Cardinal Rosales leads Holy Week rites
at Manila Cathedral

Archbishop of Manila Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales will lead in the solemn rites at the Manila Cathedral, marking the holiest days of the week commemorating the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

On Holy Thursday, the Cardinal will preside at the Chrism Mass at the Manila Cathedral at 7 a.m. The Chrism Mass according to the Catholic ORDO is one of the principal expressions of the Bishop’s priesthood and signifies the close unity of the priests with him. It is during this time that the archbishop (or bishop) celebrates with his priests the institution of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. During this Mass, the archbishop consecrates the Chrism and blesses the other oils which are used for anointing in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. It has been a tradition in the Archdiocese of Manila that parishioners come in groups to attend this Mass and show support for their parish priests.

At 5 p.m. of Holy Thursday, Cardinal Rosales will preside at the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper which is the start of the Easter Triduum, marking the passion, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. At this mass the Cardinal will wash the feet of 12 persons, symbolizing the 12 apostles of Jesus, as a sign of his commitment to serve his flock in the manner that Jesus did. After this Mass, the Cardinal will bring the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose, for adoration of the faithful all throughout the night. It signals the start of the Visita Iglesia, where the faithful go to several churches to make a silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

At 3 p.m. on Good Friday the Cardinal will preside at the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion, the Liturgy of the Word, the Adoration of the Cross and the Rite of Communion.

Cardinal Rosales will celebrate the Easter Vigil Mass at 8 p.m on Black Saturday. This is the "mother of all vigils” when darkness gives way to light. It begins with the lighting of the fire at the door of the Cathedral, from which the Paschal candle is lighted. There is also the blessing of the water and the rite of baptism, where a newborn or an adult convert may be baptized. In many churches a “salubong” is held after the Easter Vigil Mass, while in others the “salubong” is held at the crack of dawn. ##

Please refer: Peachy E. Yamsuan
Archdiocesan Office of Communications/ 5273962