Women light candles at the Manila Cathedral’s Blessed Souls Chapel on October 1 | PHOTO FROM THE MANILA CATHEDRAL
By CBCP News
Oct 5 2020
MANILA – The Manila Cathedral will be blessing cremated remains every after Mass on Sundays starting October 4.
As cemeteries and columbaria will be closed to the public on All Saints and All Souls Day, the cathedral said the Rite of Blessing of Cremated Remains will be offered until Nov. 8.
“The family may bring the urn and a picture of their beloved dead, and we will celebrate a worthy liturgical blessing for them,” it said.
The government has earlier ordered the closing of cemeteries, memorial parks and columbaria throughout the country from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4 to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Bishop Broderick Pabillo then called Manila’s parishes to make churches more accessible to the faithful when they pray for their departed loved ones.
The Blessed Souls Chapel inside the cathedral is also now open to everyone until November 9.
Mass intentions for the souls of the faithful departed can be offered in front of the marble relief of Mary, Refuge of Sinners.
People can also light votive candles for their beloved dead in front of the exact replica of Michaelangelo’s Pietá.
The Manila Cathedral is open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – CBCPNews