Faithful told to brace for ‘toned-down’ Sto. Niño fiesta

MANILA – The Sto. Niño De Tondo Parish has reminded the faithful to brace for a different celebration of the feast of the Holy Child Jesus this year.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the parish said the guidelines that will be implemented during this weekend’s feast have been approved by the local government of Manila and the authorities.

“We are in the middle of a pandemic that is why this year’s celebration and tradition will have a big difference in what we are used to. The tasks and the reminders that have been agreed upon by the authorities have been relayed to the barangays,” it said, adding that the precautions are for everyone’s safety.

“We are one with the government in its fight and stop the spread of the (coronavirus disease 2019) virus.”

At the same time, it also reminded those who are looking to attend Masses on Saturday and Sunday to wear face masks and face shields.

The parish added that those aged 15 years old and below and 65 years old and above are not allowed to attend Masses.

Those who will attend Masses are advised to enter in front of the Police Community Precinct Station 2 near Mary Johnston hospital.

The scheduled Masses on Saturday and Sunday are as follows:

Jan. 16 — 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m.

Jan. 17 — 4 a.m., 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 noon, 3 p.m., 5 p.m.; and 7 p.m.

On Tuesday, the Manila City government prohibited the holding of street parties, stage shows, parades, parlor games, and other outdoor activities and ordered a liquor ban during the celebration of the feast of Sto. Niño in Tondo and Pandacan this weekend.