THE Intramuros Administration (IA) is bracing for an increase in visitors this Holy Week, with the pandemic alert level now reduced to 1.
IA administrator Guiller Asido told the BusinessMirror, “For the first time in two years, the procession of saints will be held by the San Agustin Church on Good Friday.” The carozas, which bear the statues of the crucified Christ, his grieving mother (Our Lady of Solitude), as well as other saints, will go around the major streets of General Luna St. to Muralla and A. Soriano, and back to General Luna.
Also, on Maundy Thursday, “eight churches/chapels will be open for the Visita Iglesia, and the whole stretch of General Luna Street will be closed to vehicular traffic; pedestrians will be allowed for the Stations of the Cross installations,” he added.
The churches or chapels that will be open to the public are the Manila Cathedral; San Agustin; Shrine of Jesus, The Divine Teacher Chapel at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila; Santa Rita Chapel at Mapua University; Sacred Heart of Jesus Chapel at Lyceum of the Philippines University; Colegio de San Juan de Letran Chapel; St. Matthew’s Chapel at the BIR Building; and Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine at Fort Santiago.
The Via Crusis or The Stations of the Cross installations will be located along the stretch of General Luna St., from Beaterio St. to Muralla (side of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila) from Maundy Thursday to Good Friday, according to the IA chief.
Prior to the pandemic, in 2019, Intramuros attracted close to 1 million visitors during Holy Week, up 11 percent from the visitors in 2018.
“We are working hard to prepare for the Holy Week 2022 given the current health situation and we urge the public to follow the rules set by the IATF [Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases], DOT [Department of Tourism], and IA to ensure a safe, organized and meaningful celebration of Lent,” said Asido.
He stressed that visitors to the walled city have to wear masks, observe physical distancing, follow queues and line up properly, as well as observe traffic, mobility, and parking rules.
“Lent is an important period for Filipinos, whether for reasons of faith, to rest or to bond with one’s family, friends and community,” said Asido. “Pilgrims and tourists are all welcome during the Holy Week in Intramuros and invited to experience this important Philippine tradition.”
Only Fort Santiago and the Baluarte de San Diego will be open during the Holy Week. Other Intramuros attractions such as the Rizal Shrine, Casa Manila Museum, San Agustin Museum, Destileria Limtuaco Museum, National Commission for Culture and the Arts Museum, Fr. Willman Museum, and Instituto de Cervantes will have varying schedules for the week. Check the IA’s Facebook page or its web site (https://bit.ly/3O7QKqI) for details.