Manila Churches To Hold Live Masses This Holy Week At Very Limited Capacity

The Archdiocese of Manila is keeping its doors open to the faithful this Holy Week.

In a pastoral instruction issued March 23, 2021, Bishop Broderick Pabillo said they will resume live masses in their churches.

Live mass will be celebrated again beginning March 24 but at a very limited capacity at 10 percent.

“Let the worshippers be spread apart within our churches, using the health protocols that we have been so constantly implementing,” said Pabillo, the Apostolic administrator of Manila.

Government earlier prohibited religious activities as part of measures to arrest the steep increase in daily COVID-19 cases in the so-called NCR Plus area.

Outside of these masses, though, the Archdiocese has already cancelled other traditional Holy Week activities held outside churches like the senakulo, pabasa, processions, motorcades, and the Visita Iglesia.

Holy Week Activities 2021

The detailed instructions on the celebration of the Holy Week will be issued by the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission in the coming days. However, the following events have already been scheduled:

Holy Wednesday, March 31

The Consecration of the Holy Chrism and the Blessing of the Oil of the Sick will be held at the Manila Cathedral during the 7:30am mass.

The Diocese of Maasin will also stream live in their social media platforms the celebration of the 500^th anniversary of the first Mass in Limasawa at 10 a.m.

Holy Thursday, April 1

At 8 a.m. an online Archdiocesan Way of the Cross will be aired live through TV Maria, Radio Veritas, and streamed through the Archdiocese’s online platforms.

Good Friday, April 2

Parishes are organizing their own online Way of the Cross and reflections of the Seven Last Words of Jesus.

Holy Saturday, April 3

At 8 a.m. TV Maria and Radio Veritas will air the in the Tenebrea. Easter Vigil mass will be held in all parishes. Parishioners can join online.

Easter Sunday, April 4

At 10 a.m. the Archdiocese begins the celebration of 500 years of the coming of Christianity with the opening of the Holy Door at the Manila Cathedral. It is accessible online.

Asked about the Archdiocese of Manila’s plan to hold live mass, the president’s spokesman Secretary Harry Roque said, “I hope the bishop will not encourage the non-compliance with this IATF decision.”

“In the exercise of police powers we can order the churches closed, huwag sana pong dumating dun, Bishop Pabillo,” Roque said in his noon public briefing.

The two-week prohibition against religious gatherings did not sit well with some people, noting that gyms, spas, internet cafes, and even hotels are resorts have been allowed to remain open.

Government, however, has already issued a new order shutting down of health and sports clubs at least until Easter Sunday.

Tourism or staycation within the NCR Plus Bubble is allowed with restrictions. Click here to read more.