Manila – Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula and Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown are set to lead a Mass commemorating the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila, on Friday. The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, through a social media post on Thursday, announced the schedule of the Mass at 12:10 p.m.
According to Philippines News Agency, the basilica also revealed that a series of Masses would be conducted throughout the day, including services led by Fr. Carlo Magno Marcelo, Msgr. Pedro Gerardo Santos, and Fr. Vicente Gabriel Bautista, culminating in the last Mass at 6 p.m. celebrated by Manila Cathedral Rector Msgr. Rolando dela Cruz. Attendees of the Fiesta Masses will receive a special fiesta gift, a new ‘estampita’ (small portrait or print of a saint), in celebration of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Feast of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, held on December 8, is a significant religious observance and a special non-working holiday in the Philippines under Republic Act 10966. This day commemorates the Immaculate Conception, the Patroness of the Manila Cathedral and of the Philippines.