AMID the surge in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in Metro Manila, the Quiapo Church was temporarily closed yesterday up to January 6.
In a taped message, Quiapo Church Parochial Vicar Fr. Douglas Badong said they decided to temporarily shut down the church as a preventive measure against the deadly virus.
“Because of recent news of the surge in COVID-19 cases in Manila, we decided to temporarily close the Quiapo Church from January 3 to 6,” said Badong. “For the moment, we will not allow devotees to go inside the church. This is the Church’s way of helping in efforts to curb transmission of the virus.”
Badong said they will reopen Quiapo Church on January 7, in time for the January 9 Feast of the Black Nazarene.
“We will reopen on January 7 with a safer church for those going to Masses, especially in time for the Feast of the Black Nazarene,” said Badong.
He said while the church is closed, it will be disinfected, along with its immediate vicinity.
Badong said the time will also be used by church personnel and volunteers to get much needed rest.
Badong urged the faithful to get vaccinated or receive booster shots against COVID-19.
He said devotees may continue to attend Masses online. “We are calling on everyone to join us in the Novena Masses online,” said Badong.
