Intramuros closed on June 24 for welcome rites for new Manila Archbishop

The entire Intramuros Park will be closed on June 24 for the welcoming ceremony for the new Archbishop of Manila Fr. Jose F. Cardinal Advincula.

“It has been decided by the Manila Cathedral, the Intramuros Administration, City of Manila, and the Manila police that, because of that event and because some of the events that will happen in Intramuros for the 450th anniversary of the City of Manila, isasarado [ang Intramuros] on that day so only the guests will be allowed to enter Intramuros and only those who are part of the celebration,” Manila Cathedral Rector Fr. Reginald Malicdem announced at a press conference.

He explained that the authorities arrived at this decision to prevent building crowds during the event.

“Alam natin na maraming may gusto na maka-attend ng installation kasi bihira nagkakaroon ng installation ng bagong archbishop (We all know that a lot of people wanted to attend the installation because it is a rare event) but because of the pandemic we hope that everyone understands the situation,” he said.

On June 24, Advincula will become the official archbishop of the Archdiocese of Manila, replacing Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle who was appointed in Vatican by Pope Francis.

Advincula will be the 33rd priest to assume the post.

“Una po sa lahat, tayo po ay nagpapasalamat sa Diyos na sa wakas nabigyan na tayo ng isang shepherd sa ating archdiocese (First of all, we want to thank God for giving as a shepherd for our archdiocese),” Manila Apostolic administrator, Bishop Broderick Pabillo.

Pabillo served as the officer-in-charge after Tagle’s appointment to Vatican.

The installation of Advincula will be held simultaneously with the 450th founding anniversary of the City of Manila.

A short procession will be conducted during the installation ceremony of Advincula.

The new archbishop will be escorted by members of the Knights of Columbus, Order of the Malta, and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Apart from the members of the said religious groups, Advincula will also be welcomed by Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Intramuros Administrator Guiller Asido, and Pabillo.

A mass will be held on the same day to be attended by bishops, representatives of the clergy in Capiz— where Advincula came from—, and other government officials.

Only 400 guests are allowed to enter the Manila Cathedral during the said ceremony. -MDM, GMA News