Mass, candle-lighting to highlight Manila Cathedral reopening

Published April 8, 2014 5:35pm

The historic Manila Cathedral—known formally as the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception—is set to reopen on April 9, more than two years after it was closed for major repairs. Manila Cathedral rector Msgr. Nestor Cerbo (left) said the structural retrofitting of the cathedral has just been completed, with plumbing, lighting, marble, and electrical restoration set to be done soon. The church was badly damaged during World War II. **Danny Pata**

A Mass and a candle-lighting ceremony will highlight the reopening of the historic Manila Cathedral on Wednesday evening, the cathedral's rector said Tuesday.

Msgr. Nestor Cerbo said Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle will lead bishops in officiating the Mass at 6:30 p.m.

Cerbo, in an interview on Manila Archdiocese-run Radyo Veritas, said there will be a video presentation showing restoration works on the basilica in the last two years.

Also, a cultural program will be held at the Plaza Roma in front of the Manila Cathedral to welcome guests and the public.

Following the Mass, there will be a lighting of 12 dedication candles and putting up of 12 dedication crosses.

Cerbo said these symbolize the Catholic Church's establishment by Jesus Christ's 12 apostles.

"After the greeting of Mass, a special ceremony will be held the lighting of dedication candles at the placing of 12 dedication crosses symbolizing that our Catholic Church is founded on the 12 Apostles of course with Jesus as the head,” he said.

Wednesday's reopening marks the first time the cathedral will reopen following major repairs to make sure the structure is stable. The cathedral was closed temporarily in 2012.

Expected to attend Wednesday's ceremonies are officials from the Catholic Church, government and private sector. — VC, GMA News

Tags: manilacathedral, holyweek