‘No touch’ during Cardinal’s installation rites

MANILA – Those who will attend the installation of Jose Cardinal Advincula as the new Archbishop of Manila are not allowed to touch him as part of the safety protocols for the event on Thursday, June 24.

In a Facebook post, the Manila Cathedral said health protocols will be strictly followed during the rites which will start at 9 a.m.

“In view of the health protocols imposed because of the pandemic, the clergy and the faithful will not approach Cardinal Jose Advincula one by one to kiss his hand and pay homage,” it added.

Instead, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo will just deliver words of homage to the Cardinal in the name of the people of the Archdiocese of Manila.

“As a sign and pledge of obedience, the priests of the Archdiocese will renew their Priestly Promises,” it added.

On the other hand, the missalette for the installation Mass can be downloaded for those who want to join the Eucharistic Celebration online.

“To follow the celebration while watching online the installation of our new archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula, just download the missalette at the link provided here. Click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vlUdlRuhPvukz9qWPrMZBTEdiNDgWVaD/view?usp=sharing,” the post added.

Only 400 guests are allowed inside the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception to witness the installation of the 33rd Manila archbishop.

Advincula arrived in Manila on Tuesday from Roxas City, Capiz, where he is currently the archbishop.

The 69-year-old Cardinal succeeded Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, who is now the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of People in the Vatican.

Meanwhile, Tagle urged the faithful to support Advincula in his new journey.

“Everyone should be true and take his role as Christians, disciples of Jesus Christ and part of the Church. Each of us should seriously pray to the sacrament, to be loving, ready to serve, and be humble,” Tagle said in his message to Advincula which was also posted on the Manila Cathedral’s Facebook account.

He also advised the new Archbishop of Manila to “just be himself”.

“God called you to serve. What will you give to the Archdiocese of Manila is yourself. You are the blessing from God, so don’t worry you are God’s gift as you are and be who you are. God bless,” Tagle added.