The Manila Cathedral will open its Blessed Souls Chapel to the public starting October 1 for people to offer prayers for their dear departed.
The opening of the chapel is a response to the call of Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Manila for “churches to be more accessible to the faithful when they pray for their departed loved ones.”
In an announcement, the Cathedral said the chapel will be open from October 1 to November 9.
Mass intentions for the souls of the faithful departed can also 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 replica of Michaelangelo’s Pietá.
Last week, Bishop Pabillo urged the faithful to go to church and offer Masses for their dearly departed because they will not be able to visit their dead in cemeteries on November 1 and 2.
In a pastoral instruction titled “One with Our Beloved Dead,” the prelate said the Holy Eucharist is the “best prayer that one can offer.”
He said parishes will celebrate more Masses on those days to accommodate more churchgoers with proper physical distancing.
Philippine authorities have earlier issued a resolution closing private cemeteries, memorial parks, including columbaria, throughout the country from October 29 to November 4.
All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2) are two important feasts for the Catholic faithful in the Philippines.
