The Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila has released the schedule of masses and traditional activities in observance of the Holy Week.
Manila Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula will preside over his first Palm Sunday mass as the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Manila today, April 10, at 10 a.m.
The cardinal will also lead the Chrism Mass on April 14, Maundy Thursday at the Manila Cathedral at 7 a.m. The Chrism Mass is the annual blessing of Chrism oil and the Oil of the Sick that is used in the sacraments of the Church. All the priests of the dioceses will also gather in their respected cathedrals and celebrate mass with their bishop as a sign of unity and brotherhood.
At 5 p.m., Cardinal Advincula will celebrate the mass commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples.
On Good Friday, April 15, there will be a Station of the Cross at 9 a.m. The Mass for the Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion will start at 3 p.m. Rites will include the Liturgy of the Word, the Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion.
The Easter Vigil Mass will be at 8 p.m. on April 16, Saturday.
On April 17, the Easter Sunday masses will be celebrated at 8 a.m.10 a.m. and at 6 p.m.
Fr. Reginald Malicdem, rector of the Manila Cathedral said, they will continue to observe the heath protocols such as the wearing of masks, checking of body temperature, physical distancing, and regular disinfection.
"The cathedral will still not be in full capacity. Proof of vaccination will be required from churchgoers,” he said. The faithful may also opt to stay outdoors and follow the celebrations through LED screens. Lay ministers will also distribute Holy Communion outside the church.
The faithful may also join the activities online through the Facebook pages of the Manila Cathedral, TV Maria, Radio Veritas, and the Archdiocese of Manila Office of Communications (AOC).
"After two years of not being able to celebrate Holy Week in our churches, let us thank the Lord that now, while still being conscious of each other’s safety, we can celebrate the most important week of the year in the way that we did before the pandemic. Let us make the most out of this week. Let us intensify our prayers, especially for our elections this year and for peace in Ukraine. And let our celebrations this week truly bear good fruit in our lives,” Fr. Malicdem said.