The priests in the Archdiocese of Manila will gather on June 1, 2021, at 8:30 in the morning for a penitential walk from Quiapo Church to Sta. Cruz Church as act of imploring for God’s mercy for the end of the pandemic.
In a Pastoral Instruction entitled “We humble ourselves before God” released by the Archdiocese of Manila on May 25, 2021, Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese has invited the faithful to join in a day of prayer and fasting.
Bishop Pabillo also encouraged the faithful to join in the penitential exercise of the clergy via online in their homes, offices and places of work, in adherence with the current restrictions and to prevent the spread of the virus.
“I invite all to join in a day of prayer and fasting. We can all do these in our homes and even in our offices and places of work. Because of the health protocols, we cannot externally manifest this desire to humble ourselves. Let the priests, the spiritual leaders of your parishes, schools, and ministries, do this on behalf of the people while you join us online,” said Bishop Pabillo.
At 8:30 am, the priests will gather at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or Quiapo Church for a communal penitential service where the church leaders will attend the sacrament of confession.
“We priests also admit our failures during this year of pandemic. We may not have been courageous enough in encouraging the flock, not creative enough in serving those in need, not prayerful enough for the sake of our people. We are sorry,” Bishop Pabillo said.
After penitential service, the priest will begin the penitential walk going to Sta. Cruz Church, where Bishop Pabillo will preside the celebration of the Holy Eucharist to pray for the people of the country and the whole world as well.
“We express this sorrow with a penitential walk from Quiapo Church to Sta. Cruz Church where we will together celebrate the Eucharist, praying for you, our people, for the needs of the country and the world in this time of the pandemic. Please join us in humbling ourselves before God,” Bishop Pabillo said.
On the afternoon of June 1, the Bishop added, “parishes will celebrate Mass with the people pleading for forgiveness and healing of our land”.
Fr. Reginald Malicdem, Rector of the Manila Cathedral and Chancellor of the Archdiocese told the Archdiocese of Manila Office of Communications that in the recent decades, this is the first time that the clergy of Manila will gather for a penitential walk. (Jheng Prado/RCAM-AOC)
