bulletin that although there was uninterrupted moderate to heavy rains since early dawn, the cathedral was still filled with churchgoers during the the 4 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. dawn masses.
There was a noticeably reduced number of churchgoers outside the cathedral due to the continuous heavy rains that were experienced in the city on Sunday morning.
As early as Sunday night, fog covered the city resulting in colder temperature that lingered until late afternoon.
The shrine is observing the maximum three persons per pew inside the church.
The traditional Simbang Gabi started on December 16 and will end on December 24. Masses are celebrated at 8 p.m., 4 a.m., and 5:30 a.m.
Shrine officials said the church attendance has been consistently large since Dec. 16 despite the coronavirus pandemic.
In the past two years, dawn Masses were held online with only the priest, his sacristans, and a few church personnel attending the ceremony inside the cathedral.
Residents experienced a foggy morning and afternoon with a light drizzle on Sunday.