Around a hundred Catholic priests took part in a “penitential walk” on the streets of Quiapo and Sta. Cruz in Manila last Tuesday and prayed for the country’s protection amid the Covid-19 crisis.
In what could be the biggest gathering of the Manila archdiocese’s clergy since the start of the pandemic, the priests endured the heat as they walked the streets in prayer.
Leading the way were four clerics carrying an image of the crucified Christ. They were followed by two bishops and dozens of priests from various parishes.
Prior to the procession, they gathered for a communal penitential service led by Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani of Novaliches at the Quiapo Church, where they ministered to their fellow priests the sacrament of confession.
From Quiapo, they walked together to the nearby Sta. Cruz Church for a Mass presided over by Bishop Broderick Pabillo, apostolic administrator of Manila.
In his homily, the prelate said the day was an opportunity for them 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,” Pabillo said. “With forgiveness, the Lord will give us grace, especially our welfare now during the pandemic.”
Nearly half of the archdiocese’s 230 diocesan priests attended the religious activity. Patricia Escaño/Radio Veritas via CBCP News