Churches hold Mass for Pope John Paul II's feast day

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila Cathedral, along with other Catholic churches in the country will hold a Mass today to mark the feast day of the late Blessed John Paul II.

Monsignor Nestor Cerbo, rector of Manila Cathedral said the Mass will be held at 7:30 a.m.

“We would only have one Mass, there are only a few people attending this (today's morning) Mass,” said Cebro.

Aside from the Eucharistic celebration, Cebro said the former Pope’s portrait will be displayed at the cathedral.

In Quiapo Church, Monsig­ nor Clemente Ignacio said they will also display the relics for veneration and have feast day Masses for Blessed John Paul II.

Yesterday, the Knights of Columbus held a procession and offered Mass at the San Agustin Church in Intramuros for the late Pope.

The official feast day for Blessed John Paul II, in Rome and throughout Poland is set for today. The date for the feast day coincides with his inauguration as Pope in 1978.

Blessed Pope John Paul II served as Pope from Oct. 16, 1978 until his death on April 2, 2005 at the age of 84. He was beatified last May 1.