Manila archbishop marks first Holy Week at cathedral

MANILA, Philippines - Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle will officiate the Holy Week activities at the Manila Cathedral for the first time as the head of the archdiocese.

Tagle was formally installed as archbishop of Manila on Dec. 12, 2011 but the cathedral was closed for renovation since Feb. 7, 2012 and was just reopened on Wednesday.

Some of the religious events were held at the San Fernando de Dilao Parish, better known as Paco Church, while the cathedral was being renovated.

Tagle would officiate the mass and lead the blessing of palm fronds at 7 a.m. on Palm Sunday.

On Maundy Thursday, he will lead the morning prayer at 6:30 a.m., followed by a chrism mass. At 5 p.m., there will be a mass of the Last Supper with a ceremonial washing of the feet of the 12 apostles.

At noon on Good Friday, he will preside over the Seven Last Words and a commemoration of the Lord’s passion at 3 p.m.

Tagle will also lead the Easter vigil celebration at 8 p.m. on Black Saturday.

Manila Cathedral rector Monsignor Nestor Cerbo will take over the meditation on the sleep of death of Christ at 10 a.m.

On Easter Sunday, the community mass schedules are at 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.