Manila Cathedral set to reopen

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Cathedral, considered to be the Mother Church in the country, will finally reopen its doors to the public tomorrow after six months of coronavirus lockdown.

Also known as the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the Manila Cathedral announced that beginning Sept. 16, it would welcome back the faithful who want to attend masses, but would limit the attendance to just 80 people per mass to continue observing social distancing.

“The Manila Cathedral, the Mother Church of the country, welcomes you back to our Eucharistic celebrations, as we open our doors to the public starting September 16, 2020, Wednesday,” the Manila Cathedral said on its Facebook page.

It added that, “Only 80 persons can be accommodated inside the Cathedral for each mass, on a first come first served basis.”

Those who would be attending masses inside the church are required to wear face masks and face shields.

During the Sunday masses, the faithful who would stay at the Plaza Roma, located in front of the Manila Cathedral, would be able to receive holy communion.

The mass schedules are 7:30 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. from Monday to Friday; 7:30 a.m. on Saturdays; and at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sundays.

The church would also be open for private prayers from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.