Catholic priests in the Archdiocese of Manila held a “penitential walk” on Tuesday, June 1, to pray for an end to the coronavirus pandemic.
In what could be the biggest gathering of Manila’s clergy since the start of the pandemic last year, the priests braved the heat and walked the streets of the city in prayer.
Leading the way were four priests who were carrying a statue of the crucified Christ followed by two bishops and dozens of priests from the different parishes in the archdiocese.
Before the “penitential walk,” the priests gathered for a communal penitential service led by Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani of Novaliches inside Manila’s Quiapo Church.
From Quiapo district the priests walked to the nearby Sta. Cruz Church for a Mass led by Bishop Broderick Pabillo, apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila.
In his homily, the prelate said the day was an opportunity for everyone to “repent, fast, and pray.”
“We should use this moment to raise our requests to the Lord and any of our sins will be forgiven,” said Bishop Pabillo.
“With forgiveness, the Lord will give us grace, especially our welfare now during the pandemic,” he added.
More than a hundred priests from the archdiocese joined the religious activity.
