Manila Cathedral concludes 60th anniversary celebration

The Manila Cathedral. INQUIRER file photo / RICHARD A. REYES

The Manila Cathedral will cap its yearlong celebration of the 60th anniversary of its postwar reconstruction with twin Masses on Saturday, one of which will be celebrated by a Japanese cardinal.

Osaka Archbishop Thomas Aquinas Manyo Cardinal Maeda will lead the noon Mass today in honor of the feast day of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patroness of the cathedral which was reconsecrated in 1958.

Maeda was sent by Pope Francis.

“Indeed, this temple, which has truly undergone great changes—destroyed seven times by earthquakes and other calamities through the centuries—was diligently rebuilt again and again by the faithful. Finally after being shattered by the Second World War, it was rebuilt from the ruins at the Lord’s bidding,” the Pope said to Maeda in a Dec. 1 letter. JOVIC YEE