Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Fides Service) - The Church in the Philippines has organised a torch light procession through the streets of Manila on Saturday 23 October and a solemn Mass on the Cathedral on Sunday 24 October to mark the opening of the Year of the Eucharist. Welcoming Pope John Paul II’s latest gift to the Church, Catholics in the Philippines are preparing to celebrate the year with special prayers and initiatives to increase love and reverence for the presence of Jesus in the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
The procession will start at Santa Cruz church and end at the Cathedral with an all night prayer vigil which will have its climax with a 7am Mass celebrated by the Archbishop of Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales.
Unfortunately Cardinal Jaime Sin, emeritus archbishop of Manila may be unable to attend the important event. He is being treated in Cardinal Santos Hospital in Manila. Church officials said the 76-year-old cleric, who has a history of illness, was in a stable condition amid reports that he had suffered a heart attack. The retired leader of Philippine Catholics is deeply loved. Asia’s main Catholic broadcaster Radio Veritas is organising the prayer of the Rosary for the Cardinal’s speedy recovery
The Bishops of the Philippines, who had already decided to make the 2004 the Year of Mary, have said that in keeping with the Pope’s wonderful gift to the universal Church of the Year of the Eucharist 2004-2005 they will make it the Year of the Eucharist and Mary. Also because this year is the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception by Pius IX on 8 December 1854.
Major events planned for the year include a nation-wide pilgrimage of the image of Our Lady of Guia and conferences on the Eucharist and Marian devotion in dioceses all over the country. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 12/10/2004 righe 24 parole 245)
