Rosales to lead Manila Cathedral silver anniversary rites

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales is set to lead activities for the celebration this week of the silver anniversary of the Manila Cathedral as a basilica.

Rosales will celebrate the anniversary Mass at noon on Tuesday before launching various projects for the cathedral, including a video documentary and a tour brochure on the Cathedral-Basilica, a newly added section in the basilica’s website providing details about the church’s becoming a basilica, and the Manila Metropolitan hymn.

The cathedral, considered a premier church of the Archdiocese of Manila and home to its archbishop, was elevated to the status of a basilica by virtue of a papal decree issued by the Pope John Paul II on April 27, 1981.

According to the archdiocese’s office of communication, the Vatican granted the honor to the cathedral because of "its rich and colorful history spanning over four hundred years, its picturesque and excellent architecture, and its role in the lives of the faithful as venue for various religious, liturgical, and cultural activities in the country."

The neo-Romanesque-Byzantine cathedral evolved from a nipa church built in 1571 by Fray Juan de Vivero.

The Archdiocese of Manila has organized series of activities to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the elevation.

To kick off anniversary festivities, an exhibit will be opened tomorrow at a side chapel of the church, which will showcase the significant events in the cathedral during the past quarter of a century.

At noon of the same day, the Triduum, or a three-day Mass series, will begin. The Triduum will end with Manila Auxiliary Bishop Bernardo Cortez as presider on April 26.

Before the main Mass on Tuesday, Rosales will also officiate the blessing of the cathedral’s newly renovated sacristy and the new liturgical vestments.

On Friday, a piano concert will be held, featuring the Italian pianist, Maestro Rolando Nicolosi. The concert will be in remembrance of the Holy Father John Paul II and in honor of the country’s new cardinal.