Manila Cathedral closed; Paco church site of main Lenten rites

The Manila cathedral. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

With the Manila Cathedral undergoing extensive repairs, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle will celebrate the major Holy Week activities at the San Fernando de Dilao Parish Church in Paco, Manila.

The Manila Archdiocese said earlier that the Paco church will serve as the temporary seat of the archdiocese during the closure of the cathedral.  The Paco church was chosen because of its size, liturgical suitability, ample parking space and proximity to the cathedral.

On Palm Sunday (today), Tagle will preside over the blessing of the palms and a procession at Peñafrancia and Santo Sepulcro streets at 7 a.m., followed by a Mass.

On Holy Thursday, the archbishop will celebrate the Mass of the Chrism at 7 a.m. and the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and the Washing of the Feet at 5:30 p.m.

Tagle will lead the Service of the Cross, or the celebration of the Lord’s Passion, at 3 p.m. on Good Friday.

And he will celebrate the Easter Vigil Mass at 11 p.m. on Black Saturday.  Jerome Aning