The Archdiocese of Manila has launched a new initiative aimed at providing spiritual comfort and support to the faithful. The initiative, known as Divine Mercy 24/7 Confessions, seeks to provide a way for Catholics to receive the sacrament of reconciliation at any time of day or night.
The groundbreaking ceremony was led by Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula last March 17, 2023, at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Minor Seminary in Makati City.
“As you know this is not only for the benefit of the people of the Archdiocese of Manila, but also, this will be of benefit to those who come and go. This place is very strategic, especially for confession, for counseling can be done later on,” Cardinal Advincula said.
The Cardinal also added that the chapel is “a place where any time, a person who is contrite can avail himself of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.”
In his opening message, Fr. Rico Garcia, Rector of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary said that the Divine Mercy Chapel is the answer of the Archdiocese of Manila to the challenge made by His Holiness Pope Francis “to become bold and creative in exploring new ways to bring the gospel of hope to our people today and to abandon further the complacent attitude that says, we have always done it this way.”
Apart from the Chapel, the Cardinal also said that the Shrine of St. Joseph of the Flight to Egypt will be built in the area for those who are working from a far place from their families.
“A place where they can pray, where they can find consolation as they heal homesick and they miss their families,” said Cardinal Advincula.
A retirement home for retired and sick priests of the Archdiocese of Manila is also set to be built in the same area.
“A retirement home for priests, not only for old priests, but perhaps some of us priests, all though still young might be sick, and we need some kind of healing not physical but also spiritual and psychological. This will be an oasis of healing for us,” said Cardinal Advincula. (Jheng Prado | Photo by Maricar Santos/RCAM-AOC | Photogallery)
